One day in Brussels: How to explore the Grand Place and top attractions
- Cinti
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a fascinating destination that perfectly blends historic charm with the vibe of modern European life. The city—and the country itself—is world-renowned for its top-quality chocolate, rich beer culture, iconic waffles, and its role as the heart of the European Union. In recent years, Brussels has also made headlines due to the actions of Hungarian political figures, but whether that sparks your curiosity or something else does, this is a place you absolutely must visit at least once. One of my best friends lives in Belgium, so I’ve had the chance to visit several times. Thanks to her thoughtful and thorough local tours, I’ve seen nearly everything worth seeing—but I still can’t get enough of the city’s magic and culinary delights. As a repeat visitor, I have gathered plenty of insight I’d love to share with you. But what truly makes Brussels special? Let’s dive into the city’s must-see sights, starting with the iconic Grand Place in the capital of Hercule Poirot’s homeland.
How to Get from the Airport to Brussels?
There are two main airports travelers typically use when flying into Brussels:
Brussels International Airport (Zaventem) – This is the city’s main airport, located about 12 km from the city center. The most convenient ways to reach the center are:
Brussels South Charleroi Airport – If you're flying with a low-cost airline, you’ll likely land here. This airport is located roughly 55 km from the city. The best options for getting into Brussels are:
Shuttle bus: Flibco buses run directly to Bruxelles-Midi train station. The ride takes around 55–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Whenever I travel to Brussels, this is usually my airport of arrival, and I always use the Flibco shuttle. In summer, it can get quite crowded, so keep in mind you might not always get on the first bus, especially if you're heading back to the airport. Still, in terms of value for money, it’s a very comfortable and practical option.
Bus + train combo: Another option is to take the airport bus (line A1) to Charleroi-Sud train station (about 20 minutes), and then continue by train to Brussels, which takes around an hour. You can purchase a combined ticket for this route through the Belgian Railways' (SNCB) website—look for the “Charleroi Airport ticket.”
Taxi: This is the most expensive choice, but also the most convenient. Personally, I’ve never used it, because the other two options are far more budget-friendly without being significantly less comfortable.
Grand Place – One of the most beautiful squares in the world
The Grand Place (Grote Markt) is the historic heart of Brussels and the city’s most iconic attraction. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. After being heavily damaged during the French bombardment of 1695, the square was rebuilt in stunning Flemish Baroque style—the gilded façades of the former guild houses continue to amaze visitors to this day.
Some of the most remarkable buildings on the square include:
Brussels Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) – A Gothic masterpiece and the only surviving building from the medieval period. Located on the south side of the square, its asymmetrically placed tower is visible from almost anywhere in the city—if you pay close attention while sightseeing, you’ll likely spot it more than once.
Maison du Roi (King’s House) – Today, home to the Brussels City Museum, where you can view the famous Manneken Pis statue’s vast collection of costumes. The building has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, gradually taking on its current appearance and style.
If you’d like to time your visit to Brussels with a special event, I highly recommend the biennial Flower Carpet. Every two years in August, the entire Grand Place is transformed into a breathtaking tapestry made of colorful begonias. The display is truly magical—while the crowds can be large, the experience is absolutely worth it. The next Flower Carpet will take place in 2026, over the weekend of August 15.
Winter, on the other hand, offers a completely different kind of charm: with sparkling Christmas lights, festive markets, and holiday music, the square turns into a cozy, fairy-tale setting. It’s well worth a visit during this season too.
Brussels – Must-see sights near the Grand Place
Manneken Pis – The famous "peeing boy" statue may be only 61 cm tall, but it’s one of Brussels’ most iconic symbols and a must-see for first-time visitors.
Statue of Everard t’Serclaes – Located along Rue Charles Buls, this bronze sculpture is said to bring good luck - and ensure a return to Brussels - if you rub its arm. I made the rookie mistake of rubbing the leg instead, but I'm hoping that still counts!
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert – A stunning 19th-century covered shopping arcade filled with luxury boutiques, cafés, and chocolate shops. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth a visit for the architecture and a few great photos. Last time I was there, a wedding photoshoot was taking place, so I didn’t linger too long!
Jeanneke Pis – The lesser-known "peeing girl" statue is the female counterpart to Manneken Pis. Tucked away in a narrow alley called Impasse de la Fidélité near Delirium Café, it’s a quirky stop for those who like hidden gems. I find its tucked-away location a bit unfair, but seasoned travelers always make the detour—so should you!
Zinneke Pis – If you've seen the other two, don’t miss the third in Brussels' iconic "peeing statue trio": a bronze dog lifting its leg. This playful piece of street art completes the city’s offbeat sense of humor perfectly.
Famous Belgian chocolate, waffles, and fries
You simply can’t visit Brussels without tasting its world-famous Belgian chocolate or waffles! The city is full of traditional chocolate shops like Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini, where you can pick up handcrafted pralines and truffles. When it comes to waffles, there are two types you absolutely have to try: the lighter, crispier Brussels waffle, and the sweeter, denser Liège waffle, caramelized with pearl sugar. Both are irresistible! And let’s not forget: Belgium is a paradise for beer lovers. If all those treats make you thirsty, take a break on a cozy café or bar terrace and enjoy a Belgian abbey beer (or two). Bucketlister tip: Pause your stroll through the old town for a waffle stop—it’s not only delicious but a great energy boost too! If you’re craving something savory instead, Belgian frites (fries) are the perfect choice. Served with a variety of sauces, they’re easy to eat on the go and available at countless fry stands across the city.
How much time do you need for a walking tour of the city?
If you’re planning to explore the main sights around the Grand Place, half a day (around 3–4 hours) can be enough for a highlights-only visit. But if you’d like to pop into a chocolate shop, relax at a café, or dive deeper into the museums, you can easily fill a full day with activities. Prefer a slower pace, traveling with kids, or planning to enjoy some leisurely meals? Then it’s best to allow two days to truly soak it all in without feeling rushed.
What else makes Brussels worth a visit?
Brussels is not only famous for its historic Grand Place, but also for its modern districts and green spaces. If you venture a bit beyond the city center, it’s well worth visiting the institutions of the European Union - such as the Berlaymont Building, home of the European Commission, or the European Parliament, which also offers a visitor center open to the public.
The city is also rich in beautiful parks, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature:
Parc de Bruxelles (Royal Park) – The largest green space in the city center, ideal for a peaceful walk.
Cinquantenaire Park – Known for its impressive triumphal arch and several museums, this is one of the best spots for a relaxing afternoon.
Bois de la Cambre – A larger, forest-like park perfect for picnicking, boating, or simply enjoying a calm break from the city buzz.
Mont des Arts (Hill of the Arts) – A cultural and architectural complex in the heart of Brussels, connected to the Royal Library of Belgium, the Belgian National Archives, and a visitor center. On clear, sunny days, you can even spot the Atomium from here. The western side is adorned with an equestrian bronze statue of King Albert I.
This isn’t a full list of everything Brussels has to offer - but there’s one landmark that definitely deserves a mention: the Atomium. I visited it a long time ago, but only from the outside, to be honest. So far, I’ve always been more drawn to the old town or the city’s green parks, but who knows, maybe next time I’ll check it out properly! If you're interested, you can book tickets online. It’s best to visit on a clear, sunny day, as the panoramic views are truly at their best then. Just a heads-up: during busy times, lines can be quite long, so be prepared for a bit of waiting.
Brussels is both calm and vibrant, a place where past and present blend in perfect harmony. The Grand Place and its surroundings are stunning, the chocolate and waffles are world-class, and the parks and EU Quarter offer a completely different side of this exciting city. If you’re looking for a destination where history, culture, and gastronomy meet, Brussels is the perfect choice! All you need is a good pair of walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a practical backpack—and you’re ready to explore! 🍫🍻✨
Have you been to Brussels? Share your experience in the comments!
Thanks so much for reading! If you have any questions, feel free to message me or drop a comment below. If you found this post helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you hit the ❤️ and shared it with others!
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