72 Hours in Brussels

With the resumption of non-stop flights from Bangkok to Brussels, we present a three-day itinerary for exploring the delights of Europe’s unofficial capital city, from cultural quarters to culinary specialties.

Day 1

Iconic Landmarks & Local Flavours

MORNING: Begin your Brussels sojourn with the city’s quintessential Belgian waffle, distinguished by its crispy exterior and tender center. Visit Maison Dandoy (maisondandoy.com) a historic bakery with multiple locations across Brussels, for one of their fluffy waffles with toppings like strawberries and whipped cream or hot chocolate and hazelnuts.

Next, make your way to the Grand-Place (or Grote Markt), your gateway to discovering Brussels’ rich history. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this central square is surrounded by magnificent 400-year-old buildings, including Brussels Town Hall and Brussels City Museum. No visit would be complete without greeting the city’s whimsical icons – Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis, the playful fountain statues that perfectly capture Brussels’ characteristic sense of humor.

AFTERNOON: Brussels boasts some of the world’s best seafood restaurants. Stop by Noordzee Mer du Nord’s Fishbar (Tue-Sun: 11.00-18.30 | noordzeemerdunord.be) for a light lunch of tapas-sized portions in an open-air market atmosphere. Then, indulge in luxury shopping at The Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert (grsh.be), an elegant glass-roofed arcade. Art enthusiasts should not miss the Magritte Museum (Tue-Fri: 10.00-17.00, Sat-Sun: 11.00-18.00 | musee-magritte-museum.be), home to over 200 surrealist masterpieces by René Magritte.

EVENING: Conclude your day with local cuisine at Chez Léon (Daily: 12.00-23.00 | chezleon.be), famous for its version of Belgian specialty moules-frites (mussels and fries). For beer connoisseurs, Delirium Café (Mon-Thu: 12.00-3.00, Fri-Sat 12.00-5.00, Sun 12.00-2.00 | deliriumcafe.be) is recognized by Guinness World Records as having the largest beer menu in the world with a selection of over 2,000 beers.

Day 2

History & Hidden Gems

MORNING: Transport yourself back to the 60s when Brussels hosted the World’s Fair in 1958. The enduring symbol of this historic event is the Atomium (Daily: 10.00-18.00 | atomium.be), an avant-garde architectural marvel that now houses digital art exhibitions and offers panoramic views of Brussels from its upper spheres.

AFTERNOON: During the summer months, we recommend returning to the historic quarter to visit the Royal Palace of Brussels (Tue-Sun: 10.30-17.00 | monarchie.be/en/heritage/royal-palace-of-brussels), the administrative residence and workplace of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Belgium. Since 1965, the palace has opened its doors to visitors exclusively during the summer season from National Day July 21 through September. (Experience a virtual tour of the palace at virtualtour.monarchie.be)

Immerse yourself in the lighter side of Belgium by exploring the country’s rich comic art heritage at the Comics Art Museum (Tue-Sun: 10.00-18.00 | comicscenter.net). In an airy art deco building, the museum houses original art, workshops and exhibitions of comic strips and characters including internationally beloved franchises like Tintin and The Smurfs.

EVENING: As day turns to night, make your way to Wolf Food Market (Mon-Fri: 12.00-14.30 & 18.00-22.00, Sat-Sun: 12.00-22.30 | wolf.be/), a vibrant culinary destination housing more than 15 international food stalls, plus a bar and microbrewery. This dynamic space that was originally the main hall of a bank has evolved into a popular gathering spot for locals, offering visitors an authentic taste of contemporary Belgian social life.

Day 3

Flea Markets and Art Nouveau

MORNING: Rise early to explore the vibrant Marolles District, a haven for street art enthusiasts and vintage collectors. Begin your day at Place du Jeu de Balle (Daily: 9.00-14.00), Brussels’ oldest and most celebrated flea market, which has been a center for trading treasures for over 150 years. As you wander through this historic quarter, discover striking street art murals adorning the neighborhood’s architectural canvas.

AFTERNOON: Brussels stands as a living museum of Art Nouveau, and nowhere is this more evident than in the elegant districts of Ixelles and Saint-Gilles. Make your way to the Horta Museum (Tue-Fri: 14.00-17.30, Sat-Sun: 11.00-17.00 | hortamuseum.be), housed in the former residence and studio of Victor Horta, the pioneering architect of Art Nouveau. From here, stroll to La Quincaillerie (Tue-Fri and Sun: 12.00-14.30, 18.30-22.30, Sat: 18.30-22.30 | quincaillerie.be), a remarkable restaurant designed by one of Horta’s disciples. The establishment is renowned for its fresh seafood and signature chicken dishes, sourced from their private farm in Bresse, France.

EVENING: Bid farewell to Brussels with an exceptional dining experience at Comme Chez Soi (Wed-Sat: 12.00-16.30, 19.00-24.00 | commechezsoi.be), a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined Belgian-French cuisine.

Extend Your Journey?

Take advantage of Belgium’s excellent rail network with a day trip from Brussels to the historic cities of Ghent (just 35 minutes away) or Bruges (a mere hour’s journey). Book your train tickets at www.belgiantrain.be

Tips: Looking for a new way to plan your next trip? AI can be a great tool for creating itineraries! With a variety of smart websites and apps available, you can design a personalized travel plan tailored to your interests and preferences—making your trip more exciting.

For more information about Brussels, visit www.visit.brussels

THAI operates daily nonstop flights between Bangkok and Brussels. Desired to try 72 hours trip in Brussels? Fly to Brussels with Thai Airways!