How to spend 1 Day in Brussels

Brussels is the capital city and largest metropolitan area in Belgium. For people visiting Belgium, many people fly into Brussels and either stay there as a base, or visit Brussels at the beginning or end of their trip.

This itinerary is great if you arrive the night before the first day, which of course allows for more time to explore the area!

Day 1

We visited Brussels for one day while traveling between London and Amsterdam via high-speed rail. While it would have been nice to spend an extra day, here is what we were able to accomplish in just one day.

Atomium

Located a bit northwest of downtown Brussels is the Atomium. The structure was built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, and is in the shape of an iron crystal. The Atomium was originally meant to be taken down after the world’s fair, however, due to its popularity was kept and since renovated. Six of the nine spheres have been turned into a museum and an observatory. At night, the Atomium is lit up by a collection of LED lights on each sphere.

Grand Place

The Grand Place is a square located in downtown Brussels and is the most popular destinations in Brussels. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The site is a UNESCO world heritage site, and in August of every even year holds a flower carpet.

Mont Des Arts

Mont Des Arts is an urban park in downtown Brussels. Mont Des Arts has a large flower garden in the center, and provides a good view of Grand Place.

Palais de Bruxelles

The Palais de Bruxelles is the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium, and is located between Mont Des Arts and the Parc du Cinquantenaire.

Manneken Pis

Along with the Atomium, the most recognizable landmark in Brussels is Manneken Pis, a small fountain statue of a boy peeing into the fountain basin. Considering it is a popular landmark, most people are surprised when they see it in person and realize how small Manneken Pis actually is.

In addition to Manneken Pis, there are several other peeing fountains in downtown Brussels: Jeanneke Pis, a small fountain statue of a girl peeing into a fountain basin, and Het Zinneke, a statue of a dog peeing on a bollard.

Eat Belgian Waffles and Chocolate

Belgium is known for some great food, such as Belgian waffles and chocolate. Both Belgian and Liege style waffles can be bought at restaurants throughout the city. Belgian chocolate is plentiful at stores around the Grand Place. You can’t visit Brussels without sampling the two!

*A Belgian waffle covered with Belgian chocolate*

With More Time

Parc du Cinquantenaire

This large public park is located about a mile east of downtown Brussels and is home to the Cinquantenaire Arch, the Military Museum, the Art & History Museum, Autoworld, and the Great Mosque of Brussels.

Comic Strip Wall

The Comic Strip Walls in Brussels is a collection of comic strip murals painted across the city.

Mini Europe

Located adjacent to the Atomium, Mini Europe is a miniature version of many famous attractions from all around Europe.

Getting Around

The Brussels area has a public transportation system composted of busses, trams, and several metro lines throughout the city. Brussels also has Lime Scooters to get around town. In addition, the city is fairly walkable. All of the major attractions can be reached by one of the above methods, and a rental car shouldn’t be needed.

*Lime scooter ride in downtown Brussels*

Where we Stayed

We stayed at an AirBnB about 2 miles south of downtown Brussels. The AirBnB was located near a bus stop, and 1/4 miles from a tram stop.