Brussels is among the most enjoyable, neglected cities in Europe. Each historic and fashionable, ornate and modern, busy and quiet, town has totally different personalities in only some blocks. There’s one thing new and totally different at each flip, and it retains prompting us to come back again.
From comics to wonderful artwork and church buildings to a beer crawl, we’ve included a number of the high websites in addition to distinctive finds that we love. Right here’s a take a look at the very best issues to do in Brussels.
Go to Grand Place
Undoubtedly, probably the greatest issues to do in Brussels is to go to the center of town—the Grand Place. The central sq. is surrounded by ornate guildhalls, town’s towering City Corridor, and the Breadhouse that’s dwelling to the Museum of the Metropolis of Brussels. A UNESCO World Heritage Website, many of the buildings in Grand Place date again to the late 1600s, though buildings have been right here because the 1200s.
Entering into the sq., it’s onerous to not be overwhelmed by the great thing about the historic buildings on all sides. All over the place you look, vacationers are picnicking, chatting, trying to find a main spot for a late-afternoon beer, and making an attempt to take the proper selfie. There’s a lot to see . It’s positively price a go to (or extra) on any journey to Brussels.
Have a drink at Cantillon Brewery
Cantillon Brewery (aka Brasserie Cantillon) is among the greatest locations to go to in Brussels for beer followers. This historic brewery makes solely lambic beer, which spontaneously ferments with wild yeast, in comparison with most beers which have a tightly-controlled fermentation course of.
Cantillon was one among greater than 100 breweries in Brussels when it started in 1900, however it’s the just one that also exists from that point. That sense of historical past is obvious while you stroll by their brewing and bottling facility simply outdoors town middle.
A self-guided tour of the Cantillon Brewery takes about 30-45 minutes. As you stroll by the manufacturing facility, you see the brewing, fermentation, and bottling areas. And, in fact, there’s loads of time for a tasting. You possibly can choose your poison from a number of obtainable merchandise on the bar, however Cantillon is greatest recognized for its gueuze and kriek (bitter cherry) varieties.
See Manneken Pis
I’ve to admit that I don’t actually “get” the Manneken Pis statue, however it’s an absolute must-see for any Brussels sightseeing journey. The two-foot-tall peeing boy statue is photographed and gawked in any respect hours of the day by everybody from highschool college students to businessmen in fits—many posing for a selfie with the well-known boy.
The statue was initially made all the way in which again in 1619. So although it’s a bit odd, it’s fairly historic.
Manneken Pis has been stolen a number of occasions through the years, and the present model dates from 1965. He’s usually wearing uncommon costumes (throughout a Christmas go to, we noticed him dressed as Santa), lots of which have discovered their approach to a everlasting exhibition contained in the Metropolis Museum situated within the Grand Place.
Manneken Pis is so well-known that two different peeing statues—one among a bit of woman and one among a canine—have additionally made their approach into the Brussels panorama. Get some chocolate from one of many many close by shops, and make your approach to the nook to hitch the group of onlookers.
Step contained in the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
After I first gazed up the hill to the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, I paused for a second to keep in mind that regardless of the gorgeous constructing in entrance of me and the French audio system surrounding me, I wasn’t truly in Paris. That’s how a lot the Gothic cathedral jogged my memory of Notre Dame in Paris.
A chapel devoted to St. Michael has been on this spot since a minimum of the ninth century. And though the present model of this gorgeous constructing honoring the female and male patron saints of Brussels opened in 1519, it was below development for 300 years earlier than. At practically 600 years outdated, it should be one of many oldest and prettiest issues to see in Brussels.
The cathedral’s two towers are typical of the French Gothic fashion (therefore the similarity to Notre Dame), and the south tower accommodates a whopping 49-bell carillon. Inside are beautiful Gothic and Baroque chapels and loads of elaborate stained glass home windows to lose your self in, even in case you’re not a lot into church buildings.
Have a waffle at Maison Dandoy
Even when your time in Brussels is brief, indulging in a scrumptious waffle must be on the high of your listing. Our favorites (and those we consider are the very best within the metropolis) are at Maison Dandoy. This store has been cranking out scrumptious baked treats since 1829, in order that they know what they’re doing.
At many waffle stands in Belgium, the waffles are re-heated, which isn’t any good. At their counter and within the tearoom, Maison Dandoy makes every little thing to order, and the distinction in high quality in comparison with these different choices is evening and day.
You possibly can choose a candy, compact Liege waffle or a fluffier Brussels one (there’s truly no such factor as a “Belgian waffle”). Toppings embody ice cream, scorching chocolate sauce, caramel, and a stunning array of different candy issues. There are a dozen Maison Dandoy places, however we beloved the one on Rue Charles Buls the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in your waffle slowly within the upstairs tearoom.
Comply with the Comedian Guide Route
We love road artwork in each place we go to, so it was one among our high issues to do in Brussels. From Nashville to Ecuador to Northern Eire, we’ve sought out political murals and creative expressions. Brussels takes road artwork to a special degree, truly making a Comedian Guide Route that pays tribute to well-known native comedian characters and authors.
In additional than 60 spots across the metropolis, you could find these enjoyable artworks. It nearly turns into a recreation to see what number of you’ll be able to find as you discover. In the end, I feel we discovered 10, largely within the metropolis middle.
Go to the Comics Artwork Museum
If the Comedian Guide Route isn’t sufficient to fulfill your curiosity within the comedian historical past of Belgium, cease by the Comics Artwork Museum. There, you’ll be taught concerning the historical past of comics and the way they’re made, and also you’ll see a few of Belgium’s most well-known comedian creations—The Smurfs!
Brussels has been dwelling to an astonishing 700 comedian guide artists through the years, so there’s a number of materials for the museum to attract on, and lots of the displays are very detailed. Be certain that to cease within the studying room, which has 1000’s of comedian books translated into 40 languages. We additionally beloved consuming lunch of their restaurant, Brasserie Horta. On weekends, they provide a reduction on breakfast mixed with museum admission.
Keep at a comic-inspired lodge
In Brussels, the love of comics is pervasive. Some spots—just like the fabulous Radisson Purple Brussels—make them a part of your morning, midday, and evening in your lodge.
On the Radisson Purple, we encountered comics from the minute we stepped by the foyer door…after which on our breakfast napkins, within the hallways, and all the way in which to our spacious suite. The entire impact is light-hearted, energetic, and joyful as a result of there’s one thing enjoyable to see in all places you look. In spite of everything, what are cartoons for if not for making you smile?
Go to the Bourse
Proper off Grand Place is the Bourse, Belgium’s inventory trade that dates from 1873. The constructing itself is imposing with massive columns and many sculptures, a few of which had been completed by Rodin early in his profession.
The actual attraction of the Bourse is inside. After standing empty for a decade, the constructing is now used for particular displays starting from pictures retrospectives to immersive experiences about every little thing from the ruins of the traditional metropolis of Pompeii to the work of Vincent Van Gogh.
There’s additionally a restaurant and the (barely controversial) Belgian Beer World museum. The museum’s interactive, sensory-based exhibit covers every little thing from the historical past of beer brewed by monks to fashionable manufacturing. Don’t miss the Sky Bar that provides an unbelievable view of town–it’s the final cease on the museum go to and is open to the general public within the night.
Take pleasure in café tradition at Le Cirio
Take a look at a little bit of the café tradition at Le Cirio. This luxurious grand café relationship again to 1886 caters to locals and vacationers alike.
Inside, you’ll see distinctive touches like polished brass and art work from the time the place opened. Outdoors, you’ll be able to benefit from the patio and folks watch to your coronary heart’s content material. I finished right here to take pleasure in the home specialty, a half en half, which is a mixture of nonetheless and glowing wines poured completely at your desk.
Find out about world affairs on the Parlamentarium
Simply outdoors the historic metropolis middle is a spot of worldwide significance, the European Parliament. Even in case you’re not deeply into politics, a cease on the customer’s middle right here—the Parlamentarium—is price your time.
An interesting, multimedia exhibit walks you thru the World Wars, displaying guests what life was like all through Europe throughout battle occasions and explaining the the explanation why the European Union was developed (briefly: construct alliances, enhance commerce, and provides individuals a motive to care concerning the welfare of different international locations).
In your go to that lasts about 60-90 minutes, you stand up shut and private with members of the European Parliament (or a minimum of their tales) and watch mini-documentaries about how being a part of the EU has benefited common residents.
See the view at Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts (Kunstberg) is precisely because the title says–the “hill of the humanities.” On this space that separates the higher and decrease elements of Brussels, guests can expertise nearly each conceivable creative exercise. There are concert events at Bozar, films at Cinematek, and exhibitions on the Royal Museums of the Positive Arts and the Musical Instrument Museum.
There’s tons to do on this space, however my favourite factor is simply to benefit from the view. The geometric backyard and the vista it offers of downtown Brussels and the spire of City Corridor is among the hottest locations within the metropolis. Any time of 12 months, you’ll discover individuals lounging on the steps and hanging out on the benches below the airplane bushes. It’s a peaceable inexperienced house to chill out within the coronary heart of the busy metropolis.
Scout out Artwork Nouveau buildings
With swirling iron, brilliant exterior work, and huge home windows, Artwork Nouveau structure in Brussels is notable for its ornate particulars and use of pure gentle. A number of buildings simply outdoors the historic middle have been acknowledged by UNESCO for his or her design. For lovers of ornamental artwork, it’s definitely worth the 15-minute journey to the Saint-Gilles and Ixelles neighborhoods to see the distinctive structure.
We’ve beloved the fanciful Artwork Nouveau fashion since we encountered it in Riga, Latvia, however it varies a bit in every nation. Relationship from the late nineteenth century, Artwork Nouveau was launched to Brussels by architect Victor Horta whose dwelling and workshop are actually the famous Horta Museum.
Along with the museum, you can also make your personal tour of the sequence of personal houses and buildings designed by Horta and his contemporaries. You’ll see sensible work, intricate balconies, and many different decorations. The inside of lots of the buildings may be visited in case you reserve upfront.
If you’re staying nearer to the middle, the Comics Artwork Museum and the Musical Instrument Museum are each examples of Artwork Nouveau structure that could be simpler to succeed in.
Go on a Belgian beer crawl
Beer and Belgium go hand-in-hand, so trying out a number of the well-known beer bars is among the greatest issues to do in Brussels. Alongside the massive listing of beers, there’s normally a restricted number of different drinks if, like me, you’re not a beer lover.
A number of the most well-known beer spots within the metropolis embody the historic A Mort Subite, which additionally has a wide array of meals, and Moeder Lambic, which specializes within the lambic fashion of beer like these brewed at Cantillon. Poechenellekelder, close to Manneken Pis, can also be nice and has a kitchy downstairs space referred to as “The Puppet Cellar” which we most well-liked to the higher ground. All three are generally steered as among the many greatest bars in Brussels.
We additionally visited the large Delirium bar, which has 2000+ beers on its listing and is definitely acknowledged by its pink elephant brand. The primary time I attempted to go, it was full of approach too many individuals for my liking, even spilling out into the road. The second time (Christmas Day), there was room to maneuver round. So, know that Delirium is tremendous common, and plan accordingly, if visiting there’s a precedence. My sister, the beer aficionado, beloved it.
Stroll by Cinquantenaire Park
Brussels is a busy metropolitan metropolis, however it additionally has loads of inexperienced house. Because the climate generally is a little unpredictable, the entire metropolis comes alive when it’s sunny.
One prime place for spending time on fair-weather days is Cinquantenaire Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire). Throughout our go to to the sprawling park, cyclists rode down the paths whereas households picnicked within the open areas and guests lounged across the fountain.
The park can also be dwelling to the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Navy Historical past. Not solely is the museum itself fascinating, however it’s an important level to entry the park’s Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views.
Take pleasure in a day at Place Sainte-Catherine
Not removed from Grand Place is Place Sainte-Catherine, a vigorous neighborhood filled with cafes, a market, and its namesake church. One must-visit spot right here is De Noordzee, an atmospheric restaurant and fishbar serving recent seafood. Cease in for a fish burger or any of their different scrumptious specialties.
If seafood isn’t your favourite, there are a lot of different out of doors cafes to select from, or you’ll be able to come again within the night to take a look at the nightlife scene alongside the quai. A number of days per week, you may also go to the meals and flower market right here that runs all day, however Wednesdays are notably particular when the market focuses on all-organic meals from 7:30am-2:00pm.
The cornerstone of the realm is Saint Catherine’s Church. Accomplished in 1874, it’s fairly new in comparison with many different such buildings within the metropolis. As a result of the church’s structure attracts inspiration from sixteenth century French church buildings, there are nonetheless loads of buttresses, gargoyles, and grand statues to be seen.
Discover the Black Tower
Behind Sainte-Catherine practically wrapped by a contemporary lodge constructing is one thing you wouldn’t anticipate to see—a squat, medieval tower. The odd sight has made the tower common with vacationers.
With rounded partitions and a black turret, the Black Tower dates from the start of the thirteenth century when it was a part of the unique fortification that surrounded town middle. For over 800 years, it has survived quite a few waves of redevelopment in part of town that grew to become an inland port. Within the coronary heart of the historic metropolis middle, its existence and site are fairly inconceivable.
Go to a museum
I’ve a confession: my curiosity in artwork is proscribed. I do know sufficient to understand the works of the masters, however I’m typically not inclined to spend hours in a museum Renaissance work and such. However I really like pop artwork, surrealism, and the like. That’s why the Magritte Museum was on the high of the listing.
From vanishing faces to pig males to all of the apple artworks you’ll be able to think about, the museum shows 200 unique Magritte works. It’s a part of the Royal Museums of Positive Arts of Belgium, which additionally consists of the Outdated Masters Museum, the Trendy Museum, and others, in case your creative tastes don’t match mine.
See the gems of the Sablon neighborhood
After I first noticed the Jardin du Petit Sablon—a phenomenal park tucked away in the midst of an extended block—I did a double-take. I used to be on a bus zooming by the Brussels websites, however I knew I had to return to search out that park.
When Lance and I returned, we had been enthralled by the manicured backyard, the fountain, and the statues. I spent a minimum of 20 minutes simply sitting and staring, misplaced within the peace of the quiet house. Even within the midst of a busy journey, I extremely advocate taking a couple of minutes to breathe deeply and benefit from the environment.
Throughout the road from the park is the Church of Our Blessed Girl of the Sablon (Église Notre-Dame du Sablon), a fifteenth century church visited for lots of of years by the the Aristocracy and rich residents of Brussels. At different spots within the neighborhood, you’ll be able to see fashionable artwork and pattern a number of the metropolis’s greatest chocolate. If you’re completed there, browse an vintage retailer, cease for a espresso, and simply take pleasure in.
Attempt Belgian meals
Most individuals affiliate Belgium with waffles, frites, and beer. And there’s good motive for that—they’re in all places, and so they’re glorious. However Belgian meals goes past these snacks and sips to some actually scrumptious specialties.
There’s waterzooi, a creamy stew utilizing eggs and butter that normally options fish or hen. When you like seafood, the moules frites are an genuine, can’t-miss dish. We additionally found a love for stoemp. This Belgian staple blends mashed potatoes with greens like carrots, onions, or Brussels sprouts and is normally served as a aspect dish or as an entrée with sausage or different meat.
My favourite discover was carbonade flamande. A dish much like beef bourguignon, carbonade is sluggish cooked in Belgian brown beer till the meat practically falls aside. It’s earthy, filling, and scrumptious. And as a bonus, it’s usually served with frites, so that you get two tasty Belgian meals in a single dish.
See the Royal Palace
Though the Royal household lives about 6 kilometers north of town, the Royal Palace (Palais Royal) in Brussels is the King’s administrative residence and primary workplace. From late July to late August, the Palace is open to the general public without cost. Guests can see the grand decorations and artwork of the reception rooms and halls, together with the Throne Room and the Goya Room, which options tapestries based mostly on the good painter’s masterpieces.
Take a day journey
Brussels is ideally situated for day journeys as a result of you’ll be able to attain a number of totally different locations in an hour or much less. Take a canal cruise and gawk on the service provider homes in Bruges or fall in love with the City Corridor and drink on the world’s longest bar in Leuven. Within the historic metropolis of Antwerp, you’ll be able to see the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens and go to the world’s solely UNESCO World Heritage museum. In Ghent, you’ll be able to see town from the belfry, fall in love with all of the beautiful towers, and be again in Brussels by bedtime.
When you’re making an attempt to determine between a few of these beautiful locations, we’ve written about selecting Bruges or Ghent.
Go to the Christmas markets
Brussels at Christmas comes alive with vacation spirit. All through the historic middle, there are markets with chalets decked in lights, decorations, and tons of Christmas bushes.
The best quantity of exercise is across the Bourse and Sainte-Catherine, which appear to merge into one large market. At one of many greatest Christmas markets in Belgium, there are distributors promoting items and sweet and others serving vin chaud (scorching mulled wine), oysters, champagne, and filling plates like a potato-based dish referred to as tartiflette.
There are many different actions alongside the markets. There’s a skating rink and dramatic gentle reveals at Grand Place and Saint Catherine that draw massive crowds each evening. The concert events, parades, and different particular occasions imply that there appears to be one thing festive occurring on a regular basis.
The place to Keep
Warwick Brussels–Three blocks from Grand Place, the Warwick is among the top-rated inns in Brussels. It gives high-end facilities with top-notch service.
NH Assortment Grand Sablon— The NH gives a superb buffet and on-site restaurant plus many different comforts in one of many metropolis’s greatest neighborhoods.
Radisson Purple–Enjoyable, spacious, and filled with character, the Radisson Purple within the EU quarter has fashionable facilities and nice meals whereas being budget-friendly.
See our full article about the place to remain in Brussels for extra details about neighborhoods and extra lodge suggestions.
The place to Eat
Lyly’s Fondue–Persistently listed as probably the greatest eating places in Brussels, it’s glorious and fairly priced. We tried each the cheese fondue (minimal 2 individuals) and the fondue bourguignonne and had been blown away. Reservations really helpful.
Winehouse Osteria— Flavorful Italian made with elements from Italy just some blocks from Grand Place and the Bourse. Affords number of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Reservations really helpful.
Fin de Siecle–This busy Brussels mainstay serves massive parts of Belgian basic meals. From sausage and stoemp to rabbit in kriek beer or vegetarian lasagna, there’s sufficient on the menu to please most palates.
On our first journey, we had been the friends of the Radisson Purple. As at all times, all opinions of the enjoyable, fascinating, and scrumptious are our personal.
Laura Longwell is an award-winning journey blogger and photographer. Since founding Journey Addicts in 2008, she has written lots of of articles that assist over 3 million individuals a 12 months get probably the most out of their journey. In that point, she has visited practically 60 international locations on 5 continents, usually returning to favourite locations time and again. She has a deep love of historical past, uncovering sudden points of interest, and making an attempt all the nice meals a spot has to supply.
Along with Journey Addicts, Laura runs a web site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Information to Philly—which chronicles distinctive issues to do and locations to see round southeastern Pennsylvania. Her journey suggestions and recommendation seem throughout the net.