Your Guide to the Best City Breaks in Brussels

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Where to Go and What to Expect on City Breaks in Brussels

Across the city, you’ll discover an inspiring mix of museums, open-air markets, cosy cafés, grand monuments, and creative districts. A blend of culture, adventure, and leisure defines the Brussels experience, turning every visit into a collection of lasting memories.

With its walkable centre and atmospheric neighbourhoods, Brussels caters to every travel style. A stroll through main squares, art-filled districts, and café terraces showcases a city defined by cultural richness and everyday comfort.

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Best things to do on a City Break to Brussels

Grand Place: Brussels’ central square and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, known for its exquisite aesthetic wealth. You don’t want to miss visiting it at night, when it’s illuminated for some artistic photos.
Atomium: Originally built for the 1958 World Fair, this iconic structure has quickly become one of Brussels’ top tourist attractions. Its nine balls represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It features an exhibition space, a museum, and a panoramic viewing station located at the top ball.
Mont des Arts: A magnificent cultural complex with historic museums such as the KBR Museum, BELvue Museum, and the Museum of Musical Instruments. It also features stunning gardens with benches, fountains, and a skatepark for a relaxing weekend away in Brussels.
Royal Palace: An elegant symbol of Belgium’s monarchy, where the King carries out his administrative duties and welcomes representatives of political institutions and foreign guests. Due to major renovation works, the palace is currently closed and is expected to reopen to the public in 2026.
Comic Strip Route: A not-to-be-missed sightseeing spot for art aficionados. It includes over 80 outstanding murals showcasing some of the most beloved comic characters such as The Smurfs, Lucy Luke, Tintin, and more.

A Cultural Experience Like No Other in Brussels

Brussels’ cultural scene extends well beyond its landmarks, offering rewarding experiences for travellers who enjoy museums, gastronomy, and local traditions, making the city a strong choice for an enriching mini break to Brussels.

Our recommended stops include:

Magritte Museum – Showcasing the works of Belgium’s iconic surrealist, René Magritte.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts – Home to renowned collections spanning classical and modern art.
Comic Art Museum – Celebrating Belgium’s comic heritage in an elegant Art Nouveau setting.
Choco-Story Brussels – Exploring the history of Belgian chocolate, with tastings included.

Belgian Beer Tour – Guided tastings highlighting Belgium’s rich brewing traditions.

Easy Itineraries for a Brussels Weekend Away

Brussels is ideally suited for short visits, with compact neighbourhoods and excellent transport links making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace, whether planning extended holidays or shorter mini breaks in Brussels.

One-day stay: Focus on the historic heart of the city, exploring Grand Place, nearby museums, and traditional cafés, with time for a chocolate tasting or beer experience in the evening.
Two-day stay: Combine the city centre with areas such as Sablon or Ixelles, adding museum visits, local markets, and a guided beer tour to your itinerary.
Three-day stay: Enjoy a deeper exploration of Brussels, including Mont des Arts, the Atomium, and lesser-known neighbourhoods, alongside dedicated time for food, culture, and shopping, ideal for longer trips to Brussels.

Must-See and Hidden Gem Spots While on a Mini Break in Brussels

Beyond the famous landmarks are countless intimate discoveries. From tiny bistros tucked between residential buildings to terrace cafés overlooking gardens, the best hidden gems when you are on a mini break in Brussels often lie off the main tourist routes.

Some offer panoramic city views, while others sit inside historic buildings or down atmospheric side streets.

Why not visit:

Café Belga – Lively Ixelles café ideal for watching the world go by
Molfar – International dining with a twist on the classic beloved dishes
Place du Jeu de Balle Market – A flea market with antiques and vintage treasures
Saint-Géry District – Trendy area with bars and small restaurants

Travelling with P&O Ferries adds flexibility so you can plan freely, bring what you need, and explore Brussels and nearby Belgian towns such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Our comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip to Belgium with ease and confidence.

Planning Your Mini Break to Brussels with P&O Ferries

Planning a mini break to Brussels becomes effortless when you travel with P&O Ferries. With the flexibility to bring your own car and no luggage restrictions, you can enjoy a relaxed journey across the channel. Once you arrive, it’s just a short drive from the ferry port to Brussels, offering a smooth transition from travel to adventure without the hassle of airports.

P&O Ferries operates convenient routes from the UK, including ferries to Belgium or ferries to France, followed by a simple drive to Brussels, making it easy to start your Belgian getaway. Once in Brussels, you can explore the city’s famous chocolate shops, charming bakeries, craft beer bars, and scenic parks. Plus, Brussels serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby Belgian towns and northern France. There are simply endless possibilities for things to do in Belgium.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

1 Was sollte ich auf einem Wanderurlaub in Europa anziehen?

Das hängt von der Jahreszeit und dem Ort ab. Auf jeden Fall sollten Sie wasserdichte Stiefel, atmungsaktive Schichten, eine wetterfeste Jacke und Sonnenschutz auf Ihrer Wandertour durch Europa mitnehmen. Für Bergwanderungen ist wärmere Kleidung unerlässlich, während sich für sommerliche Küstenwanderungen eher luftige Kleidungsstücke eignen.

2 Was sind die besten Wanderrouten in Europa?

Auch wenn die Alpen und die Pyrenäen als die besten Wandergebiete Europas weltbekannt sind, sind Geheimtipps wie die Dolomiten oder der malerische Ring of Kerry in Irland nicht zu verachten. Am einfachsten lassen sich diese Ziele mit unseren Fähren nach Frankreich oder Holland erreichen.

3 Wo kann man in Europa wandern gehen?

Zu den schönsten Wandergebieten Europas gehören die Schweiz, Frankreich, Österreich und Schottland. Wenn Sie aus dem Vereinigten Königreich anreisen, sollten Sie Nordirland oder Schottland in Betracht ziehen, die beides tolle, nahegelegene Optionen sind.

4 Wie plane ich meinen Wanderurlaub in Europa?

Beginnen Sie bei der Planung Ihres Wanderurlaubs in Europa mit der Auswahl der Region und des Schwierigkeitsgrads der Wanderungen. Entscheiden Sie sich für eine Route und eine Unterkunft und packen Sie die wichtigste Ausrüstung ein. Mit P&O Ferries können Sie bequem und stressfrei reisen. Setzen Sie mit allem, was Sie brauchen, nach Europa über und schaffen Sie unvergessliche Erinnerungen.

City Breaks to Brussels

Best things to do on a City Break to Brussels

Häufig gestellte Fragen