Weekend Trips to Brussels, Belgium
Brussels surprises visitors with its blend of grand European architecture, Art Nouveau gems, and unpretentious charm. Add world-famous chocolate, beer, and waffles, and you have an underrated weekend destination.
- The stunning Grand Place, one of Europe's most beautiful squares
- World-class chocolate and over 1,000 types of Belgian beer
- Art Nouveau architecture and quirky comic book murals
- Day trips to Bruges and Ghent within easy reach
Weekend Itinerary for Brussels
A suggested 2-3 day itinerary to make the most of your weekend in Brussels.
Day 1: Arrival & City Center
Start at Grand Place – explore and grab waffles. Walk to Manneken Pis, then through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Chocolate tasting in Sablon. Evening beer bar crawl (Delirium Café has 2,000 beers).
Day 2: Explore & Experience
Morning at the Comic Strip Center or Magritte Museum. Lunch at a frituur (fry shop). Afternoon exploring Art Nouveau in Ixelles or St-Gilles. Evening moules-frites in Ste-Catherine.
Day 3: Beyond the City
Day trip to Bruges (1 hour by train) for canals and medieval architecture. Or visit Ghent for a less touristy alternative.
Top Attractions in Brussels
Must-see places to visit during your weekend in Brussels.
Grand Place
Brussels' magnificent central square surrounded by ornate guild houses. Stunning at night when illuminated.
Manneken Pis
The famous tiny bronze statue is smaller than you'd expect, but the surrounding streets are charming.
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Celebrating Belgium's comic heritage including Tintin and The Smurfs, housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building.
Sablon
Upmarket antiques quarter with the best chocolate shops (Pierre Marcolini, Wittamer) and weekend markets.
Cantillon Brewery
Working lambic brewery offering tours. A must for beer lovers – traditional spontaneous fermentation.
Local Tips for Brussels
Insider advice to make the most of your weekend.
- 1Order frites with mayonnaise like a local
- 2Belgian beer is strong – pace yourself
- 3The Comic Strip murals are scattered around the city – maps available at the tourist office
- 4Don't overlook the Royal Museums of Fine Arts – world-class collection
Practical Information
Flight Time
1 hour 10 minutes
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to October. Christmas markets in December are magical.
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
French and Dutch
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting Brussels.