One Day in Brussels: A Self-Guided, Car-Free, Budget Itinerary
One Day in Brussels: A Self-Guided, Car-Free, Budget Itinerary
Sarah J.
Passing through Brussels on your way to another city and don't want to break the bank? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of Brussels in one day, all without a car. Even if you have more than a day in Brussels, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights and get a feel for their costs.
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I travelled into Brussels by train, which worked well as there are multiple large stations within the city.
As always, I highly recommend dropping your bags off at your accommodation before doing the majority of sightseeing, just to make sure you do not cause any back-aches. If you aren't spending the night in Brussels, there are automated luggage storage options at both Zuid (24/7) and Centraal (not 24/7). Alternatively, you can use an online luggage storage service, like Bounce, to stow your items for the day.
Now that you have dropped off your luggage, it's time to begin exploring!
Using a combination of public transport and walking, you'll be able to see:
Parc de Bruxelles
@sarahsolotravels
By using either Metro line 1 or 5, get off at the Parc stop. Starting at the northern end of the park, you can walk through and see locals enjoying the sun (if it's out, of course). When I visited, there was a free art exhibition on, although I am not sure if this is common. After the travelling in the morning, it was nice to start of my adventure with a relaxing walk in the park towards the southern end.
Price: Free
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Royal Palace of Brussels
@sarahsolotravels
This magnificent palace is a pleasure to view from the outside, but if you are lucky enough to be visiting from the end of July to the end of August, you may be able to book a free visit inside. Unfortunately, due to renovation works, I was not able to take advantage of this opportunity.
Price: Exterior Free, Inside Free when applicable
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Palais du Coudenberg
@sarahsolotravels
Coudenberg was a magnificent palace for 700 years, but unfortunately was destroyed by an accidental fire in 1731. The underground portions of the palace still remain today, and have been converted into a museum! When I went mid-June, it was super empty (and a bit spooky), but I really enjoyed learning more about Belgian history.
Price: Free (Under 18), €5-10
Combined discounted tickets with BELvue
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Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon
@sarahsolotravels
I really enjoyed visiting this church and the square across from it. It was built in the 1400s, but its neo-Gothic decorative elements are from the 1800s.
Price: Free
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Musical Instruments Museum
@sarahsolotravels
As a former marching band geek, I LOVED this museum!! Even if you are not as interested in music as I am, I still highly recommend visiting here. The tickets came with audio guides included that had recordings of what a lot of the instruments sounded like. They had some truly great instruments, and I was delighted to see that there were clarinets, bass clarinets, and saxophones, all made by Adolf Sax (Sax, like saxophone!), the inventor of these instruments.
Price: Free (Under 18, Disabled), €8-15
Included in Brussels Card, Museumpassmusée, and Art Nouveau Pass
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Mont des Arts
@sarahsolotravels
This garden was very nice to stroll through to get a slight relief from all the business of the city. It was originally built in 1910, but adapted in the 1950s and resorted in 2001. It also provides fantastic views!
Price: Free
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Grand Place
@sarahsolotravels
This square is absolutely breathtaking! When I went it was quite busy, so be prepared for crowds. Interestingly, it contains both private and public buildings, most from the late 1600s.
Price: Free
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Manneken Pis
@sarahsolotravels
This adorable bronze fountain statue was redesigned and put in place in the early 1600s, and is often dressed up in different costumes!
Price: Free
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Food!
Fritland
@sarahsolotravels
I got a mitraillette here and it was delicious! I believe it cost around €6, and despite it being the first thing I ate that day, it was so big I wasn't able to finish it!!
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Waffle Factory
@sarahsolotravels
I went here at the end of the day, and it was so tasty! I honestly have no clue how much it cost, but it was a bite pricier than I was expecting. However, it was 100% worth it to get an authentic Belgian waffle!
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Lidl
@sarahsolotravels
My favorite supermarket in Europe, and the best place to find local snacks and pastries at reliable prices. Lots of locations in many cities.
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If I had more time in Brussels...
Atomium
@sarahsolotravels
With the limited time I had in Brussels, I was not able to visit the infamous Atomium as it is on the outskirts of the city. I have heard great things about it, so if you get the chance I'm sure it's worth a visit.
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If you choose to spend a night in Brussels...
Hostel Generation Europe
@sarahsolotravels
This is where I stayed in Brussels and I absolutely loved it! I booked six months ahead of time and got an Economy Twin room (a set of twin bunk beds), with a private bathroom and shower, for only €69.00. The front desk staff were extremely helpful and even gave suggestions for what to do.
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Where to go next?
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50+ • Accessibility • Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Digital Nomads • Groups • Female Solo • Architecture • Art • Budget • History • People & Culture • Sustainable/Eco
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Passing through Paris on your way to another city and don't want to break the bank? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of Paris in one day, all without a car. Even if you have more than a day in Paris, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights.
50+ • Accessibility • Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Digital Nomads • Family • Groups • Female Solo • Adventure • Architecture • Art • Budget • History • People & Culture
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Passing through London on your way to another city and don't want to break the bank? Or maybe this city is the highlight of your trip? Either way, this is the guide for you! Conveniently discover the highlights of London in one day, all without a car. Even if you have more than a day in London, I'd recommend this guide to distinguish the top sights and get a feel for their costs.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah J.
I am a solo female traveler who likes to explore on a moderate budget; I think it's important to recognize that some opportunities when travelling will never arise again, and it's worth shelling out for them! I prefer to travel very fast-paced, and my guides will reflect that. In order to accomplish this, I have done lots of research about every place I have visited to ensure I use my time wisely. I have only travelled around Europe so far, but I am hoping to expand my horizons in the coming years :)
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