Our itinerary begins bright and early at the Grand Place.

Brussels' Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the historic and cultural heart of the city. Surrounded by stunning baroque and gothic buildings, this iconic square offers a breathtaking visual spectacle both day and night. Dominated by the impressive Brussels Town Hall with its soaring gray tower, the Grand Place is also adorned by the King's House and the House of the Dukes of Brabant.

As you’ll see, the Grand Place is a meeting point for locals and a hub of festivities throughout the year. Surrounded by cafés and restaurants, it’s the perfect spot to relax, sample Belgian specialties, and soak in the unique atmosphere of Brussels.

From the Grand Place, continue along Rue Charles Buls, which is to the left of the Town Hall, to reach the famous Manneken Pis. If you manage to get to Manneken Pis without succumbing to the temptation of a Belgian waffle or raiding a chocolate shop along the way, you have our utmost respect! This street is filled with souvenir shops, chocolatiers, and vendors selling fries and waffles. After all, we are in Belgium, and it’s only right to indulge in some calories before exploring the city on foot. All excuses are valid!

On your way to Manneken Pis, don’t miss the mural featuring Tintin, his dog Snowy, and Captain Haddock. This delightful mural, known as the Stripmuur Kuifje, is located next to a comic book store called Moule à Gaufre.

At the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue des Grands Carmes stands Manneken Pis, a statue of a little boy relieving himself in a fountain. This 61 cm tall bronze statue is the emblematic symbol of Brussels, captivating adults and amusing children alike. Its origins date back to the early 17th century, and it has since become one of the most photographed sites in the city.

The bronze statue you see is actually a replica; the original is kept safe due to its immense value and is no longer displayed publicly.

Manneken Pis is frequently dressed in various costumes gifted by visitors from around the world or institutions, depending on the occasion. There’s even a calendar indicating which costumes Manneken Pis will wear in the coming weeks!

The female counterpart to this statue, named Jeanneke Pis, also exists and we’ll encounter her later in this itinerary.

As usual when on a city break, we like to indulge in a good breakfast and coffee in lovely cafés. In Brussels, there’s no shortage of charming cafés, especially in and around the Galerie St Hubert. We suggest trying Café Cirio 1886. This brasserie, located in the historic center of Brussels and featuring picturesque decor, is open seven days a week. It’s the perfect place for breakfast or a coffee break.

Our next stop is the iconic Delirium village, a must-visit when in Brussels, both day and night. Nestled at the end of an alley and spread across several floors, this bar is truly massive. And they need that space to accommodate the 2,000 varieties of beer available on-site! The sheer selection can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to ask for the menu or seek advice from the friendly staff at Delirium Village. The bar is open daily from 11 AM to 3 AM, and on Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 4 AM.

Across from the entrance to Delirium Village is the female counterpart of Manneken Pis: Jeanneke Pis. Installed in the Alley of Fidelity in 1987, little Jeanne is now protected from vandalism by wrought-iron grates.

Head up Rue des Bouchers to reach the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert. This charming cobblestone street is lined with restaurants and charming bistros.

Inaugurated in 1847, the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert form a passage in the heart of the city. Made of three different galleries, they are entirely covered with arched glass roofing. It’s a stunning place to visit both day and night. Here, you'll find two theaters, delightful cafés, and, of course, some of the most renowned chocolatiers in the country.

Make sure to visit the galeries both by day and by night!

Our itinerary continues just a 5-minute walk away at 39 Rue du Marché au Charbon, where you'll find the mural titled "Broussaille", painted by Frank Pé in 1991. Located in Brussels' gay district, the gender of the two characters depicted in the mural has long intrigued passersby. In 1999, the brown-haired character was repainted to take on more feminine features.

Belgium has a significant influence on the world of comic art. Hergé (Tintin), Philippe Geluck (The Cat), and Peyo (The Smurfs) have left a lasting mark on the comic book industry, with Brussels serving as a central hub for this art form. The city is adorned with numerous murals, like the one of Broussaille. You can find a comprehensive guide to all these comic murals on this website that maps out a comic book route through the city.

This itinerary continues to the Mont des Arts Garden, located below the Royal Square. Cross the garden to reach the stairs, where you'll be treated to a stunning view featuring the Town Hall tower in the background.

Just a short walk away is the Musical Instruments Museum, housed in the former Old England building—one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Brussels, dating back to 1899.

Continue on to Brussels Park for a pleasant stroll in the greenery. This park hosts temporary art exhibitions and is home to the Royal Park Theatre. Facing the park is the Royal Palace, an elegant building constructed in the 19th century, which houses the Belvue Museum dedicated to the history of Belgium.

Then, walk for ten minutes, and you'll arrive at Place du Luxembourg and the renowned European Parliament. This iconic site embodies the heart of European democracy, where representatives from nearly 500 million citizens across 27 member countries gather to deliberate and discuss issues. Exploring this key hub of international cooperation allows you to delve into the debates, negotiations, and votes that shape crucial decisions for EU nations. Open year-round, the European Parliament features exhibitions available in all 24 official languages of the European Union.

Our next stop on the itinerary takes us to Place Jourdan. Nestled in the heart of the Etterbeek district, this lively square transforms every Sunday morning into a bustling market, offering a glimpse into local life. The surrounding bars and restaurants create a friendly atmosphere, while Maison Antoine, established in 1948, is the perfect place to indulge in Belgium's famous fries. Renowned worldwide, these crispy fries are prepared with a double frying technique and served in a generous cone for just €3.70. Join the locals in this must-try tradition and enjoy your fries on a café terrace at Place Jourdan, accompanied by your choice of sauce. It’s an experience that truly affirms Belgium's reputation for having the best fries in the world!

Wrap up your day in Brussels with a stroll through Parc du Cinquantenaire, just a 20-minute walk from Place Jourdan. Here, you can admire the Cinquantenaire Arcades, a grand triple-arch gateway that proudly marks the entrance to the city. This monument was erected to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence. At the base of each arch, you'll find bronze statues representing the eight provinces of Belgium, adding to the park's rich historical significance. The park offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for concluding this enriching itinerary through the Belgian capital.