What to See in Brussels in One Day? Top Brussels Attractions and Beyond

Planning to visit Brussels and wondering how to plan your itinerary? In this article, we will talk about what to see in Brussels and how to cover all these main attractions in 24 hours in Brussels.

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of Europe. Located in the heart of Belgium, Brussels is known for its gastronomy – the famous Belgian chocolate, waffles, French fries, and, of course, the famous Belgian beer.

But let’s not forget about historical sights and architectural miracles like the Grand Place. It also hosts several EU institutions which makes it the capital of Europe.

Keep on reading to discover the best things to do in Brussels. After we cover what to see in Brussels, you will find additional travel tips like where to stay, where to eat, how to move around, and other cool experiences to try in Brussels. If you have more than one day in Brussels, I will also help you plan additional attractions.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Overview of what to see in Brussels

Below you will find must-sees in Brussels. You can use this list as an itinerary for one day in Brussels because they are organized in a logical order. The walk to cover all these places will take you approximately one hour. Plus, additional time to see the places, take photos and visit some of them if you are interested. Also, food and drink breaks are not included, so eventually, you will be able to cover it all in one day. Now let’s discover what to see in Brussels in 1 day.

Grand Place

Undoubtedly, Grand Place is one of the most beautiful places in Brussels and one of the highlights in Europe. It is the main square of Brussels and it is famous for its design, unique architecture, and golden details. In this square, you will find Brussels Town Hall, Grote Markt Huis, Brussels City Museum, and the combo of Le Renard, Le Cornet, and Le Roy d’Espagne. All these buildings together with cobblestone pavement create a unique postcard right in front of your eyes. 

This square used to be the most famous trading spot in the city filled with wooden houses. Nowadays, it’s filled with golden houses instead, but it remains the nerve center of Brussels. This also means that the square is filled with crowds at all times, so I suggest you start your day early and start it in Grand Place. This way you can enjoy the place and even take some photos.

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

Just around the corner, you will find another top Brussels attraction – the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. It is a gallery filled with local shops, elegant cafes, and some unique high-end brands. And another great example of royal Belgian architecture.

Shortly after its grand opening in 1847, it became a meeting place for local artists. Taverne du Passage is a place to be if you want to travel back in time and relive that experience. Even if you had your breakfast, come here for a coffee and blend in with the locals.

Another spot that you shouldn’t miss is Tropismes. It’s inside the gallery, but on the corner aside, so a lot of people don’t even notice it, but it certainly should be seen. Tropismes is a bookshop and a hidden gem of Brussels. Go upstairs, admire the ceiling and maybe get a book or a postcard. It opens at 10 am on weekdays, so you have plenty of time to enjoy your coffee and capture the beauty of the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert.

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral is only a short walk away from the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert and it is your next stop during 24 hours in Brussels. This medieval cathedral dates back to the 13th century and it took more than 300 years to build it. As soon as you arrive you will notice the typical gothic style that is very common around Belgium.

The entrance is free, so I suggest you visit the inside and appreciate the beauty. Stained glass windows will leave you speechless and that’s the highlight of this important attraction in Brussels. It is open from 8 am, but there are holy masses at 12.30 pm on weekdays.

Before going to St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, you can make a quick stop at the Jeanneke-Pis which is the female version of Manneken Pis – it’s coming up on this list of things to see in Brussels as well.

Mont des Arts

Visiting Mont des Arts is one of the best things to do in Brussels. Especially on a sunny day. Mont des Arts is a little oasis in the heart of Brussels and a place where green scenery meets typical Belgian architecture.

You can come here for a little stroll, enjoy the gardens and see the fountains. But my favorite is the view from the top; on Google Maps it is marked as Panorama. Here you can truly appreciate the contrast of Brussels.

It is open air and there is no entrance fee, so if you are looking for free things to do in Brussels, don’t miss this place. Next to the Mont des Arts, you will find Brussels Park which is the largest park in central Brussels, so can check it out as well.

Old England

Old England is a historical landmark in Brussels and it is right next to the Mont des Arts. It is a notable art nouveau building that dates back to the 19th century. It started as a department store, but nowadays it attracts music lovers as it is the Musical Instruments Museum.

Unless you are a big fan of music, I advise you to see the building outside, because that is where you find all the beauty. Pay attention to the details and see how colors meet steel details. Or the large expanses of glass. These big windows were built for a purpose – to let the customers see the products and draw them inside to purchase the product.

Old England is right next to your next attraction, so make sure you don’t miss it and add it to your list of things to see in Brussels.

Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the symbol of monarchy and the workplace of the King. It is used for royal meetings and hosts many important guests daily.

This large palace was built in the Louis XVI style and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. If you think exteriors are impressive, wait until you see it inside. Mirror Room together with Large Gallery and Marble Room will leave you speechless.

However, the Palace is open to the public only during the summer – after the National Holiday of 21 July until September. It is a pretty big deal, so I highly recommend visiting this top attraction in Brussels if you have the chance. Keep in mind that it is closed on Mondays and the entrance is free. Booking is required, so plan accordingly. Also, if you are visiting Brussels in other seasons, make sure you still see it from the outside.

The Old Masters Museum

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The Old Masters Museum is one of the best museums to visit in Brussels, especially if you are an art lover. And you can easily add it to your Brussels itinerary even if you are staying just for 1 day. It is located in a beautiful palace, so art is surrounded by more beauty and that is the kind of museum that I enjoy the most.

Also known as The Old Masters Museum, it is dedicated to European painters from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Holdings from the 17th and 18th centuries include works by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Jacques Jordaens, and French and Italian figures such as Jusepe de Ribera and Giovani Battista Tiepolo.

It is open from 10 am until 5 pm from Tuesday to Friday and from 11 am to 6 pm on the weekends. The entrance fee for an adult is 10 euros and you can buy your ticket here. If you don’t want to make an online purchase, you can buy the ticket at the museum, but keep in mind that it closes 30 minutes before closing time.

Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon

Wondering what to see in Brussels next? Less than 5 minutes walk away from the museum, you will find the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon. Similar to the Cathedral, this church is built in Gothic style and certainly deserves a quick visit inside. 

The church was patronized by the nobility and wealthy citizens of Brussels. It was once famous for enshrining a legendary statue of the Virgin, but the statue was destroyed by Calvinists in the late 16th century. Thanks to the statue of the Virgin, it became a place of pilgrimage and was enlarged.

The entrance is free and you can visit until 6.30 pm on weekdays and until 7 pm on the weekends. 

Law Courts of Brussels

Law Courts of Brussels is one of the most beautiful indoor places that you should visit during your 24 hours in Brussels. The exteriors are nice, but inside you will find a real gem of Brussels. It is the most important court building in Belgium and one of the largest buildings in Europe.

The court is open to the public and anyone is allowed to enter, but it was closed for the past years due to Covid. If you want to learn more about the palace and access some closed rooms, you can book a guided tour, but you will have to check the available times. See all the details here. It has been under reconstruction for many years now, so if you are planning to see it from the outside, I think you might be disappointed.

Behind the building, a terrace offers wide panoramas over Brussels’ rooftops, with the Atomium and Koekelberg Basilica the stars of the skyline show.

Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is one of the most famous Brussels sights. Somehow you can’t leave Brussels without visiting this attraction, however, I can’t say that I was impressed. I left it as the last one on your Brussels itinerary in case you need to head back to the Grand Place after, but you can start your day with Manneken Pis and continue with the rest of the must-sees in Brussels.

Manneken-Pis was at first a fountain that played an essential role in the former distribution of drinking water since the 15th century. There are many different legends about this little peeing boy nowadays and it has been stolen and retrieved several times throughout history.

You might see him dressed up as the locals keep this tradition for special events and by now he has more than 900 suits. As I mentioned earlier, there is Jeanneke Pis – the female version of Manneken Pis – and Zinneke Pis – a peeing dog.

If you manage to see all these sculptures, you can say that you have seen all the top Brussels attractions. And this also concludes the list of what to see in Brussels in 1 day.

If you have more than one day in Brussels

We covered the best things to do in Brussels in one day, however, some other things are worth visiting but might take a longer time. So below you will see other important attractions in case you have more than one day in Brussels.

Street Art

I can’t say that I am a big fan of street art, but Brussels has a lot to offer for those who love it. Also a great option for budget travelers and one of the best free things to do in Brussels. So where you can find street art in Brussels?

• Broussaille, Victor Sackville and Le Passage Mur – Rue du Marché au Charbon Kolenmarkt
• The Rainbow Quarter – Rue de la Chaufferette
•  Le Jeune Albert – Rue des Alexiens 49
• Ric Hochet – Rue de Bon Secours 9

You can easily combine most of these places with your one-day itinerary and make additional stops if you finish earlier than expected. Or you can book a guided tour to learn more about street art in Brussels. Here you will find a group tour and here is a private tour.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parc du Cinquantenaire is a large public park in the Nord-Est area of Brussels. It is located further away from other attractions, so it is hard to fit it into a one-day itinerary, but if you have more time, you can use public transport to get there.

The park was built in 1880 to mark the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. It is filled with a French-style garden, monuments, sculptures, and museums. The main attraction is the arch with the columns on the side. You cannot miss Autoworld if you are passionate about retro cars and their history.

This park is loved by the tourists and the locals, so it gets busy. Right around the corner, you will find the European quarter, so a lot of workers use the park as a lunch spot. Also, if you want to see some of these institutions, you can easily combine them with Parc du Cinquantenaire.

There are a lot of cool events happening in this park as well. So if you are planning to visit and want to find out what is going on – or avoid busy events – take a look at the program here.

Atomium

Atomium is something that you will find in every travel guide for Brussels. But just like the previous attraction, it is located away from the city center and you will need to use public transportation to visit it. It is a large sculpture of an atom and the symbol of Brussels.

This attraction was built as a temporary building, but now it has become an important part of the skyline of Brussels. It has the same story as the Iron Lady of Paris. Inside you will find a museum with multiple exhibitions, a restaurant, and some amazing views over Brussels.

If you are not interested to see it from the outside, I suggest you take a walk in the Parc de Laeken and discover some amazing places like the Museums of the Far East, Orangery, Castle of Laeken, and Monument Voor de Dynastie. If you are traveling with kids, you might enjoy Mini Europe not far from Atomium.

Atomium is open from 10 am until 6 pm and an adult ticket will cost you 15 euros. You can get a combined ticket if you also visit Mini Europe. And you can use metro line 6 or tram line 51 to get there.

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart

If you are looking for a hidden gem in Brussels, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the one. Ironically, it is the 5th largest church in the world, but somehow this place is always excluded from every travel guide for Brussels. Probably because it is not as central as other attractions.

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a magnificent Art Deco monument, there are two museums, there are yearly different expositions and you can enjoy a wonderful view over Brussels. Keep in mind that the last entrance is at 5 pm.

King Leopold II was inspired by Sacré-Coeur Basilica, so he initiated the project for the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart. That also explains the name of the church. And you will see a lot of similarities once you visit it.

Also, it is located in the park and it gets particularly charming during the fall. If you are a photographer, bring your zoom lens and have some fun here, you will love it!

Bruges

Bruges is one of the most popular day trips from Brussels and of the most charming towns in Belgium. It attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world, so I suggest you visit Bruges and see why is it so popular. I have prepared a one-day itinerary for Bruges, so click here to read more.

In this guide, you will find all the essential information to plan your trip and make the most of your time in Bruges. Main attractions together with hidden gems, food tips, cool experiences, and museums.

Where to stay in Brussels?

Considering that you need at least 24 hours in Brussels, you will need a place to stay. Ideally, you would need 2 nights in Brussels to see it all and cover the best things to do in Brussels. Also, you will have to start your day early to see Grand Place without big crowds, so I recommend staying somewhere central and keeping in mind metro access as well. Here are the best hotels in Brussels for every budget.

Where to eat in Brussels?

Are you a foodie and looking for the best restaurants in Brussels? You will see the famous chocolate, French fries, waffles, and beer on every corner, but where to find the best food in Brussels?

Brussels has some incredible fine dining restaurants. In fact, there are more than 25 Michelin-starred restaurants in Brussels, so the options are endless. Here are some suggestions for those who like fancy places with top-notch food and local touch: Le Rabassier, Le Rossini, Gus. Keep in mind that the average price range is more than 100 euros per person.

If you are planning to try some local food at mid-range prices, you will love these restaurants in Brussels: 65 degrés, Fin de Siècle, and Le Wine Bar des Marolles. These places offer a modern setting with a traditional touch and delicious food.

And if you want to keep it within the budget, try some of their famous street food. Tonton Garby is one of the best-rated places to do that. If you still want to sit down to enjoy your food, you can consider La Maison des Crepes and Le Bistro.

If you are looking for authentic experiences in Brussels, make sure you book the Belgian Chocolate Workshop or Beer Tasting Tour. Beer and chocolate are such a big part of Belgian culture, so don’t miss your chance to learn more.

Other things that you should know before visiting Brussels

Belgium is officially bilingual Dutch-French, but in Brussels, French is the dominant language. It is also an international city, so English won’t be a problem for the most part. The official currency is Euro and cards are widely accepted around the city.

Best ways to move around Brussels? If you are planning to visit Brussels for one day, you can easily cover the main attractions from this article by walking. If you have an additional day and want to see beyond central Brussels, you can use public transport – it is reliable and very easy to navigate.

Wondering what is the best time to visit Brussels? Every season has a charm. There are Christmas markets in winter, beautiful foliage in the parks in autumn, some spring blossoms in the spring, and warm weather in the summer. The question is, what do you prefer the most?

Resources for your trip to Brussels

• Luxury hotel in Brussels: Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo
• Unique hotel in Brussels: Cocoon Brussels
• Mid-range hotel in Brussels: Hotel des Galeries
• Affordable hotel in Brussels: easyHotel Brussels City Centre
• Tickets for Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: buy here
• Guided tours to visit Law Courts of Brussels: book here
• Street Art – guided group tour: book here
• Street Art – guided private tour: book here
• Events in Parc du Cinquantenaire: check here
• Belgian Chocolate Workshop: book here
• Beer Tasting Tour: book here

RELATED: How to visit Bruges? What to see during one day in Bruges + more travel tips.

In conclusion…

I believe by now you know what to see in Brussels and how many days you will need to cover all the top Brussels attractions. You can easily spend 24 hours in Brussels and follow this one-day itinerary or spend 2 nights in Brussels and discover beyond the main attractions.

If you are planning to visit Bruges, don’t forget to check this Bruges Travel Guide.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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