The Grand-Place, the Sablon and Magritte, then the Atomium and the European Quarter, and a day trip to Antwerp.
3 days, 20 stopsBalanced paceMay to SepApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Grand-Place, the Sablon and the Magritte Museum
The Grand-Place and Manneken Pis, the cathedral, a chocolate lunch on the Sablon, Magritte, then seafood in Sainte-Catherine.
Check the weekday. Magritte Museum is closed on Mondays.
1
9:30 AMGrand-PlaceCome early to see the town hall and guild houses before the tour groups; the King's House holds the Brussels City Museum.About 30 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 5 min
2
10:00 AMManneken PisThe statue on the corner fountain is a copy; the original is kept in the Brussels City Museum on the Grand-Place.About 15 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 12 min
3
10:30 AMCathedral of St Michael and St GudulaOpen from 8 AM on weekdays and Saturdays but only from 1 PM on Sundays. Look for the old stained glass windows.About 1 hour 30 min here
Open daily; check service times
Walk about 15 min, via the Mont des Arts gardens
4
12:15 PMPlace du Grand SablonEat at one of the brasseries on the square, then pick up pralines from its chocolatiers. Antiques stalls fill it on Fridays and Saturdays.About 1 hour 15 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 5 min
5
1:30 PMMagritte MuseumClosed Mondays; opens at 11 AM at weekends. Online ticket holders enter at Place Royale 2. Allow about 2 hours.About 2 hours 15 min here
Entry: €13 (about $15) · Book online or buy at the desk
4:00 PMOptionalRoyal Galleries of Saint-HubertStroll the glass-roofed arcades and their chocolate shops and cafés on the way across the old center.About 1 hour 45 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 10 min
7
6:00 PMSainte-CatherineHave dinner at one of the fish and seafood restaurants around Place Sainte-Catherine and the Vismet, the old fish market.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Book these aheadMAS (Museum aan de Stroom), Antwerp (day 3): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Carry your passportUK advice says you must carry your passport at all times in Belgium. Keep it with you, not in the hotel safe.
Start midweekThe Magritte Museum and the MAS close on Mondays, and Antwerp Cathedral opens only at 1 PM on Sundays. A Tuesday to Thursday start avoids both.
Take the train from the airportSix direct trains an hour link Brussels Airport with Brussels-Central in about 18 min.
Arrive early at the AtomiumThe Atomium is busiest from 11 AM to 3 PM, so come at the 10 AM opening.
Report your address if neededUnless you stay in a hotel, visitors from outside the EU must report their address within three working days, online.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay in the old center near Brussels-Central: the first day is on foot, and trains to Antwerp and the airport leave from there.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
