How to Spend 3 Days in Brussels

Belgian chocolate and Belgian beer are just part of the fun on a trip to Brussels. Explore the capital city by bike, see the home of the European Parliament, and get a bird’s-eye view from Atomium. Here are a few ways to spend three days in Brussels, including options for day trips. 

Day 1: Brussels Basics

Get to know Brussels with an introductory tour on your first day in town. Get your bearings via bike tour, a sightseeing tour that takes in highlights such as the European Parliament, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour that allows you to explore independently. See major city landmarks including St. Michael’s Cathedral and the humorous statue known as Manneken Pis. Maximize your time in Brussels by booking a skip-the-line ticket to the Atomium, a popular attraction from the 1957 World’s Fair with views over the city. Visitors looking to personalize their exploration could opt for a private sightseeing your, which might include a stop at the dome of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart. 

Day 2: Food and Beer Culture

Discover the flavors of Brussels with a day spent tasting the city’s famous food and drink. There’s a lot to learn. Some daytime walking tours include tastings of Belgian chocolates at top chocolate boutiques in the city, and tours may include a hands-on chocolate-making workshop. Another famous dish from Brussels is waffles, and it’s possible to taste and learn how to make Belgian waffles on a tour. To taste multiple foods on a single tour, choose one that mixes food and beer. By night, opt for an evening walking tour that focuses on the foods and atmosphere of Brussels after dark.

Day 3: Beyond City Borders

Explore beyond Brussels with a convenient planned day trip. Travel to other cities in Belgium with a trip to the historic cities of Ghent and Bruges or focus on one city and spend a day strolling through the streets of Antwerp. Choose between small-group tours for a more personal experience or private tours that allows you to customize the itinerary. History buffs can set out on a World War I-focused day trip to the Battlefields of Flanders. Outside of the Belgian border, several day trips are available, including an adventure to Amsterdam or Luxembourg. Get an introduction to the history and culture of another country with a quick day trip.