Back in February 2018, we had an impromptu weekend getaway in Brussels. And to be honest I had a low expectation of this city. I was pleasantly surprised by what it has to offer. Brussels has actually a good variety of things to see and do. From museums and monuments to restaurants and bars, as well as colorful shops and malls, there is something for everyone in Belgium’s capital.
- How to get to downtown from the airport
- Best area to stay in Brussels
- Best way to get around in Brussels
- Things to do in Brussels
How to get to downtown from the airport
We landed at Zaventem airport. From there, we took the train which is the fastest and easiest way to get to the city. A train ride takes about 20 minutes, and before reaching the city center it stops at many stations. A single ticket costs 9€ and can be purchased on the spot.
Best Area to Stay in Brussels
To get the most out of your Brussels city break, stay around the Grand Place. You will be within walking distance of the best must-see landmarks in Brussels, and you almost won’t need to take public transport. In addition to being gorgeous and energetic, this area also offers a great mix of dining and shopping options.
Best way to get around Brussels
Brussels city
Things to do in Brussels
Take a stroll through the historic center
As soon as we arrived in Brussels, we started our Brussels city break by visiting the heart of the old town. And of course, the best way to explore it and experience its vibrant atmosphere is to get lost among the cobblestone alleys, to stroll around the charming squares and admire the centuries-old architecture.
Speaking of charming squares and old architecture, one of the key attractions of Brussels that you can’t miss is the Grand Place and its wonderful buildings. Here you will find the King’s house, the Town Hall and other guild houses.
If you continue walking through the alleyways, you will stumble upon many churches and other beautiful squares. The Place Royale is a notable historical site that you simply need to see. In the same area, you will also find Brussels’s Park and the Musical Instruments Museum. Should you want to see more notable buildings? Then don’t miss the Place de la Bourse. This place has been turned into a memorial for the victims of Brussels terrors attacks.
Tip: the best view over Brussels can be enjoyed from the top of the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM). There, you will find a restaurant with a big terrace, where you can enjoy the view while drinking a coffee.
Spot the Mannekin-Piss
There are a few things that you simply can’t miss when visiting Brussels, one, of course, is the Mannekin-Pis. This funny little boy is a tiny fountain statue and it’s an icon in Brussels. It’s said that it represents Brussels history and rebellious nature, but I couldn’t help giggle when I saw it for the first time. The little weeing boy brought out my inner child.
Get a taste of Brussels
Brussels is a great place for eating as there is an abundance of restaurants, cafés, and bars on almost every street. During your city walk, stop in one of the restaurants to try the Belgian cuisine. A few of the must-try food dishes here are Moules-
Belgium is also known for its beer. I personally did not try it, but if you love drinking beer, then you will have more choice than anywhere else.
Explore Belgium’s comic-strip culture
Brussels has a great museum devoted to comic strip books. We spent about two hours reading comic-strip books there, and seeing Tintin in his hometown was one of the best memories from Brussels as he reminded us of our childhood. However if this kind of museums doesn’t appeal to you, you will definitely enjoy the many comic-strips murals dotted around the city.
Enjoy your evening at Les Halles Saint-Géry
It was actually the first bar we went to in Brussels, purely by chance on a Saturday evening. We saw this lovely brick building and wanted to see what the inside looks like. Once we walked in, we found ourselves in the middle of a cozy and artsy courtyard.
Les Halles Saint-Géry has a great central location in the city and offers a perfect combination of music, great atmosphere, and drinks. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Go shopping at the Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries
This elegant shopping arcade is located close to the Grand Place and it’s is home to luxury shops, cafés, and gift shops. There is a chocolate shop with a lovely storefront, maybe you would consider buying some Belgian chocolate for your friends and relatives.
Visit the Atomium
The Atomium is located quite far from the center. However, it’s easy to get there by taking public transport or by car. We, unfortunately, did not have enough time to go.
If you are planning to visit the Atomium, I would recommend buying your ticket online to avoid the queues.
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