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Brussels for 48 Hours
Going to Brussels for 48 Hours is very doable. I would say that if you even want to do Brussels in 24 hours that’s also very doable too. This post-travel guide is for anyone that wants to visit Brussels in 24 hours or a little more. Here I will share everything you can do in Brussels on a short trip.
I booked this trip to Belgium, Brussels, on a whim with one of my close friends through those Eurostar flash sales. It was an offer I just couldn’t resist (£35 each way). I knew I’d be in London for a few days, and Brussels was only a short train ride away. About 2 hours from King’s Cross Station. I thought, “Why not?”. If I’m really honest with you*, I didn’t expect much. I had heard so many people speak about Brussels and describe it as a bit boring and well… meh.
So I gave myself 48 hours to find out. I wish I had ignored them because it was a pleasure to see the city for myself. Oh, and enjoy World Chocolate Day!
Entry Requirements
If you have a UK and Canadian passport holder, you don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trip. I travelled with my British passport. If you are an American citizen, you also don’t need a visa to visit Belgium as a tourist, but you will need to apply for ETIAS. If you are visiting for business purposes, you’ll also need to apply for a Schengen visa at the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Where to Stay
I stayed at Yoaynda Hotel, a clean, Japanese-themed, modern, and centrally located hotel. It was within walking distance of most things. The staff were super friendly. Ideal for solo travellers, girls stay over and even a quick cheeky romantic trip with your partner or for the digital nomads. You can book here.
I have also added the map below so you can see how close the hotel is to tourist sites:
What to Eat
Let’s talk about the real reason we want a visit to Brussels, Belgium. The food.
- Waffles: Obviously, this is a must-try. Try a Liège waffle from Maison Dandoy. It’s rich, chewy and caramelised perfection. I got mine with Nutella.
- Fries (Frites): The Belgians take their fries seriously. Go for a cone at Joe La Frites. Don’t skip the sauces. I’m a ketchup girl, but do try some of the local sauces.
Cooking Travel Talks Class
I did a cooking class workshop where I made chocolate truffles and they were so good! Like really good. If you want read more read: Belgian Chocolate Truffles in Brussels: A Sweet Travel Experience
What to Do
Here’s how I filled my 48 hours (and didn’t get bored lol):
- Atomium: A retro-futuristic landmark slightly outside the centre but worth seeing.
- Parc du Cinquantenaire: Great for a solo picnic or walk.
- Day trip to Ghent or Bruges: I didn’t go this time, but if you’re staying longer, it’s easy via train.
Other Travel Tips for Your Visit to Brussels
- My Instagram and TikTok have quick reels and specifics of my visit to Brussels.
- Before going to any of these countries, I recommend visiting the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
- Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for Brussels. Please read the reviews before booking!
- I used Airlo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279.
Final Views
Brussels surprised me but in a good way. It’s not loud or flashy, but it’s perfect for a chilled solo escape, especially if you love art, architecture, and food. Would I go back? Yes, but next time I’ll pair it with a weekend in Ghent or Bruges.
Best for: Solo travellers who want a soft city break, culture lovers, or foodies looking for something low-key but satisfying.
If you are unsure how to solo travel, then look no further. I have a free 5-day Solo Travel Challenge starting in September. It will be 5 days of solo travel gems, including how to travel solo, mindset shifts and building your confidence. Get your boarding pass here.
Speak soon,
MBV
