Railbookers Recommends - 72 Hours in Brussels
Just 1 hour 51 minutes from St Pancras International, Brussels offers something for everyone, from medieval architecture to the art of the comic strip, and moules frites to gourmet chocolates! We've put together a guide on how to spend your weekend in Brussels.
Friday
Hop onto the train for your 1 hour 51 minutes journey to Brussels.
On arrival check-in at your central Brussels hotel, before heading out to the historic Grand Place, and dinner at a local restaurant.
Saturday
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, spend your Saturday morning in the company of Brussels' favourite statue, Manneken Pis. This diminutive bronze fountain sculpture can be found on the corner of rue de l'Etuve and rue Chênet.
Next stop, Grand Place with its magnificent 15th century town hall and elegant guild houses. Make sure you visit the Musée de la Ville with its collection of costumes belonging to Manneken Pis.
After a traditional lunch of mussels and frites at Chez Leon, be inspired at the Museum of Ancient Art. The Museum has an extensive collection of Flemish Masters from Breughel to Van Dyck and a current exhibition on Rubens which runs until 27th January.
Then indulge in a spot of shopping at the Sablon antiques market.
Sunday
Enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning exploring a Belgian passion; cartoons. You can’t spend time in Brussels without noticing murals such as Tintin and Captain Haddock climbing down an illustrated fire escape on Rue de L’Etuve. Then visit the Cartoon Strip Museum with its 5000 original drawings and large scale models, housed in the attractive art nouveau Waucquez Warehouses, built by Victor Horta.
After lunch learn more about Horta at his former house (turned museum) the Musée de Victor Horta, itself a great example of his work.
Monday
Start the week at Heysel Park, the 200 hectare park north of Brussels, which is home to the Atomium, the monument built for the 1958 Brussels’ World Fair, with its 9 spheres and panoramic view over Brussels.
Spend your afternoon stocking up at Brussels’ wonderful chocolate shops, then hop onto Eurostar for your return journey to the UK.
Brussels Breaks
5* Hilton Brussels from £129
The modern Hilton Brussels Hotel has a Michelin Star restaurant - La Maison de Boeuf, and an elegant Art Nouveau style 24 hour café. Located in the exclusive upper town of Brussels... More Info
4* Novotel Brussels Off Grand Place from £109
The central Novotel Brussels Hotel is ideal for families, as 2 children under 16 can stay free! The hotel has been recently refurbished, and has 136 modern and comfortable bedrooms... More Info
4* Hilton Brussels City from £109
The Hilton Brussels City Hotel is a modern hotel, with a bar and restaurant. The hotel is on Place Rogier, close to Brussels' biggest shopping street "Rue Neuve" and a short walk... More Info
5* Amigo Brussels from £159
The Hotel Amigo is one of the best luxury hotels in Brussels, and has been recently refurbished. The hotel has 174 individually decorated bedrooms with king-size beds. The hotel is... More Info
5* Le Meridien Brussels from £129
Le Meridien Brussels Hotel is an elegant hotel with 224 comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a fitness centre. The hotel is situated... More Info
