Best Things to Do:
- 1. Attractions and Insider Tips for City Trips
- 2. Attractions and Insider Tips for City Trips
- 3. Art Metropolis Brussels: Comic Capital and Street Art Mecca
- 4. Dining in Brussels: Indulging in Waffles, Fries, and Mafé
- 5. Shopping in Brussels: Markets, Shopping Centers, and Concept Stores
- 6. Practical Tips for Your City Trip to Brussels
Attractions and Insider Tips for City Trips
In Brussels, numerous cultural influences come together, which are reflected in a fantastic and diverse gastronomy scene. In between, you discover trendy spots with concept stores and charming green oases.
For a long time, I didn't consider the Belgian capital as a travel destination until friends moved to Brussels. After my first visit, I was immediately enchanted. From the architecture - a mix of Parisian chic and Amsterdam's casual vibe, the vintage flea markets, and of course, the fluffy Belgian waffles.
Attractions and Insider Tips for City Trips
Although Brussels is one of the smaller capitals in Europe, with an area of about 32 square kilometers and around 1.2 million inhabitants, you can expect a wealth of highlights.
Here's an overview of the top 10 attractions in Brussels:
- Manneken Pis
- Atomium
- Grand Place
- Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
- Royal Palace
- Comic Strip Route
- Cinquantenaire
- Palais de Justice
- Laeken Castle
- Mont des Arts
Among the city's most famous landmarks are the Atomium, a 165 billion-fold magnification of an iron molecule, and the bronze figure of Manneken Pis. Interestingly, in Brussels, you can find two more joyfully urinating figures. Jeanneke Pis, the female counterpart to Manneken Pis, squirts water in a side street near the marketplace. The third is Zinneke Pis, the dog, who lifts his leg on a post in Rue des Chartreux.
Among the must-see attractions in Brussels are also the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels, with its gothic town hall and beautifully ornate Baroque facades. It's no surprise that UNESCO has included the Grand-Place in its World Heritage list.
Not far from the marketplace, you can admire the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in the Brabant Gothic style. The royal family often celebrates weddings here. You'll find even more evidence of Belgium's constitutional monarchy a little outside the historic center: the Royal Palace. On weekends from late July to early September, the gates of the magnificent Brussels Royal Palace open to the public.
Art Metropolis Brussels: Comic Capital and Street Art Mecca
In addition to classic sightseeing spots, Brussels dazzles with a diverse art and culture scene. Right in the center, art lovers can indulge in the Mont des Arts. Several museums await you on the Mont des Arts, such as the Palace of Fine Arts, the René Magritte Museum, and the Musical Instruments Museum. Additionally, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the rooftops of the city from the Mont des Arts.
As the Comic Capital of the World, Brussels resembles an open-air street art gallery. Comic heroes and expansive murals shine on the facades throughout the city. The Comic Strip Route is perfect for admiring as many beautifully painted facades as possible. The tour takes you past over 50 walls, where Tintin, Asterix, and more greet you.
Dining in Brussels: Indulging in Waffles, Fries, and Mafé
As a cosmopolitan center of Europe, Brussels brings together diverse culinary influences, making the city a foodie paradise - anything from vegan to African to halal can be found. In downtown Brussels, cafes and restaurants line the streets, while the enticing aroma of fresh waffles and fries fills the air. Additionally, the pastry shops tempt you with sinful delights.
Restaurants and cafés in Brussels: 5 insider tips
From my last trip to Brussels, I've brought back a selection of fantastic places to indulge and enjoy:
- Café-Restaurant La Fabrique en Ville: Tucked away in Egmont Park, this charming café is famous for its delicious brunches on weekends.
- Gruun: Urban jungle lovers will be thrilled in the heart of the old town, likely leaving the store, which combines a plant shop and café, with a little green friend as a souvenir.
- Les Filles: The path to this establishment is already extraordinary. To enter, you first have to ring the bell. Then you ascend the stairs of the old building, feeling like you are visiting friends. It's the same in the premises. You eat at long tables in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying seasonal cuisine with fresh, locally sourced organic ingredients. Les Filles now has several restaurants throughout the city.
- Tich: Enjoy poke bowls, smoothie bowls, and many other healthy vegan dishes at this trendy restaurant near the Royal Palace, complete with a small concept store.
- Au Soleil d'Afrique: In the heart of the African district Matonge, you can expect affordable and delicious dishes. Typical West African specialties such as peanut stew Mafé or mixed platters are served.
Shopping in Brussels: Markets, Shopping Centers, and Concept Stores
Whether you're a second-hand lover or a fan of small boutiques, Brussels is a wonderful place to search for new favorite pieces for your wardrobe or decor for your home.
Every day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can browse the Jeu de Balle flea market for antiques, vinyl records, comics, and other treasures. The flea market is located in the lively Marolles district, where you'll also find numerous antique dealers and vintage boutiques like the second-hand shop Melting Pot Kilo. Trendy fashion labels and boutiques by emerging young designers await you in the stylish Dansaert district.
On rainy days, Brussels' covered shopping centers are great for window shopping, such as the historic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert or the shopping center Docks Bruxsel.
Practical Tips for Your City Trip to Brussels
- How do I get to Brussels? From the U.S., the quickest way to reach Brussels is by flying into Brussels Airport. From New York, the flight time is approximately 7 hours. Depending on your departure point, connections on Amtrak from several cities can also be an option, but flying is usually faster.
- When is the best time to visit Brussels? The most pleasant temperatures and the least rainfall are expected from May to October. With its food festivals and rooftop bars, I recommend Brussels as a wonderful destination for a summer city trip.
- How do I get around Brussels? Most attractions are within walking distance of each other. For sight-worthy locations outside the city center, like the Atomium, Brussels boasts a well-developed metro and tram network. You can find information on schedules and fares here. For those who enjoy exploring cities by bike, you can rent city and e-bikes from Pro Velo or Billy.
- Where to stay in Brussels? Tastefully furnished rooms are offered at the environmentally certified Green Key awarded boutique Hotel Made in Louise in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood, known for its Art Nouveau architecture, small galleries, and its Monday market. An affordable alternative is located directly by the Charleroi-Brussels Canal. In a historic brewery building, one of two Meininger Hotels is situated, including a cozy lounge, guest kitchen, and dorm rooms - ideal for a city trip with friends.
- What is unique about Brussels? Since most EU institutions are situated in Brussels, the metropolis is considered the capital of Europe. Apart from the modern European Quarter, Brussels impresses with its picturesque old town and an abundance of art and culture highlights. Moreover, Brussels is the LGBTQ capital of Belgium, especially noticeable in the gay district near Grand Place, in the Quartier Saint-Jacques.
- What must be seen in Brussels? The main attractions of Brussels include the Atomium, Manneken Pis, the Musical Instruments Museum, and MIMA. Additionally, Brussels is hailed as the Comic Capital of the World and will amaze you with a street art walk.
- How many days are needed for Brussels? To explore the main attractions in Brussels, you need at least two full days. However, there is so much to discover in the Belgian capital that I recommend planning your city trip for at least four nights.
- What can you do in the evenings in Brussels? Particularly popular among students and night owls is Delirium Village with eight bars where you can enjoy the famous Belgian beer known for its substantial alcohol content. For lively celebrations, everyone, even outside the LGBTQ scene, is warmly welcomed at Rainbow Village.
- What must you eat in Brussels? Brussels is known for delicious Belgian waffles and chocolate. A classic dish is Moules Frites, mussels served in a vegetable broth with fries.
- Is Brussels a safe city? I always felt safe in Brussels. However, as with any city trip, it's wise to keep an eye on your valuables and inquire at your accommodation about which areas to avoid, especially at night.