Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Brussels?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Brussels?
Most visitors spend one to five days in Brussels when visiting. The authentic city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the big city activities, shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the historic old town.
Brussels offers a perfect combination of beauty and grit. It's a city that remains authentic to its roots while embracing its multicultural character and diverse, mixing bowl environment. You'll find amazing ethnic restaurants, fascinating outdoor markets, and a colorful city with a fun atmosphere. The main square is filled with beautiful architecture and historic ambiance.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Brussels? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Brussels?
With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Brussels has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Brussels as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the big city activities, shopping, and the museums and landmarks at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week in Brussels
Since Brussels is such a large city, you can spend at least a day exploring the many neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. Break up visiting popular landmarks with the more authentic neighborhoods for shopping and dining. The city is large, multicultural, and filled with energy. There's a lot of activity around the main squares and the streets are filled with restaurants and shops.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Brussels: Tour Bruges & Ghent with Cruise + Chocolatier Visit ($107)
- Brussels Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone ($10)
- Full-Day City Tour of Ghent and Bruges from Brussels ($96)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).
A few tour suggestions include:
- Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More ($133)
- Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour ($84)
- Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better ($119)
Brussels is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.
Shopping in Brussels is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Independent Shopping Trip to Maasmechelen Village Luxury Outlet from Brussels ($22)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.
The public transit in Brussels is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.
Don't miss La Grand Place (Grote Markt) during your trip to Brussels, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Brussels.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Brussels, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Brussels.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Brussels Walking Tour with Guide plus PDF ($4)
- Brussels Old City’s Highlights Walking Tour ($5)
- Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting ($42)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Brussels.
After you've explored most of Brussels, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Day Trip to Amsterdam from Brussels ($154)
- Antwerp and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels With Atomium Photo Stop ($57)
- Bruges Day Trip from Brussels ($52)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Brussels.
Brussels is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Brussels.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Brussels?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Brussels, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to discover the big city activities, find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and browse around the old town on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Brussels as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 2 weeks in Brussels
With 2 weeks in Brussels, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time experiencing the city's neighborhoods and browsing the shops. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Day Trip to Amsterdam from Brussels ($154)
- Antwerp and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels With Atomium Photo Stop ($57)
- Bruges Day Trip from Brussels ($52)
- Bruges and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels ($57)
- Bus day trip to Luxembourg and Dinant from Brussels ($73)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Brussels, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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