BRUSSELS TRAVEL GUIDE
After spending one day in Brussels, we were able to experience the best of this multicultural city. As the Capital of Belgium, and “administrative capital” of the European Union and home to NATO, Brussels is the center for international politics and a city known for some of my favorite things: waffles, beer and architecture.
MUST SEE
PARC DU CINQUANTENAIRE
Explore the green space! If/when the weather is nice, this is one of the best places to spend some time. The grand triumphant arch was built by King Leopold II to commemorate Belgium’s 50th anniversary as a nation. Take the subway from the city center to the ‘Merode’ stop to begin your journey!
GRAND-PLACE
(UNESCO World Heritage Site) Considered the heart of the historic city center, this unique site is like stepping back into history. A true architectural jewel (of both Renaissance, Baroque, or Gothic styles), the square is an exceptional example of eclectic blending of culture and society. Built after the 1695 siege, it remains the last public square surrounded by guild houses.
MANNEKEN PIS
Close to the Grand-Place, visitors must take a few minutes to see the iconic statue’s fountain (the peeing boy). Ironic the unconventional symbol of Brussels remains this cast-iron boy, nevertheless- grab a photo. The statue will occasionally be dressed up!
PRO TIP: While walking around the city, take notice to the unique street art- famous comic strip walls including Tin Tin and The Smurfs.
GALERIES ROYALES SAINT-HUBERT
One of Europe’s first covered shopping arcades, this is the top place to window shop or grab a café. The architect, Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer created the street-like design with arched glass panels held by delicate cast-iron frames.
MONT DES ARTS
Close to Brussel’s Central Train Station, the space is home to a significant number of museums and cultural hot spots. (And has an amazing view with a garden in the middle of the complex!) The urban nucleus hosts the National Archives of Belgium, Royal Library of Belgium and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and Musical Instruments Museum, Royal Palace are within a few minutes’ walk.
AUTOWORLD
Located in Parc du Cinquantenaire, the museum houses a plethora of vehicles and traces the history from horse-drawn carriages to modern sports cars.
PRO TIP : Beyond the traditional tourist highlights, always try and find one or two places that are in line with your personal interests. It is important to seek out your passions while traveling.
ON MY NEXT VISIT:
Atomium & Laeken Park: This historical landmark was designed and built as the main pavilion and icon for the 1958 World Expo of Brussels. The connected spheres symbolize the firm belief in the scientific process and relate back to the original World fair theme ‘Between Utopia and Reality’.
NOTE: If you are traveling in April or May- I would make some time to check out the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken hosting the botanical collection of Belgium. It is only open two-weeks a year, when the flowers are in full bloom!
Hôtel van Eetvelde, Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay and Maison & Atelier Horta: Amongst the many notable buildings within Brussels, lies Victora Horta’s Art Nouveau architecture. With delicately woven wrought iron balconies, and organic façade motifs- his designs are hand crafted to layer from the interior, to the street and out to the city.
Explore the Old England Building- Designed by Victor Horta, the building is now home to the Musical Instruments Museum and also has a rooftop patio!
A few more ideas include….. L’Archiduc, a legendary Jazz bar, Palace of Justice, Royal Palace of Brussels and Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula.
EAT + DRINK
DELIRIUM CAFÉ
Grab a seat at a barrel table under an old beer fermentation tank lid. Along with picking from over 2,000 beers, the bar itself has grown naturally- expanding into the neighboring buildings with tunnel-like connections. (It has multiple entries, but each entry takes you to the same place.) Delirium is in a tourist area but has a great selection of beer! Since Belgium is a top beer-brewing country, you shouldn’t miss out on a pint of Belgian Beer.
ARTISAN CHOCOLATIERS
While in Brussels, continue to indulge with a chocolate tour! There are so many chocolate shops in Brussels, it can be hard to decide. I would recommend Mary, Neuhaus or Pierre Marcolini. They have multiple locations, and are all excellent.
ADDITIONAL FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
Arguably the best waffles and cookies (biscuits) in Brussels - Maison Dandoy has a reputation. Try an Earl Grey tea ‘biscuit’ or a Feuille de Palmier (my favorites). You will not be disappointed.
GETTING AROUND (Transportation)
Brussels is a city and if you are planning to stay in the Brussels city center (along with exploring on foot) the Metro is a clean, fast and convenient option.
For day trips, you can store your luggage in the Brussel’s Central Train Station “Luggage Lockers”. This is a safe, cheap option- which allows you to experience the city without your luggage in tow.
Alternate Options Include:
Tram and Bus
Bike
Taxis
NOTE: The city is also a central location making it perfect place to plan day trips from (ie. Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp etc). Check out my Bruges Travel Guide to see the highlights!
Try and balance your itinerary to include both action packed days of city tours and cultural exploration, paired with a day or two to relax.
Brussels has an architectural language which embodies diplomatic design. Politics most certainly changed the city over the last four decades- you immediately feel its presence with stately European flags waving overhead, but nevertheless, as a political hub for Europe, you will encounter history and charm at each corner.
