What to do in Brussels in one weekend: tips and itinerary

Day 1: Explore the historic centre of Brussels and its must-sees 

Morning: Grand Place, Manneken Pis and Place de la Bourse

Start your weekend in the Grand Place, one of the most iconic places in Brussels. There, the City Hall and former guild houses form a richly decorated, harmonious whole. It has a lively buzz even in the morning, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the historic city centre.

Just a few minutes' walk away, you can find the quirky symbol of the Brussels spirit that is the Manneken Pis. To learn more about this legendary little statue, see our article The Manneken Pis: history, legends and secrets of the most famous statue in Brussels.

Then, continue to Place de la Bourse, which has recently been turned into a large pedestrian zone. It's a great place to have a stroll, take in the atmosphere and visit the beer museum. Why not opt for a bus tour of Brussels combined with a visit to Belgian Beer World, a modern and interactive experience dedicated to beer culture.

For this first part of the itinerary, hop off at stop 7: Grand Place/Manneken Pis on the red line.

Lunch in the historic city centre

For lunch, stay in the streets around the Grand Place and the Bourse, where you'll find plenty of eateries to suit all tastes. It's the perfect chance to taste Belgian classics: crispy fries, freshly prepared waffles, artisan chocolates or small traditional brasseries serving local dishes. 

Afternoon: Mont des Arts and local museums and shops

After lunch, head to Mont des Arts, just minutes away from the Grand Place. This cultural hub is one of the most delightful areas in Brussels, with its terraced gardens and sweeping view of the city centre. It is home to several important museums, such as the Magritte Museum, ideal for learning about the world of the famous Belgian artist, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

As you make your way back down towards the city centre, take the opportunity to stop by some of the area's artisan shops. You can find renowned chocolate makers, Brussels-based art studios and small local brands perfect for quality souvenirs.

To get to this area, hop off at stop 2: Place Royale on the red line.

Evening: Dinner in the city centre and the Brussels atmosphere

Round off your first day at Le Bistro, a welcoming and typically Brussels-style restaurant serving traditional Belgian dishes like moules-frites and shrimp croquettes, accompanied by a selection of local beers. The cosy decor and friendly atmosphere make it the ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

In the evening, the streets around the Bourse and the Galeries Royales are lit up and the lively atmosphere steps up a notch, offering the perfect opportunity for a stroll through the narrow streets of the city centre. 

Day 2: Culture, nature and local experiences

Morning: Atomium and Mini-Europe

Start the day with a visit to the Atomium, a modern and original symbol of Brussels. Its unique structure gives you a panoramic view over the city and its surroundings. The spheres house temporary exhibitions, interactive installations and astonishing viewpoints, perfect for photos. The Atomium is also very popular with families for its fun areas that everyone can enjoy.

Don't miss Mini-Europe next door, a park where European landmarks have been recreated to scale. You'll gain an insight into Europe within the space of a short stroll and learn fun facts about each country. 

For this morning, hop on board our Brussels Discovery tour + ticket for Mini-Europe and hop off at the stop Atomium/Heysel on the red line, located right next to the site so you can start your visit straight away.

Lunch in the area

After your visit, take a lunch break in the area surrounding the Atomium or on your way back to the city centre. You'll find simple restaurants, cafés and brasseries offering typical Belgian dishes like moules-frites, shrimp croquettes and local sandwiches. 

Afternoon: Parc du Cinquantenaire and the Sablon district

Get back on the bus and hop off at the stop Cinquantenaire to enjoy a bit of greenery at the Parc du Cinquantenaire. The park is perfect for taking a peaceful walk, snapping some photos and visiting one of the museums around it, like the Musée de l’Armée or Autoworld for car lovers. After this morning of culture, why not stop at one of the eateries in the area for a bite to eat? Several cafés and brasseries near the park offer simple dishes and Belgian specialities, like Le Pain Quotidien for light lunch options or La Fabrique en Ville for heartier meals in a lovely setting.

At the end of the day, head to the Sablon district, known for its chocolate shops, cafés and artisan boutiques. It's the ideal place for tasting Belgian specialities as you wander around. Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus are obligatory stops for chocolate lovers, while cafés like Le Petit Sablon and Maison Dandoy offer the chance to enjoy waffles, cakes and hot drinks. The district's restaurants, such as Le Marmiton and Le Pain Quotidien Sablon, offer dinner options in elegant settings with a typical Brussels feel. Hop off at the stop Sablon/Grand Sablon on the red line to explore the area to the full.

Evening: Rooftop bars and the Brussels atmosphere

Round off your weekend with an evening relaxing at one of Brussels’ rooftop bars. To enjoy a spectacular view of the city, head to 58 Rooftop & Panoramic Eatery, the largest panoramic rooftop terrace in Europe. Get comfortable and sip on a local beer or a cocktail, or simply admire the astonishing 360° views with the buildings all lit up. 

Brussels is easy to explore in one weekend, with a perfect blend of culture, gastronomy and local experiences. With the city's iconic landmarks like the Grand Place and the Atomium, unmissable museums, lively districts and culinary treats, there's a surprise around every corner! To make the most of your time in Brussels and get around efficiently, combine your itinerary with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Brussels. Whether you're travelling with family, friends or your other half, Brussels promises a weekend packed with new discoveries and memories.