Brussels Travelers Recommend

Belgian chocolate and Belgian beer are just part of the fun on a trip to Brussels. Explore the capital city by bike, see the home of the European Parliament, and get a bird’s-eye view from Atomium. Here are a few ways to spend three days in Brussels, including options for day trips. 

Day 1: Brussels Basics

Get to know Brussels with an introductory tour on your first day in town. Get your bearings via bike tour, a sightseeing tour that takes in highlights such as the European Parliament, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour that allows you to explore independently. See major city landmarks including St. Michael’s Cathedral and the humorous statue known as Manneken Pis. Maximize your time in Brussels by booking a skip-the-line ticket to the Atomium, a popular attraction from the 1957 World’s Fair with views over the city. Visitors looking to personalize their exploration could opt for a private sightseeing your, which might include a stop at the dome of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart. 

Day 2: Food and Beer Culture

Discover the flavors of Brussels with a day spent tasting the city’s famous food and drink. There’s a lot to learn. Some daytime walking tours include tastings of Belgian chocolates at top chocolate boutiques in the city, and tours may include a hands-on chocolate-making workshop. Another famous dish from Brussels is waffles, and it’s possible to taste and learn how to make Belgian waffles on a tour. To taste multiple foods on a single tour, choose one that mixes food and beer. By night, opt for an evening walking tour that focuses on the foods and atmosphere of Brussels after dark.

Day 3: Beyond City Borders

Explore beyond Brussels with a convenient planned day trip. Travel to other cities in Belgium with a trip to the historic cities of Ghent and Bruges or focus on one city and spend a day strolling through the streets of Antwerp. Choose between small-group tours for a more personal experience or private tours that allows you to customize the itinerary. History buffs can set out on a World War I-focused day trip to the Battlefields of Flanders. Outside of the Belgian border, several day trips are available, including an adventure to Amsterdam or Luxembourg. Get an introduction to the history and culture of another country with a quick day trip. 

With its UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic center, winding canals, and striking medieval buildings, Bruges is storybook Belgium at its most charming. Discover the West Flanders capital on an easy day trip from the national capital. Here are some convenient options for Bruges tours from Brussels. 

Highlights

• See Bruges landmarks such as the Church of Our Lady, the Beguinage (Begijnhof), the Lake of Love (Minnewater), and Bruges City Hall.

• Set sail on a scenic boat tour and admire the historic bridges, flower gardens, and almshouses (godshuizen) along Bruges’ canals.

• Stroll the cobbled streets of Bruges on a guided walking tour, then enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs or enjoy lunch at a local café.

• If you have more time, combine a day tour to Bruges and Ghent with half-day city tours of Antwerp and Brussels.

• Enjoy a more personalized experience by choosing a small-group or private tour.

Things to Know

• Bruges is located about 60 miles (96 kilometers) northwest of Brussels, about 90 minutes by road.

• Day tours from Brussels typically last between nine and 10.5 hours, and are often combined with a visit to Ghent.

• Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and water and snacks for the journey.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Brussels.

Ghent and Bruges are two of Belgium’s most picturesque cities. Their UNESCO World Heritage–listed monuments, scenic canals, and well-preserved medieval buildings can be visited in tandem in a single, wonderful day. Here’s how to maximize your time in Ghent and Bruges on a full-day tour from Brussels. 

Highlights

• Marvel at Ghent landmarks including the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), St. Nicholas’ Church, and St. Bavo’s Cathedral with its legendary “Mystic Lamb” altar painting.

• Admire top Bruges sights such as the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Beguinage (Begijnhof), Bruges City Hall, and the Lake of Love (Minnewater).

• Take in the highlights on a guided walking tour, then enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs or sightsee independently.

• If you have time to spare, combine a day tour to Bruges and Ghent with half-day Antwerp and Brussels city tours.

• Enjoy a more personalized experience by choosing a small-group or private tour.

Things to Know

• Ghent is located about 35 miles (57 kilometers) northwest of Brussels, about one hour by road.

• Bruges lies 32 miles (51 kilometers) northwest of Ghent, about 45 minutes by road.

• Day tours from Brussels typically last between nine and 10.5 hours.

• Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and water and snacks for the journey.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Brussels.

Renowned for waffles and beer, mussels and chocolate, hearty stews and speculoos, Belgium as a whole—and Brussels in particular—is an ideal destination for food lovers, beer experts, and all-around gourmands. Here are the dishes, drinks, and other culinary delights to discover on your next trip to the Belgian capital.

Must-Try Dishes and Brews

Belgium produces some of the world’s most storied brews, from centuries-old Trappist ales to funky lambics fermented with wild yeast. Beer geeks covet rare bottles of Westvleteren 12 and Cantillon’s fruit-infused lambics, while more ubiquitous brews like Orval and Chimay Tripel remain ever-popular staples. Though Belgian beer is strongly guided by tradition, a new generation of craft breweries like Brussels Beer Project and Brasserie de la Senne are beginning to transform the scene.

If beer is taken seriously, then Belgian food is, too. The city is peppered with elegant chocolate shops, each of which makes more delicious and refined truffles than the last—an extensive chocolate tasting is an essential Brussels experience. Waffles may be a common street food snack, but given that they often come topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or speculoos spread, they can be quite decadent.

Visiting in the winter? Settle in with a hearty stew like carbonnade flamande or waterzooi. And be sure to sample mussels and fries, or moules-frites as it’s known locally— this is widely considered Belgium’s national dish.

Must-Do Experiences

• Head out on a beer tour to a craft brewery, or visit traditional brewers like Cantillon Brewery and 3 Fonteinen.

• Sample truffles and pralines during a Belgian chocolate tour, or attend a cooking class to learn how to make chocolate from scratch.

• Enjoy gourmet Belgian food at one of the city’s elegant brasseries, and order a seafood platter complete with gray shrimp, a local favorite.

• Master the art of Belgian waffles during a hands-on cooking class, or go on a walking tour of the city's top street food purveyors.

• Go for a beer tasting in one of the city’s popular beer bars, like the Delirium Café, whose menu boasts more than 2,000 brews.

The Flanders region of Belgium, as well as neighboring northern France, saw extensive fighting during World War I, and both are now home to memorials, cemeteries, battlefields, and related sites. Here are your options for touring World War I battlefields from Brussels.

Highlights

• Pay your respects to fallen soldiers at the Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium.

• Cross the border into France on a full-day tour of sites from the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest in military history.

• Attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Flanders, where five battles took place including the Battle of Passchendaele.

• Visit the Messines Ridge (New Zealand) Memorial, dedicated to missing soldiers from New Zealand.

The capital city of Belgium is home of the European Parliament and a destination for food and drink. Its buildings are alive with history, and its streets filled with museums, statues, and plenty of things to see and do. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in Brussels. 

Day 1: Sights and Sweets

**Morning:**Maximize time in Brussels with an introductory morning tour. Options range from private sightseeing tours with your own guide to small-group walking tours that typically include top landmarks such as the European Parliament. Visitors who want to go at their own pace opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. 

**Afternoon:**Belgium is known for its sweets, from creamy chocolate to thick waffles. Set out on a food tour to get to know the sweet side of Brussels. Chocolate tasting tours typically include samples from several chocolate boutiques, and some food tours include a hands-on element, such as a waffle-making workshop.

**Night:**Meet fellow hungry travelers on an evening food-focused walking tour. Such small-group tours generally focus on the traditional food and drink found in Brussels and may showcase the city’s vibrant nightlife. 

Day 2: Bikes and Beer

**Morning:**See the city on two wheels via a bike tour. Such tours tend to visit popular landmarks such as Manneken Pis, and may also go off-the-beaten path to catch a glimpse of local life in Brussels not seen on all overview tours. Small-group tours allow you to ask your guide about where to go and what to see after the tour. 

**Afternoon:**Get a taste for authentic Belgian beer with a brew-focused afternoon tour. Some beer-tasting tours may involve more elaborate itineraries, such as a treasure hunt, some stick to beer, and others may combine beer with other Belgian delicacies such as mussels or chocolate. 

**Night:**Join a local guide for an after-dark stroll on a Brussels walking tour. If you choose a  private tour, your guide will customize your tour to your interests and tastes. Learn about the city’s food and culture from your guide. 

Discover the sights and tastes of Brussels in one action-packed day. With a little planning, you can visit the Belgian capital’s top landmarks, learn how to make Belgian chocolate, and walk the streets at with a guide in under 24 hours. Here are a few ways to spend one day in Brussels. 

Morning: Sights, Bikes, and City Mysteries

Kick off a day in Brussels with an introductory city tour to get your bearings. Choices include a sightseeing tour by bus, a Brussels bike tour, and a walking tour with a specific focus, such as the mysteries and legends of Brussels. Visitors interested in covering ground quickly and at their own pace should opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Alternatively, focus on one one specific sight such as the Atomium, and prebook skip-the-line tickets for easy entry into this Belgian landmark known for its views. 

Afternoon: Belgian Chocolate and Beer

Get a taste for authentic Belgian chocolate or Belgian beer during an afternoon food-focused tour. Learn how chocolate is made and taste samples from some of Brussels’ most exclusive chocolate boutiques on a chocolate walking tour, nibbling on truffles, pralines, and more. Some chocolate tours include a hands-on workshop. Or do a Belgian beer walking tour, which typically includes samples of different kinds of Belgian beer. Follow a guide to several bars and taverns for a taste and learn about how Belgian beer is made along the way. 

Night: Brussels through a Local Lens

Connect with a local for a night out in Brussels during a private guided tour. Such tours typically shape the itinerary to your interests and involve an evening exploring restaurants, cafes, and taverns. A small group food tour allows you to wander the Belgian capital in search of the best waffles and other traditional foods. Learn about local culture from your guide.

Close enough to reach by road from Brussels in fewer than three hours and small enough to explore on foot, by bike, or by canal boat, Amsterdam makes a perfect day trip from Belgium. Here’s how to best enjoy Amsterdam on a day away from the Belgian capital.

Highlights

• Take a walking tour along the tree-lined canals to top sights such as Dam Square and the 17th-century Royal Palace of Amsterdam, and gain insight into centuries of European history.

• Indulge in a little retail therapy among the high-end stores along the Nine Streets, experience the downtown vibes of the Red Light District, and stop for beer and a snack of bitterballen (fried meatballs) at a traditional Dutch café.

• Cruise along the Canal Ring on a sightseeing boat tour and admire the grand canal-side mansions along the way.

• Visit top Amsterdam cultural attractions such as the Hermitage Amsterdam, the Stedelijk Museum, or the Van Gogh Museum.

• Hop on a bike and spin over the cobbled streets to farther-flung spots like the vibrant Jordaan district, the National Maritime Museum, or the pretty 19th-century Vondelpark.

• Delve into a world of floral scents and colors on a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens.

Things to Know

• Amsterdam lies 129 miles (208 kilometers) north of Brussels, a 2.5- to 3-hour drive.

• Day tours to Amsterdam from Brussels typically include a guide, pickup and drop-off at your Amsterdam accommodation, and transportation.

• Amsterdam is a very walking- and cycling-friendly city, with plenty to see and do on foot and by bike. As such, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Landlocked Luxembourg may be among Europe’s smallest nations, but it packs a big punch with its attractive UNESCO-listed capital, vineyard-covered countryside, and medieval villages. Just a short drive from the Belgian capital, Luxembourg makes for an easy day trip. Here’s what you can expect on Luxembourg day trips from Brussels.  

Group Tours

Group tours to Luxembourg from Brussels offer a great-value, hassle-free way to travel between two European countries—Belgium and Luxembourg—in just one day. After a morning departure from Brussels and a trip through the Ardennes into Luxembourg, most group tours head for the capital, Luxembourg City. Once here, things typically kick off with a guided sightseeing tour of the old town to landmarks such as the Palace of the Grand Dukes (Palais Grand-Ducal) and Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale de Notre-Dame), followed by free time to explore. Some group tours make stops at other Belgian towns, such as Dinant, to break up the return journey.

Private Tours

A good option for families, couples, or groups of friends, private tours to Luxembourg offer a more flexible and personalized experience. Many private tours incorporate guided city tours that can be tailored to fit the group’s interests, as well as including free time for independent exploration. Depending on your personal interests, you might want to make an additional stop, such as in the town of Bastogne, seminal in World War II’s Battle of the Bulge.

Things to Know

• Luxembourg City is around 140 miles (225 kilometers) from Brussels. Driving takes just over two hours, while train journeys between the two cities usually take around three hours. 

• Full-day tours from Brussels to Luxembourg normally last about 11 hours. 

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk during your trip; Luxembourg City’s streets are hilly and cobbled. 

• Most day tours include pickup—and sometimes drop-off—from centrally located Brussels hotels as well as free time for lunch. 

The northern Belgian port city of Antwerp may not be as well known as Brussels or Ghent, but it has plenty to charm visitors, including an attractive historical center, a flourishing fashion scene, and a reputation as Europe’s diamond powerhouse. Here’s what you need to know about Antwerp tours from Brussels. 

Highlights

• Explore the cobbled streets of Antwerp’s atmospheric city center.

• View local landmarks, such as the fountain-dotted Grand Place (Grote Markt) square, Butcher’s Hall (Vleeshuis), and the neo-Gothic Antwerp central station (Antwerpen-Centraal).

• Watch ships docking at the huge industrial port complex. 

• Follow the trail of Peter Paul Rubens at his former home and studio, Rubenshuis, and see works by the Flemish baroque master at the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame and Museum Plantin-Moretus.

• Explore the 10-story MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) museum and gallery, whose 500,000-strong collection of art and objects focuses on topics relating to Antwerp. 

• Visit a diamond factory, view the dazzling stones first-hand, and learn about all the facets of the city’s diamond industry. 

Things to Know

• Antwerp is located 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Brussels. Driving from Brussels takes just 45 minutes. 

• Choose between half-day and full-day Antwerp tours from Brussels. Some organized day trips combine city tours of Brussels with a trip to Antwerp. 

• Tours to Antwerp can also be combined with guided tours of Ghent and Bruges.

• Wear comfortable, cushioned shoes as some streets in Antwerp’s historical center are cobbled. 

Brussels might not have fashion credentials to rival Paris and Milan, but its historic shopping arcades and lively neighborhoods still hold plenty for shoppers to get excited about. Whether you want designer gear, unique souvenirs, or Belgium’s most delicious chocolates, here’s where to shop in Brussels. 

Rue Neuve

Running south from Place Charles Rogier to Place de la Monnaie, a short stroll from the Grand Place, Rue Neuve is Brussels’ busiest shopping boulevard. The pedestrianized street is home to all the usual high street suspects including H&M, Mango, and Diesel, as well as large department stores such as Galeria Inno and the City2 shopping mall. 

Avenue Louise and Rue Antoine Dansaert

For more upmarket shopping, Avenue Louise and Rue Antoine Dansaert are the best spots for a walking tour. The former is the Belgian version of Paris’ Champs-Elysees, a grand boulevard lining with designer stores and lavish hotels, while Rue Antoine Dansaert offers elegant fashion boutiques, bistros, and hip bars where you can sample Belgian beer. 

Sablon

Just south of the Grand Place, the atmospheric Sablon (Zavel) neighborhood is full of chic boutiques, unique restaurants, and antique shops. The central Place du Grand Sablon hosts a popular antiques market each weekend, the official TinTin shop sells fun souvenirs for fans of the Belgian comics, and the area is also home to some of the city’s best chocolatiers and chocolate shops. 

Maasmechelen Village

Located close to Maastricht and the border of the Netherlands, Maasmechelen Village is Belgium’s most popular discounted shopping outlet mall. The village has more than 100 designer stores full of world-renowned names, including Escada, Timberland, Levi’s, Superdry, and UGG Australia, plus Belgian chocolatiers Neuhaus and Leonidas, and offers savings of up to 60 percent on retail prices. Visit on an independent shopping tour from Brussels and enjoy a hassle-free day with round-trip transportation included.