The Only 1 Day in Brussels Itinerary You Need For 24 Hours in Belgium's Capital

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Date Published

June 23, 2025

Last Updated

5 seconds ago

Shan Osztonits

Ticking off 92 global cities (and counting), Shan has lived in Southeast Asia for six years, including Vietnam and Thailand. She has previously called New York and Durban home. A traveling creative soul, Shan has a serious penchant for delicious words.

This European city deserves so much more attention. For travelers whose world centers around art and discovering our world’s best cultural endeavors, you’re about to fall in love with Belgium.

I think Belgium is really underrated, but its capital city has got it, including all the makings of Europe’s other most-sought-after destinations…Museums, historical buildings, incredible architecture, beautiful parks and nature, creative pursuits, and a restaurant scene blending the country’s cultures. The cafes are cool, and so are the bars.

And when you think about it, Belgians are inventors of so many things our world now loves…Belgian beer, chocolate, waffles…Even comics!

Sonian Forest — *(Source: sonianforest.com)*

Views from the iconic atomium — *(Source: sonianforest.com)*

If you’re traveling between Paris and Amsterdam, I’d strongly recommend breaking up the trip with 24 hours in Brussels. And with that, here is the perfect 1 day in Brussels itinerary.

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How to get around Brussels?
Where to stay in Brussels
Ultimate one day in Brussels itinerary

How to get around Brussels?

Like many European cities, bicycling or walking from A to B are popular ways of getting around and sightseeing in Brussels. Deemed a “30 city,” cars aren’t allowed to go over this speed limit. So you’re probably moving faster on foot/bike than vehicle, to be dead honest. Scooters are also popular (not the moped kind, but the e-scooters).

But Brussels’s most convenient transport mode is the metro and tram, run by STIB/MIVB. If you’re out late at night, utilize the nighttime Noctis night bus. Of course, there are taxis, too.

See landmarks and buildings from this famous gathering point — *(Source: visit.brussels)*

Where to stay in Brussels

Sablon is highly sought-after and has everything you want around you for a trip to Brussels. Cafes, architecture, art, and stunning scenery. Check into Latroupe Jardin Secret. The Ixelles area is tres trendy, oozing all those creative vibes. Stay at B&B HOTEL Brussels Centre Louise or Made in Louise.

If you enjoy partying, drinking, and eating, you’ll love Marollen. The La Maison Haute Guest House is great! Then, of course, the city center district is always abuzz.

Bois de la Cambre park — *(Source: visit.brussels)*

Ultimate one day in Brussels itinerary

Morning

Depending on the type of accommodation you’ve checked into, your stay may or may not offer breakfast options. If you need to make brekkie plans for your 1 day in Brussels itinerary, or simply prefer eating out as opposed to at your hotel, first things first are Brussels’ breakfast spots.

Love to munch on something sweet in the morning? Then I say go for none other than Belgian waffles. Come on, you have to! Belgian waffles are more square-shaped and renowned for being extremely fluffy. One of the most famous places in the city for them is Maison Dandoy.

Boiled eggs with egg and soldier toast, cheese and side salad with berries — *(Source: cliffbrussels)*

Salmon pancake stack — *(Source: cliffbrussels)*

For those who prefer more savory options on the table, here are my favorite 9 divine cafes to take your pick from for breakfast plans.

Now it’s time for some quintessential sightseeing as part of this 1 day in Brussels itinerary. Explore how the monarchy lives during a Royal Palace of Brussels tour. Or, the historic Mont des Arts and its gardens (viewpoint too) are free to visit!

Manicured gardens of Mont Des Art — (Source: Alexi Tauzin via stock.adobe.com)

Interiors of the Royal Palace of Belgium, home to the monarchy — (Source: Alexi Tauzin via stock.adobe.com)

Mid-morning

Everyone who knows me will concur: I love to shop. Window shopping, flea markets, high-end boutiques…You name it, I’m there. I always make sure to pack a few kilograms lighter when traveling because, without fail, I will be coming home with new goods.

Keep reminding yourself that you’re only here for a 1 day in Brussels itinerary, otherwise you might get lost in a world of stores at the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. Beneath a glass dome (split into three sections: the King’s, Queen’s, and Prince’s Galleries), high-end shops and cafes await. This shopping oasis is where you’ll discover amazing Nordic brands, too.

Stunning glassroof topped Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert — *(Source: galeriesroyalessainthubert)*

Marché aux Puces market — *(Source: galeriesroyalessainthubert)*

It’s impossible for me to pass up a fabulous bookstore. I have bibliosmia, i.e., the smell of books does something to me. Most time, that spare space in my suitcase, yeah, it’s filled with books! Do yourself a favor and, during your 1 day in Brussels itinerary, pop into Tropismes. It’s big, it’s beautiful, it’s bookworm paradise. You can find this bookstore within the Royal Gallery.

Alongside books, markets are my weakness. And if it’s a vintage bazaar, I’m double there. The Marché aux Puces (held in Place du Jeu de Balle square) is a trove of collectibles and second-hand treasures, from clothing to homeware to toys (lots from the 90s) to art.

Stonehenges of Sonian Forest — *(Source: sonianforest.com)*

Not the shopping type? Swap the indoors for outdoors and check out Brussels’ green spaces. Located on the city’s edge, the breathtaking Sonian Forest is 20 minutes from the centre of town. Some parts make me think of scenes from Vikings Valhalla (yes, I know Belgians are not Vikings), and there are Belgian Stonehenges within the UNESCO-listed forest. Bois de la Cambre is a second option. The park is a subsidiary of the forest, but has a less wild feel.

Need a pick-me-up? Some of my favorite coffee shops in Brussels include: MOK Coffee, My Little Cup, BARKBOY, BUDDY BUDDY, Belga & Co, and BOUCHE.

A selection of hot and cold coffees and matcha — A selection of coffees, matchas and baked goods(Source: buddybuddy)

Afternoon

You can do the next two eating escapades in whichever order you like. I suggest grabbing lunch first, then doing the choco-centric indulgences.

Exploring, sightseeing, and shopping certainly work up an appetite during this 1 day in Brussels itinerary! Here are some lovely lunchtime options.

Mammouth is mostly vegetarian and vegan.
For an authentic experience, eat at Poechenellekelder, a Belgian tavern with pub grub.
Nénu serves Vietnamese — Saigon-style.
For (visually stunning) plant-based cuisine, head to iOda.
Expect European/Asian fusion vibes from Umā (only open for a two-hour lunch service).
Carnivores, consider Colonel.
Tero is just perfect for lunchtime vibes.

Vegetarian dishes from Mammouth — *(Source: mammouth_1060)*

Vietnamese Southern style crab dish — *(Source: mammouth_1060)*

Two words: Belgian chocolate! Now, who’s ready to dive into a world of chocolate? Growing up, one of my favorite movies was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Joining a chocolate tasting expedition always makes me feel like I’m one of the characters — hopefully not Veruca.

Choose between a variety of tours, tastings, and workshops. Popular chocolate houses to pop into if you’re not up for a tour include Neuhaus (inventors of Belgian praline!), Frederic Blondeel Chocolate Factory (it’s a little out of town though), Pierre Marcolini (run by a chocolatier master since 1995), and Chocolaterie Mary (established in 1919).

Belgian chocolate cigar — *(Source: fredericblondeel)*

Late afternoon

Now that you’re running on a sugar high, ready to don your thinking caps and inspect Brussels museums? Uncover a seemingly endless supply of museums to suit all personalities, and choose which one/s you want to check out for your 1 day in Brussels itinerary.

For the art enthusiasts: the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Magritte Museum, or The Banksy Museum (one of my top street artists).

Architecture lovers: the Horta Museum (centered on the architect, Victor Horta), or check out Brussels’ iconic Atomium landmark and Design Museum.

For other unusual choices: the Musical Instruments Museum.

Antiquated instruments on display — *(Source: mimbrussels)*

Famous paintings on display — *(Source: mimbrussels)*

Travel tip: Here with your little ones? Think about taking them to the immersive Bubble Planet!

Brussels is a playground for street art and murals. But more so, street art dedicated to comic strips and books. Sounds random, but are you ready for this childhood flashback? Both Tintin AND The Smurfs were created by Belgians! I love this comic strip street tour, or you can follow the route yourselves. If you’re a real fan, you can also head to the Comics Art Museum.

Not keen on any sort of museum/art/cultural endeavors? I’ve got just the perfect thing for you…Belgian beer tastings. You can find a large selection of brewery tours and beer tastings here. As you’d imagine, there are all sorts of malted ventures to choose from for this 1 day in Brussels itinerary.

Beers on tap — *(Source: belgian_beer_world)*

Exterior of this taphouse — *(Source: belgian_beer_world)*

Once a Guinness World Record holder, choose between 2,004 brews at Delirium Café.
Learn the history of the hops at the Belgian Beer World.
Join a behind-the-scenes tour at Cantillon Brewery.
Brussels Beer Project has a really well-set-up taproom.
Bar Le Cercueil does beer tastings in a deadly way (pun intended).

Evening

Dinner is my favorite meal of the day. I live for it. Here’s a list of amazing dinner options, ranging from authentic Belgian to some fancier eateries.

For traditional Belgian cuisine, like Carbonnade a la Flamande (Belgian beef and beer stew) and moules-frites (mussels), there’s Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel, Nüetnigenough, and Le Cirio.
For that typical “wow” gastronomic experience, make reservations at Barge (one Michelin star and also a Michelin green star winner).
Not only does Bozar own two Michelin stars, but it’s the World’s 63rd Best Restaurant!
Got a sudden craving for Italian? Ciao is an enoteca-meets-bistro.
Open-plan kitchen, trendy vibes, and some unusual flavor pairings? Kline is the one!

Contemporary Italian — *(Source: ciao.brussels)*

Traditional Belgian dish: moules-frites — *(Source: ciao.brussels)*

Now that dinner is done, your 1 day in Brussels itinerary isn’t over! If you’ve still got some vigor left — hey, you want to make the most of your 24 hours — end the day with a nightcap/drinks.

After dark

How fun is this? A sip and paint in the dark Neo Brush experience! Two sessions are available: 6:45 pm and 9 pm.

Views, rooftop vibes, and DJs? Head to Rooftop 58. Walk in the footsteps of artists at the iconic Het Goudblommeke in Papier. Then La Belladone is super cool with an in-house photo gallery and bar. Confessions shake up amazing cocktails!

Views from this rooftop bar — *(Source: 58.bxl1)*

And that’s it, folks. Can you believe this 1 day in Brussels itinerary is done? If you’ve got more time to spare, think about doing a day trip.

Ghent is literally a 48-minute drive from Brussels, to be precise, and Bruges is about an hour and fifteen minutes. Or, hop over to one of Belgium’s neighbors, like the Netherlands (you’ll want to bookmark my 1-day Amsterdam itinerary), Germany (compare the best places to visit in the country here), Luxembourg, or France.

One of the many rivers in Bruges — View of the river from the 2be patio in Bruges *(Credit: Isaac Thorn)*

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