This plan pairs Brussels’ grand central sights with its characterful neighbourhoods, keeping each day’s stops close together. Costs are rough per-person estimates in euros and exclude accommodation.
Budget
Around €150–€220 per person for listed admissions and meals, excluding accommodation, transport and extra drinks.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October, for pleasant walking weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Historic centre: Grand-Place and the lower town
See Brussels’ headline sights on foot, then settle in for a classic Belgian dinner nearby.
Morning
Explore the
Admire the ornate guildhalls and Town Hall, then wander the surrounding lanes. It’s an easy 5-minute walk to the next stop.
FreeMorning
Visit the
Browse the elegant covered arcade and its chocolate shops. Walk about 7 minutes to the next stop.
FreeAfternoon
See
Stop by Brussels’ famously small statue, then take a relaxed 10-minute walk to the next stop.
FreeAfternoon
Tour the
Learn about Belgian brewing inside the former Brussels Stock Exchange; allow around 1.5–2 hours. From , it’s about a 10-minute walk.
About €17Evening
Have dinner at
Enjoy Belgian dishes and a traditional beer hall atmosphere; it’s about a 7-minute walk from Belgian Beer World.
About €25–€40
Sablon and the Marolles
Mix fine old architecture, museums and the Marolles’ lively local streets, all within a compact central area.
Morning
Visit the
Choose from the museum’s collections of old and modern masters. Walk roughly 8 minutes to the next stop.
About €10–€15Morning
Step inside
Take in the Gothic church and its stained glass, then walk about 5 minutes to .
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Explore the square’s antique shops and chocolate boutiques, then walk around 12 minutes downhill to the next stop.
FreeAfternoon
Explore the Marolles and
Browse the neighbourhood’s independent shops and, if the timing suits, its daily flea market. It’s about a 10-minute walk to dinner.
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Settle into a relaxed neighbourhood brasserie near the flea-market square; it’s about a 10-minute walk from .
About €20–€35
European Quarter and Cinquantenaire
Spend the day among Brussels’ monumental parks and museums, then finish with dinner in lively Ixelles.
Morning
Visit the
Explore the European Parliament’s interactive visitor centre; advance booking is recommended. Take the metro or walk about 15 minutes to the next stop.
FreeAfternoon
Wander through
Enjoy the broad lawns and monumental arches, then walk about 10 minutes to the next stop.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
See historic and classic cars in the park’s impressive exhibition hall. Allow about 1.5–2 hours; the museum is inside .
About €15Evening
Have dinner at
Head to Ixelles for Belgian comfort food, including seasonal specialties. The metro or a taxi from Autoworld takes around 20–25 minutes.
About €30–€45
Good to know
Getting around
The historic centre is easiest on foot. For the European Quarter and Ixelles, use STIB-MIVB public transport or a taxi.
Museum planning
Check opening days and book timed entry where available, especially for the and .
Market timing
’s flea market is held daily, with the liveliest browsing usually in the morning.