How to Spend One Day in Brussels, Belgium: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Adventures of Matt & Nat
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 18 minutes ago
Brussels is one of those cities that tends to surprise people — sometimes in good ways, sometimes in confusing ones. As Belgium’s capital and largest city, it doesn’t have the immediate storybook charm of Bruges or the compact medieval feel of Ghent. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. It just means it rewards a different approach.
This was our second time visiting Brussels, and spending more time here only reinforced what we’d noticed on our first visit: Brussels works best when you lean into its personality instead of expecting it to feel like the rest of Belgium. It’s a city of contrasts — historic squares and grand architecture mixed with flea markets, comic book murals, casual beer bars, and neighborhoods that feel distinctly local rather than polished for tourists.
In this guide, we’re walking you through our Perfect One Day in Brussels itinerary, designed to show you multiple sides of the city in a way that actually makes sense. From coffee in the Sainte-Catherine area and browsing one of Europe’s most unique flea markets, to an immersive food tour, iconic landmarks, Belgian beer, and a cozy dinner to close out the night. Along the way, we’ll share helpful context, realistic expectations, and tips to help you experience Brussels in a way that feels intentional — even if you only have one day.
⬇️ Want to see this itinerary in action? ⬇️
Watch our “One Day in Brussels, Belgium” video on YouTube for a closer look at how we explored the city, what surprised us most, and how this day actually played out in real time.
⬇️ Planning a Bigger Belgium Trip? ⬇️
If Brussels is part of a longer Belgium itinerary, we’ve also put together detailed guides for the other cities we visited, all designed to work together and help you see as much as possible in a limited amount of time.
One Day in Ghent – A compact, walkable city packed with medieval architecture, canals, cozy cafés, and some of the best food we had in Belgium.
One Day in Bruges – Storybook streets, canals, waffles, chocolate, and beautifully lit historic squares. Ideal if you want to experience Bruges’ highlights in a single day.
3 Days in Belgium (Ghent, Bruges & Brussels) – A multi-city itinerary that connects all three destinations, combining iconic sights, food experiences, and neighborhood exploration into one efficient trip.
Each guide is built with the same approach: clear structure, intentional routing, and a mix of major sights and local experiences that make the most of each day. Whether you’re visiting just one city or tackling Belgium over several days, these guides are designed to work together seamlessly.
⬇️ Looking for More Ways to Explore Brussels? ⬇️
If you want to add a few guided experiences to your time in Brussels, GetYourGuide offers a wide range of options — from walking tours and food experiences to day trips and museum tickets — all bookable in advance with flexible cancellation.
⬇️ Where to Stay in Brussels ⬇️
Brussels offers a wide range of accommodations across different neighborhoods, so choosing the right area can make a big difference in how smoothly your trip goes. For a one-day visit like this, staying in or near the city center makes it easier to move between sights, food stops, and attractions without spending too much time in transit. Here are three solid options at different price points to consider when planning your stay.
Luxury: Hotel Amigo
📍Rue de l'Amigo 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Hotel Amigo is one of Brussels’ most well-known luxury hotels, located just steps from Grand Place. The rooms are elegant and polished, the service is consistently excellent, and the overall atmosphere feels refined without being overly formal. If you’re looking for a high-end stay with an unbeatable central location, this is a great option.
Mid-Range: Moxy Brussels City Center
📍Rue de Prince Albert 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
👉🏻 Book your stay at Moxy Brussels City Center
Moxy Brussels City Center is a modern, comfortable mid-range option with a relaxed, contemporary vibe. Rooms are clean and functional, and the hotel is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to reach the city center and surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a good choice if you want a stylish stay without the luxury price tag.
Budget: easyHotel Brussels City Center
📍Rue d'Argent 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
easyHotel Brussels City Center is a no-frills, budget-friendly option for travelers who care more about location and value than extra amenities. Rooms are compact but clean and modern, with comfortable beds and everything you need for a short stay in the city. The hotel is centrally located, making it easy to walk to major sights or hop on public transportation. If you’re planning a packed day of sightseeing and mostly need a reliable, affordable place to sleep, easyHotel is a practical and dependable choice.
Or Find Your Perfect Stay Using the Map Below
If you prefer to explore more options, use the interactive map below to search for hotels by location, price, and amenities. It’s an easy way to compare different areas of Brussels and find a stay that fits your travel style.
⬇️ Quick Tips for Visiting Brussels ⬇️
If it’s your first time visiting Brussels, here are a few helpful tips
to makeyour day smoother and more enjoyable:
Language:
Brussels is officially bilingual, with both French and Dutch spoken throughout the city. In practice, French is more commonly heard, but English is widely spoken and understood. We’ve never had any issues communicating all around the city on our visits.
Currency:
Belgium uses the Euro (€), and Brussels is very card-friendly. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, especially in the city center. That said, it’s still smart to carry a small amount of cash for markets, smaller shops, or public restrooms.
Tipping Culture:
Tipping isn’t expected in Belgium, including Brussels. Service is typically included in the bill, but if you receive great service, rounding up or leaving a few extra euros is always appreciated.
Getting Around:
Brussels is larger than some other Belgian cities, but the historic center is very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Public transportation (metro, trams, and buses) is efficient and useful if you’re heading farther out, like to the Atomium. You won’t need a car for a one-day visit.
Staying Connected:
If you’re traveling internationally and want reliable data as soon as you land, an eSIM is one of the easiest options. You can install it before your trip and activate it upon arrival for instant access to maps, transit directions, reservations, and more. Holafly is the option we use most often.
Toilets & Public Restrooms:
Public restrooms are available around the city, but many require a small fee. As in most of Europe, cafés and restaurants usually reserve restrooms for customers, so it helps to plan bathroom breaks around meals or coffee stops.
Best Time to Visit:
Late spring and early fall are great times to visit Brussels, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be busy, especially around major sights, but Brussels is a year-round city with plenty to see and do regardless of season.
⬇️ One Day in Brussels Itinerary ⬇️
8:30 AM – Coffee at Unusual Coffee
📍 Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 49, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Start your day in the Sainte-Catherine area with coffee at Unusual Coffee, a modern specialty café known for its minimalist interiors and consistently good espresso. It’s a great first stop before the day gets busy, offering a calm, uncluttered space to fuel up and ease into Brussels. This stop is less about lingering and more about setting the tone for the day ahead. Grab a coffee, get oriented, and mentally prepare for a full day of exploring. From here, you’ll head south toward your next stop and dive into a very different side of the city.
9:15 AM – Explore the Marolles Flea Market
📍 Pl. du Jeu de Balle 79, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
From Sainte-Catherine, head south to the Marolles neighborhood to explore the Marolles Flea Market, one of the most unique and authentic experiences in the city. Located in Place du Jeu de Balle, this open-air flea market runs every single day of the year and has become a fixture of daily life in Brussels. Arriving first thing in the morning allows you to roam the stalls as the market comes alive and before the crowds arrive. You’ll find everything from antiques and vintage finds to quirky odds and ends, with a mix of locals, collectors, and curious visitors browsing the aisles. There’s no food or drink sold here. It’s purely about the hunt, the atmosphere, and soaking up the local energy. What makes this market special isn’t just what’s for sale, but the feeling of the place. It’s messy, lively, and unapologetically real, offering a side of Brussels that feels very different from the city’s grand squares and polished landmarks. Take your time wandering and maybe even find a unique souvenir before heading to your next stop.
11:00 AM – Take a Classic Belgian Food Tour
📍 Rue Auguste Orts 1A, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Next, you’ll head out on a guided food tour through the heart of Brussels with Secret Food Tours, which is a great way to experience the city in a short amount of time. Rather than bouncing between restaurants on your own, this experience blends sightseeing, local insight, and tastings into a single, well-paced walk through the historic center. Over the course of a few hours, you’ll explore cobbled streets, hidden corners, and some of Brussels’ most recognizable areas while gaining a better sense of how the city’s history, culture, and everyday life come together. The pace allows you to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed, and it naturally helps you get oriented as you move through different parts of the city. And having a local guide along the way adds helpful context to what you’re seeing, making the experience feel more connected than exploring on your own. By the time the tour wraps up, you’ll be well-fed, more familiar with the layout of Brussels, and ready to explore the city on your own for the rest of the afternoon. 👉🏻 Book your tour HERE
2:15 PM – Self-Guided Brussels Highlights Walk
After the food tour, spend the early afternoon exploring Brussels on foot with a self-guided highlights walk that connects some of the city’s most iconic (and slightly quirky) sights. Since the tour already covered major landmarks like Grand Place and the Royal Galleries, this walk focuses on the details and cultural touchpoints that give Brussels its personality.
Belgium has one of the strongest comic book traditions in the world, and Brussels proudly showcases that heritage through large-scale murals scattered throughout the city. As you wander, keep an eye out for some of the most recognizable ones, including Tintin, Gaston Lagaffe, and The Smurfs. These murals are woven into everyday streets, turning simple walks between sights into something more playful and visually interesting. Here’s a more detailed guide 👉 Brussels Comic Strip Trail
Two of Brussels’ most famous (and unconventional) landmarks also fit naturally into this stretch:
Just off Rue de l’Étuve, you’ll find Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue dating back to the early 1600s. While its origins are debated, it has become a symbol of Brussels’ irreverent sense of humor. The statue is frequently dressed in themed costumes throughout the year, adding to its local charm.
A short walk away is Jeanneke Pis, the lesser-known female counterpart added in the 1980s. Tucked behind a gate in a narrow alley, she’s easy to miss but worth seeking out as part of Brussels’ tradition of playful public art.
And of course, if you somehow find yourself hungry (or just wanting a snack) after the food tour, make a stop at Fritland for a true taste of golden fried Belgian frites... Or fries for us Americans!
This walk is intentionally flexible. You don’t need to see every mural or follow a strict route. The goal is to keep moving, take in the atmosphere, and experience the city before heading out to your next stop.
4:15 PM - Visit the Atomium
📍 Pl. de l'Atomium 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
In the mid-afternoon, make your way to one of Brussels’ most recognizable landmarks: the Atomium. Built for the 1958 World’s Fair (Expo 58), the Atomium was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak as a futuristic symbol of scientific progress. The structure represents an iron crystal magnified billions of times and stands more than 330 feet tall, making it visible from all over the city. Although it was originally intended to be temporary, the Atomium became so popular that it was preserved and eventually transformed into one of Brussels’ most iconic symbols. Today, several of its nine spheres are open to visitors, housing exhibitions related to science, design, and the World’s Fair era. The top sphere also features a panoramic viewing deck with sweeping views over Brussels.
Tickets are required to enter the Atomium, and prices vary depending on whether you visit just the Atomium or combine it with nearby attractions like Mini-Europe. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the entrance, though booking ahead is recommended during busy periods. Purchase your tickets HERE!
On our visit, we chose not to go inside the Atomium itself. Instead, we spent time exploring the surrounding park and walking trails, which offered plenty of space to stretch our legs, take photos, and see the structure from different angles. The open areas around the Atomium made for a relaxed break from the city center, and we really enjoyed experiencing it from the outside. That said, we’ve since heard from others that going inside the Atomium is a unique and worthwhile experience, especially for those interested in architecture and design. Since we don’t have firsthand experience with the interior, we’ll let you decide whether it’s worth adding to your day based on your interests and timing.
6:30 PM – Belgian Beer Spot
After returning to the city center, settle in for a classic Belgian experience with a pre-dinner beer. Brussels has no shortage of great beer bars, and this is a perfect moment to slow the pace, rest your feet, and enjoy the country’s world-famous brewing tradition.
Depending on your mood, here are a few solid options:
Delirium Café – Known for its massive beer list and lively atmosphere, Delirium is energetic and a bit chaotic in the best way. It’s a fun stop if you want variety and a buzz of activity before dinner. And for an easy-to-pack souvenir, there's a photobooth in the back of Delirium... We did it back in 2019 on our first visit, so of course, we had to recreate it in 2025!
Toone Royal Puppet Theatre – Tucked behind the Royal Puppet Theatre, Toone feels cozy, quirky, and distinctly local. It’s a great option if you want something a little more atmospheric and unique.
A La Bécasse – A hidden gem known for its traditional lambic beers served in a candlelit, old-world setting. This is the spot if you’re looking for something quieter and more traditional.
Or, if the weather is nice, consider grabbing a drink at Brasserie Le Cerf, located right on Grand Place. We normally avoid recommending food or drinks directly on major tourist squares, but this was one exception we genuinely enjoyed. The sunset views over Grand Place are hard to beat, the service was excellent, and while prices are slightly higher, the experience made it worth it for us. Whether you opt for a lively beer hall, a tucked-away tavern, or a drink with a view, experiencing Belgian beer culture is a must when visiting Brussels.
8:00 PM – Classic Belgian Dinner
Wrap up your day in Brussels with a hearty Belgian dinner. After a full day of walking, sightseeing, and tasting your way through the city, this is the time to slow down and enjoy classic comfort dishes that Belgium does best.
Here are a few excellent options, depending on the vibe you’re after:
Fin de Siècle – A favorite for local flavors and a laid-back atmosphere. The menu focuses on traditional Belgian dishes like carbonnade flamande, sausages, and stoemp. Just note that it’s cash only, so plan accordingly.
’T Kelderke – Located right on Grand Place, this restaurant offers a classic setting and a menu full of Belgian staples. It’s a solid choice if you want to end the night somewhere atmospheric and unmistakably Brussels.
La Villette – A quieter, more intimate option with a traditional feel. Great if you’re looking for a relaxed sit-down meal to close out the evening.
If you’re unsure what to order, here are a few classic Belgian dishes to look for:
Moules-frites (Mussels & Fries) – Steamed mussels served in a flavorful broth (often white wine, garlic, or herbs) alongside a generous portion of fries. This is one of Belgium’s most iconic dishes and a staple on menus year-round.
Carbonnade flamande – A rich, slow-cooked beef stew braised in dark Belgian beer, resulting in a slightly sweet, deeply savory flavor. Typically served with fries or bread.
Waterzooi – A creamy Flemish stew traditionally made with chicken or fish, vegetables, and herbs. Comforting, mild, and perfect if you’re looking for something lighter than beef stew.
Stoemp – Mashed potatoes blended with vegetables like carrots, leeks, or spinach, often served alongside sausage or another meat. Simple, filling, and very traditional.
Vol-au-vent – A flaky puff pastry filled with creamy chicken, mushrooms, and sauce, usually served with fries or potatoes. Old-school Belgian comfort food that’s still widely loved.
And that’s how to spend one full day in Brussels!
Brussels may not charm you in the same way as some of Belgium’s smaller cities, but it offers a mix of culture, food, history, and everyday life that’sinteresting and worth experiencing. It’s a city with layers, quirks, and personality, and spending time here adds a different perspective to any Belgium itinerary.
We hope this guide helps you plan a memorable day in Belgium’s capital and feel excited about including Brussels in your trip. If it did, be sure to follow us on Instagram for more travel inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for in-depth travel guides and vlogs from around the world.
Happy travels, and we’ll see you on the next adventure!
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