2 Days in Brussels: Waffles, Chocolate, and City Highlights
Brussels is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and delicious food. With only two days to explore, we wanted to make the most of our time, balancing sightseeing with indulging in the best that Belgium has to offer. Here’s a recap of how we spent less than 2 days in this vibrant city, including tips, must-see spots, and some hidden gems.
Day 1: A Walking Tour and Iconic Belgian Food
We arrived in Brussels early in the morning and made our way from the airport into the city. Pro tip: Skip the taxi and take the train from the airport—traffic was a nightmare, and the train is much quicker and more efficient. Once we reached the heart of Brussels, we checked into the Marriott Hotel Grand Place, our base for the next two days.
The Grand Place is the perfect location to stay if you're short on time. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and central to everything, with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and all the major attractions within walking distance. Being steps away from Brussels’ best shopping and restaurants meant we could make the most of every minute.
One of my favorite ways to get to know a new city quickly is to hire a local guide for a private walking tour. We met with our guide shortly after checking in, and she led us through some of Brussels' hidden gems and gave us great recommendations for the rest of our stay. It’s the best way to get a local’s perspective on the must-see spots, so you don’t miss out.
Must-See Walking Sites in Brussels:
Manneken Pis: This cheeky little statue is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels. It’s a quick stop but a fun one.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: This stunning glass-roofed arcade is a perfect spot to wander, shop, or grab a coffee.
Mont des Arts: The views from this hilltop garden are breathtaking, giving you a panoramic look at the city.
During our tour, we couldn’t resist stopping into Maison Dandoy to grab waffles—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with everything from fresh fruit to chocolate sauce!
After the tour, we did some exploring on our own. We visited the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Surrealist Exhibit, which showcases some of Belgium’s most famous surrealist artists, including René Magritte. If you're an art lover this exhibit is a must-see when visiting Brussels. It’s a unique cultural experience that adds another layer to the city’s already rich artistic heritage. On the way back, we caught the Mont des Arts Clock, which features twelve bronze figures representing moments in Belgian history and a golden knight that strikes the hour. It plays a short musical chime accompanied by the figures' movement- try to see it when the clock chimes multiple times.
For pre-dinner cocktails, we hit Chemistry & Botanics. This quirky cocktail bar focuses on botanical-infused drinks, and their innovative menu was a highlight. If you’re into creative cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere, this is the spot to be.
Dinner was at Le Marmiton, a charming restaurant tucked away in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Known for serving traditional Belgian cuisine with a modern twist, we enjoyed moules-frites (mussels and fries) and escargots. The atmosphere was cozy, and the service was warm—perfect for our only night in Brussels.
Day 2: Exploring the City Center
We started our second day at the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market. If you love thrifting or finding one-of-a-kind objects, this is the place to go. It’s one of the oldest flea markets in Brussels, and you can find everything from vintage furniture to unique souvenirs. We didn’t leave empty-handed!
Afterward, it was time to hunt for some famous Belgian chocolate. Two places you can’t miss are Neuhaus and Chocolaterie Mary. Neuhaus is known for inventing the praline, and Chocolaterie Mary offers some of the most elegant and delicious assortments. We loaded up on treats for the road (and a few to enjoy right away).
Next, we explored the Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon, a beautiful Gothic church located near the Sablon neighborhood. The stained glass windows were breathtaking, and the interior was peaceful—a great place to take a breather before diving back into the city.
For lunch, we stopped at De Pistolei, where I had an incredible baguette with brie. This spot is perfect for a quick bite, with fresh ingredients and plenty of local flavor.
Before leaving Brussels, we couldn’t resist having one more waffle. If you’re wondering about the difference between the famous Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle—the Brussels waffle is light, crispy, and rectangular, while the Liège waffle is denser, sweeter, and has caramelized sugar pearls baked inside. Both are delicious, but I recommend trying both to see which you prefer!
With full stomachs and great memories, we headed back to Grand Place to collect our bags before making our way to the train station for our next destination. Our two days in Brussels flew by, but we felt like we got a solid glimpse of the city’s charm, culture, and, of course, its food.
My take
Brussels is the perfect destination for a short, action-packed getaway. Whether you’re indulging in waffles and chocolate, exploring historic landmarks, or strolling through picturesque streets, there’s always something to do. If you're planning a trip there, I highly recommend staying near the Grand Place for easy access to all the sights and sounds this vibrant city has to offer.
Ready to plan your own European adventure? As a travel advisor, I specialize in creating personalized itineraries that make the most of your time and ensure you experience the best of every destination. Reach out today, and let's start planning your unforgettable trip to Brussels—or anywhere else your travels may take you!
