Brussels – top 10 things to do in 2 days

Brussels is often overlooked for a city break, but there’s plenty to do here for a weekend. Plus, it’s just an easy train ride from London with great train links to neighbouring European countries. Check out the top things to do to make the most of 2 days in the city.

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Visiting Brussels at Christmas? Check out my top tips for Christmas markets in Brussels. Or if you fancy heading to a different European city, how about Bruges, Vienna or Prague?

If you’re planning a trip to Brussels and want a really useful guide and map to take with you, I’d recommend getting this great guide which will help you have an amazing trip (affiliate).

1. Grand Place

This is definitely my favourite part of Brussels. This amazing square just suddenly appears when you reach the end of a street, and it’s just one of those ‘wow’ moments in travel, when you just stop and stare. The square is gorgeously ornate on all sides, but my favourite view is towards the town hall. This square really comes alive with a light show at Christmas – read my blog on Brussels at Christmas to find out more.

2. Cathedral

The Cathedral can often be a highlight in any European city, and Brussels cathedral doesn’t disappoint. Dating back to medieval times, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula has an impressive Gothic exterior and an equally impressive interior.

3. Belgian waffles

If you haven’t already been persuaded to visit Brussels by the stunning Grand Place, then surely you need no further encouragement than the anticipation of Belgian waffles. They’re sold in small shops all around the centre with a variety of different toppings. You can go for plain, or Nutella, or add cream and strawberries and chocolate sauce until it just becomes, as I affectionately nicknamed it, a ‘diabetes tower’. But who cares. Enjoy. And then enjoy another one. And maybe another…

4. Mannekin Pis

This is one of those famous sights that all the guide books talk about and it’s often packed with tour groups, but then when you get there and see it yourself you slightly question why it’s so famous. I mean, it’s a small statue of a boy peeing. But for some reason it’s one of the most iconic images of Brussels and an unmissable sight. I also recommend going into the gift shops just to be amused at how many tourist souvenirs have this image on.

5. Belgian Comic Strip Center

The most famous Belgian comic is Tintin and his companion Snowy. Tintin features heavily in this museum, as you’d expect, but there’s more here than just Tintin. You can also explore exhibitions on the invention of Comics and Comic Art. Visit the website for opening times and prices.

6. Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is officially the main residence of the current royal family, although they don’t actually live there. It’s an impressive building with nice gardens, located near a lovely park as well. It’s a lovely area for a stroll in nice weather, and during the summer the palace is open for visits inside as well (just not on a Monday). Visit the website for more information about opening times.

7. Belgian Chocolates

Before you completely fill up on Belgian waffles, make sure you leave room for Belgian chocolates. There’s just something about this small country that does sweet treats incredibly well. And there certainly isn’t a shortage of shops selling chocolate to choose from. Enjoy!

8. Art Exhibitions

Brussels is a great city for art, and some of the most cutting-edge Art Exhibitions are temporary. When I visited, it was ‘Hypnos’ by Alex Guevara, a digital artist from Peru. In a huge dome, you lay down on massive beanbags and listen to music while watching the art projection all around you. It was fascinating, so I’d definitely recommend looking up any temporary Art Exhibitions while you’re in Brussels.

9. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

I really love this shopping arcade. Dating back to the 19th century the grand, golden arches house some lovely shops and cafes, and the Christmas decorations are lovely as well. Definitely worth a browse.

10. European Parliament

The European Parliament is slightly out of the centre of Brussels, but whatever your views on the politics of the European Union, it’s undeniably an important institution in European and also global politics. Visit the website to find a tour that works for you. If you visit to watch one of the sessions, they provide headphones where speeches are translated – so you can listen to the translation if you’d prefer.

Enjoy the top things to do in Brussels for 2 days! Remember to check out this great guide ready for your trip (affiliate). If you’re visiting at Christmas, check out my guide to the Christmas markets in Brussels. Or if you want to continue to your travels in Belgium, visit stunning Bruges. Or if you want to head to another European city, how about Vienna or Prague?