How to see all of Brussels in 2 Days – Travel with Brian and Brittany

Brussels, home to the European Union, waffles, fries and of course, beer. While located in one of the smaller European countries, Brussels still boasts some of the most historic and varying sights throughout the city. So how do you see all of Brussels in 2 days? Fortunately for the budget traveler, Brussels isn’t that big and most of the historical sites are close together. I even made the mistake of booking my hotel outside of Brussels (in Ruisbroek) and was still able to see all of Brussels in 2 days. Continue reading below to learn about the top 11 sights to see in Brussels, Belgium.

As always, scroll to the bottom of the page for quick links to every site!

1. Royal Palace Bruxelles

More of a ceremonial building and home to much of the Belgium government, the Royal Palace of Brussels sits across from Brussels Park on one side and Place des Palais on the other. Rarely open to the public, the Royal Palace is still quite an impressive structure to witness. Originally built sometime in the 11th century, the structure underwent numerous renovations and enlargements to form the current Palace we see today.

2. Grand Place

Arguably one of the most visited places in all of Brussels, the Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another part of Brussels dating back to the 11th century, Grand Place provides visitors an opportunity to witness all the architecture and grandeur that Belgium has to offer. Fun fact, the Grand Place is a unique blend of three different architectural styles. Baroque, Gothic and Louis XIV combined to put the Grand Place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

There are a number of cafes and shops that line the Grand Place. Feel free to take a seat and enjoy a coffee while enjoying this magnificent part of Brussels.

3. Church of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours

Originally built in the 12th century, the Church of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours was renovated in the 17th century. Part of the grandeur of the architecturally minded city of Brussels, the church demonstrates a mix of Baroque-Flemish and Italian styles. Only a few minutes walk from the Grand Place and Manneken Pis, the Church provides a tranquil spot in Brussels. Fun fact: the Church of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours shares its name with a church in Montreal, Canada!

4. Manneken Pis (NSFW!!)

Yes, the Manneken Pis is a statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. Let’s be real though, how many of us didn’t pee into a fountain when we were children?? In any regards, the Manneken Pis has become known as the symbol of ‘belgitude’ in Belgium. What in the world is belgitude you ask? To put loosely, it’s what Belgians have come to define as their typical soul and identity. Belgium is a collection of so many different languages and communities, the Belgians have learned to deal with a certain level of self-mockery! On the day of my visit, the Manneken Pis was wearing what looked to be a football jersey. That evening was a home Champion’s League match for Club Brugge. The team from Bruges, Belgium (about an hour west of Brussels) defeated Leverkusen 1-0.

With over a thousand different costumes on hand, it’s doubtful you’ll see the Mannekin Pis in the same outfit. Don’t forget to enjoy the sites around the Mannekin Pis. Many of the bakers and chocolatiers enjoy having some fun with their artwork (NSFW)!

5. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Only a few minutes from Grand Place, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is worth a quick walkthrough. Similar to the well known galleries in Milan and Saint Petersburg, the Royal Saint-Hubert gallery preceded them both. More than 100 meters long, the gallery is split into two major sections. Feel free to stroll the gallery and admire all the shops along the way!

6. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

A medieval Roman Catholic Church in central Brussels, construction began on the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in the 11th century but was not finished until the 16th century. It took until 1962 for the church to be elevated to cathedral status and is now the national cathedral of Belgium.

7. Atomium

Easily my favorite attraction of Brussels, the Atomium was built for the 1958 Brussel’s World Fair. At 102 meters tall, the Atomium is made up of nine 18 meter in diameter stainless steel spheres that are connected in the shape of a unit cell of an iron crystal. Every sphere houses exhibit halls and are all connected by stairs and escalators. The exhibits themselves are fascinating and the views incredible. If you have to choose one thing to do in Brussels, I would highly recommend visiting the Atomium.

8. National Basilica of the Sacred Heart

A relatively new part of the city of Brussels, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart wasn’t completed until 1970. Dedicated to the Sacred Heart and inspired by the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur in Paris, construction began in 1905. King Leopold II himself laid the first stone, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Belgian Independence. It took 65 years and two World Wars to complete. The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is one of the largest churches by area in the world. If you have time, be sure to stroll through Parc Elisabeth across the street!

9. Cinquantenaire Park

Another anniversary build, the Cinquantenaire Park was built in 1880 to mark the 50th year of Belgian independence. Having recently visited Berlin before Brussels, I got very Brandenburg Gate like feels upon entering the park. I suppose it’s not a crime for most European cities to house their own gate….

Today the park houses the Cinquantenaire Arcade, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art and History Museum, the Great Mosque of Brussels and Autoworld. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to sit down or have a picnic, check out Cinquantenaire Park!

10. Luxembourg Square

Luxembourg Square serves as the main meeting point for several European institutions. Surrounding the square are many buildings for the European Union. More importantly, you can find many of the restaurants and bars frequented by EU bureaucrats and journalists in the square. Watch out on Thursday/Friday evenings though, because the square is packed with suits!

11. Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon

Brussels has a lot of churches, 107 Catholic parishes to be exact. It’s not wonder more than one church would be on this list. That being said, don’t feel bad if you can’t visit all these churches! As for the Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon, it began as a small chapel in the 13th century. It would be converted into a church a century later and sacked by Calvinists in the 16th century. Another century later and a wealthy family in the Brussels area returned to rebuild.

Oh and of course, don’t forget to eat and drink! Especially some chocolate covered waffles and Leffe, the Belgian Abbey beer brewed since 1240!

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