Updated: Oct 10, 2024
During my time in Geneva, Switzerland, where I was completing a research fellowship, I happened to have a weekend off and, I decided to take a break from the Alps: it was time for a change of scenery, soI thought: “24 Hours in Brussels wouldn’t be such a bad idea”.
This trip was a rather unique experience, for several reasons:
- It was last minute: I booked my flight the night before),
- I was unprepared: I had done no prior research on things to do in brussels in only 24 hours
- I was also on an extremely tight budget
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But as I learned, sometimes the most spontaneous adventures are the more memorable ones.
There are important life skills and travel lessons I learned from my Brussel adventure, and if you care for them, I can share them one day with you. But for the purpose of this post, if you are looking for the most cost-effective and productive way to spend 24 hours in Brussels, here is a spontaneous itinerary that I used. How do I know this worked? It showed me just enough to want to come back to Brussels again. Here is my recommendation of 10 amazing things you can do in Brussels in less than 24 hours.
But, before we get started…
5 Interesting facts to Know before you Go…
- Since World War II, it was the major center of international politics in Europe, and it has remained the political capital of the European Union
- The majority of people speak Dutch (I learned it the hard way when I looked at my train ticket and realized that the print language was neither English nor French). The second most common language in French and the third, German.
- The difference between French fries and Belgian fries is in the cut
- The city is known for its diverse architecture (Gothic, Baroque, etc.) and its gastronomy (hint: Belgian waffles and Belgian fries)
- On average, Belgians rink about 84 liters of beer per year: it’s part of their culture, and they’re proud of it.
Get Your Roundtrip Ticket to and From the Train Station
Once you arrive at the Brussels Airport (whether it is via Brussels Airlines or any other airline), head to the train station to get your ticket your roundtrip ticket to the city and back to the airport. Signs and arrows at the airport will guide you to where the train station is.
Cost: 15.20 Euros (roundtrip ticket)
My Personal Travel Tips:
- Your ticket is valid for 24 hours.
- The train takes about 30 minutes to get to the city center.
- If you’re traveling via plane: Before you leave the station, check the departure time for the last train to ensure that you get back to the airport in time for your return flight.
1. Start your Brussels Adventure with a Free City Tour
A lot of European cities have the concept of “free city tours”, and a Brussels Free City Tour is a great option for a quick history of the city if you only have 24 hours, and if you’re traveling on a budget. But whilst the tours are free, you re encouraged to tip the tour guide at the end if you found the experience useful. Another thing that I love about these tours is the fact that you do not need to sign up in advance: simply meet with one of the groups at the Grand Place and join their tour. And if you get bored, feel free to leave. No strings attached.
Cost: free
My Personal Travel Tips:
- Tours are usually walking tours, between 10:30 and 2:30 PM, and last for about one hour to one hour and a half.
- Tour guides can be identified with a white umbrella
- They have different language options available (French, English, Spanish, etc)
- Meeting point: Grand Place (which is a UNESCO Heritage site, an extremely popular market place in Brussels and perhaps one of the most visited sites in the city (so it would be easy for you to find!)
- End point: “Jardin du Mont des Arts”, Brussels
2. “Jardin du Mont des Arts”
The History behind it: Mont des Arts used to be a very populated neighborhood back then, that King Leopold II (king of Belgium at the time) decided to convert into an art quarter. Because of the project could not be completed (due to lack of finances, according to reports), the place was converted into a temporary garden, which was then renovated after King Leopold II passed away. The new garden was inaugurated by King Albert II, whose remembrance statue can be seen in the center of the garden.
Today, the Jardin du Mont des Arts is a very picturesque site not only because of its neatly trimmed flowers and trees, but also because it gives you an unmatched view of Brussels city hall.
Cost: Free.
My Personal Travel Tip:
If you have more time to spend than 24 hours in Brussels (or if you want to add something to your itinerary), nearby attractions include:
- The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM),
- The Royal Museums of Fine Arts,
- The Royal Palace, and
- The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula.
3. The Grand’Place (Grot Markt)
The grand’Place is the most important tourist attraction in the city of Brussels, and is also one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
The History behind it: Brussels was built around the 10th century, and the Grand’ Place was the first landmark and site of development. Trade and business developed with the rise of local merchants, with the market place at the center of all activities and exchanges. Within the square, other indoor markets were created (such as the cloth market, the meat market and the bread market), mostly to avoid damage of products during the rainy season. As time went by, the market place successfully became the most notable point in the city, the place of residence for the richest merchants and sellers, a place of war and revolutions, but also political reconciliation.
Today, is a hub for all tourists. It’s also one of the most active points on the weekends (daytime), and you can easily access all the remaining attractions listed in this article by walking up, down and around the market place. Interestingly, the site is also a UNESCO Heritage Site. At the Grand’Place, you can find the Brussels City Hall, the King’s House (which was formerly the breadhouse/breadmarket), as well as the houses of old renowned monarchy.
Cost: Free.
My Personal Travel Tip:
Every two years, in mid-august, there is a unique flower exhibition at the Grand’Place, called the Flower Carpet. The exhibition features more than 500 000 flowers and the theme changes every year. This year’s theme was “Guanajuato, cultural pride of Mexico”.
4. Everard t’Serclaes Remembrance Statue
Everard t’ Serclaes was a 14th century hero of Belgium, recognized for recovering the city of Brussels from the Felmings’ invasion. Locals believe that touching (or rubbing the statue) brings good luck, and whenever a visitor touches it, this ensures that he will return to Brussels one day.
Cost: Free
My Personal Travel Tip: this is a very popular statue in the Market place, so it might be difficult to get a shot alone. Go there early to avoid tourist groups!
5. Belgian Beer Museum
Whether you are spending 6, 12 or 24 hours in Brussels, this is definitely a must!
Did you know that the average Belgian drinks about 84 liters of beer per year?
For only 5 euros, you get to learn about the beer making process, different types of beers used for different occasions, history of beer, and on top of that, you get a free beer glass (you can even choose which type you want).
I felt so enlightened to learn about the different types of beers (thirst quenching and degustation beers), to learn that specific beers are served in specific glasses, and to even realize that some beers are made for specific occasions (like Christmas, for instance).
When in Brussels, this is definitely one of the top things to do.
Cost: 5 Euros, with a complimentary beer.
My Personal Travel Tip: the museum is pretty small, and if at the end of your visit you want to sit down inside to sip your beer, then I recommend getting there early, perhaps before 10. Otherwise, there’s a 50/50 chance that you won’t get a seat. But if you don’t mind standing up while sipping, then that’s great!
6. Lunch at Belgian Frites
I had my first Belgian fries experience at Belgian Frites. I received a generous and delectable portion for less than 5 euros, and my heart (and mouth) were at peace (you know how I feel about food). I also learned that the difference between French fries and Belgian fries was in the cut!
Cost: 5 euros (or less).
My Personal Travel Tip: the picture here depicts a medium portion, and it was sufficient to keep me full for the afternoon (and I’m a food lover). You can choose to add other sauces and dressings to your serving, at an additional cost.
7. Indulge in a Belgian Waffles’ Treat for Dessert!
Just like you can’t go to France and not have French crêpes, you also can’t go to Belgium and not have Belgian waffles. All along the market place, there is a wide variety of sellers. You can get them for as little as 1 euro, and you get to choose your toppings (additional cost).
Cost: 1 Euro.
My Personal Travel Tip: choose your topping accordingly, because the cost of your waffle increases based on the topping you select.
8. Check out the Manneken Pis
When I knew i was going to spend 24 hours in Brussels, I told myself: “If I don’t see anything, I want to see the Atomium and the Manneken Pis”. And as I was kindly led along the Market Place by two tourists sensitive to my plight and supportive of my desire to fulfill the second part of my goal, I finally encountered… The Manneken Pis: he’s a little boy.
A little boy, but an iconic landmark sculpture in Brussels. The scuplture depicts a naked little boy urinating into a fountain’s basin.
Historically, it was the first fountain that played an essential role in the distribution of drinking water in Brussels since the 15th century. The sculpture also survived the bombing of Brussels in 1695. The Manneken Pis was designed by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in 1618 or 1619.
It is said that Manne (can I just call him Manne – reads “Manu”, I find him so adorable…) has more than 900 suits in his wardrobe, and before each suit is officialized, there is a full ceremony. He is dressed about 130 times per year, and you better believe there is an official calendar that dictates (ahead of time) when he should be dressed. You can find out more about his wardrobe and costumes here. So, next time someone tells you you have too many clothes, just send them the link to this article and let them know that the Manneken Pis, Manne, has more than 900. Case closed.
Cost: free
My Personal Travel Tip: Manne is a VIP, and it might be difficult for you to get a nice clean shot with him, when you go there, simply because there are a lot of other tourists. So you have to be pretty strategic!
9. Throwback to your childhood at the Tintin Museum (aka Hergé Museum)
If you are a huge fan of cartoons like I am, you’ll love visiting the Tintin Museum. I grew up watching Tintin and Milou’s adventures all my childhood and early teenage years but I only discovered that Tintin was Belgian when I went to Brussels. Quite an eye-opening trip! If you have a few minutes to spare, stop by, and if not, just pick up some souvenirs!
Cost: there is a small fee to pay prior to entering the museum.
10. MOOF Museum (Museum Of Original Figurines)
This one is also a must for anyone who is a die-hard fan of cartoons! This museum features original figurines of cartoons like The Smurfs, Asterix and Obelix, Tintin, and so many more! I was overwhelmed being there, it felt like childhood again. I’d definitely recommend this.
Cost: there is a small fee to pay to access the museum.
11. Visit The Atomium
The Atomium is a 102 m tall building shaped as a molecule made of several circular atoms connected by chemical bonds (well, in this case, physical bonds). It was built in 1958 as part of a scientifi(Expo 58) in Brussels. Now, the Atomium is a museum; the top sphere of which includes a restaurant with a panoramic view of Brussels. You could simply stand outside and take a picture around the molecule (which I did), but if you’d like to go in, there is a fee. Interestingly, access to the attraction is sold alongside with access to the Mini-Europe attraction, which might turn out to be a great combo deal for you:
Cost: Atomium + Mini – Europe: € 24,70 (adults) and € 16,60 (<12y) € 21,80 (12-18y) for children.
My Personal Travel Tip: Tip: a good trip to the museum takes “at least” an hour. If you plan on visiting this museum, consider that in allocating your time available for the different attractions you want to see. Also, the Atomium is about 35 mns from the city center, one way, by metro. With that said, it would take you 1h10 mns to go from and to the city. Take this into consideration when making your plans.
12. Have Kiddy Fun at “Mini-Europe”
Mini-Europe is rather an interesting concept. It is a miniature park that displays the landmarks of Europe, as well as cities and the most important buildings in the continent. It is located just above the Atomium, so you can easily tackle both attractions at once.
My Personal Travel Tip: you can purchase a combo ticket that gives you access to both the Atomium and Mini-Europe. There is also a restaurant around if you want to grab a quick bite, and a movie theater if you feel like being entertained by the latest releases. Very practical for an afternoon out alone, with a friend, or as a family.
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