Two Days Brussel, Belgium - 12 Best things to do and see
A destination that really surprised me was Brussel in Belgium. There is so much to do and see and the whole city is gorgeous. Wander around the streets, visit an Botanical Garden, try one of the waffles or visit an old Chateau. Brussel has it all and so much more.
Day 1 - Brussel
1. Mont Des Arts
Start your day bright and early. This way you can explore the whole city by yourself and see all the best things Brussel has to offer you.
The first place to visit in Brussel, is Mont Des Arts. This place offers a spectaculair view over the whole city. Early in the morning lots of local people wander around this place while heading to their work. In the afternoon, when the sun is out, this place will get busier with people relaxing and having a good time at the park.
At the other side of the stairs you get a beautiful view over the Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg. This church is located on the historic Place Royale in the center of Brussel.
2. Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Brussel is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians and is located in the center of the nations capital, Brussels. However, this is not used as the residence of the Royal family. They spent most of their time in the Royal Palace of Laken in the northern part of Brussels.
3. Poechenellekelder
The Poechenellekelder is a place that makes my Dutch hard go wild. We Duchies are known for cycling a lot, and this café has bicycles all over the building. This place turns into a cafe from Tuesday to Sunday and offers a great drinks menu with countless options of beer and wine.
4. Manneke Pis
Brussels in known for Manneke Pis. But don’t let this fool you, because Manneke Pis is really small. However, when you visit Brussel, this is a must see.
Manneke Pis even gets dressed from time to time. This is an old tradition where the rich people from Brussel would honor the normal people by dressing Manneke Pis in the clothes of hard working people.
Manneke Pis gets dressed almost half of the year and has a big wardrobe with many different outfits. Because there are so many outfits, they even made an museum about it.
5. Grand Place
Grand Place, also know as the ‘Grote Markt’ is a big square in the centre of Brussel. This place get’s really busy during the day and especially in the weekends so if you want this place to yourself, plan an early visit.
The square is surrounded by many houses and buildings, covered in gold details. Everywhere you look you will be in awe of the sights.
6. Royal Gallery of Saint Hurbert
The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is an old shopping arcade in the centre of Brussels. You can find some exclusive shops here but also some restaurants. Wander around the shopping arcade and see this place for yourself.
7. The Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon
Located a little bit outside of the centre of Brussel is the Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Salbon. The church was build in the 15th century and is a Roman Catholic Church.
8. Good food, good mood
Are you a real sweet tooth? Well, Brussel is the perfect place for you. Brussel is know for its wafels and Belgium Chocolate. All around the city you’ll find shops that sell this delicious treats.
However, Belgium is also know for its fries. Make sure to try everything, because you won’t regret it.
Day 2 - Brussel
9. Atomium
After a busy day, it’s time to get ready for your second day exploring Brussel. Start you day at the Atomium. This was my favorite sight in Brussels and I am sure you won’t regret taking public transport to this monument.
In the northern part of the city is the Atomium. You can even visit the top of the monument. If you don’t like heights, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you do like it, it’s definitely worth the way up.
10. Dynasty Monument
After visiting the Atomium, it’s is a 10 minute walk to the Dynasty Monument. There is a big park located in front of the monument so if you have some drinks in your bag, take them out and enjoy the view.
11. Meise Botanical Garden
One of the most beautiful places of Brussels, is the Botanical Garden of Meise. This place is beautiful from the in- and outside. There are flowers, trees and plants everywhere. You even have an inside garden with al types of rooms and climates.
Getting to the botanical garden can be done by car or by public transport. The garden is located to the northern side of the city.
The entrance fee is €9,- a person.
12. Chateau La Hulpe
Just a little out of the city centre you can find Chateau La Hulpe. This is a gorgeous chateau located in a big park. Nowadays the chateau gets used for events, but visiting the garden around it is open to everyone.
To get there you’ve got two options. One, use public transport. This will take about an hour to get there. Two, if you have a car, drive yourself there and park alongside the road outside of the park. There is no official parking lot, but parking down the road is free and allowed.
How to get around
By foot – Brussel is quite small and makes it a city that can easily be explored by foot. In between the activities and sight on day one is a maximum of ten minutes walking. Everything is on a walking distance.
Public transport – During day two you will need some public transportation to bring you to the other side of the city. The public transport works really easily in Brussel and there are tickets machines everywhere to get yourself a cheap ticket to your next destination.
Travel costs
Brussel is a destination that can easily be done on a budget, but if you’d like, there is always a fancier option. Down below I will list some of the most common expenses per day.
Food €10 – €60
Hotel €50 – 120
Transportation €0 – €8
Entrance tickets €8 – €10
Extra information
Food – Brussel has many restaurants to chose from. There’s a wide range from cheap too expensive. You can choose whatever suits you best and just how you like.
Tip: if you are looking for something really cheap and good meat, try Plaka. This is such a great place with amazing food and such friendly staff. Definitely recommend this place.
Hotel – During my two days in Brussel, I stayed at the Hotel Café Pacific. I do recommend this place because it is one of the cheapest options in the centre of the hotel. The room was in good condition and had everything you need, a bed and bathroom. Why is it one of the cheapest hotel in Brussel you may wonder. This hotel works with a self check in system (just like most Airbnb’s) and save money by not needing a reception.
Weather – Brussel is a city in Belgium. The weather in Belgium is not really predictable because of it’s many seasons. Normally I would suggest to visit this place in the late spring/ summer or early autumn because during these periods of time you’ll be most likely to have good weather. However, my boyfriend and I visited this place in the end of may and had 21 degrees. Sometimes it is worth the risk.
Words you can use – Local people always appreciate it when you can speak a few words in their language. However, Belgium is divided in two parts and there are two languages they speak. In some parts of the country they speak Dutch and in other parts they speak French. In Brussels they speak French.
Here are some words you can use while being in Brussels.
Thank you Merci
Good morning Bonjour
Good afternoon Bonne après-midi
Good evening Bonne nuit
Yes Please Oui s’il te plaît
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