How Our Family Spent 2 Days in Brussels (and Bruges too!)

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Last month, our family spent two weeks traveling Europe. It was a bucket list experience we will remember forever. We are enamored by all of Europe and can’t wait to explore more in future trips! Today, I want to talk about how we spent 2 days in Brussels, Belgium, between our visits to Paris and Amsterdam.

What to do in Brussels Pinterest Pin Image

Visiting Brussels, Belgium

Why did we visit Brussels?

Quite frankly, it was centrally located along our Thalys Train route from Paris to Amsterdam, and we wanted to see as much of Europe as possible! I will admit that several people told us to stay in Bruges or Ghent instead, but both would have required switching trains and longer travel days. We only had 2 days in Brussels, so didn’t want to factor in that extra travel.

So, we were glad that we made Brussels our home base while in Belgium and made a day trip to Bruges.

A teen girl on the Thalys train from Paris to Brussels. She is looking out the window.

Some Brussels History

Brussels, the captivating capital of Belgium, is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. As the de facto capital of Europe, it offers travelers a unique experience. This vibrant metropolis is a busy hub for business and leisure, yet embraces its rich heritage above all else.

People gathered at Grand Place in the heart of Brussels, Belgium.

Brussels is known for its awe-inspiring architectural marvels like the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with ornate guildhalls, and the iconic Town Hall. Or visitors can instead wander through narrow cobblestone streets and discover charming neighborhoods like the trendy Saint-Gilles or the bohemian Marolles, where antique shops and cozy cafés await.

Brussels is also home to many museums, including the world-renowned Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Horta Museum, showcasing the works of the renowned Belgian Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta.

One of Brussels’ most famous landmarks is the Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a urinating boy. It has become an iconic symbol of the city’s sense of humor and irreverence. The statue is often dressed in various costumes and even “urinates” beer on special occasions!

2 Days in Belgium Itinerary blog post. Image shows a day and two kids in Grand Place, Brussels.

Furthermore, no trip to Brussels is complete without indulging in the city’s culinary delights and savoring delectable Belgian chocolates, crispy frites, and delicious waffles with its international ambiance and lively atmosphere.

Where Did We Stay For Our 2 Days in Brussels?

We stayed at the Hotel Indigo Brussels City for two nights in Brussels. We were pleased with our choice. In fact, I wrote an entire blog post about this hotel, complete with over a dozen photos of the lush interior.

Beautiful decor at the Hotel Indigo Brussels City in Belgium Europe

A family with suitcases in front of the Hotel Indigo Brussels City in Belgium Europe.

Our hotel was just a 10-minute walk (or two stops on the metro) north of the hustle and bustle of Grand Place. In fact, many choose to stay in that area. You can’t go wrong either way. I will mention that staying right in Grand Place may be akin to staying in Times Square while visiting New York City. Yes, it’s busy, but it is also central to many things and a great way to maximize activities during a short stay.

However, our hotel was removed from the busiest areas, which we liked. It was adjacent to the Brussels Botanical Gardens and near two train stations.

Booking.com

How Our Family Spent 2 Days in Brussels

We arrived via train on a Friday afternoon and immediately checked into our hotel. We only had 2 days in Brussels, so wanted to hit the ground running. After enjoying a quick drink in the Hotel Indigo Brussels courtyard, we began walking along Rue Nueve toward Grand Place in search of Belgium Waffles for the kids and Belgium Beer for the adults!

This street, Rue Neuve, was crowded and lined with primarily global shops we were already familiar with, such as Zara, Nike, and even Lush Cosmetics. A lot was going on, but it wasn’t necessarily as charming as we had hoped.

After a short walk, we found ourselves in Grand Place. This is the heart of the city, and it was much more charming here. The architecture rivals some of the best in the world, and Belgium delights are plentiful in the surrounding shops.

This image was taken during a weekend in Brussels. You can see people strolling around Grand Place

An Evening at Grand Place Brussels

We stopped by several local establishments for a drink and a snack before landing in the very heart of the city – Grand Place (Grote Markt). This large city square is entirely encircled by lavish historic guilded buildings dating back to the 14th century.

While we didn’t tour any of these incredible buildings, we enjoyed simply strolling among them. I very much enjoyed the talented street performers! We ended the evening by having dinner at a restaurant nestled in Grand Place. We sat in the courtyard and enjoyed the music, sunset, and good old-fashioned people-watching!

A teen girl sitting at an outdoor restaurant in Grand Place, Belgium Brussels

This image shows the crowds on a summer day at Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium. Historic guilded buildings are in the background.

Our Day Trip to Bruges

The following morning, Abby and I ventured out for a day trip to Bruges, leaving Matt and Jake back in Brussels to explore on their own. They wanted to catch up on some sleep, and we often enjoy building in one-on-one time with each of our children while traveling!

Bruges was incredible! I have an entire blog post dedicated to this outing that you can read here. It even includes helpful tips for getting from Brussels to Bruges by train!

Abby and I rolled back into Brussels-Nord train station in the late afternoon.

After taking the kids downstairs for a bite, Matt and I headed out for a little date night. We had the best time visiting the Secret Rooftop Bar in Brussels. I will never forget seeing the sunset over Brussels on a warm summer night! It was the perfect way to end our quick stay in Brussels before heading to Amsterdam in the morning.

A dad and son at a train station in Brussels.

Other Things to Do in Brussels

We only had 2 days in Brussels, and there is a lot to do that I should mention here. Therefore, I want to share some other fun things to do in Brussels! You can always visit the Brussels TripAdvisor page for a list of the top attractions and tours in Brussels.

This photo was taken in Grand Place from an outdoor dining table. You can see the historic guilded buildings.

Belgian Comic Strip Center

Delve into Brussels’ comic strip heritage at the Belgian Comic Strip Center. Housed in a remarkable Art Nouveau building, it showcases the evolution of comic art through exhibitions of original artwork, manuscripts, and memorabilia. Admire iconic characters like Tintin and The Smurfs while learning about the artistic process behind them.

Atomium: Futuristic Marvel and Iconic Landmark

Experience Brussels’ futuristic side at the Atomium, an emblem of the 1958 World Expo. This colossal stainless steel atom-shaped structure consists of interconnected spheres housing exhibitions that explore science, art, and design. The panoramic view from the top sphere offers a mesmerizing cityscape. This is an excellent option for families with tweens and teens!

The Botanical Garden of Brussels

Located in the heart of the city is a tranquil oasis that offers a serene escape from the bustling urban environment. The garden showcases a diverse collection of plant species from around the world, including rare and exotic specimens. The Botanical Garden of Brussels provides a delightful experience for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility amidst the city’s energy. With its peaceful atmosphere, picturesque paths, and educational facilities, it is a great way to spend a few hours.

Manneken Pis: Brussels’ Quirky Symbol

Discover Brussels’ playful spirit with a visit to Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a boy urinating into a fountain. This iconic symbol has a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes, and its occasional costume changes for special occasions or events are a local tradition.

Book a Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour

A tour like this is a great way to get a local’s perspective and ensure you hit all of the best spots! This Brussels Walking and Tasting Tour on TripAdvisor has 5 stars from hundreds of participants. There are a variety of tours available that focus on everything from beer to chocolate and from history to nightlife.

Historic guilded 14th century buildings in Grand Place Brussels Belgium. This blog post shares a Brussels itinerary.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Art enthusiasts should take advantage of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, comprising the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art. The former houses works by Flemish masters like Bruegel and Rubens, while the latter showcases modern and contemporary Belgian art.

Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Stroll through the elegant Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Europe’s first shopping arcade. You’ll find a treasure trove of Belgian culinary delights amid upscale boutiques. Savor heavenly chocolates from Neuhaus, sample delicate pralines from Leonidas, and indulge in crispy waffles at Mokafe.

Chocolate Adventures at Choco-Story

Indulge your sweet tooth at Choco-Story Chocolate Museum & Tasting Brussels. Immerse yourself in the history of chocolate, learn about its production, and even participate in chocolate-making workshops. Of course, the highlight is the delectable tasting session featuring a variety of exquisite chocolates.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Escape the urban hustle at Parc du Cinquantenaire, a sprawling park adorned with gardens, arches, and museums. It’s a serene oasis amid the city, perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and relaxation.

Belgian Beer Odyssey: Brews and Pubs

Embark on a Belgian beer adventure by exploring the city’s pubs and breweries. Sample a wide range of beers, from fruity lambics to robust Trappist ales, and discover the intricate flavors that have made Belgian beer famous worldwide.

Mini-Europe: A Tour of Europe in One Place

Experience Europe in miniature at Mini-Europe, where intricate models of famous landmarks from across the continent await. Walk through this enchanting park and marvel at scaled-down replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and other iconic sites.

Visit Autoworld and Trainworld Museums

The Autoworld Museum in Brussels to a great place to learn about the automobile industry and the evolution of motor vehicles over the years. Here you will find over 250 vehicles on display. The museum also houses temporary exhibitions on various themes throughout the year.

Over at Trainworld Brussels, located in the old Schaarbeek railway station, visitors can marvel at historic railway locomotives and other artifacts from railway history. This unique museum boasts the oldest preserved locomotive in all of continental Europe.

Plan Your Trip to Brussels

Brussels’ unique blend of history, art, gastronomy, and whimsical charm ensures a memorable journey for travelers eager to explore this captivating European city. It’s a place where you can experience a lot in just 2 days in Brussels or plan a more extended trip and truly immerse yourself in the culture.

And remember these 10 Europe travel essentials when packing for your trip to Brussels!