A trip to Brussels, whether for two, with family or friends, is always an opportunity to take in the sights and have a great time. It's a great place to stroll through its friendly neighborhoods and discover its rich heritage. The capital of Belgium and Europe is home to fascinating museums and inviting bars and restaurants, where the atmosphere is just right. Brussels harmoniously combines its rich historical heritage with a contemporary and dynamic atmosphere. Here are a few ideas for activities to immerse you in the very essence of this European metropolis for a weekend.
Day 1: Grand-Place, Manneken Pis, Marolles district, Ixelles ponds...
First and foremost, if you're planning several visits during your weekend in Brussels, we recommend you buy a Brussels Card right here . You' ll enjoy free admission to most museums and numerous discounts on tourist attractions and tours.
Morning : The Grand-Place is the first stop of the weekend, and one of Brussels' must-sees. This iconic square shines with the richness and beauty of its ornate facades. After a tour of the square, we'll stop at a café terrace to admire even more the details of the King's House or the Town Hall. Then it's on to the Manneken Pis, a small statue that urinates water and is one of the symbols of Brussels. Don't hesitate to keep an eye on the dressing-up calendar. For almost half the year, the statue wears some surprising outfits! And since you're in the area, go and find luck or happiness at the statue of Éverard t'Serclaes, one of the world's top 10 lucky traditions.
Lunchtime: As noon approaches, it's a good idea to lose yourself in the streets and alleys around the Grand-Place to find a restaurant. There's no shortage of options in the area, from salads to burgers/fries to oriental cuisine.
Afternoon: Make way for an authentic atmosphere with a stroll through the Marolles district. Here you'll find some of the city's oldest estaminets, a host of antique shops and boutiques that focus on upcycling, particularly in the field of clothing. Numerous frescoes and graffiti add color to the district, and the stroll is an opportunity to spot nice places to come for an evening drink. Heading south-east, you'll come across another very pleasant spot: the étangs d'Ixelles. Brussels, the art of living par excellence. The buildings around the lakes are magnificent, with neo-classical, Renaissance, Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture. While you're in the area, take the opportunity to visit the Hôtel Solvay, a major Art Nouveau work by architect Victor Horta. Guided tours are available on site.
You can also take advantage of this afternoon to book this guided walking tour of the city, which will take you through both the upper and lower parts of Brussels, as well as all the must-see places in the city.
Day 2: Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, Magritte Museum, Atomium, Laeken Park...
Morning: The second day also begins a stone's throw from the Grand-Place, one of the 10 most beautiful squares in Europe, at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. These shopping arcades are a jewel of Brussels' heritage, home to a wide range of ready-to-wear, beauty, decoration and food stores. You can also drop into a bookshop and discover Belgian authors. No wonder Brussels is one of Europe's top 10 shopping destinations. Once we've indulged ourselves, we head to the Musée Magritte (entry is free if you've bought the Brussel Card mentioned above) to discover one of the 15 must-visit museums in Brussels. Housed in a handsome neo-classical palace, it allows you to immerse yourself in the world of the Belgian surrealist painter. It houses paintings, drawings, sculptures and posters.
For lunch: A good idea for lunch is to reserve a table at the Atomium Restaurant. Perched 100 m above ground, you'll discover Belgian specialties and seasonal dishes. The view of Brussels and the surrounding area is breathtaking.
Afternoon: We continue with a visit to the Atomium(you can book your ticket right here), a monument built for the 1958 World's Fair and featuring 9 spheres linked together by tubes. They house permanent and temporary exhibitions. The Atomium is a 165-billion-fold enlargement of an atom. A stroll around the structure is a great opportunity to photograph it from all angles, and to feed your social networking pages! The tour continues with a stroll through the Parc de Laeken, part of a large landscaped complex of surrounding parks in the north of Brussels (Jardins du Fleuriste, Osseghem, Jardins du Fleuriste, Colonial, Sobieski, etc.). The area is very green, and in places offers views of Brussels or the Atomium. Take the opportunity to visit the flamboyant neo-Gothic Dynasty monument.
Evening: The Flagey district is the place to go for a bite to eat and a good Belgian beer. This is one of the most festive areas of Brussels, one of the 10 European destinations to visit this winter.
Day 3: European Quarter, French fries, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Morning: Brussels is the capital of Europe, and home to several institutions. It's a very interesting part of the Belgian capital to learn more about the origins and workings of the European Union. The best place to do so is the Parlementarium, located in the Willy Brandt building, Place du Luxembourg 100. In the Parc Léopold, you'll also find enriching exhibitions at the Maison de l'histoire européenne. You may not be aware of it, but Brussels' European Quarter is a great place to stroll, with trendy spots, beautiful Art Nouveau mansions and lush green parks. That's one of the reasons why Brussels is one of the top 10 cities in Europe to retire to!
At noon: It's departure day, so keep it simple and head for the historic heart of Brussels to enjoy a cornet de frites! And for those with a sweet tooth, it's hard to resist finishing off with a waffle, with a multitude of topping options to choose from.
Afternoon: We round off our Brussels weekend with a cultural visit to Belgium's Royal Museum of Fine Arts, which comprises no fewer than 6 museums. They house a total of 20,000 paintings, drawings and sculptures dating from the early 15th century to the present day. It's not possible to visit them all in half a day, but depending on your artistic affinities, you can visit the Musée d'Art Ancien or the Musée d'Art Moderne. You're sure to see works by world-renowned artists.
What to see in Brussels in 3 days with the family?
Brussels is a European capital that's perfect for a family weekend. In fact, it's one of Europe's top 10 destinations for traveling with children. First and foremost, it's a city on a human scale, with easy access to the various districts by public transport. Brussels, a capital you can also discover by bike.
On the first day, you can start by taking the kids to the Grand-Place to admire its starry-eyed monuments. Then it's on to the Manneken Pis. Children will then love a visit to the Comic Strip Museum, where they can see original comic strips, 3D reconstructions, games and other never-before-seen documents relating to the ninth art. In the center of Brussels, there's also a comics trail where you can go in search of the works that adorn various buildings.
The next day, it's off to the Atomium to take the kids up into the highest of spheres. They'll love entering the different zones of this building, which is a true emblem of Brussels. Right next door, the Mini-Europe park features over 350 1/25 scale models of some of Europe's world-famous monuments and sites. Don't forget to book your ticket in advance of your visit here.
During a three-day long weekend in Brussels, families can schedule a visit to Train World and benefit from our partner's rates by booking here. This railway museum is a treasure trove, with royal carriages, the predecessor of high-speed trains and the oldest preserved steam locomotive in Belgium. Before you leave, be sure to pop into one of the stores to take home some delicious Belgian chocolates.
Where to stay in Brussels in 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
The best areas to stay in a hotel in Brussels include the Grand-Place area, the popular Marolles district, and Saint-Géry for late-night bar-goers. Brussels is one of Europe's top destinations for a weekend with friends.
- Hôtel Saint-Nicolas, for its central location
Located close to the Grand-Place, this hotel boasts cosy rooms with all the comforts you could wish for, which you can book here in just a few clicks . The hotel also boasts a restaurant, and you'll appreciate its location in the historic center, where everything is within easy reach.
- The Scott, for its unique universe
A warmly decorated hotel inspired by the world of Scott Fitzgerald. The rooms are magnificent, and a good night's sleep is guaranteed. There's also a bar serving tasty cocktails. In the heart of the Saint-Gilles district, the hotel is within easy reach of trendy museums, bars and restaurants. Book your stayhere !
- Le Vintage Hôtel, design and retro
This hotel in the center of Brussels offers a gentle trip back to the 1970s, with carefully selected furniture and objects. The atmosphere is sparkling and colorful. The bar serves beer and wine for those wishing to enjoy a comforting moment on the premises. Breakfast is well-stocked, so you can set off for a morning stroll feeling full and satisfied. Book your stay here !
By the way, for those who are interested, Brussels is one of the European destinations where you can stay in a luxury hotel for very little money.
