How to Spend 2 Days in Brussels

The capital city of Belgium is home of the European Parliament and a destination for food and drink. Its buildings are alive with history, and its streets filled with museums, statues, and plenty of things to see and do. Here are a few ways to spend 48 hours in Brussels. 

Day 1: Sights and Sweets

**Morning:**Maximize time in Brussels with an introductory morning tour. Options range from private sightseeing tours with your own guide to small-group walking tours that typically include top landmarks such as the European Parliament. Visitors who want to go at their own pace opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. 

**Afternoon:**Belgium is known for its sweets, from creamy chocolate to thick waffles. Set out on a food tour to get to know the sweet side of Brussels. Chocolate tasting tours typically include samples from several chocolate boutiques, and some food tours include a hands-on element, such as a waffle-making workshop.

**Night:**Meet fellow hungry travelers on an evening food-focused walking tour. Such small-group tours generally focus on the traditional food and drink found in Brussels and may showcase the city’s vibrant nightlife. 

Day 2: Bikes and Beer

**Morning:**See the city on two wheels via a bike tour. Such tours tend to visit popular landmarks such as Manneken Pis, and may also go off-the-beaten path to catch a glimpse of local life in Brussels not seen on all overview tours. Small-group tours allow you to ask your guide about where to go and what to see after the tour. 

**Afternoon:**Get a taste for authentic Belgian beer with a brew-focused afternoon tour. Some beer-tasting tours may involve more elaborate itineraries, such as a treasure hunt, some stick to beer, and others may combine beer with other Belgian delicacies such as mussels or chocolate. 

**Night:**Join a local guide for an after-dark stroll on a Brussels walking tour. If you choose a  private tour, your guide will customize your tour to your interests and tastes. Learn about the city’s food and culture from your guide.