Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium, is a city full of charm, history and great food. Though it may seem like you need more than a day to fully experience everything this city has to offer, you’ll be surprised at how much you can do in just 24 hours. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, there’s something for everyone. And with the help of our locals, we’ll guide you to the best spots in Brussels that will stay with you long after your visit!

Time for breakfast at Woodpeck 47!

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Woodpeck 47, a trendy cafe that has to be one of the best gourmet addresses in downtown Brussels, according to our Spotter Charlotte. Situated just minutes from the Bourse, this cozy place is famous for its “all day, every day” brunch. The menu features a variety of seasonal dishes, from sweet to savory. For something hearty, try their eggs Benedict, which comes with perfectly poached eggs on a Brussels waffle, topped with gravlax salmon and rich hollandaise sauce. If you prefer something sweet, their breakfast pancakes are always a hit.

• Rue du Marché aux Poulets 47
• Mon – Fri 08:30 -16:00
• Sat – Sun: 8:30 – 17:00

Zinneke

After breakfast, enjoy a 6-minute walk to visit one of Brussels’ most quirky landmarks, the Zinneke statue. This playful sculpture of a peeing dog symbolizes the city’s vibrant mix of cultures and diverse origins. In the local dialect, “Zinneke” refers to someone of mixed heritage, making the statue a fitting symbol for Brussels’ dynamic and multicultural spirit, as noted by our local Spotter Renata.

• Rue des Chartreux 35

Vintage shopping at Think Twice

Just one minute away from the Zinneke statue, you’ll find Think Twice, one of Brussels’ many vintage shops. This shop is a must-visit for anyone looking to discover affordable vintage and second-hand clothes of high-quality. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect 90s graphic tee, a stylish pair of shoes or a classic leather jacket, Think Twice has it all. In addition to their fantastic range of clothing, Think Twice encourages a more sustainable and thoughtful approach to fashion. Instead of buying something new, they inspire you to get creative with what you already own. And with their two locations in Brussels, Think Twice is the perfect place to find something special while supporting a socially responsible brand. Our Spotter Charlotte recommends keeping an eye out for their Think Twice Days, where you can score big discounts, including 50% off or even €1 items! 

• Oude Graanmarkt 57
• Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00

Centre Tour à Plomb

From Think Twice, take a 7-minute walk to Centre Tour à Plomb, also known as De Hageltoren. The tower once served an industrial purpose, but after losing its original function in the 1960s, it was transformed into a cultural hotspot. Now it hosts a variety of events all year-round, from feminist conferences to art exhibitions. Our Spotter Anna says it’s the perfect place for a cozy break on a rainy day. And it’s usually free to enter unless there’s a special event, you only have to pay for your drinks.

As you walk to the next stop, take some time to admire the beautiful old buildings that surround you. Be sure to keep an eye out for hidden gems like the Brussels Impasses. These are narrow, tucked-away alleyways that offer a glimpse into Brussels’ rich past. Unlike the well-known Galeries Royales St-Hubert, these secret passages are off the beaten path and often overlooked. One that stands out is Rue de la Cigogne, a favorite of our local Spotter Sarah. This alleyway is a perfect example with its lovely entrance arch, old cobblestones and cute little houses. Plus, from the Centre Tour à Plomb it’s only a 9 minute-walk.

• Rue de la Cigogne

Lunch time at Chicago Trattoria!

Chicago Trattoria is a perfect spot for a lunch break. Known for its cosy atmosphere, this restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine, pizza and weekend brunch. Try their delicious pizzas that are made in an authentic Valoriani pizza oven, or go for a bowl of pasta made from the best ingredients. They also offer great vegetarian options, cocktails, mocktails and desserts. Our Spotter Charlotte recommends to try a Leopold blond beer if you’re in the mood for a local Belgian brew.

• Rue de Flandre 103
• Tue – Fri 14:30 – 23:00
• Sat – Sun 11:30 – 14:30 & 18:00 – 22:00

Place Sainte-Catherine

After a satisfying meal at Chicago Trattoria, take a short walk to Place Sainte-Catherine. our Spotter Charlotte says its one of Brussels’ most characteristic zones with great vibes. Once you arrive, you’ll find a spacious square surrounded by trendy bars, restaurants and shops. The area is a vibrant hub, perfect for relaxing or people-watching. The square often buzzes with activity, from local markets to seasonal events like the yearly Christmas Market. Place Sainte-Catherine is also home to the beautiful St. Catherine’s Church, which is definitely worth checking out before heading to your next destination.

ARAU

Brussels is also known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Our Spotter Petra recommends joining a guided tour with the local association ARAU to learn more about Art Nouveau in Brussels. ARAU offers a variety of tours, but their Art Nouveau tours are a must. These tours provide a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and history of this remarkable architectural style. Highlights include the Horta Museum, the former private home of Victor Horta, Belgium’s most famous architect, and the Solvay House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Place Sainte-Catherine, it’s just a 9-minute walk to ARAU. Their guided tours are a fantastic way to experience the city’s beauty and history up close if you’re an architecture lover or simply curious about Brussels’ heritage. 

• Boulevard Adolphe Max 55
• Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:00

Le Mont des Arts

After the great exploration of Brussels history and Art Nouveau, you shouldn’t miss Le Mont des Arts. One of the city’s most picturesque areas, not far away from Brussels-Central station. It’s the perfect place for catching a beautiful sunset and enjoying a stunning view of The Town Hall tower that’s located on the Grand Place. Le Mont des Arts is also home to a beautifully landscaped garden where many locals gather to unwind or come together. But it’s not just a beautiful spot for photos, it’s also surrounded by many cultural highlights you won’t want to miss. Our Spotter Renata shares a few interesting gems like the Musical Instruments Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Bozar and more.

Dinner served at Le Cercle des Voyageurs!

From Le Mont des Arts, take a 7-minute walk to Le Cercle des Voyageurs. This brasserie is the perfect spot to taste the local Belgian cuisine and it’s the best place in the city center to enjoy a good glass of wine with a fine dinner according to our Spotter Stéphanie. Whether you’re in the mood for meat, fish or vegetarian options, you’ll find something delicious. The warm, inviting atmosphere and varied selection make it a perfect spot for dining with friends, family or colleagues. Be sure to book in advance, as it’s a popular choice among locals and visitors.

• Rue des Grands Carmes 18
• Mon – Sun 11:00 – 00:00

Drinks and dancing at Madame Moustache

And to end the day, head to Madame Moustache for some retro vibes and amazing cocktails. This lively spot is known for its energetic atmosphere with a mix of music parties varying from hip-hop to vinyl nights, from eighties Frenchies to soul, funk and disco. It’s the perfect place to literally dance the night away. But if you want to enjoy a calmer evening, there is enough space to sit down and enjoy some refreshing drinks. Make sure to taste our Spotters Charlotte’s favorite cocktails like the Granita Planters Punch or the Martini Fiero Spritz. But mostly, enjoy the night!

• Quai au Bois à Brûler 5/7
• 15:00 – 23:30 (later on the weekends) daily