A Perfect Paris to Brussels Day Trip: What to See, Do, and Eat

If you are looking for an exciting day trip from Paris, consider hopping over to Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium. Just a short journey away by train, Brussels offers gorgeous architecture, rich history, and some of the best food in Europe! As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is a hub of international politics and culture. The city is officially bilingual, with French and Dutch as its main languages, though English is widely spoken. Additionally, Belgium uses the Euro (€), making it easy for travelers from Paris to visit the city without needing to exchange currency. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about a Paris to Brussels day trip, from transportation to must-see attractions and iconic Belgian treats.

Please note that the majority of the museums in Brussels are closed on Mondays (the main exception is the Atomium which is open daily). As such, I would highly recommend planning a different day of the week to visit this incredible city on a Paris to Brussels day trip! 

Paris to Brussels Day Trip: Transportation

The fastest and most convenient way to travel between Paris and Brussels is by train. The Eurostar high-speed train connects Gare du Nord in Paris to Bruxelles Midi Station/Brussel-Zuid (also called Gare du Midi) in as little as 1 hour and 22 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making it easy to plan your schedule.

I recommend booking your train tickets directly with Eurostar online, in advance of your planned visit. Eurostar tickets can be fairly expensive, so I recommend booking as far in advance as possible for the best deals. Tickets for Eurostar trains can be purchased as far as 120 days in advance of your planned travel. If you do not see any Eurostar tickets that fit within your budget, but you are flexible on train times, you can also check OuiGo. OuiGo is an alternative train service that runs the same Paris to Brussels route as Eurostar, but with fewer daily departures and generally more affordable fares. (OuiGo trains are also a bit slower than Eurostar, so your journey will take a bit longer, but may be worthwhile for the price savings if you are traveling on a budget!) As a little tip, when searching for trains, you may need to spell Brussels as Bruxelles (the French spelling for the city) to get results. Some of the train companies, especially OuiGo, are finicky like that!

For budget travelers, buses operated by FlixBus provide a more affordable, albeit slower, option, with travel times ranging from 3.5 to 5 hours. Driving is also an option, with a journey time of around 3 hours by car.

Transportation After Arriving in Brussels

The best part about a Paris to Brussels day trip is that the city is extremely walkable after you arrive. Most of the top things to do on a Paris to Brussels day trip are located close to one another within the Quartier Royale, Mont des Arts, and Grand Place neighborhoods. If you do elect to visit the Atomium, you will need to take the metro, but doing so is easy and inexpensive. I will dive into the specifics regarding transportation to/from the Atomium later in this blog post. 

If you are taking a train between Paris and Brussels for your day trip, your train will arrive into Brussels Midi Station (Bruxelles Midi Station/Brussel-Zuid/Gare du Midi) which is located just about a mile (1.7 km) from Grand Place. While this distance is certainly walkable, especially without luggage, you can also very easily take a metro from Gare du Midi to Grand Place. The nearest metro station to Grand Place is titled Bourse (also called Beurs in Dutch, the home of the Brussels Stock Exchange). 

Mass Transit in Brussels 

Mass transit in Brussels is easy to use, safe, and reliable. If you elect to use the metro (or any of the other mass transit options) in Brussels, you can actually pay with a contactless bank card (most debit or credit cards are accepted), as well as by using smartphones (i.e., Apple Pay or Google Pay). All of the busses, trams, and metro stations are equipped with contactless payment devices, making it easy to tap in and out. More information about paying for mass transit in Brussels is available on the Visit Brussels website.

It is worth noting that taxis and Ubers also operate within Brussels. However, vehicles are not permitted to drive within certain areas of Brussels, including Grand Place, so mass transit options tend to be more convenient to use if you are traveling within the historic center of the city.

Brussels Card

Brussels also offers a Brussels Card which includes free entry into select attractions (including popular attractions like the Atomium, Musée Magritte, and Autoworld) and free transportation around the city. The Brussels Card is available in 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour increments, making it an option for those visiting the city on a Paris to Brussels day trip. The Brussels Card can be a great way to save some money if you are looking to use mass transit and also visit the included sites! 

You can purchase your Brussels Card online and use the free Brussels Card app, available for both Apple and Android smartphones. Or, if you would prefer to purchase your Brussels Card in person, there are options for that too. For additional information about purchasing the Brussels Card, as well as pricing and a list of the included attractions, please visit the Visit Brussels website.

Top Things to do on a Paris to Brussels Day Trip

Once you arrive in Brussels, you will have a full day to explore its highlights. Here are some top things to do in Brussels, Belgium.

1. Explore Grand Place

Brussels' most famous square, the Grand Place, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Surrounded by ornate 17th-century guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall, called Hôtel de Ville, this is the perfect spot to start your day in Brussels.

Grand Place is the heart of the city and the beautiful architecture is just one of its many features. Grand Place is a cultural hub and meeting place for tourists and locals, alike. For example, Grand Place is home to festivals and markets over the course of the year from Belgian Beer Weekend to the annual Winter Wonders Christmas Market, and the biennial Flower Carpet.

While you can certainly enjoy the magnificent Grand Place from the outside, you can also visit the interior of the square's crown jewel: the Hôtel de Ville. The Hôtel de Ville is open to the public for tours, however, it may close without advance notice due to events taking place inside. Hôtel de Ville is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for visits. Visits to the Hôtel de Ville include a video guided tour which is available in French, Dutch, English, German, Italian, and Spanish. A panoramic guided tour offers the ability to visit the balcony of the Hôtel de Ville to enjoy a panoramic view of Grand Place. For more information about visiting Hôtel de Ville, please visit the City of Brussels website.

Nearby Sites & Landmarks Worth Exploring 

While on your Paris to Brussels day trip, there are some other nearby sites and landmarks worth exploring in the vicinity of Grand Place. While you are in the area, be sure to check out:

Manneken Pis

A quirky symbol of Brussels, the Manneken Pis statue is a tiny but iconic fountain depicting a little boy peeing. While it is certainly not the grandest monument you will see, it is a fun stop on your Paris to Brussels day trip itinerary. Manneken Pis is over 400 years old and has inspired two other, more modern, sculptures in Brussels, with a similar theme: Jeanneke Pis and Het Zinneke (also called Zinneke Pis). To add to the unseriousness, Manneken Pis also has a large wardrobe of clothes, so you may find him dressed in various outfits to mark holidays and other events being celebrated in the city. (If you are so inclined, you can even visit a museum dedicated to Manneken Pis's clothes - GardeRobe Manneken Pis.) As the unofficial mascot of the city, Manneken Pis really does represent the zany spirit of Brussels. 

Manneken Pis is located a 4-minute walk from Brand Place, off of Rue de l'Etuve. 

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert)

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a beautiful 19th-century shopping arcade that exudes elegance and charm. Opened in 1847, it was one of the first covered shopping galleries in Europe and remains a must-visit in Brussels. Its grand glass ceiling, intricate arches, and refined boutiques make it a picturesque spot to stroll, shop, or simply admire the architecture. The gallery is home to luxury shops, artisanal chocolate stores, and cozy cafés, making it the perfect place to take a break and soak in the city’s sophisticated atmosphere.

While visiting the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, I highly recommend Mokafé for a bite to eat and Mary for decadent Belgian chocolates. Mokafé serves some of the best Belgian waffles in Brussels (and arguably the world). You can order them with fresh fruit, or even dessert toppings - the options are seemingly endless! Mary, on the other hand, is a purveyor of Belgian chocolates and their chocolate truffles are absolutely incredible! I still regularly dream about their champagne truffles which feature a dark chocolate ganache with Marc de Champagne brandy. 😍 

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is only a 3-minute walk from Grand Place via Rue de la Colline.  

Other Architectural Gems in Brussels 

Grand Place showcases a dazzling mix of architectural styles, reflecting Brussels' rich history and cultural influences. The square is dominated by the Gothic-style Hôtel de Ville, dating to the 15th century, with its intricate façade and soaring tower which is topped with a gilded statue of Saint Michael, the patron saint of Brussels. Surrounding Hôtel de Ville are the ornate guildhalls, which boast elaborate Baroque, Gothic, and Louis XIV details, each telling a story of the city's wealthy merchant past. The Maison du Roi (King’s House), now home to the Brussels City Museum, adds a touch of neo-Gothic elegance to the square.

Beyond Grand Place, Brussels is filled with architectural gems that highlight the city’s diverse and evolving architectural aesthetic. Some other landmarks worth walking past, include: 

• Royal Palace of Brussels: The Royal Palace of Brussels, with its Neoclassical grandeur, serves as the official palace of the Belgian monarchy and stands as a symbol of the nation’s royal heritage. It is a working palace since Belgium does have a royal family, however, it is open to the public during the summer. Advance tickets are required. Even if your visit does not coincide with the summer months, it is still worthwhile to stroll by and admire the grand building from the outside!

• Musical Instruments Museum (MIM): The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), housed in the striking Art Nouveau Old England building, features intricate ironwork and large arched windows that exemplify the city’s early 20th-century architectural innovation.

• Arcades du Cinquantenaire: This triumphal arch, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, anchors the Cinquantenaire Park and serves as a gateway to some of Brussels’ most important museums. The Arcades du Cinquantenaire was built to commemorate 50 years of Belgian independence in 1880, however, it was not completed until 1905.

• Halle Gate: Standing as a rare remnant of Brussels’ medieval past, Halle Gate is a striking fortress-like structure that once formed part of the city’s defensive walls. Built in the 14th century, this imposing Gothic gateway is the only surviving gate of the original city fortifications. With its turrets, thick stone walls, and dramatic presence, Halle Gate transports visitors back to a time when Brussels was a walled city. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the city's medieval history, offering exhibits on knights, armor, and the evolution of Brussels over the centuries.
• La Pharmacie Anglaise: La Pharmacie Anglaise is another of Brussels' intriguing architectural gems, blending history, gothic charm, and a touch of macabre design. Once an old apothecary, this striking Neo-Gothic building now houses an upscale (read: expensive) cocktail bar.
  

2. Get a Bird's Eye View of the City from the Atomium

One of Brussels' most recognizable landmarks, the Atomium is a futuristic structure built for the 1958 World's Fair (World Expo 1958) as a symbol of scientific progress and modernity. Think of it as Brussels' answer to Paris's Eiffel Tower! It is one of my favorite things to see in Brussels and well worth the trek on your Paris to Brussels day trip!

Designed by Belgian engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, the structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, reflecting the optimism of the atomic age. Though it was intended to be a temporary structure, the Atomium became so beloved within Brussels that it was preserved and later renovated in the early 2000s.

Standing 335 feet (102 meters) tall, the Atomium consists of nine interconnected stainless steel spheres (representing the nine atoms of an iron crystal), linked by tubes. The steel tubes connecting the spheres contain escalators, stairs, and an elevator to provide access to the other spheres within the structure. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of exhibition spaces, including displays on the World Expo '58, Belgian history, and contemporary art.

The Atomium offers fantastic panoramic views of the city from its top sphere, and is the real highlight of any visit to the Atomium. On a clear day, you can see Brussels landmarks, such as Grand Place, and even as far away as Antwerp. The top sphere is also home to a restaurant, where visitors can enjoy Belgian cuisine while taking in the views.

The Atomium's architecture and interior design embody a distinctly 1950s sci-fi aesthetic, making it feel both nostalgic and futuristic. While it may seem outdated, its retro charm and playful kitsch give it a character that is unmistakably Belgian.

Atomium Tickets & Opening Hours

The Atomium is open daily, including public holidays, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The last entry to the Atomium is at 5:30 PM daily. On December 24 and 31, annually, the Atomium is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (with the last entry at 3:30 PM). On December 25 and January 1, annually, the Atomium is open from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (with the last entry at 5:30 PM). 

Tickets for the Atomium can be purchased on-site at the Atomium's ticket office or online ahead of your visit. To purchase your Atomium tickets online, please visit the Atomium website. 

Visiting the Atomium

The easiest way to reach the Atomium is by metro, especially if you are coming from Grand Place or Brussels Midi Station. The closest metro station to the Atomium is Heizel. From the Heizel (Heysel) station, it is a short, 6-minute walk to the Atomium. For turn-by-turn transit directions, I recommend using Google Maps. If you are in a crunch for time, you can also take a taxi or Uber to the Atomium.

3. Visit the Gothic St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is another one of Brussels' beautiful landmarks and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city on a Paris to Brussels day trip. Located near Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, this Gothic masterpiece boasts an impressive façade, two towers, and intricate stained-glass windows that flood the interior with colorful light.

Dating back to the 11th century, the cathedral took almost three centuries to complete, with its final Gothic form emerging in the 15th century. The grandeur of its design, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, massive columns, and ornate carvings, makes it one of Belgium’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. Inside, visitors can admire its stained-glass windows, depicting biblical scenes and historical events, as well as its impressive pipe organ, one of the most remarkable in the country.

Beyond its architectural beauty, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral holds significant royal history. It has been the site of numerous Belgian royal weddings and state ceremonies, reinforcing its status as one of the country’s most important religious sites. In fact, just a week after my visit in September 2022, Princess Maria Laura of Belgium got married here!

One of the best parts about visiting the cathedral is that entry is completely free, making it an accessible and worthwhile stop for any traveler. (There is, however, a small charge to enter the crypt.) St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Masses are held Monday through Friday at 12:30 PM in French. Saturday mass is at 5:30 PM, while Sunday masses are at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. The 11:00 AM mass on Sunday features organ music and traditional gregorian chants. For additional information, please visit the cathedral website.

4. Grab a Beer at Delirium Village

Beer lovers should not miss Delirium Village! Delirium is a lively spot is famous for its pink elephant logo and fun atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind. While the décor may be quirky, the beer is delicious and one of my favorite spots to grab a pint in Brussels! 

Within Delirium Village there are a number of different bars and taprooms. The most famous is the Delirium Café which boasts 2,004 different beers from around the world, including Delirium's own brews. I personally liked the Delirium Taphouse the best, since it was a bit less overwhelming with only 27 beers on tap. (It is located upstairs from the Delirium Café.) However, feel free to check them all out and find a vibe that you like best before grabbing a beer!

Delirium Village is open daily. The Delirium Café and Delirium Taphouse share the same hours: Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 4:00 AM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM. For the hours of the other bars and taprooms located within Delirium Village, please visit the Delirium Village website.

Other Popular Belgian Breweries & Taprooms  

Obviously Delirium is hard to beat with its enormous selection of beers and number of taprooms, however, there are plenty of other Belgian breweries and taprooms within Brussels that are also worth a visit. In the neighborhoods near Grand Place, and should time allow it, I also recommend the following spots to grab a pint:

• BrewDog Brussels - Located only a 5-minute walk from Grand Place, BrewDog Brussels brings a taste of the famous Scottish craft beer scene to Belgium. 
• GIST - Specializing in artisanal and craft beers, GIST is a trendy beer bar that showcases an impressive selection of Belgian brews.
• Bier Central Brussels - Bier Central serves exclusively Belgian beers with more than 30 on tap and another 300 on their extensive menu in bottles. Bier Central also has locations in Antwerp, Gent, and Mechelen. 

Belgian Beer Weekend

If you are looking to try a variety of Belgian beers, then Belgian Beer Weekend might just be the event for you! Belgian Beer Weekend is held in Grand Place during the first weekend in September, annually. Brian and I attended in September 2022 and had a blast! It provided a great opportunity to sample a variety of Belgian beers in the beautiful and historic setting of Grand Place. Belgian Beer Weekend 2025 is scheduled to be held from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7, 2025. For more information about Belgian Beer Weekend, visit the official Belgian Beer Weekend website.

5. Marvel at Classic & Contemporary Flemish Art

Brussels is a fantastic destination for art lovers, offering a rich artistic heritage that spans centuries. Flemish art has played a crucial role in shaping European painting, and many masterpieces by legendary artists can be found in the city's museums. Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder (painting below) are some of the most celebrated Flemish painters, known for their dramatic compositions, exquisite details, and mastery of light and shadow. Their works are prominently displayed in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, one of the city's top cultural institutions. While a Paris to Brussels day trip might not allow enough time to fully appreciate these world-renowned masterpieces, I highly suggest planning a visit if you return to Brussels for a longer stay.

Tickets for the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium can be purchased on-site or online, in advance of your visit. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is technically a collection of six of museums in Brussels, including: Musée Oldmasters, Musée Magritte, Musée Wiertz, Musée Meunier, Musée Fin-De-Siècle, and Musée Modern. Out of the six museums, I recommend visiting only two: Musée Oldmasters and Musée Magritte. Musée Oldmasters, as the name suggests, contains the works of the Flemish masters.

Both Musée Oldmasters and Musée Magritte are open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturdays, Sundays, and most public holidays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The museums are closed on January 1, January 5, November 11, and December 25, annually. The museums close early, at 3:00 PM, on December 24 and December 31, annually. For additional information, please visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium website.

Musée Magritte

Even with limited time in Brussels, I would absolutely recommend a trip to Musée Magritte! Beyond the Flemish Old Masters, Brussels was also home to one of the most famous surrealist painters of the 20th century—René Magritte. His dreamlike, thought-provoking works challenge perception and reality, and the Musée Magritte in Brussels is dedicated entirely to his art. Located near the Royal Palace, and attached to the Musée Oldmasters, the museum houses an extensive collection of Magritte's paintings, sketches, and some of his personal artifacts, offering a deep dive into the mind of this surrealist genius. Whether you are a longtime fan of Magritte or just discovering his work, this museum is a fascinating stop on your Brussels itinerary.

If you only have time for one museum during your Paris to Brussels day trip, Musée Magritte is my pick to visit!

Comic Book Culture

One of the most unique aspects of Brussels' art scene is its deep connection to comic book culture. Belgium has a long history of comic art, and the city pays homage to it through colorful murals, a dedicated Comics Art Museum, and tributes to beloved characters like Tintin, Lucky Luke, and Gaston Lagaffe. One of the most famous Belgian exports? The Smurfs! These little blue characters were created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo and have become a global phenomenon. If you are a fan of comics, strolling through Brussels to spot the many comic strip murals and other tributes is a fun and unexpected way to explore the city. 

Visit Brussels, the official tourist board for the city, even outlines a comic strip trail, with an itinerary that passes through the historic center and the streets surrounding Grand Place. For more information, be sure to check out the Visit Brussels website.

6. Enjoy Belgian Cuisine 

Belgium is known for its incredible food, and a Paris to Brussels day trip would not be complete without indulging in some local delicacies.

What to Eat in Brussels 

From sweet treats to savory snacks, the city’s food scene is legendary, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with an appetite for delicious flavors. The food (and beer) is actually the entire reason I planned a trip to Brussels in 2022! Whether you are craving a warm, fluffy waffle, a hearty plate of mussels and fries, or world-renowned Belgian chocolate, Brussels has something to satisfy every palate. Here are some of the city's most iconic foods for you to try on a Paris to Brussels day trip:

• Belgian Waffles: There are two main types - the light, rectangular Brussels waffle, which is crisp on the outside and fluffy inside (my personal favorite), and the denser, caramelized Liège waffle, which has chunks of pearl sugar baked into the dough. Enjoy them plain or topped with chocolate, whipped cream, and/or fresh fruit.
• Mussels & Fries (Moules-Frites): A Belgian staple, this dish consists of mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, or other flavorful broths, served alongside crispy fries. Many restaurants, especially around Grand Place, specialize in this classic pairing.
• Belgian Chocolate: Belgium is world-famous for its high-quality chocolate, and Brussels is home to some of the best chocolatiers, including Mary’s Chocolates, Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini. Whether you prefer pralines, truffles, or artisanal creations, a visit to a chocolate shop is a must. As I mentioned earlier, Mary has a location in Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and is well worth a visit! The other popular chocolateries have shops throughout the city, but Mary's chocolates are my favorite! 
• Belgian Fries (Frites): What we know today as "French fries," actually originated in Belgium and not France. As the story goes, American soldiers during World War I mistakenly assumed that the French-speaking locals eating these fries were French and not Belgian. In Belgium, fries are a beloved street food, traditionally served in a cone and topped with a variety of sauces, making them a delicious and shareable snack.

Some of My Favorite Restaurants in Brussels 

While a Paris to Brussels day trip does not provide a lot of time to enjoy Belgian cuisine, it is enough time to grab a delicious lunch and even an afternoon snack. A few of my favorite eateries in Brussels, near Grand Place, are below! Bon appétit!

• Mokafé: Mokafé, nestled within the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, is a charming café known for serving some of the best Belgian waffles in Brussels. Whether you prefer them dusted with powdered sugar or topped with fresh fruit, this cozy spot is the perfect place to enjoy a classic treat in a historic setting.

• The Lobster House: For an iconic Belgian dining experience, The Lobster House is the place to go for mussels in Brussels—their mussels are flavorful and served in a variety of delicious broths. Pair them with crispy Belgian fries and a local beer for the ultimate Belgian seafood feast.

• Mer du Nord / Noordzee: If you are craving fresh seafood in a super casual environment, Mer du Nord (Noordzee) is an absolute must. This popular seafood stand serves up grilled fish, shrimp, mussels, oysters, and more, all prepared fresh and bursting with flavor—perfect for a quick but memorable bite while exploring the city.

• La Friterie: Of course, no visit to Brussels would be complete without indulging in Belgian fries, and La Friterie is a fantastic spot to grab a cone of crispy, golden frites. These fries are the perfect snack to fuel your Paris to Brussels day trip. I personally love the fries smothered in Andalouse sauce, but other toppings and sauces are also available.   

Looking to Extend Your Stay in Brussels? 

When I visited Brussels in September 2022, I actually spent two nights in this incredible city! While a Paris to Brussels day trip is just enough time to see the city's highlights and dig into some of the delicious cuisine, staying an overnight (or two) gives you even more time to enjoy all that Brussels has to offer! 

Additional Sites to See

If you have extra time in Brussels or want to explore beyond the main highlights, there are plenty of other attractions and experiences to consider, including: 

• Autoworld – Car enthusiasts will love this museum dedicated to the history of automobiles. Located in Parc du Cinquantenaire, it showcases an impressive collection of vintage and modern cars, from early models to race cars.
• Avenue Louise Shopping – If you love shopping, Avenue Louise is Brussels’ answer to Paris' Champs-Élysées. Lined with luxury boutiques, designer stores, and trendy cafés, it is a great area for window shopping and people watching!
• Bois de la Cambre – A favorite spot for locals, this large urban park offers walking paths, a scenic lake, and even a charming island restaurant (Chalet Robinson). It is a great place to relax with a picnic or rent a bike to explore the green spaces.
• Parc de Laeken & The Royal Greenhouses – Home to Castle of Laeken, the official residence of the Belgian royal family, this park is a peaceful escape from the city. If you visit in spring, you can tour the Royal Greenhouses, which are open to the public for only a few weeks each year. In 2025, the Royal Greenhouses will be open to the public from April 18 to May 11. Advance tickets are required.
• Day Trip to Bruges – If you have an extra day, consider taking a day trip to Bruges, one of Belgium’s most picturesque cities. Just an hour by train from Brussels, Bruges is known for its cobblestone streets, canals, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Highlights include the Belfry of Bruges, a boat ride through the canals, and indulging in more Belgian chocolate while wandering the charming streets. I have yet had the opportunity to visit Bruges, but it is certainly on my list for my next trip to Belgium! 

My Hotel Recommendations for Brussels 

If you are planning on returning to Brussels on a future visit or staying for more than just a day, I recommend staying near Grand Place. Being centrally located, means that you are within walking distance of a number of popular tourist sites, shops, restaurants, and more. A handful of hotels that I recommend in Brussels include:

• Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo
  
• The Dominican, Brussels, a Member of Design Hotels
• Hotel des Galeries
• Hotel Hubert Grand Place
• Aris Grand-Place Hotel

If you book a hotel through one of our Expedia Group or Hotels.com affiliate links in this blog post, we may earn a small commission which helps us to continue producing this content for you!

Wrapping Up Your Paris to Brussels Day Trip

After a full day of exploring Brussels on a Paris to Brussels day trip, it is easy to hop back on a train and return to Paris in time for a late dinner. Whether you are marveling at the Grand Place, enjoying a cold beer at Delirium Café, or indulging in world-famous Belgian chocolates, a Paris to Brussels day trip is a fantastic way to experience Belgium’s charm in just one day.

Have you been to Brussels? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments below! ⬇️

Looking for other day trip suggestions from Paris? Check out our guides on visiting Versailles and the Chateau de Fontainebleau! For even more information on Paris, do not miss our Paris Travel Guide! Bon voyage!