Traveling to Belgium? This one day atypical itinerary will give you a quick rundown on things to do in Belgium. I will also share ideas of what you can explore during your visit. Just curious, ever heard an eccentric story while traveling? Stay tuned, this blog post will give you all of the deets.
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Fun Facts About Brussels, Belgium
The Belgium Flag has the following colors: Black, yellow, and red. Belgium’s official languages are the following: Dutch, French, and German; English is spoken as well. Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and Belgium’s currency is the Euro. The population in Belgium is nearly 12 million, and Belgium’s time zone is on Central European Summer Time (at the time of this post).
Traveling to Belgium
I decided to take a bus ride from Amsterdam to Belgium although I normally like to travel to other European cities by train if I can. For the amount of time I had, and the budget I was working with, traveling by bus was the best option. In order to take the exact tour I took, you can book it directly here.
If you decide to take this tour, make sure to give yourself time to get to the bus departure station, my sister and I made it just in the nick of time. It takes just short of 2 ½ hours to get to Brussels from Amsterdam. It’s a nice scenic bus ride with a well-informed guide.
Exploring Brussels
The first stop on the tour was the Atomium which is a landmark in Brussels. The Atomium apparently was originally built for the Brussel’s World Fair (more information can be found here). There is also a museum inside, but I did not get to visit.
Some notable mentions I quickly encountered were the Parc de Laeken (stunning park to take a walk), The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, King Baudouin and Boudewijn statue, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (a beautiful cathedral which began in the 13th century), European Quarter (if you’re a history buff this is perfect for you), Koninklijk Paleis te Brussel (the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium), and Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon which is a beautiful Gothic church founded in the 15thcentury.
After looking at some of the monuments and landmarks, we were finally able to start exploring again on foot. Ever saw the movie Taken? Well, my tour guide made sure to put the fear into everyone on the trip about the possibilities of what could happen if you venture out too far. The morbid story included a tourist who apparently went to the bathroom and disappeared never to be seen again.
Morning
As if that wasn’t scary enough, a few scams going on in Brussels were also mentioned. One of the scams mentioned was a person (usually a woman) pretending to be homeless and when you give this individual money, a group of people then surround you also begging for money while simultaneously robbing you. This goes without saying, keep it in mind (whenever and wherever you travel) to always be aware of your surroundings, to exercise caution, and common sense. Despite the unnerving story I had an amazing time in Brussels.
The absolutely stunning Grand-Place of Brussels is where we began exploring again. The Grand-Place is the cities central square and inside you’ll find shops, restaurants, bars, City Hall, Guild Houses (town hall etc.), and Maison du Roi (The King’s House). You could easily spend a good amount of time here visiting the museum, taking pictures, and shopping.
Next up, the Mannekin Pis which is a famous fountain sculpture of a boy well you guessed it, taking a piss. My tour guide said the sculpture is said to represent the people from Belgium’s sense of humor. Visit, and let me know what you think lol. The original Mannekin Pis statue is in the Brussels City Museum. I also took a picture with Mannekin Pis’ “girlfriend”.
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Afternoon
After exploring on foot, next up was a quick chocolate presentation at Planete Chocolat. This was an awesome demonstration where you are able to learn about and taste chocolates that were also sold on the premises.
Belgium is known for their chocolates, so I shopped at both Leonidas, and Godiva. I ultimately ended up purchasing chocolates, and butterscotch cookies from Leonidas, Godiva, and a small mom and pop shop (I can’t remember the name sadly :(). Leonidas and Godiva are typically tourist locations, so patronize a small owned shop too if you can. I enjoyed everything I purchased from all locations however.
You can’t go to Belgium without trying Belgian waffles. I decided to purchase waffles at Vitalgaufre. The waffle was delicious, but could’ve been hotter. Next up was shopping at a comic book store Moule à Gaufres, second hand bookstores (I visited a few, here are some you can too Tulibris, and Sterling Books), and 72 Records for old vinyl’s. Next was shopping at my favorite store overseas Primark! I mention my love for Primark and explain why in my Amsterdam blog post.
After shopping around for a while buying souvenirs and other miscellaneous items, my sister and I refueled with lunch at The Blue Restaurant. I wasn’t blown away by the food, but it was enough to hold us over for the long bus ride back. Although this trip scratched the surface of Belgium, I know for certain that I’d like to return for a longer amount of time. Brussels is such a charming city, with so much history and culture.
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Final Thoughts
Well, that concludes my Brussels itinerary. Thank you so much for reading! Would you travel to Brussels? Learn anything new, or have any feedback? Was this itinerary helpful? Please comment below, and subscribe here. I’m on most social media, so let’s be friends! Click the icons located on the right side (desktop), and the bottom of the screen (mobile) to find me. Looking for the perfect travel gift for your loved one? Sign up for my freebie of travel gift ideas.
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Sounds like a really unique day in Brussels, not your typical guide, which is great. Reminds me of great visits with waffles and chocolate!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! It definitely wasn’t typical, but still a great experience nonetheless. The waffles and chocolates were one of the best parts!
My husband and I only had a short time in Brussels while waiting for our next stop. I remember visiting a huge square in the evening that was filled with tourists and locals just enjoying the day.
Oh this is great to read! I loved the Grand Place, it is overwhelming to be there, all those details are stunning! obviously Godiva is a stop that any chocolate lover should make! Also waffles and beer were special, one has definitely to forget about the diet when visiting Belgium 😂
Brussels is a lot of fun. I had a waffle right opposite of Mannekin Pis. I too did not get to go inside the Atomium but that’s because I showed up after closing.
Yes indeed, it was a lot of fun. Glad you were able to visit too!
I’m traveling to Brussels in September so this is very helpful! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, have a safe and fun trip!
I was going to take a day-trip to Belgium when I was in Paris, but then I chickened out. Saving this for next time. I want to go there!! Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome. I can’t wait for you to visit next time!
An incredibly detailed guide. Thank you so much for this post. I hope to visit these beautiful places someday.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you get to visit.
Lenore, your article just took me down a happy memory lane! Amazing waffles with chocolate sauce…yum. I stayed at a hotel by the gorgeous Grand Place one winter and would also definitely recommend Brussels for Christmas market joy!
That sounds lovely! I’ll definitely have to revisit to experience Christmas here.
Absolutely love this information! I cannot wait to go visit once things are open again! 🙂
I can’t wait for you to go. Thank you for reading!
I heard so much about Brussels that I feel I must visit it, one day! 🙂 Thanks for a great post!
You’re welcome! Thank you for reading.
I am absolutely in love with that bookstore! Brussels looks so cute!
It was really nice!
Chocolate, waffles and beer, that’s all you need to have a perfect day in Brussels. Now, if you add a tour around the main landmarks, you know it’ll be great! Odd about all the scams you heard of -in my experience it’s super safe… but, as you said, you need to be cautious everywhere 🙂
It was a perfect day! I felt safe, but my tour guide wanted us to be extra careful.
This post interests me because I’ve traveled through Brussels at the train station, but I haven’t seen any of the city. I would love to visit the Grand Place. Belgium is one of my favorite countries, so I hope to get to Brussels someday after my time in Ghent, Bruges, and Bastogne!
I hope you get to visit! I’ve wanted to check out other cities in Belgium as well.
Sounds like a perfect day in Brussels!
It was!
Belgium is one of the countries I have yet to visit in Europe! Your experience there looks magical. I love all of your photos too!
I have never been to Belgium but it is at the top of the list! It looks like such a beautiful country – and of course who doesn’t love somewhere with chocolate and waffles!!
It really is beautiful. The chocolates and waffles were awesome of course! I hope you get to visit.
This is such a great post! I love Brussels but I only saw a glimpse of it in passing. I remember the chips were amazing haha. You’ve made me want to go back there again and give it the attention it deserves.
Omg I had no idea there was so much to do in just 1 day! I’ve been wanting to go just for the waffles.
I don’t blame you lol, I couldn’t wait to try the waffles. But there’s so much to explore!
It’s possible we’re still heading out that way this October to officiate a wedding for friends, so I’m saving this one for later. Love the idea of an “atypical” visit!
Thank you! Wow, that’s so cool you’ll be officiating a wedding! I hope you still get to go 😃
Europe is such a dream! I can’t wait to go backpacking around one day!
Backpacking sounds like a great idea! Europe is dreamy.
I visited Brussels on a train trip when I lived in London, and had such a fantastic time. I’m guessing that the copious amounts of chocolate, waffles, Belgian beer and the architecture was 99% of the reason that I loved it so much 🙂
I can definitely relate to loving the chocolates and waffles! Lol. I’m glad you loved it.
Love this guide! I haven’t been to Belgium before so Brussels is high up on my list! I will make sure to check out all these places whenever I make it there 🙂
Glad you loved it! I hope you get to visit 😊
Brussels has been on my list for a while now, can’t wait to finally be able to visit it 🙂
Yes! You will love it.
Gosh, you had me at chocolate, waffles and bookstores! I have travelled through Europe extensively but never had any issues, though I’ve heard of some of those scams too. Glad you enjoyed your trip!
I’m glad you never encountered any, I did encounter one in Paris sadly. Otherwise, my trips have went seamlessly. Thanks for reading!
Love it. I can’t wait to visit Belgium after all this is over. I love Amsterdam and I always thigh Belgium is similar to it but I guess it’s worth finding out . Love it
Brussels definitely has its own charm. I highly recommend visiting!
Looks like we know where to go visit next! Thank you!
Yay! You’re welcome.
Oh this sounds great, I really wanna visiting Brussels. Great post!
I hope you get to visit!
Isn’t Europe wonderful, just hopping on a bus takes you from one amazing city to another so easily. Each city has a special identity!
I agree completely! It’s honestly the best part about traveling to Europe.
Wow so much to do in a single day! I have tried Belgium chocolates once.. Mouth watering to say the least:)
Aren’t they delicious?! 🙂
You had me at chocolate and waffles haha! But it definitely sounds like you had an…interesting tour guide. Not sure what was up with that! Great post 🙂
Me neither lol, but I still enjoyed the trip. Thanks for reading!
OK, you had me at the Chocolate Planet!! I went to Amsterdam many years ago & always regret not crossing over into Belgium! Your post totally re-sparked some Danish wanderlust.
That was one of the best parts tasting all of those delectable morsels! Lol. Don’t worry, you can always return and cross over, (or head straight there) and have a great time!
I would love to visit Brussels, it’s on my list. Great post with some awesome tips!
Thank you, you’d love it!