Brussels Bliss: A 7-Day Belgian Escape through Waffles, Brews & Storybook Streets

Day 1: Welcome to Brussels – Grand Beginnings & Iconic Bites

 

Check into your hotel and grab breakfast at Café Capitale. Stroll to the Grand Place, a UNESCO site surrounded by ornate guildhalls—don’t miss the daily flower market. Snap a selfie with Manneken Pis, just around the corner. Explore the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, then stop for lunch at Fritland for Belgian fries with a side of beer. Wander Mont des Arts, soak up the view, then check out Magritte Museum for surrealist fun. Dine at Nüetnigenough (hearty Belgian comfort food), and wrap up at Delirium Café, home to 2,000+ beers.

Fun fact: The Grand Place was once voted the most beautiful square in Europe!

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Day 2: Royal Highlights & Local Eats

Begin with a walk through the Sablon neighborhood and coffee at Le Pain Quotidien. Visit the Royal Palace and stroll through Parc de Bruxelles. Head to the Museum of Musical Instruments, set in an Art Nouveau masterpiece. Grab lunch at Tonton Garby, a hidden gem for hand-made cheese sandwiches. Spend your afternoon museum-hopping or relaxing in Place du Petit Sablon. Dinner awaits at Les Brigittines (Belgian fine dining), followed by craft cocktails at La Pharmacie Anglaise, a whimsical apothecary bar.

Fun fact: The MIM has instruments you can hear via headphone tours—perfect for music lovers.

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Day 3: Beer Tour + Chocolate Workshop

Start your day with waffles at Maison Dandoy. Then join the Brussels Beer Tasting Tour (about 4 hrs, book via Brussels Beer Project). You'll sample world-famous brews, visit historic cafés, and learn beer’s monastic roots. Grab a seafood lunch at Noordzee Mer du Nord, and spend your afternoon at a Chocolate-Making Workshop at Laurent Gerbaud, crafting (and sampling!) pralines. Dinner at Fin de Siècle is casual and cozy. End your night at Goupil Le Fol, a bar of velvet couches and French chanson vibes.
Fun fact: Belgium brews over 1,000 distinct types of beer—many of them exclusive to local bars.

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Day 4: Atomium, Mini-Europe & the EU

Fuel up at Lulu Home Interior & Coffee before catching Metro Line 6 to Atomium—Brussels' iconic giant atom structure with sci-fi vibes and panoramic views. Explore nearby Mini-Europe for a tiny tour of the continent’s landmarks. Return downtown for lunch at Bouchéry Comptoir (Michelin Bib Gourmand). In the afternoon, tour the European Parliament and interactive Parlamentarium. Dine at Chez Léon for classic moules-frites, and sip Belgian ales at Moeder Lambic Fontainas.

Fun fact: The Atomium’s spheres are connected by escalators—the longest in Europe when built!

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Day 5: Markets, Cooking & Farewell Toasts

Begin at Place du Jeu de Balle for antiques and bric-a-brac treasures. Grab brunch at La Fabrique en Ville, nestled in a green park setting. Head to Châtelain Market (Wednesdays) or Boitsfort Market (Sundays) to sample cheese, olives, and pastries. In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on Belgian Cooking Class at Mmmmh!—learn to make local dishes like stoofvlees or waterzooi. Celebrate your final evening with dinner at Bozar Restaurant and a last toast at Life is Beautiful.

Fun fact: The Jeu de Balle flea market has operated daily since 1873!

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Day 6: Day Trip to Bruges – Medieval Fairytales & Canals

Hop on a morning SNCB train (1 hr) to Bruges. Begin at Market Square and climb the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views. Visit Basilica of the Holy Blood, then enjoy a brewery lunch and tour at De Halve Maan. Cruise the canals or visit Begijnhof for a peaceful pause. Before leaving, stop at The Chocolate Line for quirky artisan treats. Train back to Brussels for a light dinner.
 

Fun fact: Bruges' Belfry leans slightly—like a Belgian version of Pisa’s tower!

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Day 7: Day Trip to Ghent – Castles & Cuberdons

Take a short train ride (30 min) to Ghent. Start at Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress with gory exhibits and rooftop views. Stroll the Graslei & Korenlei riverfronts, and don’t miss St. Bavo’s Cathedral with the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Lunch at De Graslei offers canal-side charm. Rent a bike or take a boat cruise to explore more. Try local sweet Cuberdons before returning to Brussels for a final evening gelato.

Fun fact: Ghent is home to Belgium’s largest student population—expect an artsy, youthful vibe!

 

Brussels Travel Essentials

Visa: Schengen visa required for non-EU travelers.

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Footwear: Comfy shoes for cobblestones and lots of walking.

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Health Precautions: No special vaccinations needed. Pharmacies are everywhere.

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Water Safety: Tap water is safe to drink.

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Mobile Apps: STIB-MIVB (transit), Visit.Brussels, Google Maps, Too Good To Go (leftover food deals).

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Cultural Etiquette: Greet with “Bonjour” or “Goede dag,” be polite, and don’t rush meals.

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Language: French and Dutch are official; English widely understood.

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Public Behavior: Keep voices low in restaurants and public transport.

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Transportation: Metro, tram, and bus system is reliable. Uber and taxis are available.

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Health and Safety: Generally safe; watch for pickpockets in tourist zones.

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Emergency Numbers: 112 (general); 101 (police); 100 (medical/fire).

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Money: Euros. Credit cards accepted, but smaller shops prefer cash.

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Cultural Considerations: Punctuality is valued. Sunday closures are common.

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Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.

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Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1