3 Days In Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the Belgian capital, is a city that feels like home. The narrow streets smell of chocolate, time moves as if separate from reality, and everyone is from everywhere. Brussels possesses the reputation of being ‘boring’ and while it’s certainly a slow city, it is far from dull. With a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and rich gastronomic culture, it is a city absolutely worth the visit.
ITINERARY
Manneken Pis
Thursday
11 AM: Arrival
After a quick ride on the Eurostar from London to Brussels, I arrived at La Troupe Grand Place. This hostel is a budget travelers paradise: bar/cafe with food and coffee, strong wifi, social common spaces, incredibly dark privacy curtains, squeaky clean ensuite, free activities, and the cushiest dorm beds you’ve ever experienced. I dream about this hostel daily.
12 PM: See Manneken Pis
Just two blocks from town hall, and a ten minute walk from La Troupe Grand Place, resides one of Brussels most beloved landmarks, ‘little pee man’. Originally a drinking fountain, the bronze statue dates back to the 15th century. After surviving the bombardment of Brussels in 1695, Manneken Pis has become a symbol of the city. The statue has over 1000 costumes so if you are lucky you may find it dressed up.
12:30 PM: Wander around La Grand-Place
Built around a large market square, this group of public and private buildings has claimed a name as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city center boasts a grand history and offers so much cultural value to Brussels. La Grand-Place is home to City Hall, renaissance houses and Maison du Roi, the royal household of the King of France. After being bombarded in 1695, the buildings were almost completely rebuilt. It’s a great place to walk around and get acquainted with the history, architecture and heart of Brussels.
1 PM: Shop at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
A quick five minute walk from La Grand-Place is one of Europes oldest shopping arcades. Its glass roof houses unique boutiques, specialty chocolate shops and small cafes. Stop into La Belgique Gourmande to find a classic assortment of Belgian goodies from truffles and pralines to waffles and old-fashioned speculos cookies.
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
2 PM: Marvel at St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
A short stroll from the galeries is the main Catholic church of Belgium. The gorgeous cathedral took 300 years to complete and looks nearly new due to being completely restored in 1989. The trip is worth it almost solely for the stunning stained glass windows dating all the way back to 1540. There are enormous statues and an incredible organ. Not to mention, entry is always free and it is open daily.
2:30 PM: Stroll through Brussels Park
Previously known as Royal Park, the public space sits between the Royal Palace of Brussels and Federal Parliament. The park, even in late fall, is brimming with life. Tourists wander through, locals go on their daily runs and there is something at every turn including bandstands, statues, and even a bar called Kiosk Radio.
3 PM: Royal Palace Of Brussels
Walking distance from Brussels Park is the Royal Palace of Brussels. Every summer the doors are open to the public, excluding Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to go inside. Currently closed for construction, the Royal Palace of Brussels is set to reopen for visitation in the summer of 2024.
3:30 PM: Mont Des Arts
Seven minutes below the Royal Palace is a gorgeous public garden, Mont Des Arts. Here you will find the usual park staples like fountains and benches but there is also a skatepark. The small park provides a lush transition between upper and lower Brussels bringing the royal and urban sides of the city into harmony.
4 PM: Belgian Fries
Brussels is known for chocolate, waffles and fries. So I absolutely had to indulge. I stopped in at La Friterie right next to Manneken Pis and got a fries with truffle mayo. They were perfectly cut and expertly fried. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside with a heap of rich truffle mayo right on top. A must try in Brussels.
Friday
10 AM: Rise and Shine
Slower cities call for later starts, and those comfortable dorm beds allow for the best nights rest. Pro tip: sleep in.
11:30 AM: Learn about European history at The Parliamentarium
Brussels is home to one of the European Union Parliament buildings. While private tours of Parliament are available, the Parliamentarium is a bit more accessible for those looking for more flexibility in their trip. You’ll tour through the history and of the EU and learn about the path nations took towards international cooperation. There are incredible interactive elements, lots of information accessible via audioguide, and so much to explore. It’s also completely free of charge.
1 PM: Wander the Leopold Quarter
Near the European Parliament is a number of museums. The Wiertz Museum features the work of Belgian painter and sculptor, Antoine Wiertz. In the Museum of Natural Sciences houses the largest dinosaur gallery in Europe. And the House of European History takes you through the journey of Europe’s challenges and triumphs. There are incredible museums in Brussels and they are definitely worth the visit.
3 PM: Walk Through Parc du Cinquantenaire
Not too far from the Leopold Quarter is a gorgeous park, built in 1880 to mark 50 years of Belgian independence. The green space boasts beautiful gardens, full of sculptures and monuments. Throughout the year there are festivals, concerts and other community events held there.
The Atomium
Saturday
12 PM: The Atomium
A short metro ride from city center brings you to the Atomium. Originally built for the World’s Fair in 1958, the Atomium has become a staple of Brussels. The large structure depicts 9 iron atoms that have been magnified 165 billion times. Travel through atom to atom to learn about the history of the structure, catch some amazing views and see incredible light/art installations. There is even a small restaurant in one of the atoms with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
3 PM: Treat yourself to some Belgian sweets
After trying salty Belgian fries on day one, it’s time to indulge in chocolate and waffles. There seems to be some available on every corner but it’s not something you can miss while visiting Brussels. Maison Dandoy is one of Brussels most well known waffle shops but you truly can’t go wrong no matter where you end up. And if you have a real sweet tooth, explore Choco-Story, a museum dedicate solely to the history and art of chocolate.
5 PM: Get a beer at Delirium Cafe
Beer lovers unite at Delirium. This bar holds the Guinness World Record for most beers offered with over 2000 selections. They have everything from local brews to worldly finds, including hot pepper flavors, fruity crafts, and gluten-free options. Even someone who may not like beer, could find something to love at Delirium.
