Highlight
Rating
Brussels at a glance
1,020,000
Population
3-4 nights
Recommended
Expensive (5 of 5)
Level of costs
About Brussels
Brussels’ fame as a political centre is well known, but it would be terrible if this reputation gave the impression that the Belgian capital was in some way one-dimensional. With its stylish shopping districts, incomparable beers and seafood and one of the finest squares in Europe, Brussels has far more to offer than it is often given credit for.
Spend your first morning on the Grand Place. Breakfasting outside in one of its cafés is the perfect way to soak into the atmosphere of this intriguing city. The wonderfully preserved architecture serves as a spectacular backdrop to the bustle, colour and humour of everyday life in central Brussels. Try to get here on a Sunday, when the anarchic flea market moves into town. As a focal point for the rest of the city, the Place also makes an ideal starting point for a day’s wandering. Take a walk through the seedy but charismatic Marolles to the south, where you’ll find the famous Manneken Pis, a bizarre representation of a young boy relieving himself. If you’re after something a bit flashier - go north to the splendid Upper Town. This plush area combines imposing architecture and grand boulevards with chic boutiques and designer department stores. All your shopping needs can be satisfied in the Galerie Saint Hubert, the Boulevard de Waterloo and the Rue Antoine Dansaert. The Upper Town is also the quartier that houses most of Brussels’ mammoth political bureaucracy - from Nato and EU headquarters to the country’s own national government. The political activity gives the area a great buzz, but there’s plenty of non-political interest here as well. Check out Belgium’s most famous cartoon hero, Tintin, at the Comic Strip Centre in Horta’s Art Nouveau building. East of the Grand Place you’ll find the complementary Ancient Art Museum and Modern Art Museum, with the latter containing an impressive range of Magritte’s work.
After a hard day’s wandering, there’s no better way to unwind than in a Brussels seafood restaurant with one of the city’s famed beers. Head back towards the Grand Place and look for Rue des Bouchers, the city’s most impressive dining area. Choose from Lambic, Leffe, Chimay and a host of other brews before making some impossible decisions on the food menu. Will it be the straightforward but unbeatable "moule frites," the tempting shrimp croquettes or the rabbit simmered in gueze - another local speciality?
Things to do
Brussels is an enchanting winter destination thanks to its charming Christmas markets, sparkling lights throughout the city and wa
15+ Things To Do In Brussels, Belgium (plan Belgium itineraries): What to Do, Eat, and Enjoy15+ THINGS TO DO IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: WHAT TO DO, EAT, AND ENJ
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7. See Europe in Miniature
10. See The Old City Gate At Porte de Hal
12. See Art Nouveau in Saint-Gilles
1. Explore Grand Place
Brussels is one of the most fun, overlooked cities in Europe. Cantillon Breweryis one of the best place
Eat & drink
Brussels often gets overlooked as a capital city but I’ve always had an amazing time here. One question I always get asked though
I first heard about Indus Pride early this year, from my India (plan India itineraries)n foodie guru, Apolina. If she said it was good, I knew I had to get
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L’Everest Nepalese and Indian Restaurant
If we could only make it to one food festival, this would be the one. EAT! Brussels is a weekend-long celebration of the city’s re
Worth to visit
. are surely on your list. At the same time, you’ll probably be wondering: is Brussels worth visiting? Located halfway between th
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Is Brussels Worth Visiting?
As you may know by now I’m a little obsessed with researching a destination to death before I visit (maybe you are too – glad you’
General
While tasting the Big 4 is enough for many casual tourists in Brussels, there is so much more to Belgium’s culinary history. The c
To book a room at Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi now for mid January prices range from €72for a standard room wit
Brussels is just like your typical European city. What makes it different than others is that it is the hub of the European Union.
Itinerary
Belgium in Europe is a lovely country that is missed by many international tourists. My sister lives reasonably close by and often
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2-day Brussels itinerary
1 Best Things to Do in 2 Days in Brussels - 1.1 Day 1 in Brussels - 1.1.1 Explore the Belgian Fine Art Scene - 1.2 Day 2 in Brus
If you’ve ever wondered what to do in Brussels in 2 days, then this Brussels itinerary will leave you confident in two things: Bru
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The Perfect 2-Day Brussels Itinerary
Costs
Stay – The price of a hotel or hostel is quite different if you can book it in advance for some time. For a youth hostel ...
There are plenty of ways to save your euros while eating during your weekend in Brussels! With so many snacks and street foods to
The currency in Brussels is the Euro, as Belgium is part of the European Union. As it is home to the EU parliament, the city attra
Accommodation
We’ve sorted the top hotels in Brussels by category, but most hotels are suitable for a variety of reasons, so we’ve created a tab
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Best Hotels Near Brussels Midi Station
Best Airport Hotels in Brussels
The Hotel
Jam Hotel
In case you want to avoid center of Brussels but be close enough to go sightseeing, Molenbeek might be a good option. It’s a multi
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Where to stay in Ixelles
Where to stay in Saint Gilles
Where to stay in Schaerbeek
Where to stay in Uccle
Where to Stay in Brussels: The Best Areas and Hotels for Your Interests From the energetic historic center to the charming outer
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Jam Hotel
Where to stay in Ixelles
Hotel Dansaert
Where to stay near Avenue Louise
Further recommended destinations: