Brussels Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary, Top 10 Things To Do
Last Updated on 27/03/2025
Things to do in Brussels – The capital of Belgium and home to the EU headquarters, Brussels is often called the “Capital of Europe.” If your European trip includes Belgium but you’re short on time, you can still visit must-see sights like Grand Place and Manneken Pis in just one day!
How to Get to Brussels?
- I travelled directly from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Brussels Central Station by Intercity train.
- From London, you can take the Eurostar train to Brussels Central Station.
- You can also book ➡️ Eurail Global Train Pass for 33 European Countries
- Brussels Airport (BRU) is the city’s main international airport, located about 12 km from the city centre, accessible by train or airport bus.
Where to Stay in Brussels
I stayed at IBIS Brussels City Centre, and the overall experience was good.
- Address：Rue Joseph Plateau, 2, Brussels, 1000
- Location：Close to major attractions – 7 min walk to Grand Place, 10 min walk to Manneken Pis
- Environment：Clean and safe.
- Price：Around €100/night for a double room
- Check Latest Prices：UK｜Hong Kong｜Taiwan
Brussels Attractions Map
This map features my recommended attractions, food spots, and train station locations in Brussels.
The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!
Brussels One-Day Itinerary
- The city centre of Brussels is quite compact, so nearly all attractions can be reached on foot, making transportation unnecessary.
- I recommend starting from Brussels Central Station and following a logical route based on your accommodation location to visit these Top 10 Brussels Attractions in one loop.
- Where I travelled after Brussels: Bruges, Ghent
Manneken Pis
- One of the most iconic Brussels attractions
- A tiny bronze statue, only 60 cm tall, dating back to 1619
- The most famous legend tells of a young boy extinguishing explosives with his urine, saving the city
- Locals dress him up in different outfits on special occasions—unfortunately, he was undressed during my visit!
Jeanneke Pis
- Manneken Pis’ “sister” and one of Brussels’ three famous peeing statues
- Located in a hidden alley, built in 1987, symbolising gender equality
Zinneke Pis
- The third member of Brussels’ “Peeing Statue Trio,” representing diversity and inclusivity
- Installed in 1998, depicting a dog playfully urinating on the street
- Unlike the other two statues, this one has no running water
Grand Place
- Considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- known for its stunning Gothic and Baroque-style buildings
- Hosts the spectacular Flower Carpet Festival every two years
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
- Built in 1847, this glass-roofed shopping arcade is one of Europe’s oldest shopping centres
- Home to elegant chocolate shops, boutiques, and cafés
- One of the best places to buy Belgian chocolates, with famous brands like Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini
Royal Theatre of La Monnaie
- Built in the 18th century, one of Belgium’s most significant art venues
- Played a role in Belgium’s independence movement
- A world-class venue for opera and concerts
- Book tickets in advance｜Check Official Website
Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule
- A Gothic cathedral with impressive twin towers and exquisite stained-glass windows
- Dating back to the 11th century, it’s one of Brussels’ most important religious landmarks
Royal Palace of Brussels
- The official workplace of the Belgian King
- Opens to the public for free every summer, showcasing its luxurious interior
- The highlight is the Green Beetle Ceiling, made from hundreds of thousands of iridescent beetle shells!
Parc de Bruxelles
- Located opposite the Royal Palace
- The largest green space in the city centre, featuring fountains, sculptures, and shaded walkways
- There’s a bar in the park (more like a snack stand)—very chill!
Mont des Arts Garden
- Offers a stunning panoramic view of Brussels
- Surrounded by art galleries and museums
Popular Day Trips from Brussels
- Bruges：Belgium’s most beautiful medieval town, famous for canals, picturesque squares, and the Belfry.
- Ghent：A great choice for culture and art lovers, featuring magnificent castles and churches.
- Bruges & Ghent One-Day Trip from Brussels
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