Brussels is not just the capital of Belgium but also the capital of the European Union. While not a particularly popular tourist destination, especially when compared to nearby Amsterdam and Paris, it is a great place for chocolate enthusiasts. Better yet, it’s a place where you can explore some medieval architecture, test a variety of beer options, and see some royal palaces, among others. Let’s give you some intel that should help you explore Brussels in 3 days.
A few things I like knowing about Brussels
Brussels was established as a fortified settlement by Charles, Duke of Lower Lotharingia, in the 10th century. At that time, the settlement was known as “Bruocsella,” meaning “settlement in the marshes.” Its strategic location along the Senne River facilitated trade and growth.
By the 11th century, Brussels had constructed its first city walls. The Grand Place, a building that you may want to visit, emerged as a central market square, surrounded by guild. The 15th and 16th centuries were transformative for Brussels, as it became the capital of the Duchy of Brabant and later the Spanish Netherlands.
Then came the 19th century, which saw Brussels at the heart of the Belgian Revolution in 1830, leading to Belgium’s independence and the city becoming the nation’s capital. During both World Wars, Brussels experienced German occupation but emerged with its architectural heritage largely intact. Post-World War II, Brussels became a political hub, hosting major international institutions, including the European Union.
Things to see & do in Brussels if:
1. You are a chocolate enthusiast
Brussels is probably the beacon for chocolate aficionados, as Belgian chocolate is considered by many the best in the world. The country’s association with chocolate dates back to the 17th century and praline, a filled chocolate confection, was invented in Belgium in 1912 by Jean Neuhaus II.
Can you guess what this is?
Famous chocolatiers you can visit in Brussels include Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus (the inventor of the praline), and Mary. And if you want to deepen your appreciation of chocolate, go to the Choco-Story Brussels. This is a museum dedicated to everything chocolate, providing interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and, lucky you, tastings.
If chocolate is so much your thing that you actually want to do a chocolate historic, tasting, or workshop tour, feel free to check out some chocolate tours & workshops.
2. You really like beer
This city is also a great place for beer enthusiasts, so much so that beer enthusiasts working for UNESCO included Brussels on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage status. And perhaps they’re worthy of the status; after all, the country produces almost 1,500 types of beer using different fermentation methods.
Examples of Belgian beer
Belgian breweries and traditional beer halls that you can visit while exploring Brussels include the Cantillon Brewery, the Brasserie de la Senne, and the Moeder Lambic.
But why stop there when you can also take a look at Belgian Beer World? Opened in September 2023, this is an interactive experience center dedicated to Belgian beer culture. Located in the city’s historic stock exchange building, it’s the place to go if you want to learn about the history, diversity, and craftsmanship of Belgian beers. Of course, there are interactive exhibits and, perhaps more importantly, tasting sessions.
And if chocolate enthusiasts are willing to go as far as doing chocolate tours, you, the beer aficionado, can go as far as checking out some Brussels beer-tasting tours.
3. You are a historian, even an amateurish one
Brussels, while perhaps not the prettiest city in Belgium (that might be Bruges) has some medieval charm within it, along with some more recently-built interesting buildings. Below are some examples.
The Grand Place
The Grand Place, or Grote Markt, is Brussels’ central square and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Established in the 12th century as a marketplace, it became the city’s political and economic hub. The square has witnessed significant events, including the bombardment by French troops in 1695, which led to extensive rebuilding.
The Grand Place, aka, the heart of Brussels
The building is characterized by opulent guild houses, each adorned with elaborate facades, gables, and statues. The Gothic-style Town Hall, with its towering spire, dominates the square. Today, it serves as a gathering spot, hosting events like the biennial Flower Carpet and the Ommegang festival. While there, you can also pay a visit to the Brussels City Museum, housed in the Maison du Roi (King’s House), which offers some insights into the city’s history and culture.
Royal Palace of Brussels
While the royal family resides in the Castle of Laeken, the Royal Palace of Brussels serves as the official residence for state functions. Its origins date back to the late 18th century, with significant expansions and renovations occurring under King Leopold II in the late 19th century. Open to the public during the summer months, it’s the place to go if you enjoy visiting royal palaces.
The Royal Palace of Brussels
The palace’s neoclassical facade, completed in 1904, features a central pediment adorned with an allegorical figure of Belgium, flanked by representations of Industry and Agriculture. The interior boasts grand halls, including the Throne Room and the Hall of Mirrors, the latter known for its unique ceiling decorated with over a million beetle wings, creating a shimmering effect.
4. You like art
Belgium has a surrealist legacy and you can see some of it in Brussels. I don’t like paintings but if you do, the Magritte Museum is probably the best place to see for this purpose. The museum houses the works of René Magritte, a Belgian surrealist known for his thought-provoking works that challenge perceptions of reality. With over 200 pieces, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures, the museum provides a comprehensive view of Magritte’s surrealist interpretations of the world.
For something more alternative, you have the Comic Book Route, an “open-air museum” that consists of over 50 murals throughout the city, representing iconic characters like Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke, all created by Belgian artists. To make sure you won’t get lost on the route, consider taking the Comic Book Walls walking tour.
5. You are a quirky traveler
Brussels has a few arguably quirky attractions, including the Atomium, Manneken Pis & Counterparts, and Mini-Europe.
The Atomium
If you like unusual structures, you might enjoy The Atomium. This is a rather quirky building, the reason for which we included it on a list of top unusual European destinations. Constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, the structure was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn to represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. This architectural piece, consisting of nine spheres connected by tubes, is meant to symbolize both scientific progress, particularly in nuclear energy, and the peaceful use of atomic energy.
The Atomium
Standing at 102 m (334 ft) tall, the Atomium is a good place for panoramic views of Brussels. The spheres house exhibitions on science, design, and the history of Expo 58, making it both a museum and a viewpoint.
Mini-Europe
At the foot of the Atomium, there’s Mini-Europe – a compact version of the continent. This miniature park features over 350 crafted replicas of Europe’s most famous landmarks, each built to a 1:25 scale. Walking through Mini-Europe may feel like a whirlwind trip across the continent, with models of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and many more. Some of the models have interactive elements, from erupting volcanoes to tiny gondolas floating through Venice’s canals, which, I would say, is pretty cool.
Manneken Pis & Counterparts
Manneken Pis is the relatively famous bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain. This 17th century has a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes, each designed to celebrate festivals, national holidays, and events from around the world. These outfits are often tailored to represent cultural or humorous themes, making each visit to the statue feel like a partly new experience.
Manneken Pis, obviously
But why stop with Manneken Pis when you can make two lesser-known counterparts, each with its own unique charm? Jeanneke Pis, a playful statue of a little girl in a similar pose, resides nearby in a small alley. Then there’s Zinneke Pis, depicting a dog lifting its leg, presumably for the same purpose.
6. You are a night owl
Brussels has quite a good nightlife scene, albeit less so than some of the most famous European cities. You can spend the evening and early night at traditional bars known for their peculiarly charming interiors, some dating back centuries. Many of these pubs and estaminets (small Belgian taverns) serve a wide selection of local beers, from Trappist brews to lambics, and are often found near the Grand Place or tucked into narrow cobblestone streets. The city also has many cool bars in the Saint-Géry and Dansaert districts, located within historic architecture like old market halls.
Brussels at night. Pretty, but why does it look so empty?
If you plan to do some dancing, you might want to explore venues around the Saint-Jacques district, where you will find live DJs spinning mostly electronic, techno, or house music. Then, there’s the Marolles area, which comes with a more underground vibe, as it contains many establishments focused on alternative and indie genres.
If you want some company or extra company for exploring Brussels’s nightlife, consider taking a pub crawl. Since the city is not so famous internationally for its nightlife, you won’t find that many crawling options. That being said, there’s the Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience tour, which has good reviews and runs all week long.
Where to stay in Brussels
Here are some arguably top neighborhoods to consider when visiting Brussels.
The heart of Brussels, known as Brussels-City or the City Center, is the best if you want to be close to attractions like the Grand Place. Of course, accommodations in this area will often be more expensive and some areas might be noisy, which can be a problem if you are going to stay at an accommodation with poor insulation.
If you would rather stay in a multicultural and artsy neighborhood, then Ixelles is one of your best options. Located just south of the City Center, the area is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and eclectic character, being especially popular among young creatives and those who enjoy a more bohemian vibe.
Somewhere in Ixelles
And if bohemian sounds good, take a look at Saint-Gilles, often described as one of Brussels’ most bohemian areas due to the mix of art studios, and street art. Located southwest of the city center, this neighborhood attracts artists, students, and those looking for a vibrant, creative atmosphere. Saint-Gilles is also known for its Art Nouveau buildings and streets lined with colorful murals and small galleries showcasing local art.
If you are a politician, considering becoming one, or you are simply interested in European politics, why not sleep in Etterbeek, also known as the European Quarter? This neighborhood is home to major European Union institutions, including the European Parliament and the European Commission.
EU Headquarter
Finally, there’s Schaerbeek, a more residential neighborhood with Art Deco buildings. This area is a potentially good option if you want to experience a more local vibe and increase your chances of sleeping at night regardless of the level of insulation provided by your accommodation.
Schaerbeek
Best time to visit Brussels
Like most places in Europe, Brussels is best to visit in the summer, as it is then when the city is more alive and the weather is mostly good. On the other hand, if you are into festivals, it’s best practice to pay attention to what event is scheduled and when.
For example, in spring there’s the Iris Festival (Yes, an Irish festival in Brussels), which includes free concerts, performances, and parades. Then, in the summer, you have the Brussels’ Flower Carpet event, held every two years in August, where the Grand Place is covered with a tapestry of begonias. Another event in the summer is the Brussels Summer Festival in August, which features multiple days of live music across various stages.
The autumn is a time for food and drink festivals, such as the Brussels Beer Weekend in early September. If you go during late autumn or early winter, get ready to experience the Winter Wonders festival, where you’ll get holiday lights, an ice skating rink, and over 200 wooden stalls selling crafts, gifts, and seasonal treats like waffles and mulled wine.
Getting around Brussels
Brussels has an extensive public transport network operated by the Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles (STIB). The network includes metro, trams, and buses. The metro system is particularly convenient for reaching key attractions, with four main lines covering central Brussels and popular districts like Ixelles and Saint-Gilles.
A single journey ticket costs €2.60 (approximately $2.85), while a 10-journey ticket is available for €18.20 (approximately $19.95). For unlimited travel within a day, you can purchase a one-day pass for €7.80 (approximately $8.55). For some types of traveling, you might find the rechargeable MOBIB card convenient, priced at €6.00 (approximately $6.60). For more information on public transportation and purchases, consider checking out STIB’s official website.
Taxis are available throughout Brussels, with several taxi stands located near train stations, popular squares, and larger hotels. Licensed taxis in Brussels are easy to spot with their yellow-and-blue license plates, and fares are metered. Ride-share services like Uber are also available.
If you’re looking to explore beyond Brussels, Belgium’s national train network (SNCB) connects the capital to cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp within an hour.
A few things to know about Belgium
Most people who know a few things about Belgium are aware that this small country is the home of good chocolate, good beer, and two distinct cultural areas – Wallonia and Flanders. Wallonia occupies the southern part of Belgium and is primarily French-speaking; important cities include Liège and Namur. Flanders is located in the northern part of the country and is predominantly Dutch-speaking; important cities include Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.
Less known is that Belgium also has a small German-speaking community which is located in the eastern part of the country and is home to approximately 75,000 people; important towns include Eupen and Sankt Vith.
Then, there’s the Brussels-Capital Region, a bilingual enclave where both French and Dutch are official languages. As the capital of Belgium and the administrative center of the European Union, Brussels is a melting pot of cultures and languages, so it is neither Walloon nor Flemish in character.
Debates over regional autonomy and even the possibility of splitting the country do exist. Oddly, in 2011, a symbolic “sex strike” by Belgian women gained international attention, urging (presumably heterosexual and bisexual) male politicians to resolve a record-breaking political deadlock that left Belgium without a federal government for 541 days.
Where to go next – Amsterdam, London, or Paris?
If you’ve just spent around 3 days in Brussels and looking to expand your European city break vacation, consider exploring nearby iconic cities, namely Amsterdam, London, or Paris. With excellent rail connections, you can hop from Belgium’s capital to either of these cities in just a few hours. Choose Amsterdam to make the hipster in you happy, all while not neglecting the historian or the night owl in you. Choose Paris if you want to visit what is probably the most beautiful city in the world. Choose London if you’re feeling strongly eclectic, looking to see & do as many things as possible within a short period of time.
Bottom Line: Brussels offers more than just good beer & good chocolate
So here you have it, Brussels in 3 days. Unlike more famous European destinations, 3 days is enough to see almost everything most people want to see in the city. And if you want a longer trip, Brussels is still a good pick, as you can easily reach other famous locations in just a few hours of a relaxing train ride. Bon Appétit / Smakelijk / Guten Appetit.
