Brussels 3-day itinerary

Start at the Grand Place — Europe's most spectacular square, surrounded by gilded guild halls and the Gothic Town Hall. Walk through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, then find the Manneken Pis on Rue de l'Étuve. Head to Pierre Marcolini on Place du Grand Sablon for exquisite pralines. Continue exploring the Sablon quarter's antique shops and the stunning Notre-Dame du Sablon church with its stained glass windows.

Brussels is the world capital of Art Nouveau. Take the tram to Saint-Gilles and visit the Horta Museum (€12) — Victor Horta's personal home, every detail a masterpiece of curved iron, stained glass, and mosaic floors. Walk along Rue Defacqz and Avenue Louise to spot more Art Nouveau facades. Lunch at the nearby Café Belga on Place Flagey — a local institution with good tartines and people-watching.

The Saint-Géry quarter is Brussels' nightlife hub. Start with drinks at the Halles de Saint-Géry — a beautiful covered market turned bar. Dinner at Nüetnigenansen on Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains — traditional Belgian cuisine in a buzzy brasserie. Then hit Delirium Café for its 2,000+ beer menu, or try the more intimate Moeder Lambic on Place Fontainas for craft brews and rare lambics.

Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Centre (€12) in a gorgeous Horta-designed building. Belgium invented Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke — the museum celebrates them all with original artwork and interactive exhibits. Afterwards, follow the Comic Book Route — over 50 murals painted on buildings across the city centre. Pick up the free map at the museum or use the Brussels Comic Book Route app.

Head to the Marolles — Brussels' most authentic working-class neighbourhood. Browse the daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle (best selection before noon, but bargains appear in the afternoon). Lunch at Restobières on Rue des Renards — traditional flemish beef stew carbonnade and waterzooi at fair prices. Take the free glass elevator from Place Poelaert for panoramic views of the city.

Walk through the European Quarter past the EU Parliament building (free visitor centre, last entry 5pm). Then head to Place du Luxembourg — nicknamed "Place Lux" — where young EU staffers drink on the square every evening. For dinner, continue to Ixelles and the vibrant Matongé quarter on Chaussée de Wavre for excellent Congolese food at Inzia — a taste of Brussels' rich African heritage.

Spend the morning at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (€15) on Rue de la Régence. The Old Masters collection includes Bruegel, Rubens, and van Dyck. The connected Magritte Museum houses the world's largest collection of René Magritte surrealist works — 200+ pieces including iconic bowler hats and floating apples. Allow 2–3 hours for both wings.

Metro to Heysel for the Atomium (€16) — Brussels' surreal 1958 World Expo icon, an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The top sphere has panoramic views. Nearby, Mini-Europe (€17.60) is kitschy but surprisingly fun. For a proper Belgian waffle, head back to the centre and find Maison Dandoy on Rue au Beurre — the Liège waffle with pearl sugar is the authentic version, not the tourist whipped-cream versions.

For a final evening, head to Fin de Siècle on Rue des Chartreux — no reservations, sharing tables, massive portions of Belgian classics like vol-au-vent and stoofvlees at honest prices (mains €14–18). Then a farewell drink at À La Bécasse on Rue de Tabora — a hidden-alley bar serving lambic beer in ceramic jugs since 1877. The perfect Brussels goodbye.