Brussels in 3 days: what to see day by day
Ready-to-use 3 days itinerary for Brussels: 18 places grouped geographically into walking routes (16 h 40 min of pure visiting time) with opening hours and places to eat along the way.
1 day · 2 days · 3 days · Things to do in Brussels
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Day 1 · 6 h 25 min visiting · approx. 2.7 km walking between stops
- Manneken Pis — 15 min visit. Created in 1619, this 61 cm bronze figurine is the only monument in Brussels regularly dressed in costumes.
- Brussels City Hall — 45 min visit (approx. 210 m from previous stop). Its majestic 96-meter tower, crowned with a statue of St. Michael, clearly surpasses other buildings on the Grand-Place.
- Grand-Place - Grote Markt — 1 h visit (approx. 60 m from previous stop). Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this central square is distinguished by its guildhalls and City Hall, famous for its biennial Flower Carpet.
- Jeanneke Pis — 10 min visit (approx. 230 m from previous stop). It is a humorous, lesser-known counterpart to Manneken Pis, hidden in a narrow alley, requiring deliberate searching to find.
- La Monnaie De Munt Royal Opera House — 1 h visit (approx. 120 m from previous stop). As the Belgian national opera, it played a crucial role in history, being the starting point of the Belgian Revolution in 1830, unlike the Cathedral.
- Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula — 1 h visit (approx. 450 m from previous stop). The main church of Brussels, distinguished by two impressive towers, whose construction began in the 13th century. Hours: Mon–Fri 07:30–18:00 · Sat 07:30–15:30 · Sun 14:00–18:00.
- Royal Palace of Brussels — 1 h 30 min visit (approx. 680 m from previous stop). The official residence of the Belgian monarch has a 110-meter long facade and is open to visitors in the summer.
- Palais de justice - Justitiepaleis — 45 min visit (approx. 960 m from previous stop). Built by Joseph Poelaert between 1866 and 1883, it is the largest courthouse in Belgium, standing out in the city's skyline. Hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00.
Where to eat along the route (Day 1)
- La Roue d'Or — It is distinguished by its interior with reproductions of Magritte's works, which gives it a unique artistic atmosphere.
- Mokafé Taverne — As a cafe and tavern near the Grand Place, it serves waffles and pancakes alongside classic breakfast dishes.
Day 2 · 6 h visiting · approx. 5.5 km walking between stops
- Stoclet Palace — 15 min visit. Instead of visiting the interiors, it offers a walk around to admire its architecture from the street.
- Parc du Cinquantenaire - Jubelpark — 1 h 30 min visit (approx. 1.9 km from previous stop). At its center is a triumphal arch and museum buildings, which distinguishes it from simpler city parks.
- Grande mosquée de Bruxelles - Grote Moskee van Brussel — 40 min visit (approx. 360 m from previous stop). It represents contemporary Islamic architecture and serves as a cultural center, unlike historic churches.
- Chapel of the Resurrection — 20 min visit (approx. 690 m from previous stop). It is an intimate chapel with a modern interior, often used by European institutions, holding symbolic significance.
- House of European History — 2 h visit (approx. 170 m from previous stop). Unlike traditional institutions, it offers interactive exhibitions on European history with free admission. Hours: Mon 13:00–18:00 · Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00 · Jul–Aug: Tue–Fri 10:00–18:00 · Sep–Jun: Tue–Fri 09:00–18:00.
- Horta Museum — 1 h 15 min visit (approx. 2.4 km from previous stop). This is the authentic home and studio of architect Victor Horta, where you can admire his own furniture and interior designs. Hours: Tue–Fri 14:00–17:30 · Sat–Sun 11:00–17:30.
Where to eat along the route (Day 2)
- Au Stekerlapatte — It specializes in traditional Belgian dishes, such as stews and mussels, unlike Le Lombard, which offers a broader cuisine.
- Boemvol — The menu often changes, adapting to the seasons, which allows for the exclusive use of seasonal ingredients.
Day 3 · 4 h 15 min visiting · approx. 7.8 km walking between stops
- National Basilica of the Sacred Heart — 1 h 15 min visit. As the third largest Catholic church in the world, it offers a unique ascent to the dome with a panoramic view of Brussels.
- Église Notre-Dame - Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk — 30 min visit (approx. 3 km from previous stop). It stands out with its preserved Gothic roots and beautiful stained glass windows, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection without the hustle and bustle.
- Château de Laeken - Kasteel Van Laken — 30 min visit (approx. 850 m from previous stop). It is the official, active residence of the King of the Belgians, usually inaccessible to the public, unlike public parks.
- Belgian Comic Strip Center — 2 h visit (approx. 3.9 km from previous stop). Unlike the Musical Instruments Museum or the Fashion and Lace Museum, here you'll find works by Hergé (Tintin) and Peyo (Smurfs). Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00.
Where to eat along the route (Day 3)
- Brasserie Greenwich — Opened in 1902, this brasserie features Art Nouveau decor with high ceilings and stained glass windows, and has hosted many famous artists.
- Falstaff — The Art Nouveau interior from 1903 has preserved its original Belle Époque decor.
Things to do in Brussels — all places with visit times
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