Brussels itinerary — 4 days

The Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, also known as Notre-Dame du Sablon, is a 15th-century Catholic church located in the historic Sablon district of Brussels. The church features a blend of architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. It started as an archers guild chapel in 1304 and was later enlarged to accommodate pilgrims drawn by the healing powers attributed to its Madonna statue.

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, located in Brussels, is a renowned museum that offers a diverse range of exhibits covering prehistoric and modern natural sciences. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, animal specimens, minerals, and hands-on displays. The museum's special exhibition on 'poison' provides insight into venomous creatures and toxic plants. Situated near the European Parliament, this popular attraction is suitable for all ages and offers an educational experience on evolution and nature.

Parc du Cinquantenaire, also known as the Golden Jubilee Park, is a beautifully landscaped 19th-century city park in Brussels. It was designed to commemorate Belgium's 1830 independence and features extensive gardens surrounding the triumphal Arc du Cinquantenaire. The park is home to three museums: Autoworld, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, and the Musee du Cinqantenaire.

Autoworld, located in the heart of Brussels, is a renowned vintage car museum housed within the South Hall of Parc du Cinquantenaire. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 250 cars from European and American manufacturers, including presidential limousines and vehicles belonging to the Belgian royal family. Visitors can explore the evolution of automobiles through different historical periods, from La Belle Epoque to World Wars I and II, as well as the European Golden Age of Capitalism.

Bois de la Cambre, a picturesque park designed in 1861 to mimic a natural landscape, is a beloved retreat for locals seeking nature and greenery in Brussels. Connected to the city by Avenue Louise, this urban public park offers various activities such as biking, jogging, picnicking, and even yoga or Tai-chi classes. The park features trees, water elements, and a lake with Robinsons Island waiting to be explored.

In the heart of Brussels, near Mont Des Arts, lies a must-visit attraction for chocolate lovers - the Belgian Chocolate Workshop. Visitors can indulge in various chocolate tours and workshops, including a popular session at Laurent Gerbaud Chocolatier. Participants have raved about their experiences, from making their own chocolates with skilled instructors to trying their hand at crafting delicious Belgium waffles.

The Musée bruxellois de la gueuze, located in the old Evere wind moulin, offers a traditional brewery experience with beer cellars and brewing equipment dating back to 1900. Visitors can embark on self-guided tours with informative guidebooks and explore various stages of the brewery at their own pace. The museum also hosts guided tours on Saturdays, offering insights into the brewing process from passionate hosts.

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg is a grand Roman Catholic place of worship, boasting an impressive art deco style with towering cupolas. It stands as the world's fifth largest cathedral and houses two museums, a theater, and a restaurant in its basement. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views comparable to those from the Atomium. The basilica also features The Black Sisters Museum showcasing historical dinnerware and The Modern Religious Art Museum exhibiting paintings and sculptures.

Mini-Europe, located in Brussels, is a unique theme park that features scaled-down replicas of Europe's famous landmarks. With incredible attention to detail, the park offers visitors the chance to embark on a journey through iconic European towns and cities. From London's Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, visitors can explore 350 models and sites showcasing Europe's architectural wonders. The park also provides interactive experiences such as witnessing the eruption of Vesuvius and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The Atomium, a colossal stainless steel structure in Brussels, was the centerpiece of the 1958 Worlds Fair. It symbolizes peace, progress, and an optimistic vision of the future. The design is based on the elemental structure of iron and represents a shift towards using atomic energy for positive purposes. Initially intended as a temporary installation, it captured the hearts of Belgians and has become one of Brussels' most renowned attractions.

Train World is a railway museum located in Schaarbeek station, Belgium. It offers a unique experience for visitors to uncover railway curiosities and learn about the history of rail in Belgium dating back to 1835. The museum features over 20 locomotives, including a rare steam locomotive from 1845, vintage carriages, and exhibits on the National Railway Company of Belgium's collection.

Maison Dandoy is a renowned bakery with multiple locations in Brussels, offering a variety of delectable treats such as waffles, chocolate spread, gingerbread, and Speculaas cookies. Established in 1829, this family-owned business has become a go-to spot for waffle enthusiasts. While the array of tempting toppings is enticing, many locals prefer to savor the natural taste of Belgian waffles with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Manneken Pis is a 17th-century fountain in Brussels featuring a small bronze statue of a boy urinating into the basin. This quirky landmark, created by Jerome Duquesnoy, has become an iconic symbol of Brussels' humor and folklore. Despite its small size (only 60 cm high), it is one of the most photographed statues in the city. The statue is known for its extensive wardrobe of over 600 outfits, with different costumes displayed during festivals and events throughout the year.

Choco-Story Brussels is the first chocolate museum in Belgium, showcasing the history of chocolate from its origins with the Aztecs to its rise in Europe and the creation of Belgian pralines. Visitors can learn about cocoa harvesting and chocolate-making techniques, as well as enjoy live demonstrations by master chocolatiers. The museum offers interactive tours with praline-making demonstrations and tasting sessions.

The Brussels Town Hall, dating back to the 15th century, stands as a remarkable example of Gothic architecture in the heart of the Grand-Place. Adorned with intricate sculptures and a towering spire featuring the archangel Saint Michael, it offers breathtaking views of Brussels from above. The interior boasts tapestries and a mirrored concert hall, while outside, visitors can admire modern art installations like The Whirling Ear.

Grand Place is a massive city square surrounded by elegant historic buildings dating back to the 14th century. It is the heart of all activities in Brussels, featuring the Town Hall with a statue of St. Michael the Archangel and the Maison du Roi, both showcasing stunning Gothic architecture. The square hosts the breathtaking Infiorata event every even year, where it's covered with a carpet of flowers from over five hundred thousand begonia plants.

Established in 1893, Chez Léon is a family-owned restaurant renowned for its regional cuisine, particularly mussels and fries. The bustling hall on rue de Bouchers features checkered paper tablecloths and an open kitchen, serving up flavorful mussels prepared in various ways - fried, baked au gratin, steamed, and even raw in season. This beloved establishment has become a culinary institution known for preserving the essence of Belgian gastronomy.

Delirium Café is a popular tourist spot in Brussels known for its extensive beer selection, boasting over 3,000 brews available. The bar spans three floors and offers a variety of settings, including a taproom and the quieter 'Hoppy Loft.' Additionally, it features live music on Thursday evenings. Adjacent to the café is Floris Bar, specializing in absinthe, tequila, and jenever.

Jeanneke Pis is a statue of a young girl located in Brussels, considered by some to be the sister monument to the well-known Manneken Pis. It was built in 1987 as a female counterpart to the famous Manneken Pis. The statue depicts a little girl squatting and urinating, showcasing Belgium's sense of humor. Some visitors even prefer Jeanneke Pis over Manneken-Pis for her shameless and cheeky expression.

The St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral, also known as the Cathedrale des Sts Michel et Gudule, is Belgium's national church and a significant venue for royal ceremonies. This Gothic-style cathedral features two imposing symmetrical towers and houses remarkable works of art such as a Baroque carved wooden pulpit from 1699, 17th-century oak confessionals, decorative stained-glass windows, and the impressive Grenzing organ.