Founded all the way back in the 10th century, Brussels is now the vibrant and bustling capital of Belgium and the European Union—and, there are lots of fun things to do in Brussels for 4 days!
The city is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, world-class museums, and delicious chocolates, waffles, fries, and craft beer, and it’s home to various historical and architectural landmarks, some of which are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Due to its long tradition of Belgian comics, Brussels is also known as the capital of the comic strip.
We stayed in Brussels for 4 days as a part of our longer Scotland and Belgium trip and had a great time exploring some of the best things this city has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Brussels. From the best things to do in Brussels and how to get around the city, to the ideal areas to stay and eat, this 4-day Brussels guide has it all.
Read on and discover why this European gem should be on your bucket list (if it isn’t already)!
*P.S. this post contains some affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase.
What Languages are Spoken in Brussels?
Let’s start with the basics! What languages are spoken in Brussels?
Well, Brussels is the capital of Belgium, which has 3 official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The north is predominantly Dutch-speaking (Flanders), and the south is predominantly French-speaking (Wallonia).
However, Brussels, in particular, has 2 official languages: French and Dutch. French is more commonly spoken in the city, but you’ll also find many Dutch and English speakers. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas, so you shouldn’t have any trouble communicating here.
What Currency Does Brussels Use?
The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (€). Though credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Brussels, it’s still a good idea to carry around some cash for tips and cash-only restaurants and shops.
A Broad Recommendation: It’s also a good idea to use a cross-body purse, money belt, RFID blocking wallet, or travel fanny pack (my favorite) to hide your cash and cards, as petty theft is common in Europe. Never leave your wallet in your back pocket, as this is the easiest way for it to get stolen!
Weather in Brussels: When to Visit
Brussels has a temperate, maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Spring in Brussels (March through May) offers cool temperatures, ranging from 50-59°F and some occasional rain. This time of year is best for blooming flowers and comfortable sightseeing weather with fewer crowds.
Summer in Brussels (June through August) brings some of the best weather, with temperatures ranging from 64-77°F, and is a great time to visit for outdoor activities, festivals, and events. However, it’s also the busiest time of year in Brussels, so expect some crowds.
Fall in Brussels (September through November) brings cooler temperatures and more rain but is a good time of year to see fall foliage and to start taking advantage of indoor activities like museums and cafés. This time of year also promises fewer crowds.
Winter in Brussels (December through February) is cold, with temperatures ranging from 37-45°F, and brings frequent rain and some snow. However, winter is still a great time to visit for Christmas markets, festivals, holiday decorations, and indoor activities.
We visited Brussels in the summer (in July), had great weather, and felt that it wasn’t really too crowded. Plus, summer is a great time of year to take some day trips from Brussels, which is exactly what we did!
How Many Days to Stay in Brussels
Three to 4 days in Brussels is the perfect amount of time to see some of the city’s main attractions and to take some day trips to nearby cities like Bruges, Namur, or Ghent.
Best Areas to Stay in Brussels
There are lots of places to stay in Brussels, and each neighborhood has its own charm and benefits. Here are the places we would suggest considering for your visit:
- Grand Place is a great area to stay for first-time visitors because of its location in the heart of Brussels and its proximity to major landmarks, restaurants, and shops.
- For art and history lovers, the Sablon District is close to museums, galleries, and luxury boutiques, and its location off the beaten-path makes it a quieter choice than other areas.
- Ixelles/Elsene is a trendy area known for its vibrant nightlife, international restaurants, and chic boutiques and is a popular area to stay for younger travelers.
- For business travelers, the European Quarter in Brussels offers modern amenities and is well-connected to other parts of the city.
- If you’re looking for more of a local vibe, Saint-Gilles is a bohemian neighborhood that’s known for its Art Nouveau architecture and relaxed vibe
We stayed on Rue des Poissonniers, which is less than a 10 minute walk to the Grand Place and directly next to the Brussels Food Market, and felt that this location perfectly suited our needs.
How to Get Around Brussels
Brussels is a walkable city and has a great public transportation system, making it easy to navigate. Here are some options for getting around Brussels:
- Walking: Many of Brussels’ attractions are within walking distance of each other, and the city is known for its beautiful architecture and wall murals, making it a great city to explore on foot.
- Metro: The Brussels Metro is fast and covers most of the city, and you can purchase tickets at stations or use a rechargeable MOBIB card for multiple trips.
- Tram: Trams are a scenic way to get around Brussels and cover some areas that the metro doesn’t. However, trams are generally slower than the metro too. Tickets are available at tram stops or onboard, but it’s usually cheaper to buy tickets before boarding.
- Bus: Buses are available throughout the city and can be useful for reaching areas not served by the metro or tram. Tickets can be purchased at bus stops, onboard, or with a MOBIB card.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Taxis are readily available, but Lyft and Uber are generally more cost-effective and convenient, especially for late-night trips or when you’re in a hurry.
All of the attractions we visited in Brussels were within walking distance from our Airbnb, so that’s exactly what we did—walked! For getting to and from the airport, we took Ubers, and for our two day trips from Brussels, we took trains.
A Broad Recommendation: I usually book my train tickets in advance via Trainline. Be sure to download the app, and you’ll have access to all of your tickets in one place with scannable QR codes!
Brussels What to See: Top Attractions
Brussels offers a mix of historical landmarks, modern attractions, beautiful parks, delicious food, and more. Here are some of the best things to do in Brussels that you won’t want to miss (and that we did during our 4 days in Brussels).
Day 1: Explore the Heart of Brussels
Breakfast at Woodpecker
Inspired by New York canteens, Woodpecker 47 is the first of the Woodpecker restaurants in Brussels and offers an “all day, every day” brunch menu. Be sure to try a savory waffle with chorizo, goat cheese, bacon, poached eggs, and “Psycho” sauce—a Woodpecker staple—and take in the relaxed atmosphere with friends or family.
A Broad Recommendation: Get there early! The line is usually out the door and around the corner, and space is limited.
Free Walking Tour of Brussels
One of my favorite ways to get acquainted with a new city is by doing a free walking tour. These take you to some of the city’s major landmarks and provide lots of interesting history and information about the city at the same time.
We did the Sandeman’s Free Tour of Brussels, which started at 11:00 am at the Grand Place, lasted for about 2.5 hours, and ended near the Mont des Arts.
Throughout the tour, our wonderful guide, Maggie, shared lots of interesting information and stories about Brussels and Belgium, as we passed by various landmarks, like the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Grand Place and Town Hall, Maison du Roi, the Brussels Stock Exchange, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Manneken Pis, Saint Nicholas’ Church, and more.
A Broad Recommendation: Though free walking tours are totally free to book, the wonderful guides that lead these tours don’t get paid by the companies they “work” for. That means that they rely on your tips. Some people give €10, while others give more. The great thing is that you get to choose the price based on the value you feel you got out of the experience. We each tipped €20—and, our guide was super appreciative.
Grand Place (Grote Markt)
Surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the iconic Town Hall, and the King’s House (Maison du Roi), the Grand Place is often considered one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe, and it’s a must-see in Brussels.
The Grand Place is an architectural marvel that was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. The central square is primarily composed of buildings that date back to the late 1600s, with some dating all the way back to the 1200s, when the Grand Place was once a market square.
The Town Hall, in particular, is the central edifice of the Grand Place and a sight to behold. It’s the square’s only remaining medieval building, and it has an eerie history. Legend has it that the Town Hall is asymmetrical, and upon discovering this, the architect leapt from the building’s tower to his death.
The King’s House, also known as the Bread House (Broodhuis) is another building of note. It was used as early as the 12th century to sell bread and is now home to the Brussels City Museum.
Nowadays, the square frequently hosts festivals and cultural events, including the incredible flower carpet and Ommegang each summer, the Belgian Beer Weekend in September, and the sound and light shows and the Christmas tree around Christmastime and New Year’s.
A Broad Recommendation: A stop at the Grand Place is included with the Free Tour of Brussels, but you may want to come back in the evening to see the buildings all lit up.
Comic Book Route
Another one of the most fun and unique things to do in Brussels is to explore the city by following the Comic Book Route. Brussels is known as the “Comic Strip Capital,” and this route celebrates Belgium’s rich comic book heritage and pays tribute to well-known local comic characters and authors.
It features more than 50 large murals, depicting scenes from famous Belgian comic books, like Tintin, The Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Gaston Lagaffe, and Blake and Mortimer, which are painted on the sides of buildings throughout the city.
Note that you’ll visit a small portion of the Comic Book Route during the Free Tour of Brussels, but you can go back and explore more on your own!
Manneken Pis
Just a short walk from the Grand Place is Manneken Pis, a famous 2-foot-tall, bronze statue of a little boy peeing. This is an iconic symbol of Brussels and one of the top things to see in Brussels, and it only requires a quick stop. Note that a quick stop at Manneken Pis is included in the Free Tour of Brussels.
The original statue was created in 1619 but has sadly been stolen several times over the years. So, the current version is from 1965.
Manneken Pis is often dressed in unusual costumes—similar to adorning local statues in Edinburgh with traffic cones and dressing up the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen—many of which are now on display at the Brussels City Museum.
Fun fact: Manneken Pis is so famous that two other peeing statues—one of a little girl and one of a dog—have also found their homes in Brussels.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Opened in 1847, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is one of the oldest covered shopping arcades in Europe and is definitely worth a stroll during your time in Brussels!
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is renowned for its beautiful architecture, specifically its arched glass-paned roof, which floods the arcade’s elegant interior with natural light, and was designated a historic monument in 1986. It’s divided into 3 sections: the Galerie de la Reine (Queen’s Gallery), Galerie du Roi (King’s Gallery), and Galerie des Princes (Princes’ Gallery), which feature high-end boutiques, chocolatiers, cafés, and theaters.
We visited the Galeries as part of our Free Tour of Brussels, but you could easily spend an entire afternoon here, shopping, dining, and taking in the elegant atmosphere.
Scott’s Bar and Kitchen
Right across from the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, Scott’s Bar & Kitchen is the perfect place for a pitstop to enjoy a quick snack or drink. We stopped here during our Free Tour of Brussels, sat on their outside terrace, and each tried a local brew.
Scott’s also serves sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and another snacks, along with a wide range of local and international beers, whiskies, and cocktails.
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re in Brussels over a weekend, plan to spend some time here, as they generally have live music, featuring local house bands playing internationally-inspired hits.
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Michael and Saint Gudula, the patron saints of Brussels. It’s one of the finest examples of Brabantine Gothic architecture, though some parts are in the newer Baroque style, and one of the oldest and most beautiful things to see in Brussels.
Historians believe that a chapel dedicated to Saint Michael likely stood on this spot as early as the 9th century. The current version of the cathedral was completed in the 16th century and was designated a historic monument in 1936.
As the national church of Belgium and the co-cathedral of the Primate of Belgium, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula frequently hosts royal weddings, state funerals, and other important ceremonies, such as the Te Deum on Belgian National Day.
Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels is another one of the top things to see in Brussels. It’s the official palace of the Belgian King, though he doesn’t actually reside here, and is occasionally open to the public.
From late July (after Belgian National Day) through late August, the Royal Palace of Brussels is open to the public for free (except on Mondays). During this time, visitors have access to several reception rooms and halls, including the Throne Room and the Goya Room, and can admire the grand decorations, tapestries, and art that adorn the palace’s interiors.
Although we didn’t have time to go in, we passed by the palace a couple of times during our visit, including during our Free Tour of Brussels, and even the exterior is a sight to behold.
Fun fact: the Royal Palace of Brussels’ façade is actually longer than that of Buckingham Palace in London!
Mont des Arts
Situated between the Royal Palace of Brussels and the Grand Place, Mont des Arts, or “Hill of the Arts,” is a historic, cultural complex that separates the upper and lower parts of Brussels.
It was originally built for the 1910 Universal Exhibition and has beautifully landscaped gardens and a panoramic view of the city. The complex also features popular attractions like the KBR (formerly the Royal Library of Belgium), the Magritte Museum, and the BOZAR (Center for Fine Arts), and is the perfect place to go for a walk and to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
This is the last stop on the Free Tour of Brussels, so be sure to stay a while and get lost in the beauty of the Mont des Arts!
Wolf Sharing Food Market
After the Free Tour of Brussels, consider checking out the Wolf Food Market Brussels, a cavernous food market with vendors serving global street food, beers, and wine.
We each grabbed a beer and something to snack on, while we took a little break after all of that walking!
A Broad Recommendation: Since Brussels is such a walkable city, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, like these NAOT Sabrina Women’s Sandals or these Women’s Weekend Vessis, during your visit.
Pho 18
End your day with a leisurely dinner at Pho18, a Vietnamese restaurant with excellent service. They greeted us right as we arrived, pushed the tables together for our party, and added an extra eggroll to our appetizer, since we had one too many people—and of course, the food was yummy too!
Day 2: Day Trip to Bruges
After a full day exploring Brussels, you may be interested in taking a day trip (or 2!) from Brussels to explore more of Belgium.
Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North, Bruges is a popular day trip from Brussels, and one day in Bruges is the perfect amount of time to see some of what this charming city has to offer!
Take an early train from Brussels to Bruges (the ride is about an hour) and explore its canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings on your own or with a guided tour. Here are some options if you’re looking for a guided tour:
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges (2.25 hours)
- Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips (2-3 hours)
- Bruges: Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour (2 hours)
Be sure to check out Market Square and Burg Square, and don’t forget to do a canal cruise!
Day 3: Day Trip to Namur
Located between the Sambre and Meuse rivers, in the picturesque Wallonia Region, Namur, Belgium is another great day trip from Brussels and a great way to spend your third day in Belgium!
Take an early train from Brussels to Namur (the ride is about an hour) and get ready to discover the best of Namur, Belgium in one day.
Ride the Namur Cable Car and start your day by exploring the Citadel of Namur, one of the most impressive fortresses in Europe. Have a delicious lunch with incredible views of Namur and the Meuse River, then make your way back down to the Namur city center and stroll through the charming streets of Namur’s old town. Finally, end your day with a classic Namur river cruise!
Day 4: Explore Modern Brussels
Breakfast at Woodpecker in the Park
Set in the peaceful Parc de Bruxelles, i.e. the Royal Park, Woodpecker Royal Park is an outdoor bar that serves local specialties and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere.
We came here for an early lunch, and it was lovely sitting amongst all the trees. Depending on what time of day you visit, be sure to try some ice cream from Gaston, a coffee from Velvet, or a beer from the Brasserie de la Senne de Bruxelles (all local vendors).
Atomium
Originally built as the centerpiece for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (World Expo 58), the Atomium is an international symbol of Brussels and Belgium and one of the best things to do in Brussels.
Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak as a tribute to scientic progress and Belgian engineering skills at the time, this futuristic building consists of 9 interconnected, stainless steel spheres, representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
At more than 330 feet tall, the top sphere hosts a restaurant and an observation deck with incredible, panoramic views of Brussels. The other visitable spheres contain exhibits on science, design, and the history of the Atomium itself, as well as a gift shop.
A Broad Recommendation: The Atomium is about a 20 minute drive from the city center. To avoid the crowds, try to go as early as possible and give yourself plenty of time to explore all of the exhibits and the gorgeous views from the top.
Mini-Europe
Adjacent to the Atomium, Mini-Europe is a miniature theme park featuring 350 detailed models of famous European monuments at a scale of 1/25. The walk takes around 2 hours and is a fun and educational experience.
Operate the Bells of Stockholm or the Windmills at Kinderdijk, set off an eruption of Mount Vesuvius, or destroy a section of the Berlin Wall, as you walk through this interactive exhibit and learn about some of Europe’s rich history and cultural diversity.
Mini-Europe is also set amongst beautiful gardens, decorated with more than 150 different species of plants and flowers from all around Europe and beyond, making it another lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of Brussels’ city center.
Delirium Village
We ended our day and our time in Brussels with a visit to Delirium Village, specifically Delirium Café. Situated near the Grand Place on the Impasse de la Fidélité, Delirium Café offers an iconic Brussels experience.
Delirium Café is renowned for its extensive beer selection, with more than 2,000 different kinds of beers from around the world. It’s set in a multi-level venue with a cellar-like vibe and is decorated with beer memorabilia, neon signs, and wooden furnishings. There’s also typically live music playing, adding to its fun and lively atmosphere.
In 2004, Delirium Café broke a Guinness World Record for having the most varieties of beer commercially available, with more than 2,004 beers at the time. Their selection includes Belgian beers, international beers, and a wide range of styles, including ales, lagers, stouts, and specialty beers, including rare and hard-to-find brews.
Located in the same alley as Delirium Café, Delirium Village is a cluster of bars, i.e. Delirium Taphouse, Delirium Hoppy Loft, Delirium Monasterium, Floris Bar, Floris Garden, and the Tequila Bar. Each of these offers a different drinking experience but are all under the Delirium brand. After your visit to Delirium Café, you may want to pop into one of these as well and make a whole evening of it!
Jeanneke Pis
Located right next to Delirium Café is Jeanneke Pis, a lesser-known statue in Brussels.
The small, bronze statue was designed in 1987 by Denis-Adrien Debouvrie as a symbol of equality and humor and as a female counterpart to the famous Manneken Pis. Similar to Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis depicts—you guessed it!—a young girl squatting and peeing.
Other Things to Do in Brussels
If you have more than 4 days in Brussels, there are lots of other things to see and do. Here are some of the things we’d like to check out on our next trip to Brussels:
- Black Tower: Known for its rounded walls and black turret, this landmark dates back to the beginning of the 13th century, when it was part of the original fortification.
- La Monnaie or De Munt: Home to the National Opera of Belgium, this is one of the most well-known opera houses in the world and one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Europe.
- La Bourse: Belgium’s stock exchange dates from 1873 and is now used for special exhibits ranging from photography retrospectives to immersive experiences.
- Magritte Museum: This museum is home to more than 200 original works by famous Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte.
- Museum of Natural Sciences: Home to one of the largest dinosaur galleries in Europe, the exhibits are engaging for both children and adults, making it a great family-friendly activity.
- Sablon District: Known for its antique shops, chocolatiers, and art galleries, the Sablon District is a must-visit for those interested in Brussels’ artistic and culinary heritage.
- Place Sainte-Catherine: Not far from the Grand Place, this neighborhood is full of cafés, a market, and its namesake church.
- Cinquantenaire Park: This large public park features impressive arches and museums, including the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic.
- Food: Try all the chocolates, waffles, fries, and craft beer you can find!
Well, there you have it! You’re all set for your 4 days in Brussels. Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any questions or other recommendations in the comments below!
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads