24 Hours in Brussels, Belgium, Brussels, Belgium

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium you may be tempted to dismiss Brussels, opting instead to spend your time in more remote regions like Ghent and Antwerp. But don’t count it out so quickly! Aside from being a hub of international politics and the capital of Eurpoean Union, Brussels is oozing with charm, youthful energy the delicious scents of decadent waffles and Belgian chocolate waft through the air.

On the way back from Lisbon, Portugal on a recent trip with my dad, we stopped over in Brussels for 2 nights, giving us one full day to explore the capital city. Although I would have preferred more time, we managed to pack quite a lot into our short stay. If you’re traveling to Belgium, I encourage you to set aside at least a day to spend in this cultural hub. Below is an hour-by-hour guide to spending 24 hours in Brussels.Approaching the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium

Get an early start to the day with a toasted ciabatta sandwich and fresh squeezed juice at Love Ciabatta. Sit outside and do some people watching or snag one of the cozy leather lounge chairs inside. This adorable sidewalk café is the perfect place to fuel up and map out the rest of your day in Brussels. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).