1 Day In Brussels Itinerary: Art Nouveau, Beer & Sweet Delights
Plan on spending 1 day in Brussels, Belgium? If you are traveling to Belgium, there is a good chance you are flying into Brussels so make the most of your time here with this one day in Brussels itinerary.
Many people skip over Brussels on their way to quaint cities such as Bruges and Ghent but Brussels is a city not to be missed for its incredible Art Nouveau architecture, museums, waffles, chocolates, and comics!
It also has the perfect amount of quirky statues, street art, and parks that makes it worth visiting for at least one day.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite attractions in Brussels plus where to eat from the moment you wake up to ending the day with a Belgian beer.
Note: This post is assuming you arrived the night before and have a full day in Brussels for sightseeing.
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1 Day In Brussels Itinerary
1. Grand Place or Grote Markt
Start your one day in Brussels at the impressive Grand Place (Grote Markt) which is the main square in Brussels.
Standing at the center of this square you are completely surrounded with beautiful and grand buildings in primarily Gothic and Baroque architectural styles.
But take my word for it, as the Grand Place is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the highly skilled craftsmanship that went into the buildings.
And these are not just any building but old guildhalls where each trade had its own guildhall.
These guild halls were a meeting place for everyone in that specific craft to come together from the Middle Ages through the 18th century.
Many of these buildings are covered in gold leaf and truly shine as the location for important events such as the Brussels Christmas Market and the Flower Carpets.
The towering Town Hall building in Gothic-style architecture is one your eyes won’t miss for its decorative façade. Quite a magnificent architectural achievement!
The 15th century Town Hall is amazing to view from the exterior but for an even better view of Grand Place, climb the 200 step spiral staircase to the top of the tower. The tower reaches 96 meters high.
Directly across from the Town or City Hall is Maison du Roi (King’s House) that is now the Brussels City Museum.
Notable guildhalls to see:
Guildhall of the Brewers (Maison des Brasseurs) – now the Belgian Brewers Museum
Guildhall of the Bakers (Maison des Boulangers) – now a chocolate shop
Guildhall of the Archers (Maison des Arbaletriers)
House of the Dukes of Brabant (Maison des Duc de Brabant)
Tip: There is a tourist info office at the Town Hall.
Note: The Town Hall is also known as City Hall and Hotel de Ville (no, it’s not an actual hotel).
2. The Quirky Manneken-Pis
One of the oddest and rather unique Brussels attraction is Manneken-Pis.
This tiny statue has become famous for his “pissing” and adorned with costumes for every holiday and festivity.
In fact, he has over 900 outfits that you can view at the GardeRobe Manneken-Pis Museum! The museum is just 1 block from the statue itself.
The cherub looking boy is pissing into the fountain below and draws more people than you can imagine.
You’ll even see his photo or image on everything from chocolate boxes to shirts, mugs, socks, and more.
The history of how he became an icon of Brussels is still a mystery with a few stories rotating around, none that really make sense…
Regardless, it’s a cute stop as you make your way to the next stop on our 1 day Brussels itinerary!
Note: There are actually 2 other “pisser” statues to see in Brussels. You can find their locations on the map at the end of this post.
Jeanneke-Pis: A small girl squatting statue that is taking a piss.
Zinneke-Pis: Also known as “The Little Rascal”, is a small dog statue that is lifting his leg to “piss” on a post.
3. Mont des Arts
A few blocks from Manneken-Pis, is the perfectly manicured and designed Mont des Arts.
It is situated in between the area of Grand Place and the Royal Palace which you’ll visit later on this list.
Mont des Arts (or Kunstberg in Dutch) is a lovely open garden space to take a stroll, take photos, and admire the surrounding buildings.
Within the Mont des Arts complex, there are two levels clearly showing the transition to between the upper and lower levels of the city center.
When standing on the upper level, you can see the towers of the Town Hall (Grand Place) directly in front you for an exquisite view.
The urban space is a blend of modern buildings that is home to the Royal Library of Belgium, the National Archive and BELvue Museum.
In addition, you’ll see graffiti art murals, sculptures, a fountain and art installations.
If you are facing in the direction of Grand Place, head over to the far right hand corner to view the Carillon.
You may actually hear it before you wander over to it as the bells of this clock tower chime on the hour.
It is worth viewing the clock when it is about to chime to see not only the 24 bells ring but the 12 figurines.
One of these figurines will strike the bell with his hammer a few minutes before the hour.
Each of the figurines represents an important aspect of Brussels history and was built in 1958 for the World Fair.
Underneath it is a passageway that you may have come through on your way here.
4. Old England Building
From the upper level at Mont des Arts you’ll be along a curved street that is lined with buildings in a very striking style of architecture known as Art Nouveau.
If you have ever been to Paris or Barcelona then you’ll have likely come across Art Nouveau architecture.
Throughout Brussels, there are numerous examples of Art Nouveau buildings which is no surprise as this style of architecture originated here.
Of the buildings and museums on this street, the Old England Building will catch your eye with its wide, arched windows and wrought iron on each floor.
Take a moment to appreciate all the intricate details in the craftsmanship that makes Art Nouveau so distinctive.
The Old England building (built in 1899) was the site of the Old England department stores but today it is the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM).
The museum includes exhibits focused on the history of manufacturing instruments in Brussels.
If you have a love for music, viewing over 7,000 musical instruments from the middle ages to the present is a delight.
Did you know that the saxophone was created in Belgium?
Not too far from Brussels in the town of Dinant, Adolphe Sax created one of the most popular instruments in the world!
You can learn all about Adolphe Sax and how the saxophone came to be at MIM.
For a coffee break or in search of a good viewpoint of the city, go up to the rooftop terrace café.
Other Art Nouveau Building:
- Hotel Metropole
- Solvay House
- Comic Strip Museum
- Horta Museum
Hours: MIM is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm (Tuesday – Friday) and 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday & Sunday). It is closed on Mondays.
5. Waffles For A Late Breakfast
A visit to Belgium wouldn’t be complete without having at least a few Belgian waffles!
In the U.S. we tend to have only one type of waffle but in Belgium there are two distinctive style, the Brussels style and Liege style. Both are incredibly tasty!
Maison Dandoy is one of the top places in Brussels to experience the Brussels style waffles.
Since they don’t open until 10am, this will be a late breakfast and well worth it. Maison Dandoy has a beautiful, café ambiance which is perfect to enjoy your first Belgian waffle.
The Brussels style waffle is the closest to what you may have tried in the U.S. but with a lighter and crispier texture. It is also eaten with a fork and knife.
Belgians usually only put some whip cream, powdered sugar, and maybe some strawberries although you’ll find all sorts of toppings catering to the tourists.
The Liege waffle style found in Bruges, Ghent, and other areas of Flanders are smaller, soft, warm, and don’t traditionally come with toppings.
You’ll get a Liege waffle from a street vendor or shop and eat on the go. They are the perfect hand-sized snack!
And you don’t miss the absence of toppings because there is sugar added inside and on the exterior of the waffle that is caramelized and absolutely divine!
As tourists we enjoy waffles for breakfast but locals tend to eat them as a snack or dessert.
Before you leave, get some speculoos biscuits (cookies) that Maison Dandoy is known for as a snack later on in the day.
Location: There are multiple Maison Dandoy locations throughout Brussels but I loved frequenting the one inside the Galleries Royale St. Hubert.
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
6. Taste Belgian Chocolates
Another Belgian sweet delight is chocolate! In Brussels there seems to be not one but a few chocolate shops on almost every block. Or at least it seems that way…
Chocolate has a long history in Belgium and it is one of the top foods to sample as the Belgians do chocolate exceptionally well.
If you ate waffles at the Maison Dandoy location in Galleries Royale St. Hubert there are a handful of chocolatier shops to choose from.
I suggest selecting a few pieces from a couple of the stores so you can try a variation in flavors.
The chocolate that Belgium is most known for is the praline, so make sure to taste at least one!
I had so much fun sampling a ridiculous amount of chocolates (tough job, I know) that I wrote an entire post on touring all the best chocolate shops in Brussels.
I will say that if you are a chocolate lover, Brussels is the city to get them as you’ll find the largest selection compared to other cities.
READ MORE: Best Chocolates In Brussels Guide
Tip: There are a lot of chocolate shops in Grand Place and the streets around the square.
7. Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels also known as Palais Royal is the home of the Royal family of Belgium.
The palace in Neoclassic style is the official residence of the King and where he conducts work.
But primarily the Royal family lives at the Royal Palace of Laeken just outside of Brussels.
When the King is at the Royal Palace of Brussels, you’ll know as the Belgium flag will be flying on top.
During late fall, winter, and spring, visitors can only view the Palais Royal from the outside admiring its beautiful architecture.
But for a few months in the second part of summer visitors can tour the inside of the palace!
From July 21st to the beginning of September people enjoy viewing elaborate staircases, Vestibule, the Empire Room, Goya Room, Louis XVI Room, Throne Room, and more.
Visitor Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm (July 21st – start of September). FREE entry.
8. Parc de Bruxelles
The Parc de Bruxelles or Brussels Park lies directly in front of the Palais Royal (Royal Palace of Brussels).
It is also the largest park in central Brussels in an elongated shape that was designed in the late 1700s in a Neoclassical architectural style like the palace.
You’ll also find other government buildings lining the park such as the Belgian House of Parliament.
It is a lovely urban space to take a stroll with ample shade of the trees and flowers in the spring through fall.
Even in the winter, it is a peaceful place for a walk and to admire the sculptures, Royal Park Theatre, and fountains.
9. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
About 2 blocks from Brussels Park is St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral with its Gothic and Baroque designs reminiscent of cathedrals in Paris.
It is a beautiful and imposing medieval cathedral from the exterior that takes a moment to fully appreciate the grandeur of the architecture.
Inside the intricate craftsmanship of the stained glass, wooden carvings (pulpit), and sculptures are incredible.
Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the cathedral is host to royal weddings, coronations, and other important events.
As the patrons saints of Brussels, the Catholic cathedral is dedicated to Saint Michael and Saint Gudula.
If you are visiting anytime between March and October, reserve a tour that includes climbing up one of the cathedral towers.
You do need to reserve at least 2 weeks in advance and the tour lasts 2.5 hours so this is something I would do if you have more than one day.
10. Belgian Comic Strip Museum
The Belgian Comic Strip Center (Comic Strip Museum) was one of my favorite attractions in Brussels! And it wasn’t something on my radar to be honest.
But as an architecture fan, I knew it was one of the top Art Nouveau buildings in the city and worth checking out.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Belgium has more comic strip artists per capita than any other country.
During the 1920s and 1930s comic strips became quite popular with notable Belgian comics such as the Smurf’s, Tintin, Spirou, Bill & Buddy, Lucky Luke and Boerke.
As far back as I could remember I have always loved the adorable and vibrant blue Smurf’s.
After visiting the museum, Boerke is definitely my favorite adult comic strip as the adult humor didn’t go unnoticed! And provided a good laugh…
Housed in an elegant building, the Comic Strip Museum has numerous exhibits sharing the history and making of comic strips that is rather entertaining.
Belgians truly celebrate their comics which you will see around the city in various street art.
Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Monday.
11. The Atomium
The Atomium is a very modern looking structure 355 feet high that is made up of a series of steel tubes and balls.
This abstract shape is a larger than life model of an atomic iron atom! For anyone that took some science classes you may recognize the Atomium structure all too well.
Brussels was the host city for the 1958 World Expo and the Atomium was built for the expo to celebrate all the achievements post-WWII.
It was a time when the world came together to preserve democracy and defeat fascism.
That influenced the Atomium’s slogan, “a world for a better life for mankind”.
Even though it was created for a different era, it still rings true today.
The vertical tubes connecting the spherical balls contain elevators transporting you to the different levels you can visit.
Each level will showcase a museum, art, and rotating exhibits along with a restaurant at the top.
The Atomium is the only attraction in this Brussels itinerary that is further out from the city center.
About 5 miles from the historic area of Grand Place, it will take approximately 20 – 30 minutes to reach the Atomium by taxi.
Tip: Since you only have 1 day in Brussels, book your ticket in advance! It will save a lot of time as you can have one hour or more to buy tickets.
Note: Take a taxi or the Brussels metro (~ 45 mins) from the city center. Take the 6 line to Heizel/ Heysel station.
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours if you already have a ticket.
Buy Your Atomium Ticket & Save Time!
Don’t Have Time To Go To The Atomium?
A great alternative is to visit the top of the arch at the Royal Army & Military Museum in Cinquantenaire Park!
12. Dine at Fin De Siècle
A few top Belgian dishes to sample for dinner are Moules Frites (mussels & fries), Carbonnade Flamande (beef stew), and Stoemp.
One of my favorite traditional Belgian dishes is Stoemp!
It is a blend of mashed potatoes and vegetables like carrots, onions, or brussels sprouts and usually served with sausage.
It is so delicious, hearty, and a meal to try if you only have one dinner in Brussels.
There a several wonderful restaurants to choose from but I suggest dining at Fine de Siècle.
Fin de Siècle serves up top-notch traditional Belgian fare in a cozy establishment where you can see the menu selection on a huge chalk board.
Have room for dessert? Don’t miss out on the outstanding Crème Brulee!
13. End The Day With A Belgian Beer
When in Belgium, having a beer (or two) is a must as the Belgian’s make world class brews. And a great way to end your day in Brussels!
There are countless pubs to sample Belgian beer in Brussels but one of my favorite pubs is Poechenellekelder.
It has fantastic beer, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere which is the perfect way to sample your first Belgian beer.
I may not be able to properly pronounce this eclectic pub but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a beer amongst the hanging puppets, antiques, and photos that will keep your eyes busy!
You’ll find Poechenellekelder near the Manneken-Pis statue which is close to Grand Place.
But if you are looking for another classic Belgian pub, don’t pass up on visiting Delirium Café. You’ll find Delirium on the same pedestrian side street that Jeanneke-Pis statue is on.
One of the more unique beers to try is a Trappist Beer which Belgium is known for.
A Trappist Beer is a beer brewed by Trappist Monks in a Trappist Monastery, and in the life practices of the monks.
Today there are still six Trappist monasteries in Belgium that brew it. The six Trappist breweries are Chimay, Orval, Westmalle, Rochefort, Achel and Westvleteren.
Prefer To Take A Beer Tasting Tour?
Join this Belgian beer tasting tour that takes you to 2 pubs and includes the history of Belgian beer making and sampling different selections!
Brussels Accommodations
The most convenient and central place to stay in Brussels is near the Grand Place (Grote Markt).
This way you will be close to all the top attractions in Brussels and places I’ve included on this list.
- Hilton Brussels Grand Place – if you are coming into Brussels by train, this hotel is next to the Brussels Central Train Station.
- Warwick Brussels
- Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
- Radisson Collection Hotel Brussels
Top Tours In Brussels
If you only have 1 day in Brussels, you might not have time to take a tour but here are some of the most popular picks!
The first one on this list will take you to most of the places I’ve included in this Brussels itinerary.
Brussels Guided Walking Tour – On this 2.5 hour walking tour, see the top Brussels sights (many in this post) with a local!
Atomium Skip The Line Tickets – If you are limited on time, buy your Atomium tickets in advance and avoid an hour or more to buy them there.
City Highlights & Tasting Tour – See a handful of the most popular attractions in Brussels in addition to sampling Belgian food and drinks!
Travel To Brussels
If you are flying into Brussels, then you will be flying into Brussels Airport (BRU) which is the international airport.
Travel time by taxi or shuttle from the airport is about 20 – 25 minutes to the city center of Brussels (Grand Place).
If you don’t have a lot of luggage, you can take the Brussels metro and take to one of the stops near the city enter such as the Brussels Central Train Station.
Check Flight Rates To Brussels!
Map Of Brussels Attractions
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.