4-Day Ultimate Brussels Itinerary: Explore the Heart of Europe

Day 1: Historic Exploration

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with a delicious organic breakfast at Café Le Pain Quotidien, famous for its artisan bread and homemade jams.
Located in the Sablon area, a short walk from the Grand Place.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Grand Place

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Grand Place, with its stunning guildhalls and the iconic Town Hall.
The Grand Place is within walking distance from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Manneken Pis

Take a leisurely stroll to see the famous statue of Manneken Pis, a symbol of Brussels' quirky culture.
Located a 10-minute walk from Grand Place.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Indulge in traditional Belgian dishes, particularly their famous moules-frites (mussels and fries).
A 5-minute walk from Manneken Pis.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Atomium

Head over to the iconic Atomium, an extraordinary structure and museum offering panoramic views of the city.
Take metro line 6 from Central Station to Heizel (about 30 minutes total).
EUR16, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Mini-Europe

Right next to the Atomium, wander through Mini-Europe, a miniature park featuring famous landmarks from across Europe.
Located adjacent to the Atomium.
EUR16, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Ploegmans

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring local Belgian cuisine in a charming setting.
A short trip by metro back to the city centre; located near the Grand Place.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Art and Culture

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maison Dandoy

Enjoy authentic Liège waffles and coffee at the historic Maison Dandoy, a true Belgian experience.
A walkable distance from your accommodation in central Brussels.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Magritte Museum

Immerse yourself in the surreal world of René Magritte at the Magritte Museum, showcasing numerous works by the Belgian artist.
A short 10-minute walk from Maison Dandoy.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Royal Palace of Brussels

Stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the Royal Palace, the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgians.
Just a 15-minute walk from the Magritte Museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Belga Queen

Savour a luxurious lunch in a trendy brasserie with an extensive menu featuring Belgian specialties.
A 10-minute walk from the Royal Palace.
EUR35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Center

Explore the unique world of Belgian comics, including Tintin, at this engaging museum dedicated to the art form.
A 15-minute walk or short tram ride from Belga Queen.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Discover an impressive collection of fine arts from the Flemish Primitives to modern artists in the Royal Museums.
A short taxi or tram ride from the Comic Strip Center.
EUR15, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Les Brigittines

Dine in a rustic yet elegant setting, enjoying hearty Belgian dishes like carbonnade flamande.
A 10-minute walk from the Royal Museums.
EUR28, 2 hours
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Day 3: Culinary Delights

Brussels, Belgium

8:00AM

Breakfast at Archive

Start the day with a delightful breakfast at Archive, known for its fresh pastries and coffee.
A short 5-minute walk from the city centre.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Beer Tasting at Cantillon Brewery

Dive into Brussels’ brewing heritage with a guided tour of Cantillon Brewery, tasting their famous lambic beers.
Take tram line 19 from the city centre to the brewery (about 25 minutes).
EUR10, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Sablon District

Wander through the elegant Sablon district, known for its antique shops and the stunning Sablon Church.
A short 15-minute walk from Cantillon.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Les Philosophes

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with delicious dishes inspired by traditional Belgian cuisine in the charming Sablon area.
Located within walking distance in the Sablon district.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Belgian Chocolate Village

Explore the world of Belgian chocolate with a guided tour and tastings at this chocolate museum.
Return via tram to the city centre and continue by bus to the museum (totaling about 30 minutes).
EUR12, 2 hours

5:00PM

Chocolatier Tasting

Indulge in a tasting at one of Brussels' famous chocolatiers—Pierre Marcolini or Neuhaus.
Return to the city and visit a chocolatier close to your accommodation.
EUR15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Chez Léon

Return to Chez Léon for another delicious mussels meal or try something new from their extensive menu.
A quick walk back to the restaurant.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 4: Leisurely Sights

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Breakfast at La Fabrique en Ville

Start the day with a healthy breakfast in this green oasis in the city, boasting a lovely outdoor terrace.
Located in the Parc du Woluwe, easily accessible by metro.
EUR12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Parc du Cinquantenaire

Enjoy a morning stroll through the Parc du Cinquantenaire, taking in its beautifully manicured gardens and impressive arches.
Accessible by metro; a short 15-minute ride from La Fabrique.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café des Écluses

Delight in a casual lunch at this café known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and cozy atmosphere.
A short metro ride nearby.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the European Quarter

Walk through the European Quarter, visiting the European Parliament and its nearby multimedia center.
A short 10-minute walk from Café des Écluses.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Musical Instrument Museum

Discover a remarkable collection of musical instruments from around the world in a stunning Art Nouveau building.
About a 20-minute walk from the European Quarter.
EUR12, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Post-Museum Treat at Le Pain Quotidien

End the day with a light snack or dessert back at Le Pain Quotidien, indulging in more pastries.
A quick taxi or tram ride to return to the central area.
EUR10, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at La Roue d'Or

Celebrate your final night with a farewell dinner at La Roue d'Or, experiencing a blend of classic Belgian dishes and modern flair.
Short walk from Le Pain Quotidien.
EUR35, 2 hours
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