Brussels Guide: The Best of Belgium’s Captivating Capital

Recently, I spent a week in Belgium, soaking in the charm of Bruges, the vibrant energy of Ghent, and the stylish allure of Antwerp. Finally, I was ready to explore the dynamic city of Brussels. Brussels is a captivating mix of historical elegance and modern innovation. As the heart of Europe, this city is filled with stunning architecture, world-class museums, and a culinary scene that’s as diverse as its culture. Brussels is filled with experiences just waiting to be uncovered. I spent two unforgettable days wandering through its streets and I could easily have extended my stay. Now, I’m excited to share this Brussels travel guide with you, from where to stay and what to see to the must-try eateries and practical tips for navigating this vibrant city.

Where to Stay in Brussels

Luxury Option: Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel

For my stay in Brussels, I splurged on a 5-star property that left me disappointed, so I don’t want you to make the same mistake. Instead, I recommend Hotel Amigo. With its recent addition of a world-class cocktail bar and its long-standing reputation for delivering impeccable service, this hotel in the heart of historic center is truly one of the best places you can stay.

Mid-Range Option: Made in Louise

Set in a quiet street within a historic early 20th-century building, Made in Louise offers a taste of Belgian hospitality only found in family-owned hotels. Conveniently located just a few blocks from Metro Louise and a pleasant 15-minute walk from the main attractions, it’s a perfect mid-range option.

What to See and Do in Brussels

Grand Place

As you make your way through the narrow cobblestone streets, the Grand Place gradually reveals its charm, framed by a 15th-century town hall, nearly 40 ornate guild houses, and the striking Maison du Roi. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the past, with its breathtaking architecture and deep-rooted history. If you happen to visit during the biennial Flower Carpet event, the square transforms into an even more enchanting scene.

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

As someone who loves to explore churches, the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral was a must-see for me. Situated atop Treurenberg Hill, this grand Gothic cathedral took over 300 years to build, and its imposing beauty truly makes it one of Brussels’ standout landmarks.

Atomium

The Atomium is a quirky and iconic symbol of Brussels, designed by engineer André Waterkeyn for the 1958 Brussels World Fair. This unique structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, with its nine interconnected spheres standing 102 meters tall. Originally built for the fair, the Atomium has since become a beloved landmark of the city.

Mini Europe

Right next to the Atomium, Mini Europe offers a playful, miniature tour of the continent’s most famous landmarks. This charming theme park, with its adorable turtle mascot, is perfect for both kids and adults, providing a fun way to see Europe’s architectural icons shrunken down to a manageable size.

Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis, and Zinneke

Manneken Pis, the famous statue of a little boy peeing, is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks, but many visitors don’t realize he has some quirky companions. Jeanneke Pis, a girl statue, and Zinneke, a peeing dog, add a humorous touch to this unique Brussels tradition. These playful sculptures are dotted around the city and make for fun, unexpected finds as you explore. And honestly, when I started this blog, I never imagined I’d be writing about statues of “peeing,” but here we are!

Villa Empain

Villa Empain is a stunning example of 1920s Art Deco architecture, designed by Swiss architect Michel Polak. This beautifully restored mansion now serves as a cultural and artistic center, offering visitors the chance to admire its striking design and explore exhibitions that celebrate the blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

One of Europe’s first covered shopping arcades, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is an elegant 19th-century marvel. The arcade, split into three halls—the King’s Gallery, Queen’s Gallery, and Princes’ Gallery—offers a luxurious space to shop, browse, or simply admire the beautiful setting.

Mont des Arts

Meaning “Mountain of Arts,” this beautifully designed area near Brussels Central Station features manicured gardens and is surrounded by prestigious museums. Whether you’re visiting the Magritte Museum or the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, it’s a perfect spot for art lovers wanting to immerse themselves in Belgium’s rich artistic history.

MIMA

Since opening in 2016, the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art (MIMA) has injected a vibrant, contemporary flair into Brussels’ museum scene. Housed in a former brewery by the canal, MIMA showcases everything from street art to digital works, offering a unique and cutting-edge cultural experience.

Cinquantenaire Park

Built to commemorate Belgium’s 50th anniversary, Cinquantenaire Park is a regal, green oasis crowned by a magnificent triumphal arch. The park is home to three major museums—Autoworld, the Royal Military Museum, and the Cinquantenaire Museum—and is a popular hangout for picnics and outdoor activities when the weather’s nice.

Tramway 94

Tramway 94 offers more than just a convenient way to get around—it doubles as a scenic tour. Ride this tram along Avenue Louise and enjoy the sights all the way to Bois de la Cambre, where you can hop off and enjoy the park’s lush surroundings.

Bois de la Cambre

Bois de la Cambre is a peaceful escape within Brussels, featuring a heart-shaped lake where you can rent rowboats to paddle over to the Robinson Chalet. It’s also a gateway to the Sonian Forest, a perfect spot for a hike among the towering beech trees.

Comic Strip Murals

Brussels is famous for its street art, especially the giant comic strip murals scattered throughout the city. Download a map and embark on a self-guided tour to discover these playful and vibrant murals, many paying homage to Belgium’s comic legends like Tintin.

Berlaymont

The Berlaymont building, known as the headquarters of the European Union, is a landmark of modern Brussels. While the interior isn’t open to the public, you can still admire its distinctive architecture from Place Schuman.

Where to Eat in Brussels

Frituur Tabora

Being that my favorite food is fries, Belgian fries were a must. Frituur Tabora makes them perfectly. There’s often a line, but it moves quickly, and the wide array of sauces makes it well worth the wait for any fry lover.

Rooftop 58

Rooftop 58 is Brussels’ newest panoramic rooftop bar, boasting 360-degree views of the city. With 3,000 square meters of outdoor space, it’s the largest rooftop bar in Europe. For an unforgettable evening, visit at sunset with a cocktail in hand.

Wolf

Housed in a former bank, Wolf is Brussels’ only indoor food market, offering 17 different food stalls with international cuisine ranging from Ethiopian to Vietnamese. Open every day, it’s the perfect spot for a casual and diverse dining experience.

Veganwaf’

I was so excited to find this cafe that serves up handmade vegan waffles, ice cream, and snacks. A great quick stop for a sweet treat.

Practical Tips

How to Get to Brussels

Brussels is a major hub in Europe, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere. For my trip to Belgium I flew into Brussels and then a train to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and finally back to Brussels. The Brussels Airport (BRU) is just a quick train ride to the city center. If you’re traveling from neighboring cities, high-speed trains connect Brussels to Paris, Amsterdam, and London seamlessly. Additionally, Brussels has a smaller airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), mainly serving budget airlines for regional and European destinations.

Getting Around

Brussels is very walkable, especially in the city center. For longer distances, public transport—trams, buses, and the metro—are reliable and easy to use. The best part is that you can use contactless payment on your phone to pay for the fares. It’s so easy to not have to worry about purchasing a ticket. 

Weather

I visited Brussels in August, and the weather was perfect for exploring. Summers are warm, but Brussels can be rainy year-round, so pack a light raincoat or umbrella just in case. In the spring, you can expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a lovely time for outdoor strolls in the parks. Fall brings cooler weather and vibrant autumn colors, which add a beautiful backdrop to your city adventures. Winters can be chilly, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, but the festive holiday atmosphere, complete with Christmas markets and twinkling lights, makes it a charming season to visit.

Language

Brussels is bilingual, with French and Dutch as the official languages. French is more commonly spoken, but English is widely understood, particularly in tourist areas. Knowing a few basic French phrases, like “Bonjour” and “Merci,” can go a long way.

Currency

Brussels uses the Euro (€), and while credit cards are accepted in most places, having some cash is helpful for smaller shops or markets. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving a small tip is appreciated.

Local Customs

Belgians appreciate politeness, so don’t forget to say “bonjour” when entering shops and “au revoir” when leaving. Dining is often seen as a social experience, so take your time enjoying meals, especially local delicacies like waffles, chocolate, and moules-frites.

Brussels may often be overshadowed by the other major cities in Europe, but it’s a city bursting with charm, culture, and culinary delights that are just waiting to be discovered. From its stunning architecture and rich history to quirky attractions and mouth-watering cuisine, there’s no shortage of experiences to enjoy in the Belgian capital. I hope this Brussels travel guide helps you navigate this vibrant city and uncover its gems! If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, be sure to check out my other guides for Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Each city has its own unique character and charm, and I can’t wait for you to experience all that Belgium has to offer!