Visit Brussels in 3 days

Where to sleep in Brussels

Choosing accommodation in Brussels first means deciding what you want to gain on site: less travel time, pleasant walks, or a quiet evening. The important thing is the proximity of the sites you plan to visit — for a three-day stay, staying within a reasonable radius of the main attractions will spare you unnecessary journeys and let you enjoy the streets on foot. A good location strategy turns your days into a series of easy strolls rather than a succession of races against the clock.

The city is organized around several convenient hubs: the historic center (around the Grand Place and the Mont des Arts plateau), the Parc/Place Royale area (home to the Royal Palace and the Royal Park Theatre) and lively neighborhoods like Ixelles or Louise with their shops and cafés. Museums, public offices and monuments are fairly concentrated, which makes Brussels very walkable if you stay in the heart of the city. Thinking in terms of “royal plateau,” “city center” and “lively districts” will help you choose the location that best matches your pace.

To be close to the Monument to General Thys, aim for neighborhoods that offer easy access to major roads and parks; if your priority is the National Bank of Belgium and its administrative surroundings, favor the center/Place Royale to walk to the institutions and the Palace. If you enjoy wandering between independent bookstores like Librairies des Tropismes and neighborhood shops, finding a pied-à‑terre in Ixelles or the Louise area will put you at the heart of the shopping streets and cafés. In short, the choice of neighborhood should reflect your visiting priorities and desired atmosphere.

The metro, tram and bus (STIB) network is dense and reliable: check the proximity of a stop rather than a specific station. Brussels-Central and the stations around the Parc and Louise offer good connections to the train stations and the airport by train or bus. For short trips, consider trams and shared bikes (Villo) which make getting around quick and pleasant — useful if you want to alternate walking and transport.

Don't stress: choose a bright room in a lively neighborhood that's quiet in the evening, close to a tram or metro stop. A central rental gives you the flexibility to explore the Royal Palace, the Royal Park Theatre, the National Bank and the bookstores without wasting time. With a little preparation, you'll be comfortably settled and can fully enjoy Brussels in three days, between museums, cafés and walks.

Getting Around Brussels

Brussels is surprisingly easy to explore: the central network is dense, frequencies are good and signage improves every year. The heart of the city is served by the STIB/MIVB, which runs the metro, trams and buses, meaning that even if you don't speak perfect French or Dutch, you'll always find a simple way to get from point A to point B. Major stations have maps and ticket machines and most stops display next departures in real time 🚇.

A practical tip: get a card or a single ticket before boarding. The system uses MOBIB (rechargeable card), paper tickets sold at machines and mobile or contactless options. A 1-hour ticket usually allows you to change as often as needed on the STIB network within 60 minutes (price ≈ €2.50, check current pricing). For sightseeing, a 24h or 48h pass can be more economical if you plan several trips — buy them at ticket machines or via the official app.

To find your way, Google Maps is your best ally: enter your destination, choose the public transport icon and let the route guide you step by step, with live schedules included. Maps indicate whether you'll need to validate at a validator when boarding a tram or at the metro turnstiles, and show connections. I always use Google Maps to estimate walking times between stops and attractions, then I supplement it with the STIB app to buy a ticket if necessary 🗺️.

To save money, combine walking and transit: the centre is often best discovered on foot and short tram or bus journeys can be avoided. Day passes, multi-trip tickets and sometimes weekend museum offers also help reduce the cost. Remember to validate systematically: a fare inspection without a valid ticket can be expensive. Finally, shared bikes and scooters are handy for cross-neighbourhood distances.

A small anecdote: one afternoon we planned to go from the National Bank of Belgium to the Librairies des Tropismes. I checked Google Maps, took a tram for two stops and validated our ticket when boarding; then a short ten-minute walk brought us to the bookstore, passing a small square full of cafés. Simple, quick and pleasant — the kind of journey that makes Brussels so endearing 💡.

What to bring to Brussels

Brussels, for me, is an open‑air museum: cobblestones, palaces, fortifications and historic cemeteries to explore on foot. In 3 days you can easily spend 10+ hours outside and walk 10–15 km if you want to see everything (Grand‑Place, Mont des Arts, Palais Royal, a castle in the suburbs). Here’s what I always pack — practical, light and field‑tested.

1. Comfortable shoes (MANDATORY) : I learned the hard way after a first day walking 12 km in new shoes — blisters and regret. I favor sneakers with a good sole and wet protection (e.g. New Balance or Gore‑Tex shoes). Why: the streets are often cobbled and uneven, you need stability to climb fortifications and descend the center’s alleys without ending up hobbling.

2. Secure crossbody bag : In Brussels tourist areas and train stations are busy; once someone tried to unzip my bag near Central Station and I avoided the worst by keeping it in front of me. Choose a model with a zip closure and a short (anti‑theft) strap. Why: quick access to your wallet and passport while reducing the risk of pickpockets during a visit to the Manneken Pis or a terrace break.

3. Weather‑appropriate clothing : I always pack layers: T‑shirt, light sweatshirt and a compressible waterproof windbreaker. Brussels changes fast — cool mornings at 8–10 °C, afternoons at 16–18 °C, rain possible. Why: you often spend long periods outside (architecture tours and cemeteries) and it’s better to add/remove a layer than to get chilled.

4. Power adapter (Type E plug, 230 V) : I’ve had a dead phone because the hotel didn’t have the right outlet. A small universal adapter and a USB power strip saved me. Why: hotels, hostels and cafés sometimes have few free sockets — being able to plug in your charger and another device in parallel prevents missing photos of historic facades.

5. Power bank : A 10,000 mAh power bank lasted me 1.5 days with heavy use (photos, maps, e‑tickets). I took hundreds of photos of the Palais Royal and never ran out of battery. Why: between offline maps, transport apps and photos, your phone will drain fast if you’re not careful.

6. Optional — Compact umbrella or poncho : A short 20–30 minute shower once surprised me near the Mont des Arts; a cheap but compact umbrella (≈200 g) kept me from getting soaked. Why: it takes little space and lets you continue the visit without interrupting your day outside.