Is Brussels the most boring city in Europe? It doesn’t seem to ignite the same excitement as other European cities when brought up. And, this is why my family delayed visiting it for so long. However, having now explored it, I find myself pleasantly surprised.
Brussels has the perfect blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and tasty cuisine. It feels like a mix of Dutch and French cultures. It’s an ideal spot for a 48-hour adventure. Whether you’re into history, food, or art, this guide will help you get the most out of Brussels.
Day 1: Discovering Brussels Historical and Cultural Gems
Morning: Brussels Grand Place and Surroundings
You can head straight to the Grand Place on your first day to feast your eyes. This is the central square and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is surrounded by guildhalls adorned with gold, with a stunning Town Hall (a 15th-century Gothic building). This square is one of the most beautiful squares in the world, a “Bremer Markplatz” on steroids. Make sure to visit the Museum of the City of Brussels to learn about the city’s history. The Grand Place is not just a historical site; it’s a vibrant area bustling with activity. You can also hire a carriage tour from there.
Next, you can make your way to the nearby Manneken Pis. It’s a small but iconic statue known for its quirky design of urinating water. It’s a short walk from the Grand Place if that catches your interest, but it wasn’t our cup of tea. Don’t forget to explore the surrounding streets, which are filled with charming shops for chocolates, comics and souvenirs as well as cafes.
Late Morning: Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
A short stroll from the Grand Place will bring you to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through elegant galleries filled with high-end boutiques, chocolatiers, and cafés. The Renaissance architecture alone is worth the visit, with its beautiful glass-roofed arcades that exude 19th-century charm. Don’t forget to sample some Belgian chocolates from renowned shops like Neuhaus or Pierre Marcolini. These chocolates are not just treats but pieces of art.
Lunch: Brussels Fries
For lunch, treat yourself to some traditional Belgian chips. You can not come to Brussels and miss it! I recommend Friterie Tabola on Tabola street. The chips are generously portioned and fried in vegetable oil contrary to most chip shops which use animal fat. Also, they don’t serve you the bottom of the frying basket which I’ve seen others do! And the cherry on the top, you can choose over 40 sauces. As for the service, the staff is friendly and fast, even though they are swamped. It comes as no surprise that this is very popular and you can expect queues.
Afternoon: European Quarter
In the afternoon, head to the European Quarter to see the institutions making Brussels the European political hub. The European Parliament, Parlementarium and the House of European History are free and open to visitors to offer fascinating insights into the EU’s workings and history.
As you arrive at the European Parliament Hemicycle, you’ll notice the two tallying blocks of the Berlin Wall. I remember vividly the day it fell, the importance of it and the excitement, and yet, my children had no idea what it was. They weren’t born and they haven’t studied contemporary history yet. So, a quick history lesson ensued with questions. Meanwhile, inside the Hemicycle building, many artworks remind us of the canvas of cultures living together in Europe and the debates within.
You may want to book your slot for the European Parliament and the Parlementarium in case it’s busy. You can do so on the website here. All three institutions offer audio guides free of charge in different languages. The area is also home to Leopold Park, a green space where you can relax or let the kids run wild.
Day 2: Modern Attractions and Comics
Morning: Comic Strip Route
Brussels is the comic strip capital of the world, and you can explore this aspect of its culture by following the Comic Strip Route. This walking tour takes you past colourful murals depicting famous comic characters like Tintin and The Smurfs (this one was taken down as we arrived). The murals are scattered throughout the city, turning the streets into open-air galleries. The “Visit Brussels” website has a map of all the murals which you can find here.
Where are the comic shops, you ask? Well, everywhere! In the old town, you’ll find one on every other street, it’s part of the cultural canvas along with the chocolates and waffles. There is, of course, the unmissable “Tintin boutique” on Colline Street, where you find the famous comics and collectables.
Then, we went to “Comics and Drinks” on Lombard Street with a wide choice of new, second hand and English books from Tintin to Mangas. The other shop we stepped in was “Utopia” on Midi Street. This shop felt more like a techie’s shop, with mainly American comics, old and new and many collectables. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate.
Lunch: Waffles, Sweet and Savoury!
Waffle Factory
Your trip to Brussels is not complete without indulging in its famous waffles. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, you can munch on savoury waffles from the Waffle Factory. You can enjoy creations like the “Lunchwaff” – a waffle sandwich stuffed with delicious fillings such as chicken, cheese, and fresh vegetables. And the chicken is halal, so you don’t have to stick to the vegetarian or fish option. These savoury delights are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch on the go.
Maison Dandoy
Maison Dandoy is a legendary spot known for its sweet traditional Belgian waffles. You can choose between the classic Liège waffle, caramelised with sugar, or the Brussels, light but crispy on the outside. I first tried the Brussels waffle with whipped cream and cooked strawberries and it was delicious. The first bite threw me back to my childhood. My great-aunt used to make similar waffles, that’s authentic. I didn’t find that one ingredient was more overpowering than the others. The next day, I tried the liege with cooked strawberries and chocolate. It was good but richer and sweeter, so I would eat this one plain next time.
Afternoon: Atomium and Mini-Europe
End your trip with a visit to the Atomium, Brussels’ most futuristic landmark. This giant, steel structure, was originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. Each of the nine spheres contains exhibits and displays that delve into science, design, and society.
Mini-Europe offers visitors a miniature tour of Europe, adjacent to the Atomium. Here, the models are meticulously crafted replicas of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to Big Ben. This type of attraction is always a hit with the kids.
The Design Museum, which sits beside Ossenghem Park, is included in the Atomium ticket price. Here, you can also purchase combo tickets that cover Mini-Europe. Additionally, the planetarium is close by.
Evening: Final Dinner
For our last dinner, we enjoyed burgers at “Bro’s Burgers”. This fast food is halal and doesn’t serve alcohol. It is located outside the old town, on Maurice Lemonnier Boulevard, a predominantly Muslim area. We ordered traditional burgers as well as brioche burgers, fries and milkshakes. We were all satisfied with our meals. I liked that they used a sliced brioche rather than the usual bun brioche. So, this restaurant is a keeper for our next visit.
Tips for a Perfect 48 Hours in Brussels
- Public Transport: Brussels has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and the metro. Consider purchasing a Brussels Card for unlimited travel and discounts at various attractions.
- Low Emission Zone: Brussels has a low emission zone (LEZ), and there is a fee if your vehicle doesn’t meet the criteria. Otherwise, it’s free and you must register your vehicle here within 5 days to avoid a fine. There are also free Park and Ride car parks available around the city.
- Language: While French and Dutch are the official languages, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency: Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
- Halal Dining: Brussels has a large Muslim population so it isn’t difficult to find halal options. The old town itself has halal restaurants.
By following this ultimate guide, you’ll be able to experience the best of Brussels in just 48 hours. From its historic landmarks to its modern attractions and culinary delights, Brussels offers a unique blend of old and new that will leave a lasting impression. Enjoy your trip to Belgium’s vibrant capital!
