Visit Brussels in 2 days
18 must-see POIs, optimized routes and anecdotes.
48 hours in Brussels: a lively, friendly itinerary
If you have two days to spend in Brussels, get ready to walk, look up now and then, and let yourself be surprised. This 48-hour itinerary starts gently at the Church of St. James on Coudenberg and ends with the mischievous wink of the Jeanneke Pis. Along the way you'll alternate between architecture, museums, small theatres and lively squares, and you'll discover spots where locals like to stroll.
I designed this route so that each half-day offers a balance between major cultural highlights and moments of urban life. In the morning, favor the calm energy of historic buildings and museums; the afternoon invites walks in the parks, coffee breaks and facades that tell a story. You'll pass by the Musical Instruments Museum, the Royal Palace of Brussels and the Royal Park Theatre, places that give a sense of the city.
Expect simple transitions: the city lends itself well to walking, and each stop becomes an opportunity for a sensory discovery — a shop window, a kiosk in a park, a sculpted facade. I wanted the itinerary to also highlight more intimate curiosities like the Museum of Original Figurines and neighborhood addresses such as the Sainte-Catherine Quarter.
In the pages that follow you'll find a day-by-day guide, practical advice on accommodation and transport, as well as culinary tips to make the most of Brussels. Keep an open mind and comfortable shoes: the city reveals itself best on foot, between grand squares and narrow streets full of character. Enjoy exploring.
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You will visit the most beautiful points of interest in Brussels
Condensed itinerary for 2 days
Day 1 morning: start at the Church of Saint James on Coudenberg, then head to the Museum of Musical Instruments for a sound immersion. Continue to Charles de Lorraine Square and the Palace of Fine Arts, then cross to the Carrefour de l'Europe to feel the urban pulse. architecture, music, arts.
Day 1 afternoon: stroll toward the Ravenstein Hotel, visit the Royal Palace of Brussels and relax at the bandstand in Brussels Park. End the day at the Royal Park Theatre and the Museum of Original Figurines for a touch of the unusual. park, royal, theatre.
Day 2 morning: explore the Sainte-Catherine Quarter, step inside the Royal Toone Theatre, then discover the Charles Buls Fountain, the House of the Dukes of Brabant and Poelaert Square. neighborhood, tradition, square.
Day 2 afternoon: head down to Fontainas Square, take Old Grain Market Street, pass Saint Catherine Church and Stork Street, and finish in front of Jeanneke Pis. Neighborhood moments, discreet shops and local atmosphere punctuate this final afternoon. strolling, local flavors, neighborhood spirit.
Day 1 - Brussels
10 POIs to discoverDay 1 - Morning à Brussels
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h45 - Distance : 1.4 km - Walking : 0h18
Rue de la Cigogne
- Rue de la Cigogne is a hidden village in the heart of Brussels.
- The street is charming with its cobblestones, shrubs and discreet facades.
- The locals live here in tranquility and gather to chat al fresco.
- The street's entrance porch dates from 1780 and features a statuette dedicated to Saint-Roch. ⌛ Despite the years, Rue de la Cigogne retains its timeless charm.
- The street is a haven of peace, disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sainte-Catherine district
- The quays district is also known as the Sainte-Catherine district.
- The district was once the former port of Brussels and home to canals used for transporting goods.
- The canals were filled in in the 19th century and replaced by wide boulevards.
- The district includes historic sites such as the Beguinage de and its church Saint-Jean-Baptiste-au-Béguinage and the Grand Hospice Pachéco.
- The district is also home to the Royal Flemish Theatre of Brussels and the house of La Bellone.
- The district's main thoroughfares include the Quais du Commerce, the Boulevards de Dixmude and d'Ypres, as well as the Rue des Commerçants and the Rue du Canal.
- The Quais district is also called the Alhambra district in its northern part.
Fontaine Anspach
- The Anspach fountain was erected in 1897 as a tribute to Jules Anspach, former burgomaster of Brussels.
- It was originally located on Place de Brouckère, but was dismantled in 1973 due to metro construction work.
- It was reassembled here in the Square des Blindés in 1981, near the Quai aux Briques.
- The Anspach fountain features a granite obelisk surmounting a pedestal adorned with a bas-relief depicting the vaulting of the Senne.
- Jules Anspach was a major promoter of the work to vault it.
Royal Flemish Theatre
- The Royal Flemish Theatre is located in the quayside district, where the inner harbour of the city of Brussels was located until the end of the 19th century.
- Its main façade is located in "rue de Laeken".
- It is the home of the Brussels-based Dutch-language theatre company (KVS), which aims to promote professional Dutch-language theatre in Belgium and abroad.
- The productions are drawn not only from the national and international classical repertoire, but also from contemporary forms of expression.
- There is also room for dance, poetry, music and the organisation of exhibitions.
Black Tower
- The Black Tower is a well-preserved vestige of Brussels' first city wall, built in the 13th century.
- It survived the demolition of the part of the first wall located behind Saint Catherine's Church when new basins were built in the Port of Brussels.
- In the 16th century, the Black Tower was transformed into a tavern called "In de Toren".
- It was saved from demolition in 1888 thanks to the intervention of burgomaster Charles Buls, a fervent defender of Brussels' historic heritage.
- The tower has been restored and listed as a historic monument since 1937.
- The Black Tower is built of sandstone rubble, with a semicircular plan, an ivy-covered side and loopholes on the second floor.
Day 1 - Afternoon à Brussels
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h45 - Distance : 2.6 km - Walking : 0h34
Saint Catherine Church
- Brussels' Sainte-Catherine church was built between 1854 and 1874, replacing an earlier 15th-century edifice.
- Its design was entrusted to the talents of Joseph Poelaert, the architect of the Palais de Justice.
- The church's architecture is hybrid, blending Gothic and Baroque elements with neo-Renaissance-style furnishings.
- It was almost demolished to build a parking lot, but was reopened for worship in 2014.
- Catherine's Church then on the right of the square was demolished in 1893 and replaced by a power plant, today itself transformed into a museum of contemporary art called CENTRALE.
Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains
- This is a former 16th-century fortified moat.
- Originally, the square hosted a cattle market.
- Later, around 1650, it became a grain market.
- Today, the square is pleasant with its shaded terraces under the trees.
Egmont Park
- Egmont Park, opened to the public in 1918, has its origins in the gardens of Egmont Palace.You can discover: A orangery: building where potted citrus fruits were once brought in during the winter.
- Under a tumulus, an ice house was once used to store ice harvested in winter and used in summer A white stone aedicule called "Groote Pollepel".
- This is a reservoir that once played a very important role in supplying Brussels with water.
- Six Ionic columns that came from the Egmont Palace and were reassembled here after the fire that ravaged the palace in 1892. A statue of Peter Pan, a copy of the one in Kensington Gardens in London.
- The Marguerite Yourcenar passage evokes the author's memory through fourteen of her quotations.
- The old stables of Egmont Palace, built in neoclassical style.
Godfrey of Bouillon
- The bronze statue represents Godefroy de Bouillon brandishing the standard and shouting "Dieu le veut!".
- It was the first equestrian statue in Brussels.
- Prior to this, a statue of Charles de Lorraine, erected when Place Royale was created, stood here.
- This was overturned in 1794 and melted down to be turned into money.
- Godefroy de Bouillon was the first ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, at the end of the First Crusade.
- He was born around 1058 and died on July 18, 1100 in Jerusalem.
- Godefroy de Bouillon answered Pope Urban II's call for the crusade and took part in the reconquest of Jerusalem.
- He was a member of the House of Flanders and a descendant of Charlemagne.
Place du Petit Sablon - Kleine Zavel
- This is a public sculpture garden dedicated to the 16th century, featuring statues of personalities from the Spanish Netherlands. It is surrounded by a wrought iron and stone fence, with columns topped by 48 bronze statuettes representing the trades and corporations of the time. The square garden features terraced boxwood and flowers, laid out in symmetrical patterns, with alleys converging towards a central monument-fountain. Behind the monument, a double spiral staircase and a double incline compensate for the five meter height difference between the streets surrounding the square. Around this semicircle, ten Carrara marble statues representing personalities, artists or scientists of the 16th century are placed in ivy niches. .
Day 2 - Brussels
8 POIs to discoverDay 2 - Morning à Brussels
5 Points of interest - Duration : 4h00 - Distance : 0.6 km - Walking : 0h08
Théâtre Royal de Toone
- The Théâtre royal de Toone is a puppet theater in Brussels.
- It was created in 1830 and remains a popular place of entertainment.
- Puppets appeared after the closure of theaters by Philip II of Spain.
- In fact, this type of theater allows great freedom of tone and does not require many resources.
- The puppet repertoire is borrowed from popular legends and stories of chivalry.
- Nine showmen have succeeded each other in the Toone dynasty.
- The transmission is not necessarily from father to son: the new "Toone" must be adopted by both his predecessor and his popular audience.
- The Toone Theater also houses an estaminet and a museum of Brussels puppets.
House of the Dukes of Brabant
- The House of the Dukes of Brabant is a collection of seven classic Baroque houses The houses bear names such as "La Renommée", "La Fortune" and "La Bourse".
- The houses were destroyed during the bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and rebuilt to plans by architect Guillaume de Bruyn.
- Craft guilds were housed in the House of the Dukes of Brabant until the guilds were abolished during the French Revolution The "House" is adorned at the base of the pilasters with 19 busts of Dukes of Brabant and other rulers of this country, including: Jean IV de Brabant, Philippe de Brabant, Charles le Téméraire, Marie de Bourgogne, Charles Quint, Philippe roi d'Espagne.
Carrefour de l'Europe
- Brussels-Central station is Belgium's second busiest, with almost 63,000 passengers a day.
- The building's design was entrusted to Victor Horta and Maxime Brunfaut.
- On the ceiling of one of the square's passageways is a huge mural of the Smurfs, the creator of which was Belgian.
- On the mural you can see these blue creatures reproducing the best of Belgian culture!
Charles Buls fountain
- The Fontaine Charles Buls monument was erected as a tribute to Charles Buls, mayor of Brussels from 1881 to 1899, and a great advocate of the arts and Brussels' heritage.
- The fountain was inaugurated in 1987, marking the 150th anniversary of Charles Buls' (1837-1914) birth.
- In 2019, the fountain could not be turned on because the basin had too many cracks, leading to discussions about performing extensive restoration on it.
- Charles Buls is depicted sitting on a stone bench surrounding the fountain while a dog plays, biting the sleeve of his coat, which is a likely reference to the policy Buls implemented against street dogs at the end of the 19th century.
Museum of the City of Brussels
- The Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles is dedicated to the history and heritage of the city, presenting paintings, sculptures, tapestries, engravings, photos and models.
- It occupies the Maison du Roi, rebuilt by Victor Jamaer after Louis van Bodeghem.
- The museum's varied collections trace the city's social, economic, intellectual, artistic and town-planning evolution.
- One room exhibits the Manneken-pis wardrobe, with over 900 costumes.🆓 Admission to the museum is free for Brussels city residents.
Day 2 - Afternoon à Brussels
3 Points of interest - Duration : 2h15 - Distance : 3.4 km - Walking : 0h45
Fontainas Square
- � The square is named after André-Napoléon Fontainas, former burgomaster of Brussels.
- It occupies the site of the Petite Ile, formed by two arms of the Senne.
- It is part of the central boulevards laid out in 1867-1871 by architect Léon-Pierre Suys.
- Suys planned to erect a monumental fountain here in his 1865 project.
- On the east side of the square, some houses retain their café canopies, such as the Moeder Lambic Beer Bar.
Jeanneke Pis
- The Jeanneke-Pis is a statue of a little girl urinating.
- She is the sister of the Manneken-Pis.
- The bronze statue is about 50 cm high and depicts a naked, squatting little girl.
- Created in 1985 by Denis-Adrien Debouvrie, the statue was unveiled to the public in 1987.
- According to legend, throwing coins into the Jeanneke-Pis fountain is traditional to show affection for a loved one.
- The money collected is used for medical research and helping the needy in Belgium.
- The Jeanneke-Pis is one of Brussels' many iconic statues, alongside the Manneken-Pis (her "brother") and the Zinneke-Pis (a dog).
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
- The museum preserves a collection of objects and works of art linked to the country's wars and conflicts over 12 centuries.
- It occupies the northern half of the Cinquantenaire museum complex, with 40,000 square metres of exhibition space.⏳ The museum's current collection began to be assembled in 1910 on the occasion of the Brussels Universal and International Exhibition.
- The museum has a variety of sections covering different eras and aspects of military history.
Practical details for visiting Brussels
Where to stay
To make the most of this 2-day itinerary, choose centrally located accommodation. The areas around Brussels Park and the Sainte-Catherine Quarter are particularly convenient: you’ll be within walking distance of the major museums, the squares and the theatres. If you enjoy nightlife and restaurants, favor the streets near Sainte-Catherine and the historic centre. For greater quiet, look for a hotel or apartment near Poelaert Square or on adjacent residential streets.
Expect a range of options: **hostels** and small hotels for a tight budget, **three-star hotels** or charming apartments for mid-range comfort, and a few more upscale hotels around the park for a comfortable stay. Average prices vary by season and immediate proximity to attractions: in low season, simple rooms become affordable, while during event periods rates climb.
Practical tip: choose lodging that allows you to reach the Church of St. James on Coudenberg easily on foot in the morning to start the itinerary without stress. A central base will save you time between the Royal Palace, the Musical Instruments Museum and the Sainte-Catherine Quarter. proximity, comfort, budget. Booking early helps secure the best place.
Getting around
Brussels can easily be explored on foot along this route: many points of interest are close to one another. Walking remains the best way to capture the atmosphere, especially between the Church of Saint James on Coudenberg, the Royal Palace and the park. For longer journeys, combine metro, tram and bus: the network covers the centre well and quickly connects peripheral neighbourhoods.
If you prefer sustainable mobility, cycling and bike‑sharing offer a good alternative for getting across the city. Several bike stations are located near the main squares and parks. Shared scooters are also available, but ask yourself whether they suit your comfort and the local traffic.
Some practical tips: use transport apps to plan your journeys, buy tickets valid for multiple trips if you plan to use the network several times, and favour walking in the areas around the Royal Palace, the Royal Park Theatre and the Sainte‑Catherine Quarter. planning, apps, flexibility. Walk when you can.
What to bring
The weather can vary: pack layers you can mix and match to stay comfortable during walks that combine indoor and outdoor. A lightweight waterproof jacket is useful in case of a sudden shower, and a pair of comfortable shoes is essential for walking the cobblestones between museums and squares. comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, layers.
For devices, bring a portable charger and an adapter if needed: you'll want to photograph façades, museum interiors and street scenes. If you plan to attend a performance at the Royal Park Theatre or the Royal Toone Theatre, pack a smart-casual outfit.
Finally, keep a small kit with basic essentials (basic medication, bandages, and a small bottle of water): it will come in handy on long walks. practicality, comfort, prevention. Travel light but prepared.
Advance reservations
For a trouble-free stay, consider booking certain stops in advance. Seats for events at the Théâtre Royal du Parc and the Théâtre Royal de Toone can sell out quickly on performance nights: reserve your tickets ahead of time if a play catches your eye. Likewise, temporary exhibitions in the major museums and at the Palais des Beaux-Arts may require a reservation depending on the schedule.
For meals, it is recommended to book tables at popular restaurants in the city centre and the Sainte-Catherine quarter, especially on weekends. If you wish to visit the Musical Instruments Museum in a group or take part in guided tours, check whether a reservation is necessary. Finally, for accommodation, booking early allows you to choose lodging ideally located between the park and Sainte-Catherine.
In short: book for the shows, the exhibitions, and the very busy restaurants. Also consider combo tickets or passes if you plan to visit several museums in succession. anticipation, comfort, time management. A little organization multiplies the pleasure.
Extras not to miss
Beyond the main itinerary, I recommend a few experiences that add depth to the visit. Start with an exploration of the alleys around Sainte-Catherine: antique shops, workshops and small cafés reveal local treasures. Also don’t miss themed walks, such as discovering Art Nouveau façades or small hidden art galleries.
For a playful touch, include an urban escape game: Coddy’s urban escape games offer an interactive, local way to roam neighborhoods while solving puzzles. It’s an excellent activity for slightly rainy afternoons or to refresh the energy of a classic visit.
Finally, if time allows, venture on to neighborhood markets or occasional local events: flea markets, food markets or small street performances bring a real added soul. secret walks, escape games, markets, crafts. Mix things up.
Local Delights
The food scene along this route is rich and varied: from small breweries to neighborhood spots serving comforting dishes. Don't leave without trying the specialties often found at artisans and small tables near Sainte-Catherine and the historic center. local beers, chocolate, street-food specialties.
Neighborhood markets offer excellent opportunities to graze: cheeses, charcuterie, artisanal bakeries and fresh-produce stalls are perfect for putting together a quick lunch on the go. For dessert, indulge in local chocolate or a traditional pastry from a shop on a shopping street. Cafés around Place Fontainas or the park are ideal for a sunny break.
If you enjoy food-and-drink pairings, ask about the small breweries and beer bars in the center: they often offer local selections and explanations of the styles. local flavors, markets, neighborhood cafés. Savor as you stroll.
When to visit Brussels and how much it costs
Best seasons
To make the most of a short stay, the shoulder seasons offer a good compromise between pleasant weather and moderate crowds. Spring brings parks in bloom and lengthening days, while autumn provides soft light and warm tones on the façades. If you prioritize exhibitions and performances, winter can also be interesting for its cultural offerings, but expect shorter days.
Each season has its strengths: spring and autumn offer mild weather for walking between the Église Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg, the Royal Palace and the Sainte-Catherine quarter. Summer is lively and invigorating, with more events and a bustling street life, but it can be more crowded. Winter highlights museums and cozy cafés.
Tip: tailor your choice to what you favour: outdoor strolls in spring/autumn, cultural events in winter, lively atmosphere in summer. Each season reveals a different facet.
Crowds
Crowd levels vary by location and time. Areas around the Royal Palace, the central park and the Sainte-Catherine Quarter can be lively, especially on weekends and during events or exhibitions. Weekday mornings remain the quietest times to visit museums and major sites, while afternoons see more people out walking and busy terraces.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, start early in the day or explore side streets and small museums that serve as less-visited refuges. Very compact attractions like the Museum of Musical Instruments attract a steady audience; planning your visit for the morning can improve the experience.
In summary: expect moderate crowds in the centre, bustling activity on weekends and during events, and quieter hours on weekday mornings. Adjusting your schedule lets you optimize your visit.
Estimated budget
You are an expert professional translator. Translate the following text from French into English. Preserve the style, tone and format, including any HTML tags if present. Do not add any explanations or additional comments, only the translation. Provide a direct and concise response. Be concise and get to the point. Budget tip: Plan a minimum to cover simple lodging (hostel or basic room), grab-and-go meals, public transport and a few entrance fees. Save by favoring walking, sandwiches or market food for meals, and by limiting paid visits. Looking for off-season deals and booking accommodation in advance helps you stay within this budget.
You are an expert professional translator. Translate the following text from French into English. Preserve the style, tone and format, including any HTML tags if present. Do not add explanations or additional comments, only the translation. Give a direct and concise response. Be concise and get to the point. Mid-range budget: Include a three-star hotel or a comfortable apartment, meals in small brasseries, a few museum visits and an occasional show. This budget offers more flexibility to dine in good neighborhood restaurants, buy a ticket for an exhibition and occasionally use public transport or a taxi to save time.
You are an expert professional translator. Translate the following text from French into English. Preserve the style, tone and format, including any HTML tags if present. Do not add explanations or additional comments, only the translation. Give a direct and concise response. Be concise and get to the point. Comfort budget: Choose a well-located hotel near the park or the city center, dine at reputable restaurants, attend several shows and book private guided tours. This level also allows you to buy a few quality souvenirs and enjoy additional experiences such as tastings or guided excursions.
Frequently asked questions about your stay in Brussels
End the weekend on a high note
Ending your itinerary at the Jeanneke Pis is a playful, relaxed way to wrap up these 48 hours: a little wink after two days of exploring. I hope this route allowed you to alternate between major institutions and intimate discoveries, between museums, squares and neighborhood corners. Remember the small things: a kiosk in a park, a shop window that catches your eye, a cozy terrace.
Before you leave, take a moment to sit in a café, leaf through a postcard or simply watch the passersby: it is often these moments that turn a stay into a lasting memory. If you come back, you will find new exhibitions, other restaurants and lanes still to explore. curiosity, patience, a desire to return.
Have a good trip and happy discoveries: Brussels reveals itself to those who take the time to explore it on foot and with pleasure. May your two days be rich in small discoveries.
Want more adventure?
Discover our urban escape games to transform your visit into an interactive adventure!
