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- Last Updated on November 3, 2024
Brussels is one of the great European cities. It has a fun mix of medieval and modern architecture, as it held as much importance in medieval times (as a trading hub) as it does now (as the capital of the European Union). It also has an interesting blend of French and Germanic influences, with its delicious French-inspired food equaled by its famous German-inspired beer. This is truly one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the continent. While you could easily spend a week soaking up the culture here, you can see the most important sights in a day with this 1-day Brussels itinerary.
Table Of Contents - Brussels Itinerary
STAR RATING KEY:
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Brussels Itinerary: 1 Day
The single most important thing to do with 1 day in Brussels is walk around this charming city, taking in the important landmarks discussed below. For the rest of the day, choose between the Royal Fine Arts Museums of Belgium, the European Parliament, and the Musical Instruments Museum, depending on your specific interests. You may even be able to see two out of the three if you start your day early. We have chosen the Royal Fine Arts Museums of Belgium below, but all these options are equally good choices.
Historic Brussels Walk (Including Grand Place and Manneken Pis)
A walk around the historic center of town is the most important activity on this 1-day Brussels itinerary. This beautiful city, with its intriguing mix of medieval and modern, is a joy to stroll. We recommend joining this guided group walking tour to start your visit in town. If you prefer a private experience, we recommend this private walking tour of Brussels.
If you decide not to take a guided walk, you can explore the city on your own – just make sure you don’t miss Grand Place, Manneken Pis, or Place du Grand Sablon. If you do it on your own, make sure you have a good guidebook to explain the significance of places like Grand Place – otherwise you will miss a lot.
Grand Place
Manneken Pis
Place du Grand Sablon
Royal Fine Arts Museums of Belgium
The Royal Fine Arts Museums of Belgium is one of the greatest art collections in the world. It ranges from Renaissance masterpieces to modern art, and is much too vast to see it all in one day.
The museum is divided into several separate collections. The most important of these is the Musée d’Art Ancien (Old Masters Museum), so this is where you should focus your visit. If you have time after finishing the Old Masters Museum, consider visiting one of the more modern collections, such as the Fin-de-Siècle Museum. If you are a fan of René Magritte’s work, a visit to the Musée Magritte is a must.
Cost and Hours: €15 per adult for combination ticket to all museums. Open Tue-Fri 10:00am-5:00pm, Sat-Sun 11:00am-6:00pm. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Website: www.fine-arts-museum.be/en
If You Have Time - Brussels Itinerary
European Parliament
The European Parliament is the governing body of the European Union (EU). This is where representatives from all over the continent meet to vote on key issues, such as economic aid distribution and immigration laws.
The complex consists of three key areas: the Parliament Hemicycle, the House of European History, and the Parlamentarium.
Parliament Hemicycle
The Parliament Hemicycle houses the room where the representatives actually meet and vote. You can visit the Hemicycle with a multimedia guide. Advanced booking is recommended.
Cost and Hours: Free. M-F 9:00am-5:00pm (closes 1:00pm on Fridays)
Address: Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Bruxelles, Belgium
Website: www.visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en/visitor-offer/brussels/hemicycle
House of European History
The House of European History is a small museum that covers the very interesting history of the European continent. This region of the world has experienced a fascinating evolution from colonizing monarchies to the industrial revolution, World Wars I and II, and democratic modern times. You can visit the House of European History daily without advanced reservations.
Cost and Hours: Free. Hours vary by day; see website for details.
Address: Rue Belliard 135, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Website: www.visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en/visitor-offer/brussels/house-of-european-history
Parlamentarium
The Parlamentarium is an interactive museum all about the European Parliament. Here you’ll find the history of how the EU was formed, when its member states joined, how parliament works, and more. You do not need to book in advance.
Cost and Hours: Free. Open daily, but hours vary by day; see website for details.
Address: Pl. du Luxembourg 100, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
Website: www.visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en/visitor-offer/brussels/parlamentarium
Musical Instruments Museum
The Musical Instruments Museum, housed in a building that itself is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, displays an interesting collection of approximately 1200 instruments. A visit here will take you chronologically through the history of musical instrument development. The collection ranges from ancient instruments made from animal bones and organs to today’s electronic versions. Most items displayed have a number next to them, which when entered into your audio guide will play recorded music from that very instrument.
Cost and Hours: €15 per adult. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:00pm (opens 10:00am Sat-Sun). Closed on Mondays.
Address: Hofberg Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Website: www.mim.be/en
Fashion and Lace Museum
This museum’s collection consists of clothing and accessories from the 1500s to today. Like most fashion museums, it is a collection of mannequins dressed to impress. Unfortunately, while the collection is extensive, the museum itself is relatively small, so only a fraction of the collection is on display at any given time.
Cost and Hours: €8 per adult. Open Tue-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm. Closed Mondays.
Practical Info
Getting Around Brussels
Touristic Brussels is very walkable. You can get anywhere in the historic center on foot. Use the excellent metro system to traverse long distances. Don’t bother bringing a car here, as traffic can be a headache.
Day Trips From Brussels
Bruges
Bruges is one of the prettiest cities in all of Europe. Its medieval tangle of streets survived the industrial revolution, and is now Belgium’s top tourist destination. It is a fairytale land of horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down cobblestone streets, and elegant swans floating along canals. To make the most of your day trip, see our 1 Day Bruges Itinerary.
Christmas Markets In Brussels
Brussels has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you can schedule your trip during the Christmas season, you should. For more on this, see our page on the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.
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