Brussels From Port Zeebrugge: One Day in Brussels, Belgium
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How to visit Brussels from the Zeebrugge cruise port including, transportation tips, food, excursions, and great things to see in Belgium’s capital city.
Zeebrugge to Brussels Guide: (Jump To)
How to Get to Brussels from Zeebrugge, Belgium
From the Zeebrugge Cruise Terminal, your best bet is to take the cruise shuttle or local tram to Blankenberge, then hop the direct train to Brussels. The full trip takes about 90 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to explore Brussels, Belgium, in a day.
The Port of Zeebrugge is roughly 70 miles from Brussels. The total travel time averages about 90 minutes to 2 hours each way. Trains run regularly and tickets are affordable. If you’re traveling on a weekday, buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the station. Advance tickets are often cheaper than those sold at the station.
From Zeebrugge To Brussels by Train:
Walk to the Zeebrugge Kerk Tram Stop (8-minute walking time)
Buy tram tickets from the kiosk at the station
Exit the tram at Blankenberge Station (about 12-minute ride)
Walk from the tram station to the train station (3-minute walking time)
Buy Tickets at the station and board the direct train to Brussels (about 90-minute ride)
Some cruise lines offer a direct coach bus to Brussels with or without a guide. These tours usually drop off near Central Station or Grand Place and give you several hours to explore. Taxis and private transfers are expensive unless you’re splitting the cost with a small group.
If your time in port is limited or you want something less logistically complicated, consider spending your day in Bruges instead. We have a full blog post about how to do that: One Day in Bruges from a Cruise Ship.
Airline Miles and Hotel Points 101
We share tips and tricks for credit card points and miles. These tools help us save money on our trips around the world by allowing us to accumulate airline and hotel points.
Is Brussels Safe?
Brussels is generally safe during the day, especially in major tourist areas like Grand Place and around the museums. Like any city, pickpocketing can be an issue, but you’re unlikely to have trouble if you stay alert.
While safe overall, Brussels is a large city with the usual city problems. Pickpocketing is the most common issue and tends to happen around Brussels Central Station, in metro stations, and in crowded areas. Use common sense—don’t flash valuables, keep your phone in your pocket when not in use, and be especially aware on public transit.
The area around the train station isn’t unsafe, but it can feel rough around the edges.
How to Get Around Brussels
Once you’re in the city center, you can walk between most attractions or take short rides on the metro or tram system. If you’re visiting Brussels, Belgium, in a day, using public transport efficiently helps you hit more places without wasting time.
Brussels has an excellent public transit network, with metro trains, buses, and trams operated by STIB-MIVB. The historic center around Grand Place is walkable, but you’ll need a metro or tram to reach Atomium, Parc du Cinquantenaire, or the EU Quarter. You can buy a one-day transit pass from ticket machines at major stations, or pay per trip.
If you’re only in town for a few hours, try to group your activities around Central Station and walk from there. You can cover most of the key historic sights within a 1-mile radius of the station without ever needing public transit.
Another fast and user-friendly way to see as much as you can during your limited time is by booking a local Hop-on Hop-Off Bus tour.
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Brussels or Belgium!
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
What to See in Brussels, Belgium
If it’s your first time, don’t miss Grand Place, the Atomium, and the quirky Manneken Pis statue. These are some of the most recognizable things to see in one day in Brussels, Belgium, and they’re easy to link together on foot or by metro.
Grand Place
Map: Google Maps
This city square is the most visited spot in Brussels for a reason. The 17th-century guildhalls are covered in gold detailing and sit shoulder-to-shoulder around a cobbled central square. The Gothic-style Town Hall spikes above it all, anchoring the skyline in every direction. No matter when you go, it’s packed, but it’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to hang around and just take it in. The city’s top shopping and tourist attractions surround the square.
Manneken Pis
Map: Google Maps
This little statue of a boy peeing into a fountain doesn’t make sense, but that’s kind of the point. It’s Brussels’ unofficial mascot, and people line up daily to take a photo. He’s often dressed in costumes—sports jerseys, holiday outfits, or regional pride gear—so you never really know what version you’ll get. It only takes a minute to see but it’s strangely one of the top things to see in the city. It’s close to everything, so no reason to skip it.
Atomium
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Tickets: GetYourGuide
The Atomium looks like a steel molecule exploded over a park, which is exactly the kind of energy you'd expect from a leftover World’s Fair exhibit. It’s part monument and part museum, with elevators and escalators connecting the spheres. Inside, there are changing exhibits, photo ops, and a surprisingly good view from the top. It's outside the city center, but the metro gets you there easily. The nearby Mini-Europe is also worth a look.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcade is worth a visit even if you don’t plan to buy anything. It’s lined with high-end boutiques, chocolate shops, and cafés that know how to make the setting feel expensive. You’ll walk through it in about five minutes, but it connects key tourist areas and is weatherproof, which is always a bonus in Brussels. It’s a great place to grab a coffee or some pralines.
Royal Palace of Brussels
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
The Belgian monarchy doesn’t live here, but they still use this official palace for major state functions. From mid-July to early September, the interior opens to the public with free tours, which is rare for a working palace. The building itself is long and symmetrical, and the square in front makes it easy to take unobstructed photos. Even if you just see it from outside, it’s worth swinging by. The palace is in the middle of a huge restoration project, so be sure to check the website before stopping in.
Mont des Arts
Map: Google Maps
Mont des Arts is where you go for a panoramic view without needing to climb a tower. It’s a terraced urban garden between the Royal Palace and lower old town, framed by fountains and trimmed hedges. From the top, you’ll see church spires and the city laid out below. It's also a good jumping-off point for museum hopping, with several major institutions within a few blocks.
Comics Art Museum
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Tickets: GetYourGuide
Belgium takes comic books seriously, and this museum proves it. Inside an Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, you’ll find original drawings, props, and stories behind characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. There are English translations, but the displays lean heavily on visuals, so it works even if you’re not familiar with the history. It’s fun, different, and walkable from central Brussels.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
If you’re near Central Station, you’re only a few minutes from this massive twin-towered Gothic cathedral. It’s free to enter and has some detailed stained glass windows, including modern additions. The crypt, organ, and vaulted ceilings make it worth a quick look, even if you’ve seen cathedrals elsewhere. The location makes it an easy stop while connecting other sights.
Magritte Museum
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This is where you go if you want to understand the man behind the floating apples and cloudy skies. The Magritte Museum holds the world’s largest collection of his work, with paintings, sketches, and personal letters that trace his evolution as a surrealist. It’s part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts complex, but the entrance is separate. Not massive, but curated with purpose, and worth a visit if you're even a little Magritte-curious.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Map: Google Maps
This huge park on the east side of Brussels features a massive triple-arched monument that you can see from across the city. Surrounding the arch are formal gardens and several museums, including the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and the Art & History Museum. It’s a place where locals jog, sunbathe, and occasionally watch fireworks from the lawn. You’ll need to take the metro to get here, but the space and open views make it a nice contrast to the compact old town.
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Best Brussels Shore Excursions From Zeebrugge
The most popular Brussels shore excursions from Zeebrugge include a guided walking tour of the city center and time to explore on your own. Some excursions also include chocolate or beer tastings, which are easy wins if you want to try something local.
Brussels Highlights Tour with Guide
This full-day excursion usually includes transportation from port, a walking tour of the Grand Place area, time at the Atomium, and some museum or chocolate shop time.
Chocolate Workshop and City Tour
You’ll visit a chocolatier for a hands-on demo and tasting, then head into central Brussels for a short guided tour of the main squares.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus with Transport
A good option if you want flexibility and minimal walking. You’re driven to Brussels and then explore at your own pace with pre-recorded commentary.
Magritte and Comic Strip Museum Tour
For art lovers, this tour combines Belgium’s two most famous art exports—surrealism and comic strips—into one itinerary.
Atomium and Mini-Europe Visit
Usually includes a walk-through of the Atomium’s spheres followed by time at Mini-Europe, a park with tiny replicas of Europe’s landmarks.
Brussels Beer Experience
Stop at two or three local beer bars to sample Belgian brews with a guide explaining styles like lambic, saison, and tripel.
Architecture and Art Nouveau Tour
Walk through areas of the city famous for Art Nouveau buildings, including several designed by architect Victor Horta.
Royal Palace and Cathedral Guided Visit
Learn about the monarchy and the city’s religious history in a more structured, less touristy tour.
Brussels DIY with Transport Only
A bus transfers you to central Brussels and back to the ship, and you do the rest on your own. Perfect if you’ve got a map and a plan.
What To Eat and Best Restaurants in Brussels
If you’re after the best waffles in Brussels, Belgium, Maison Dandoy is a go-to spot near Grand Place with both Brussels and Liège style waffles. For something savory, head to Noordzee Mer du Nord for quick seafood dishes that locals actually eat.
Waffles from Maison Dandoy
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Famous for both Liège and Brussels-style waffles, this shop is just off Grand Place. Go for whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, or keep it classic with powdered sugar.
Frites From Fritland
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This fast-service fry shop near Grand Place is known for huge portions and a ridiculous number of sauce options. Try the andalouse.
Moules-Frites From Chez Léon
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A mainstay in Brussels since the 1800s, this casual sit-down restaurant serves mussels in every sauce imaginable with crispy fries.
Chocolate From Pierre Marcolini
Map: Google Maps
An upscale chocolatier near Galeries Royales. It’s more expensive than the average shop, but everything here is polished and well-made.
Carbonnade Flamande From Fin de Siècle
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A spot known for this hearty beef stew cooked in beer. No reservations, cash only, and always packed—arrive early.
Hot Chocolate From Laurent Gerbaud
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This small chocolate shop near the Magritte Museum also serves rich hot chocolate made with high-end couverture chocolate and spices.
Croquettes From Noordzee Mer du Nord
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A seafood stand with standing tables and fresh seafood croquettes. It’s great for a quick lunch near Sainte-Catherine.
Zeebrugge Cruise Port Map
You’ll want a map of Zeebrugge port to understand where your ship docks, where the cruise shuttle picks up, and how to reach the train. The Zeebrugge cruise port is small, but the signage can still be confusing if it’s your first time.
Map: Google Maps
Brussels Walking Map: Link
Brussels Metro Map: Link
Best Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium
Grand Place
Manneken Pis
Atomium
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Royal Palace of Brussels
Mont des Arts
Comic Strip Center
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Magritte Museum
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Maison Dandoy
Fritland
Chez Léon
Pierre Marcolini
Fin de Siècle
Laurent Gerbaud
Noordzee Mer du Nord
