The Belgian capital is full of quirky attractions and tasty treats. Moreover, it is a compact, walkable city that you can explore in a single day. If you fall in love with the city, you can spend more time there; but here are some travel tips if you only have 24 hours in Brussels.
Visit the Grand-Place
This central square in the heart of the city is a must-see if you are visiting Brussels. The architecture is striking; and it is no surprise that La Grand-Place is the most photographed place in Brussels.
You will see Baroque guildhalls covered in gold leaf, the Medieval Town Hall with its enormous tower, and the Neo-Gothic King’s House (which now houses the Brussels City Museum). The square is a hub of activity, full of tourists taking photos or visiting the local cafés. Even if you skip the overpriced coffee, be sure to photograph the opulent facade of the Starbucks located in Grand-Place.
Eat a waffle
One cannot visit Brussels without trying a traditional Belgian waffle. Keep in mind, the country is known for two distinct types of waffles (Brussels and Liège), so you may want to order one of each.
Liège waffles are fairly round, dense, and crispy. They are significantly sweeter than the Brussels variety, because sugar crystals in the pockets caramelize when the waffle is cooked.
The Brussels version is a large rectangular waffle that is softer and lighter. These waffles can be savory or sweet, but we recommend ordering a sweet one with toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate syrup, strawberries, and bananas.
The city has countless waffle stands, but make sure you find one that makes them fresh to order. Some notable vendors include Maison Dandoy, Gaufres de Bruxelles, Beyond Waffles, and Gaston.
See the Manneken Pis
Personally, we think this tiny peeing statue is overrated. However, the Manneken Pis is so famous, you may want to check it out just to see what all the fuss is about.
The small fountain is a short walk from the Grand-Place. The cherub-like boy is often dressed in cute outfits. If you are interested in the statue’s wardrobe, consult the “Dressing Calendar” on the GardeRobe MannekenPis website. You can also visit the GardeRobe MannekenPis museum to see some of his costumes on display.
If you are a fan of urinating statues, Brussels has two more: the Jeanneke Pis (a bronze sculpture of a girl squatting to pee) and the Zinneke Pis (a bronze dog peeing on a post).
Photograph the Mount of the Arts
Stop for a quick photo op at the Mount of the Arts. It is a beautiful geometric garden full of colorful flowers and greenery.
Explore the Royal Palace of Brussels
The official palace of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium is located in Brussels. The royal family actually lives at the Palace of Laeken up north, but the Royal Palace of Brussels is where the monarch deals with affairs of state.
The majestic revival-style facade is completely symmetrical. The palace has formal French gardens at the front and English-style gardens at the back. It is located across from the lovely Parc de Bruxelles.
Since 1965, the palace has been open to the public from mid-July to early September. If you are lucky enough to visit during that time, you may see the building’s marble grand staircase, throne room, hall of mirrors, and more.
Snack on some frites
The debate continues whether it was the French or the Belgians that invented fries. But we can all agree that frites (or fries) are delicious!
Brussels is dotted with friteries serving this deep-fried delicacy. The best ones are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a healthy dollop of mayonnaise. Maison Antoine, Fritland, Frit’Flagey, and Fritkot Chouke are just a few of the kiosks selling french fries.
Take a taxi to Mini-Europe & Atomium
Make geography fun, with a visit to Mini-Europe. On the outskirts of Brussels (approx. 25 mins by car), you will find impressive models of iconic European landmarks. All of the buildings are on a scale of 1/25, so you will literally tower over monuments such as The Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Some exhibits feature interactive live-action animations. For example, you can make Mount Vesuvius erupt, or destroy a section of the Berlin Wall.
Right next to Mini-Europe is Atomium. The gigantic stainless steel atom was built for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958, but was later refurbished as a tourist attraction. After you explore the exhibition, enjoy panoramic views of the city of Brussels from 92 meters high.
We hope these highlights from Brussels help you plan your next European adventure. If you are looking for more city-specific travel inspiration, please read our articles How To Spend 48 Hours In Barcelona, Spain, How To Spend A Stopover In Panama City, and Lesser-Known Tourist Attractions In London.