Brussels, Belgium-6-day-itinerary
Brussels, Belgium 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) and take the train or bus to the city center.
- Check-in: Stay at Hotel Desiré or similar, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Brussels.
- Lunch: Head to Grand Place (Grote Markt) and try some Belgian waffles or fries at one of the many food stalls.
- Afternoon: Visit the Atomium, a iconic landmark built for the 1958 World’s Fair. Take a stroll through the nearby Brussels Park.
- Evening: Enjoy traditional Belgian cuisine at Restaurant ‘T Kelderke.
Day 2: History and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Belgian surrealist René Magritte.
- Lunch: Try some delicious moules-frites (mussels with fries) at Chez Léon.
- Afternoon: Explore the Belgian Comic Strip Center, showcasing the country’s rich comic book history.
- Evening: Enjoy a performance or concert at the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts.
Day 3: Royal Treatment
- Morning: Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels, the official residence of the Belgian royal family (open to the public during summer months).
- Lunch: Indulge in some exquisite chocolate at Pierre Marcolini.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin).
- Evening: Dine at Comme Chez Soi, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Belgian cuisine.
Day 4: EU and Atomium Surroundings
- Morning: Visit the European Parliament, the heart of European politics.
- Lunch: Grab a bite at The Arcadian, a trendy café near the European institutions.
- Afternoon: Explore the Atomium’s surroundings, featuring a beautiful park and several museums.
- Evening: Enjoy some live music or comedy at The Music Village.
Day 5: Day Trip to Bruges
- Morning: Take a day trip to Bruges (approximately 1 hour by train).
- Lunch: Try some traditional Flemish cuisine at De Halve Maan.
- Afternoon: Explore Bruges’ medieval center, including the Belfry Tower and Church of Our Lady.
- Evening: Return to Brussels and enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 6: Last-Minute Explorations
- Morning: Visit the Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, a beautiful shopping arcade.
- Lunch: Grab some street food at Rue des Bouchers, known for its international cuisine.
- Afternoon: Explore the trendy St-Gilles neighborhood, featuring unique shops and cafes.
- Evening: Depart from Brussels Airport or continue your journey.
Transportation
- Airport to City Center: Train (20 minutes, €10) or bus (30-40 minutes, €3-6)
- Public Transport: Buy a MOBIB card for convenient travel on buses, trams, and metro lines.
- Walking and Cycling: Brussels is a walkable city; consider renting a bike for easy transportation.
Tips and Essentials
- Language: Official languages are Dutch, French, and German, but many locals speak English.
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Weather: Pack layers for chilly mornings and evenings, even in summer.
- Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in tourist areas; keep valuables secure.
- Tipping: Round up the bill or leave 5-10% in restaurants and cafes.
Other Things to Know
- Beer Culture: Belgium is famous for its craft beer; try a few local brews during your stay.
- Chocolate: Indulge in Belgian chocolate at one of the many shops throughout the city.
- Markets: Visit the Marolles Flea Market (Saturdays and Sundays) or the Grand Sablon Antiques Market (Saturdays).
Enjoy your trip to Brussels!