No visit to Brussels is complete without a Belgian waffle. We stopped at a nearby café for a freshly made waffle and coffee, spending around €12 while watching the city go by.

As evening arrived, we enjoyed dinner at Fin de Siècle, where the signature Carbonnade Flamande—a rich Belgian beef stew slow-cooked in dark beer and served with crispy fries—paired perfectly with a local Belgian beer. Dinner came to around €35 per person.

Before heading back to the hotel, we returned to Grand Place one last time. Illuminated at night, the square becomes even more breathtaking and was, without question, the highlight of our day.

Highlights

• 🍫 Belgian chocolate tasting (€10–15)

• 🧇 Belgian waffle & coffee (€12)

• 🍺 Belgian beer (€6–8)

• 🥘 Carbonnade Flamande dinner (€30–35)

• 🚶 Transportation: None — everything was within walking distance from our hotel.

Day two: A Fairytale Detour to Bruges

a trip to Bruges is one of the best day excursions you can make. Often called the "Venice of the North," this beautifully preserved medieval town is just an hour away by train, making it an easy escape from the capital.

We started our morning at Bruxelles-Nord (Brussels North Station) and boarded an Intercity train to Bruges. The journey took just over an hour and cost approximately €18 one way. As soon as we arrived, we headed straight into the historic center, where cobblestone streets, charming canals, and centuries-old buildings instantly made us feel as if we had stepped back in time.

Our first stop was the lively Markt Square, surrounded by colorful guild houses and the impressive Belfry. Rather than rushing through every attraction, we took our time wandering the narrow streets until we reached Rozenhoedkaai, one of Bruges' most photographed canal viewpoints. Every corner of the city felt like a postcard.

No visit to Bruges is complete without a canal cruise. For around €15, the 30-minute boat ride offers a unique perspective of the city's bridges, hidden gardens, and medieval architecture. It's one of the best ways to appreciate why Bruges is considered one of Europe's most romantic destinations.

For lunch, we kept it simple with crispy Belgian fries topped with traditional mayonnaise from a local friterie, followed by a warm Belgian hot chocolate from a nearby café. Together, lunch cost around €15–20, making it both affordable and satisfying.

Before returning to Brussels, we spent some quiet time walking through Minnewater Park and the peaceful Beguinage, away from the busiest tourist streets. These hidden corners offered a slower, more intimate side of Bruges and became our favorite part of the day.

By late afternoon, we returned to Bruges Station and caught the train back to Bruxelles-Nord, arriving in time for a relaxed evening.

Day one: Getting lost around Grand Palace

If you only have one afternoon in Brussels, don't make the mistake of trying to see everything. We didn't.

The Grand Place, arguably one of Europe's most beautiful squares and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conveniently, our hotel was only a five-minute walk away, allowing us to explore at our own pace without worrying about metro schedules or rushing from one attraction to another. From there, continue on foot to Manneken Pis, then wander through the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, where you can enjoy window-shopping and stop for Belgian chocolates at Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, or Leonidas. A small chocolate tasting usually costs around €8–15.

What We Spent

• 🚆 Brussels North → Bruges return train: €36

• 🚤 Canal boat tour: €15

• 🍟 Belgian fries & hot chocolate: €15–20

• 🍫 Belgian chocolates (optional): €10–15

Total estimated budget: €65–85 per person

48HoursStuck Tip: Book an early morning train to enjoy Bruges before the day-trippers arrive. Most of the historic center is compact and easily explored on foot, so comfortable walking shoes are all you need.