Brussels is a city that truly has something for everyone. From its stunning architecture and rich history to its world-famous cuisine and beer, it’s a destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. As the capital of Belgium and the heart of Europe, Brussels is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, making it an exciting place to explore.
History and Culture
Brussels is a city steeped in history, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore its past. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Surrounded by ornate buildings, the Grand Place is the perfect place to soak up the city’s atmosphere and admire its architecture.
Another must-visit spot is the Atomium, a futuristic structure that was built for the 1958 World Expo. Today, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Brussels and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
Food and Drink
No visit to Brussels would be complete without sampling some of its famous cuisine and beer. Belgian chocolate is world-renowned, and you’ll find plenty of chocolate shops throughout the city where you can indulge in a sweet treat.
Belgian beer is also famous around the world, and there are plenty of bars and pubs in Brussels where you can try some of the local brews. From light and fruity beers to dark and heavy stouts, there’s a beer for every taste.
Art and Design
Brussels is also a hub for art and design, with plenty of galleries and museums to explore. The Magritte Museum is dedicated to the works of Belgian surrealist René Magritte and is a must-visit for art lovers.
Design enthusiasts should head to the ADAM Brussels Design Museum, which showcases the best of Belgian design from the Art Nouveau period to the present day.
Brussels is a city that truly has something for everyone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, it’s a destination that should be on every traveller’s radar. Whether you’re exploring the city’s famous landmarks, sampling its cuisine and beer, or immersing yourself in its art and design scene, Brussels is a city that will leave a lasting impression.
3 Days in Brussels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a beautiful city that has something for everyone. With its stunning architecture, rich history, delicious cuisine, and world-renowned beer, it’s a destination that’s worth exploring. If you’re planning a trip to Brussels and have three days to spare, here’s a guide on how to make the most of your time.
Day 1: History and Culture
Start your first day in Brussels by exploring the city’s rich history and culture. Begin with a visit to the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. From there, head to the nearby Manneken Pis, a statue of a little boy peeing that has become one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Next, head to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, which houses an impressive collection of art from the 15th century to the present day. For lunch, try some Belgian specialties like moules frites (mussels and fries) or waffles at one of the city’s many restaurants.
In the afternoon, head to the Atomium, a futuristic structure built for the 1958 World Expo. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city. End the day with a visit to the Palace of Justice, one of the largest courthouses in the world, and a walk through the Sablon district, which is known for its antique shops and art galleries.
Day 2: Food and Drink
Brussels is famous for its cuisine and beer, so spend your second day exploring the city’s food and drink scene. Start the day with breakfast at one of the city’s many cafes, where you can try a traditional Belgian breakfast of bread, cheese, and ham.
After breakfast, take a beer tour to learn about the city’s famous brewing traditions. Visit some of the city’s famous breweries like Cantillon, known for its sour beers, and Brasserie de la Senne, known for its hoppy beers. For lunch, head to a local restaurant to try traditional Belgian dishes like stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in beer).
In the afternoon, visit some of the city’s chocolate shops to sample some of the world-renowned Belgian chocolate. Take a chocolate-making workshop to learn about the process and create your own chocolate treats. End the day with a visit to a local pub or bar to sample some more Belgian beers.
Day 3: Art and Design
On your final day in Brussels, explore the city’s vibrant art and design scene. Start with a visit to the Magritte Museum, which is dedicated to the works of Belgian surrealist René Magritte. From there, head to the ADAM Brussels Design Museum, which showcases the best of Belgian design from the Art Nouveau period to the present day.
For lunch, head to the Marolles district, which is known for its street art and vintage shops. Try some street food like frites (fries) or a falafel wrap.
In the afternoon, visit the Horta Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of Belgian architect Victor Horta, a pioneer of Art Nouveau architecture. End the day with a visit to the European Parliament, where you can learn about the history and workings of the European Union.
Three days in Brussels is just enough time to get a taste of the city’s rich history, delicious cuisine, world-renowned beer, and vibrant art and design scene. With this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in the city and create unforgettable memories.
How to get to and around Brussels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is well-connected to the rest of Europe and the world through various transportation modes. Here’s a guide on how to get to and around Brussels.
Getting to Brussels:
- By plane: Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport in Brussels and is located about 12 km from the city centre. Many international airlines operate flights to and from Brussels Airport. You can take a train or bus from the airport to the city centre.
- By train: Brussels has three main train stations: Brussels Midi/Zuid, Brussels Central, and Brussels Nord. There are high-speed trains that connect Brussels to major European cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
- By bus: Many bus companies operate services to and from Brussels, including Eurolines and Flixbus. The main bus station is located near Brussels Midi/Zuid train station.
Getting around Brussels:
- By public transport: Brussels has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trams, and metros. You can buy a single ticket or a day pass that allows you to use all forms of public transport. The STIB/MIVB website provides information on routes, timetables, and fares.
- By bike: Brussels has a bike-sharing system called Villo! that allows you to rent a bike from one of the many stations located throughout the city. There are also many bike rental shops in Brussels if you prefer to rent a bike for a longer period.
- By car: While driving is possible in Brussels, it’s not recommended due to heavy traffic and limited parking. If you do need to rent a car, make sure to check the parking regulations and consider using a GPS navigation system.
Getting to and around Brussels is easy and convenient. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, or bus, or drive, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Once you arrive in Brussels, the city’s extensive public transport system, bike-sharing scheme, and rental shops make it easy to get around and explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Places to stay in Brussels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of accommodation options. Here are some of the best places to stay in Brussels:
Grand Place:
- The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and the perfect place to stay if you want to be in the centre of the action. There are many hotels and apartments located around the square, including the Hotel Amigo and the Royal Apartment Brussels.
Sablon:
- The Sablon district is known for its antique shops and art galleries and is a great place to stay if you want to be surrounded by beautiful architecture and cultural attractions. Some popular hotels in Sablon include the Hotel Manos Premier and the Hotel le Dixseptieme.
European Quarter:
- If you’re visiting Brussels for business or to visit the European Union institutions, then the European Quarter is the perfect place to stay. There are many business hotels and apartments in the area, including the Thon Hotel EU and the Sofitel Brussels Europe.
Saint-Gilles:
- Saint-Gilles is a vibrant neighbourhood located just south of the city centre. It’s known for its trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants and is a great place to stay if you want to experience the local culture. Some popular hotels in Saint-Gilles include the Pantone Hotel and the Hotel des Galeries.
Ixelles:
- Ixelles is a diverse neighbourhood located just southeast of the city centre. It’s known for its beautiful parks and gardens and is a great place to stay if you want to be close to nature. Some popular hotels in Ixelles include the Le Chatelain Hotel and the Vintage Hotel Brussels.
Conclusion:
Brussels has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the city or in a trendy neighbourhood, there are plenty of hotels, apartments, and hostels to choose from. Make sure to book in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get the best deals and availability.
What and where to eat in Brussels
Brussels is famous for its cuisine, and there are plenty of delicious dishes to try during your visit. From Belgian waffles to mussels and fries, here’s a guide on what and where to eat in Brussels.
Moules Frites (Mussels and Fries):
Moules Frites is a classic Belgian dish and a must-try when visiting Brussels. The mussels are cooked in white wine and served with a side of crispy fries. Some of the best places to try Moules Frites include Chez Leon and Aux Armes de Bruxelles.
Belgian Waffles:
Belgian waffles are famous around the world, and there are many places in Brussels where you can try them. There are two main types of Belgian waffles: the Liege waffle, which is dense and chewy, and the Brussels waffle, which is lighter and crispier. Some popular places to try Belgian waffles include Maison Dandoy and Vitalgaufre.
Chocolate:
Belgium is known for its high-quality chocolate, and there are many chocolate shops and boutiques in Brussels where you can indulge in a sweet treat. Some popular chocolatiers include Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini.
Frites (Fries):
Belgian fries are another classic dish and a must-try when visiting Brussels. The fries are usually served in a paper cone with a side of mayonnaise, ketchup, or other sauces. Some popular places to try frites include Maison Antoine and Friterie Flagey.
Stoemp:
Stoemp is a traditional Belgian dish that consists of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like carrots, leeks, or cabbage. It’s usually served with sausage or bacon. Some popular places to try Stoemp include Brasserie De Laeken and Le Pain Quotidien.
Coworking in Brussels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads. If you’re looking for a coworking space in Brussels, here’s a guide to some of the best options in the city.
Betacowork
Betacowork is one of the oldest coworking spaces in Brussels and is located in the trendy Saint-Gilles neighbourhood. It offers a variety of workspace options, including private offices, shared desks, and meeting rooms. Betacowork also hosts regular events and workshops for its members.
Transforma BXL:
Transforma BXL is a coworking and innovation hub located in the Evere district of Brussels. It offers flexible workspace options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices. Transforma BXL also has a strong focus on sustainability and social impact.
Silversquare:
Silversquare is a premium coworking space with locations in various neighbourhoods throughout Brussels, including Avenue Louise, Sablon, and Mont des Arts. It offers a range of workspace options, including private offices, dedicated desks, and meeting rooms, as well as a range of services and amenities for its members.
The Library Group:
The Library Group is a coworking and private members club with locations in Brussels, London, and New York. Its Brussels location is in the Ixelles neighbourhood and offers a luxurious workspace environment with a range of services and amenities for its members.
Factory Forty:
Factory Forty is a coworking space located in the Schaerbeek district of Brussels. It offers a variety of workspace options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices, as well as a range of services and amenities for its members. Factory Forty also hosts regular events and workshops for its members.