Friday, October 13: Discovering the Historic Center
Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Brussels. Begin your morning at the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Town Hall and guildhalls. Afterwards, head to the iconic Manneken Pis, a small bronze sculpture that has become a beloved symbol of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and admire masterpieces by famous Belgian artists like René Magritte and Peter Paul Rubens. Complete your day with a visit to Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful shopping arcade dating back to the 19th century.
Grand Place: Free, 1-2 hours
Manneken Pis: Free, 30 minutes
Royal Museums of Fine Arts: €15, 2-3 hours
Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien. This charming bakery offers freshly baked pastries, bread, and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Chez Leon. This traditional Belgian brasserie is famous for its moules-frites (mussels and fries) and offers a wide range of other Belgian specialties. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Comme Chez Soi. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves innovative French-Belgian cuisine in an elegant setting. Average cost for a meal is about €100 per person.
Saturday, October 14: Exploring European Institutions
Today, dive into the political heart of Europe by exploring the European Quarter of Brussels. Begin your morning at the European Parliament Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the European Union's legislative work. Next, take a guided tour of the Parlamentarium to gain a better understanding of the EU's history and functioning. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Atomium, a unique structure representing an iron crystal. Don't miss the chance to enjoy panoramic views of Brussels from its observation deck. End your day with a leisurely walk through nearby Parc du Cinquantenaire, a picturesque park showcasing architectural wonders.
European Parliament Visitor Centre: Free, 1-2 hours
Parlamentarium: Free, 2 hours
Atomium: €15, 2-3 hours
Parc du Cinquantenaire: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Métropole, located near the European Parliament. This historic café offers a wide selection of pastries, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €12 per person.
Lunch: For a delicious lunch, head to Chez Léon, a renowned Belgian restaurant known for its moules-frites (mussels and fries). Located near the Atomium, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €20 per person.
Dinner: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at La Brouette, a charming restaurant nestled in Parc du Cinquantenaire. Known for its authentic Belgian cuisine and cozy ambiance, this restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening. Average cost for a meal is about €40 per person.
Sunday, October 15: Day Trip to Bruges
Embark on a scenic day trip to the charming city of Bruges, known for its picturesque canals and well-preserved medieval architecture. Spend your morning wandering through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, taking in the beauty of attractions like Markt Square and the Belfry of Bruges. Indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates and sample local delicacies. In the afternoon, take a boat tour along the canals to admire the city from a different perspective. Don't forget to visit the Church of Our Lady—a stunning Gothic church housing Michelangelo's sculpture, Madonna and Child.
For breakfast, head to Le Pain Quotidien, a charming bakery known for its freshly baked breads and pastries. Enjoy a delicious croissant and a cup of coffee for around €5 per person.
For lunch, try the renowned brasserie Brasserie FLO, located in the heart of Brussels. Indulge in their traditional French cuisine, with dishes like steak frites and escargots. Expect to spend around €20 per person for a satisfying lunch.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Chez Leon, a beloved seafood restaurant in Brussels. Enjoy their famous moules-frites (mussels and fries) and a glass of Belgian beer for approximately €25 per person.
Monday, October 16: Belgian Gastronomy
Today is all about indulging in the incredible Belgian cuisine. Start your morning at one of Brussels' famous cafés, where you can enjoy a traditional Belgian breakfast of croissants and coffee. In the afternoon, visit the lively Sainte-Catherine district and explore the fish market area, known for its excellent seafood restaurants. Treat your taste buds to a variety of Belgian delights, including mussels, frites, and waffles. Don't forget to sample some exquisite Belgian beers from local breweries. Wrap up your day with a visit to a chocolate shop and take home some sweet souvenirs.
Traditional Belgian Breakfast: €10, 1 hour
Sainte-Catherine District: Free, 2-3 hours
Seafood Lunch: €25, 1-2 hours
Beer Tasting: €20, 1-2 hours
Chocolate Shopping: €15, 30 minutes
Restaurants
Breakfast: Le Pain Quotidien - Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, known for its freshly baked pastries and organic bread. With an average cost of about €10 per person, you can indulge in their delicious croissants and aromatic coffee.
Lunch: Noordzee - Located in the bustling Sainte-Catherine district, Noordzee is a popular seafood stall where you can feast on the freshest catch of the day. With an average cost of about €15 per person, you can indulge in their mouthwatering seafood dishes and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Dinner: Chez Léon - For a classic Belgian dining experience, head to Chez Léon, a legendary brasserie renowned for its traditional Belgian cuisine. You can savor dishes like mussels, frites, and other Belgian specialties for an average cost of about €20 per person.
Tuesday, October 17: Art and Nature
On your last day in Brussels, immerse yourself in the city's artistic and natural beauty. Start your morning at the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the works of the surrealist artist René Magritte. Admire the thought-provoking paintings and gain insight into his creative process. In the afternoon, escape the bustling city and head to Bois de la Cambre, a tranquil park perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic. Explore the hidden gem of Tenbosch Park, known for its charming layout and beautiful flora. End your trip with a visit to the Royal Palace of Brussels, where you can marvel at its grand architecture and gardens.
Magritte Museum: €15, 2-3 hours
Bois de la Cambre: Free, 2-3 hours
Tenbosch Park: Free, 1-2 hours
Royal Palace of Brussels: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast option, try Chez Franz, a cozy café known for its freshly baked pastries and artisanal coffee. Average cost for a meal is about €10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Café Belga, a popular spot offering a diverse menu of Belgian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about €15 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Comme Chez Soi, a Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in refined Belgian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about €80 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
In addition to the popular attractions, Brussels has a few hidden gems loved by locals. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Saint-Géry, known for its lively nightlife and trendy bars. Visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken during spring to admire the stunning collection of exotic plants and flowers. Experience the vibrant cultural scene at the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, hosting a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the year. To savor the local cuisine away from tourist hotspots, head to the district of Ixelles, where you'll find cozy restaurants serving up authentic Belgian dishes.
Before finalizing your plans, make sure to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak for the best deals on accommodations and transportation.