Brussels in 7 Days: A Journey Through History and Delight

Marco Borg

22 Nov 2023

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the heart of Brussels, Belgium. Discover magnificent landmarks, immerse yourself in art and culture, and savor delectable Belgian cuisine. Join me as I explore the Royal Palace, Mont des Arts, Manneken Pis, and more!

Trip to Brussels

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Majestic Palaces and Iconic Landmarks

$84

$ 22

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre

Depart from your stay 🏨

11 - 14 min

Directions

Palace of the constitutional monarchy, with throne & other state rooms open for tours each summer.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

Small downtown area on a hill, with a landscaped garden, museums, and notable architecture.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

Iconic 17th-century fountain with a bronze statue of small boy, dressed in costume during festivals.

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Brewery museum displaying 18th-century equipment, plus a modern brewing hall & a cafe with tastings.

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

•

Free

1 - 2 min

Directions

Huge city square completely encircled by elegant historic buildings dating back to the 14th century.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

•

Free

1 - 2 min

Directions

Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities and exotic locations around the world.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$84

Day 2Chocolate Paradise and Artistic Wonders

$72

$ 33

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 10 min

Directions

History & methods of chocolate-making, plus demonstrations & samples at this specialist museum.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

This ornate shopping center under an arched glass roof offers high-end shops, eateries & theaters.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Chronologically organized art museum with works by René Magritte & artifacts exploring his life.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$72

Day 3Fine Arts, Music, and Historic Cathedrals

$72

$ 11

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

Directions

Complex of museums with over 20,000 works tracing the history of painting, sculpture & drawing.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

Art nouveau museum with exhibits including traditional & mechanical instruments & a concert hall.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels

Belgium's national church, host to royal weddings & funerals, built in the Brabant Gothic style.

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$72

Day 4Parks, Atomium, and Miniature Europe

$128

$ 33

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 11 min

Directions

Lush royal park on site of former hunting ground, with statues, a fountain & outdoor theaters.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

24 - 29 min

Directions

Giant stainless steel atom, particles connected by escalators, with exhibitions & views from 92m.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$56

3 - 4 min

Directions

Miniature park with Europe's landmarks created on a scale of 1:25, from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$72

Day 5Trains, History, and Hidden Gems

$72

$ 33

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre

Depart from your stay 🏨

14 - 17 min

Directions

Museum in Schaarbeek station featuring 20+ locomotives & exhibits on Belgian railroad history.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

History museum, with films, photos & music, plus a democracy center over Charles V's ruined palace.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$72

Day 6European History, Natural Sciences, and Cultural Delights

$60

$ 22

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 15 min

Directions

Gallery of permanent & temporary exhibits exploring the development of Europe, plus a cafe & shop.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Museum of natural history, from minerals to dinosaurs & animal specimens, with hands-on exhibits.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

Situé à deux pas de la place Jourdan, au coeur du quartier européen, le restaurant Eccetera propose une cuisine fraîche et savoureuse essentiellement à base de primi piatti (pâtes et risotto) ainsi qu'un bon vin maison que l'on paie au centimètre, le tout pour un excellent rapport qualité/prix !

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$60

Day 7Grand Parks, Military History, and Gourmet Burgers

$112

$ 22

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre

Depart from your stay 🏨

18 - 22 min

Directions

Landscaped 19th-century city park with floral gardens & fountains, home to art & military museums.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$32

3 - 4 min

Directions

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

Military museum including equipment through the ages, including 20th-century tanks & medieval armor.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

6 - 9 min

Directions

Manhattn’s is a premium burger restaurant born in the revolutionary spirit of giving people the opportunity to be a part of the entertaining and enchanting New York experience. Get a Taste of New York made with Flame Grilled Irish Angus beef, Little Italy Homemade buns and Fresh Belgian fries.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$80

Budget breakdown: $773 In total

Activities & Food:$600

Transport:$173