Start your trip at the Grand Place, the city's central square and one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Visit the nearby Belgian Museum of Brewers to learn about the country's famous beer. Then, head to the Comic Strip Center to see Brussels' unique comic art. End the day with the Belgian Chocolate Village where you can learn about the history of chocolate and taste some samples.
Spend your morning at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, which house an impressive collection of Flemish art. Then, visit the nearby Magritte Museum which holds the largest collection of the Belgian surrealist's work. In the afternoon, visit the Cinquantenaire Park to enjoy the beautiful gardens and visit the Autoworld Museum where you can see antique and modern cars.
Start at the Coudenberg Palace, an impressive castle from the 12th century. Then, visit the nearby Palace of Justice before walking through the Sablon's antique shops. In the afternoon, get on the metro and head to the Atomium, one of the city's landmarks. Climb to the top of the Atomium for a panoramic view of Brussels.
Brussels has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metros. A Brussels Card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours and gives you unlimited access to public transportation in addition to free admission to most museums, attractions, and discounts to restaurants.
Cost: €24 (24 hours), €36 (48 hours), €47 (72 hours)
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Bruges, a gorgeous medieval city that's just over an hour away by train.
If you have less time, skip the Autoworld Museum or the Sablon's antique shops and spend more time at the other attractions.
Brussels Airport (BRU), also known as Zaventem Airport, is the primary airport serving Brussels. It is located 7 miles northeast of the city center, and it's easily accessible via train or taxi.