Why did the Brussels sprout write a love-hate memoir about the city?
Because just like its namesake, Brussels, it had a lot of fans and critics, but rarely found someone who was on the fence!
Route Map & Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Brussels
In both spring and autumn, the weather is pleasantly mild, ranging from 8°C to 15°C , making it perfect for leisurely strolls around the city.
The summer months of June to August bring a lively atmosphere to Brussels, and temperatures ranging from 12°C to 23°C. If you’re visiting the city in July, immerse yourself in Ommegang – the iconic Belgian festival featuring historical pageantry, traditional attire, and a grand procession through the city.
Winter in Brussels is a magical experience, with the city adorned in twinkling lights and festive decorations for the city’s iconic Christmas Markets. Embrace the chill with temperatures from 0°C to 6°C, warming up with the delicious taste of Belgian hot chocolates.
Leaving the Airport/Eurostar
Brussels’ efficient public transportation system ensures a seamless journey to the bustling city center district. You can pick from various options: using your contactless credit/debit card, buying paper tickets or mobile apps like “STIB/MIVB” (official public transport app).
From Brussels Airport:
The quickest and most convenient way to reach the city center is via the direct train service. The airport has a railway station located just beneath the terminal, offering regular trains to Brussels Central, Brussels Nord, and Brussels Midi stations. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.
From Eurostar Station:
Eurostar trains arrive primarily into Brussels Midi/Zuid station. From here, connect directly to major stations like Central Station (Gare Centrale). Once again, the metro is usually the quickest way to reach the city center.
Where to Stay in Brussels
It’s highly recommended to choose accommodations in centrally located areas. This makes it convenient to explore the city and discover its top attractions. Consider neighbourhoods like Grand Place, Ixelles and Saint-Giles.
Booking.comItinerary
Day 1: Iconic Statues & Buildings
Start your day by paying homage to Brussels’ most beloved icon, the “Manneken Pis” The origins of this tiny bronze statue of a little boy relieving himself is a symbol of the city’s playful spirit. Depending on what time of the year you visit, Manneken Pis is certain to be dressed in costume based on events, festivals, holidays, and special occasions. This tradition began in the 18th century when noble families and associations started gifting outfits to the statue.
While you wander around the Pentagone neighbourhood, look out for the various giant comic murals.
Belgium, often referred to as the chocolate capital of the world, boasts a legacy dating back to the late 19th century. Choco-Story Brussels traces this history, showcasing the evolution of chocolate-making techniques and its societal impact. Visitors can wander through the museum, witnessing the chocolate-making process and indulging in tastings.
A short walk from Choco-Story Brussels leads you to Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a market square, Grand Place became the political and economic heart of Brussels during the medieval period. The square flourished with the construction of opulent guildhalls amongst other architectural marvels.
However, in the late 17th century, it faced destruction during the bombardment by the French army. The Grand Place was painstakingly reconstructed, adopting a Baroque and Gothic style.
Next, we come to the second of the three Pis statues – Jeanneke Pis, a lesser-known bronze statue. Honestly, we did find this statue quite disconcerting, especially as it was locked up on a quiet street.
A short stroll takes you to the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. This majestic 19th-century glass-roofed arcade offers luxury boutiques, theaters, and charming cafes. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning architecture and perhaps indulge in a coffee break.
To round off day one of roaming is St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Explore its serene interior, marvel at the stained glass windows, and ascend the tower for a panoramic view of Brussels.
Day 2: A Walk through History and Culture
Begin your second day in Brussels at the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Look out for the triumphal arch, visit the museums housed within, and enjoy a relaxing stroll amidst the lush greenery.
Next on the agenda is a visit to the Royal Palace of Brussels – the symbolic residence of the Belgian monarchy. While no longer used for residing, it’s a key venue for official functions and ceremonies. This neoclassical architectural gem showcases the monarchy’s heritage and provides a glimpse into the country’s complicated history.
Delve into the artistic world of René Magritte at the Magritte Museum. Explore the surrealist masterpieces of one of Belgium’s most celebrated artists. The museum provides a fascinating journey through Magritte’s life and artistic evolution, offering a glimpse into his thought-provoking and enigmatic works.
Head to Mont des Arts, which is a cultural hub, and translates to ‘Mount of the Arts.’ Its elevated location offers stunning views of the city. This well-landscaped area hosts an array of museums, including the Royal Library and the Musée Magritte Museum.
Conclude your day at the iconic Atomium. Originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, it was intended as a temporary exhibition. However, due to its immense popularity, it was preserved and has since become a permanent fixture.
The structure was built to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and consists of interconnected spheres housing museums and viewing platforms.
Day 3: Art, History & Tranquility
Day three begins MIMA (Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art), a contemporary art museum. Located in a former brewery, this museum showcases edgy and thought-provoking modern art exhibitions.
We come to the last of the bronze statues – Zinneke Pis. You could easily miss this one, assuming it’s a normal dog going about its business.
Delve into Brussels’ legal history with a visit to the Palais de Justice, one of the largest courthouses in the world. Designed by Joseph Poelaert in the 19th century, its colossal scale and neoclassical design has survived many wars and renovations.
Also designed in the 19th century, Square of Petit Sablon is adorned with 48 bronze sculptures and surrounded by a beautiful garden. The intricate sculptures represent various professions and the square is surrounded by neo-Gothic wrought-iron fencing, making it the perfect escape.
Conclude your stay by visiting the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 15th century. The church features stunning stained glass windows, intricate wooden carvings, and a delicate marble altar.
Nightlife in Brussels
The Belgian capital is a beer lover’s paradise, offering a variety of unique and diverse brews. Situated near the Grand Place, Delirium Café holds the Guinness World Record for offering the largest selection of commercial beers, showcasing an astonishing range of over 2,000 beers from around the world.
For a more intimate setting, head to Saint-Gery, an area dotted with stylish cocktail bars.
For those who love to dance the night away, Mirano is the a popular club in the centre. Be mindful that you might burn through your euros, as you’ll have to pay for admission, cloakroom and each use of the toilet facilities.
Noche Belgium is a great Instagram page which compiles all the different genres for nightouts into one easy list. Think urban latino, 90s throwback, punk/rock, japan electro, Brussels offers it all!
Food
There are so many classics that one simply must try when in Brussels.
Begin with the renowned Belgian Waffles, often adorned with toppings such as fresh fruits, ice cream or chocolate. Alternatively, you could have your waffles smothered with eggs for brunch!
Savor the authentic taste of Mussels and Fries (Moules et Frites), a classic Belgian dish, where succulent mussels are steamed and served with a side of crispy golden fries.
And let’s not forget plain frites (Fries), a Belgian obsession. Enjoy them with an array of sauces; the locals love them with Andalouse or Samurai Sauce.
For the ultimate comfort food, try Stoemp, a hearty dish combining mashed potatoes and vegetables, often paired with succulent sausages.
Our must-try recommendation is La Creme – a small restaurant offering global-inspired brunch plates. Portions were large and tasty, and service was great. Admittedly, it seemed to be in a possibly rough neighbourhood so stay aware of your surrondings.
The Chat
Sim: What languages do they speak in Brussels?
Kat: Isn’t it French and Dutch?
Sim: And Flemish and English.
Kat: How did you feel about the city? My trip was more about delving into the city’s architecture. I was on a mission to explore gardens, buildings, and uncover hidden gems. The Gothic churches left the strongest impression on me. The ornate pulpits were incredibly lavish and extravagant, a real standout feature.
Sim: My trip was quite different. It was more of a New Year’s getaway. I must admit we found Brussels quite small. We saw everything on our original itinerary in the first 3 hours.
Kat: Isn’t it great that you have a new and improved itinerary now? You can go back!
Sim: …
My highlight of Brussels was the Turkish breakfast I had at La Creme. Food was quite hit or miss throughout the trip. But the hot chocolates were pretty good.
Kat: I had a really good waffle! But the shop is shut now… The other waffles weren’t as good. I think I expected more because of the hype around THE Belgian Waffle.
Mannekin Pis as well – I didn’t expect it to be so small.
Sim: I didn’t expect to see such a large crowd around a little boy pee-ing. And then we found Jeanneke Pis and she was locked up on a side street, off a busy street near Delirium Bar.
Kat: Clearly, they love a bit of provocative art. During my visit, MIMA had an exhibition on porn. It was so interesting – we got lost in there for a couple of hours.
And Magritte is just huge! There’s so much to see it could even get overwhelming. It’s so well curated.
I guess the city has a lot going for it art-wise.
Sim: So go to Brussels for art.
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