- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 26
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 29
24 Hours in Brussels (2025) The Ultimate City Break Guide from London
By Travel Content Creator Extraordinaire Mr Plane Guy
So I recently visited the Belgian capital, Brussels, for 24 hours and wow, I was blown away!
And I went all out, why? Because I wanted to understand the top things you should do with 24 hours in Brussels.
2025 Update: Brussels is one of Europe’s best short city breaks right now and you don’t even need to fly. With Eurostar Snap deals offering last-minute city breaks by train from London for up to 50% off, it’s never been easier to plan a Plane City Break (or train city break) on a budget. Whether you’re heading for chocolate, waffles, or winter markets, this guide has you covered for your next cheap European city break from London.
I fitted in so many amazing excursions and delicious Belgian fine dining, such as the classic frites! So here it is, I did it, I tried it, and I have sprinkled in some of my top tips here and there!
So you can either go with the flow and just wing it around Brussels and have a mediocre time or you can check out this guide The Ultimate Guide to 24 hours in Brussels: Everything You Need to Know and forward plan like a pro!
If you’re planning a little luxury for less, this Brussels spa hotel on Lastminute.com is perfect for a Plane City Break, think rooftop views, whirlpool tubs, and an easy stroll to the Grand Place.
Flying into Charleroi instead of Brussels Airport? No worries, check out my guide on how to get from Brussels to Charleroi for the easiest ways to make the trip.
The Brussels Itinerary and Top Things to Do
Whether you’re on a weekend city break from the UK or a Eurostar train journey through Europe, here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in Belgium’s capital.
Mannekin Pis
Grand Place
The Beer Museum
Brussels: Sightseeing Bike Tour
Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop
The Choco Story
Atomium
Let's Kick things off with the iconic Grand Place, ideally very early to avoid the tourists who will be out in full force touristing.
CHECK OUT this Brussels: City Card including all the Public Transportation valid for either 24, 48 or 72 hours
Enjoy free access to 49 museums in Brussels. Benefit from discounts on tourist attractions and tours, take advantage of discounts in restaurants, bars, and shops
Get free use of the public transport system during the validity of your card.
Next stop is The Beer Museum, situated in the square itself!
The Beer Museum is located in the Grand Place square and is around 5 Euros (Cash only BTW) and you get a Belgium Beer to start your day off! lets not play any games here, It's just a pub with a few bits of history about Belgium beer, it takes around 30 minutes and a great way to lighten the mood relax and with some education and Belgium culture along the way. Tick this off the list
Plane Tip, check out this shop along the way it is so cool! Some really funny, cool souvenirs.
15-17 Rue Des Grands, 2 minute walk from Grand Palace
Then take a short walk to Mannekin Pis, right by frites and the Choco Story, a 5 minute walk from Grand Place.
Then it's time for the Chocolate Museum for The Choco Story! Who doesn't like chocolate? Who?
A great museum for people who love Chocolate! Everyone then?
Some of the models were a bit wooden and had seen better days, but all in all I really liked this museum, now the tourists were out touristing here, but you can avoid a queue by booking a ticket ahead and get one step ahead!
Will link it here, get yourself super organised!
The Best part of the Choco story was the demonstration towards the end, the instructor was so good! I left feeling like a chocolatier ready to open my own chain of chocolate shops, OK calm down! It's well worth a trip here, I would plan this timing with the weather in Brussels if its particularly cold, raining or maybe even too hot, pop in here its all indoors.
Then how about a Brussels Sightseeing Bike Tour?
Brussels: Sightseeing Bike Tour, within 3 hours you will have covered the whole of the city!
Trust me the majority is down hill and the cycling is very gentle and is for all levels of bike riders. This is a perfect trip for solo travellers as everyone's on their own bike, you get to chat and bond together it's a really fun way to see Brussels. It's also the perfect tour to do in a group of friends, a couple or a family.
This is one of the best activities i've ever done a city break
You get to take in Manneken Pis, now don't worry if you have already ticked this off the list, he's probably in a different outfit (yes outfit! It's what they do here
We then went to a groovy flea market are steeped in history, then on to the
the UN buiding, cycling through wonderful parks and around this really bike friendly city was so much fun. Here is exactly what you will see and cover in 3 hours!
Menneken Pis
Marolles
Court House
Atomium (from a distance)
European Parliament
Jubilee Park
European Commission
Park of Brussels
Palace of Brussels and Mont des Arts
The trip includes a halfway stop for the best fries in Brussels and a beer (food and drinks not included in price, other food and drink options available). Cycling is the easiest way to see this beautiful city.
Stay right in the heart of the action, this central Brussels hotel puts you steps from Grand Place and makes the perfect base for a last-minute city break by train from London.
A little stop for Frites obvs and a Belgium beer, we cycled around some more exploring the amazing city of Brussels, three hours flew by and it was time to return the bikes, with some amazing memories, photos and even a couple of new friends! I loved this tour!
The guide was so friendly and informative and clearly passionate talking about so many stories around Brussels.
After some light souvenir shopping it was time for my next activity in Brussels and I booked
A Belgian Chocolate Making and Tasing Workshop.
The perfect experience for couples or a small group of friends,
The Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop with Tastings, now I loved this experience, I learned so much whilst creating different chocolate treats to take home. It was around 1 hour and a half
I have to be honest (it's what I do) I think this is great for couples or small group of friends. On my own I was made to tag a couple and nobody wants that! It felt a little weird sharing ingredients and personal space, don't get me wrong they were a lovely coupe but nobody wants to third wheel, but would I do it again on my own, absolutely!
Here is a full video I put on my socials, check it out and don't forget to hit the follow!
Looking for the best boutique hotel in Brussels with a rooftop view? This Plane-approved pick offers style, skyline scenes and smart prices on city breaks from London Gatwick.
Atomium Brussels
Now I’m not going to lie this is like 40 minutes out of the main city, jump on the metro, I was pushed for time so literally got the pictures then went but you can go up it. They also have a mini Europe next to it which is a literally a mini Europe! Who doesn't love a miniature village? Getting here was really easy on the metro, one line all the way.
You need to get on Line 6 towards Roi Baudouin
The stop for Atomium is Heysel
It costs around £3, trust me it was so easy, If I can do it! You can too!
The Atomium was built in 1958 for the Brussels world fair (sounds like an old expo expedition) you can go up to the various viewing platforms, but not alot to see in this part of town. It's open daily but closes at 6pm.
Plane TIP: Carry some Euro coins! Or turn into a 'Manneken Pis' 'weeing' in the street!
Now if like me you are a queen and don't carry cash! Well you will need some Euro coins here, almost every toilet, even the toilets in Maccie Dee's (Scouse for Mcdonalds) have toilet attendants and the charge is usually 50 cents in cash only! Now add in the occasional Belgium Beer along the way, you see where I am going here?
Other Things to Do in Brussels (and Easy City Break Add-Ons)
If you have a bit more time, say a city break from London Gatwick or you’ve scored a Eurostar Snap deal these extra ideas are well worth adding to your itinerary of things to do in Brussels, or from Brussels. Brussels makes the perfect base for cheap European city breaks from London, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp are all under an hour away by train, making them ideal for an extended Plane City Break.
Day trip to Bruge
Day trip To Ghent
Day trip to Antwerp
Brussels walking tour
Brussels food tour
Brussels waffle tour
Brussels beer tasting tour
Brussels chocolate tasting tour
If you prefer modern design and rooftop vibes, check out this stylish boutique hotel in Brussels a Plane City Break favourite that blends art, comfort and great prices on city breaks from London Gatwick.
Brussels Christmas Market 2025, Winter Magic in the Grand Place
If you’re visiting in November or December, don’t miss Winter Wonders, Brussels’ world-famous Christmas market. The entire Grand Place turns into a glowing festive village with light shows, mulled wine, and 200+ chalet stalls selling gifts, Belgian chocolate, and waffles.It’s one of the best European Christmas markets within easy reach from London perfect for a last-minute city break by train.
🎄 Plane Tip:Combine it with my full guide to the best Christmas Markets in Europe for other winter weekend ideas.
🚲 Want to see the sights without the crowds? Try my Brussels Bike Tour it’s a great way to explore the city during the festive season, especially when streets are closed to cars.
✈️ Getting there:If you’re flying into Charleroi for a short trip, I’ve also written a detailed guide on how to get from Brussels to Charleroi Airport.
Do check out my other guides on European destinations
Have you heard of Eurostars NEW snap feature? how about 50% off Eurostar tickets? Check this article out.
Or how about a good old Hop on Hop off bus tour? Check out the many Brussels activities and tours by Get Your Guide, they have an excellent range of activities for all budgets, I love their app, no need to print out tickets and the app will direct you to exactly where you need to go using their maps.
What is the best month to go to Brussels?
The best time to travel to Brussels or are the months of March to May and September to October. This is known as the shoulder season when hotels and transport costs are cheaper due to more availability and the weather is mild, however March to early May expect daily showers!
November and December are a great time to visit for the Christmas lights and markets, one of the best city breaks under 2 hours’ flight from the UK or just over two hours by Eurostar.
Is Brussels a French speaking city?
OUI, but english Dutch and German are widely spoken!
Is Brussels an expensive city?
If your on a budget you can keep the costs down, lots of different street food options, Frites and beers for a few Euros, what more do you need? It's even Vegan friendly! The cost of living for Brussels is in line with most European cities.
Is Brussels more French or Dutch?
More French, this is the most common language spoke in this part of Belgium.
Can you recommend an affordable nice hotel for a city break in Brussels?
Funnily enough yes I can, I stayed at the Jam hotel in Brussels, a very arty stylish hotel, it even had a roof terrace with pool the perfect spot to relax in the afternoon after lots of walking around! All for less than £100 per night! Here is a Full Review
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Thanks for reading, 24 Hours in Brussels (2025) The Ultimate City Break Guide from London.
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