Got One Day in Brussels? Here are 4 Key Things to Consider

Brussels is a buzzing city that’s home to European Union headquarters, awe-inspiring historical architecture and some of the world’s best-loved food. If you start early enough, there’s time to take in some of the city’s main sights in the morning, then discover an off-the-beaten-track neighbourhood after a lunch of mussels or waffles (or chocolate, if you’re feeling decadent). Here are four things to consider when you’re planning your itinerary.

Grand Place in the Old Town is the classic starting point for sightseeing in Brussels. This magnificent central square is ringed by resplendent 17th-century architecture that’s an attraction in its own right. If you can start your Brussels day trip early, take some photos of sunrise over the guild houses, the Gothic Town Hall and the Maison du Roi (“King’s House”) that’s home to the Brussels City Museum. Off this main square, explore historic sites like the Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, or go shopping in style among the three glazed arcades of the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert. Just to the southwest of Grand Place, don’t miss Manneken Pis - the city’s most famous statue. Whether this cheeky little fellow is wearing clothes, and what kind, is a daily revelation.

Fortunately for anyone on a flying visit to Brussels, many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance of city centre hotels, and most major streets lead in and out of Grand Place. The Royal Palace of Brussels (open for tours in summer) and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are around 15 minutes from Grand Place on foot, while the museums and monuments of regal Cinquantenaire Park can be reached within 15 minutes by bus or metro. Slightly further out is Atomium, a 40-minute metro ride to the north of the centre. This incredible work of modernist architecture represents a crystal molecule of iron, magnified 165 billion times. Built for the 1958 World’s Fair, it houses diverse exhibits, plus a 100m-high restaurant in the top sphere.

Atomium

• Place de l’Atomium 1, 1020 Brussels
• Open 10am-6pm daily 
• Transport: Line 6 to Heysel

Brussels is blessed with sweet and savoury treats, and even a day trip should allow time for both. For lunch, try mussels that delight in various ways, not least the happy coincidence of rhyming with the city’s name. If you can snag a seat at cosy Le Marmiton (Galerie de la Reine 38, 1000 Brussels), you’ll get to try excellent mussels in the heart of Old Town. If you prefer to keep moving while you refuel, grab some twice-cooked fries from the takeout hatch at Fritland (Rue Henri Maus 49, 1000 Brussels) next to Grand Place. Don’t forget to try the various dips, and be sure to ask for "frites" instead of "French fries", as locals will be quick to tell you that this global snack was invented in Belgium. Galerie de la Reine in the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert has plentiful chocolate shops, including Chocolaterie Mary and Neuhaus, where the science of chocolate-making is celebrated in a former pharmacy dating from 1857.

Committed culinary explorers could use Sunday in the city to sample oysters and Champagne at the market on Place Eugène Flagey, set 3 km from the centre in a lively square where locals meet for coffee and conversation. Closer to the centre, drop in for a combination of international street food and local cuisine at Wolf Food Market, which also has an on-site microbrewery. If you’re struggling to choose between sweet and savoury delights for lunch, head to Galet tea room at Boulevard Anspach 2A to select either kind of topping on your waffle.

With so much to do during your visit, you may not have time to wander too far off the beaten path. The key is to discover unique, lesser-known spots that are hiding between stops on your route. Such gems include huge murals based on comic strip characters, like the Tintin mural at Rue de l’Etuve 37 between Manneken Pis and Grand Place. Several metro stations contain artwork and decor worthy of a gallery, including the vast, bright orange installation at Pannenhuis metro station that makes it feel like the set of a sci-fi movie. The station is conveniently on Line 6, which also takes you to Atomium, so it’s perfect for a quick yet memorable stop.

To combine cultural immersion with authentic experiences, devote a morning or afternoon to visiting a local neighbourhood off the beaten track. Matongé, just a kilometre southeast of the Royal Palace, is a multicultural locale known for African stores and restaurants. The adjacent Saint Boniface area is filled with eclectic restaurants and bars where Brusselers and expats go to unwind. On the opposite side of the Old Town, the Dansaert and Sainte-Catherine neighbourhoods effortlessly combine bars and boutiques. If time allows, drop in for a craft beer at the BBP Dansaert brewery and taproom (Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Brussels).

If you plan to stay overnight, book a room at Le Louise Hotel Brussels - MGallery for a chic, five-star stay a short stroll from Saint Boniface dining and nightlife.

Public transport in Brussels is excellent, and you can buy one ticket that covers all forms of public transportation. Brupass is available from the local public transport operator and allows you to hop on and off the metro, trains, buses and trams without using up any more of your day buying tickets. Using the automated luggage lockers at Brussels Central train station may also save you some time and energy, instead of heaving your bags around or dropping them at your hotel. Buying your Atomium tickets in advance could be another major time-saver, as lines can be long.

Consider visiting in early spring or autumn to avoid larger crowds and to save some time on queuing, as even lining up for your cone of fries could be something you’d like to avoid when you’re trying to pack as much as you can into one day. If you visit in September or October, you’ll catch peak mussel season when the delicacies are at their freshest. It’s also worth noting that tipping is not essential in Brussels, as service charge is usually added to the bill. So you won’t need to use up any time figuring out how much to tip!

Have fun creating your Brussels itinerary for unforgettable moments in this enchanting city!