Brussels 1-Day Tour – No Backtracking, No Wasted Routes 🚶♀️

If you’re traveling to Brussels by train from another city, the best station to alight at is Brussel Centraal 🚂. If you’re already staying in Brussels, here’s the optimal itinerary (it avoids backtracking and mostly follows a downhill path, saving you energy!): Royal Palace of Brussels 🏛️ You can only take photos from the outside—it’s not the most standout attraction, but it’s a good starting point. Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels Park) 🌳 Right across from the Royal Palace! It’s similar to other European parks—think big tree canopies, vast lawns, sculptures, and fountains. Pro tip: Enter through the gate opposite the palace, turn right to find a bar—there’s a free public toilet behind it 🚻. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral ⛪️ The cathedral is quite grand! Its interior vaults and stained-glass windows are stunning. I even happened to witness a newlywed couple’s wedding there—such a sweet surprise 🎉. Galeries Royales St Hubert 🛍️ A covered arcade filled with shops and restaurants. Perfect for a quick shop or grabbing a bite to eat. Grand Place (Central Square) 🏰 A must-visit! The surrounding buildings are incredibly magnificent and ornate. Unfortunately, two police cars were parked inside, and a section in the middle was covered with black cloth—this slightly ruined the overall view. But even photos can’t fully capture its beauty—no wonder Hugo called it the “most beautiful square in the world” ✨. Tintin Comic Mural 🎨 It’s right by the roadside—super cute and a fun photo spot for Tintin fans. Manneken Pis 👦 Lots of people gather here to take photos! I originally thought the bronze statue was bare, but learned he gets a new outfit every week—all gifts from different countries, plus special costumes for festivals or ethnic themes. He’s surprisingly trendy 😎! Horta Gallery (Smurfs Memorial) 🧝♂️ There’s a specialty store next to it selling Smurfs dolls and other merchandise—great for picking up souvenirs. Extra Tip ⏰ If you have extra time, take a nearby train to explore other nearby cities (like Ghent or Antwerp) for more fun! #BelgiumTravel #BrusselsTravelGuide #MannekenPis #TheSmurfs #BrusselsGrandPlace #1DayTour #BelgiumTourism