Brussels was the next stop on our Belgian weekend adventure. Catch up on our first day in Ghent here.
There is a lot to see in Brussels and one day doesn’t really do it justice. You’d be exhausted if you tried to see it all! That being said if one day is all you have and you want to see as much as possible, take the hop on hop off bus tour. I have done this a few times on previous trips and it’s a great way to see a lot, get a bit of history and save your feet from trekking all over the city. Brussels Open-top Bus Tour | Tootbus.
However, it’s amazing what you can see in just a few hours as long as you’re prepared to get those walking shoes on! Let’s go!
What to see
Grand-Place
The Grand Place is a must stop on any trip to Brussels. The square is surrounded by these beautiful and ornate 17th century guild houses. Dominating the square is the incredible Town Hall, built in the 15th century featuring a dramatic spire and it’s one of the few original medieval buildings on the square.
If you happen to be their during the winter season there is a light and sound show that takes place every 30 mins in the evening! Be sure to check the schedule as it typically runs from late November to early January. Even more spectacular than this is the biennial event of the flower carpet display that happens every two years in mid August for one weekend. Seeing the square transformed into this amazing carpet of flowers is truly something!
The square is one of my absolute favorite places in Brussels and regardless of being filled with tourists I make sure to grab a table at one of the many outside cafes, enjoy a Belgian beer and marvel at the amazing surroundings.
Manekin Pis
Manekin Pis is a favorite tourist stop and a beloved symbol of Brussels. I admit it’s interesting to see, but you might be surprised how small this sculpture is at only 61 cm (24 inches). Yes. it’s just a bronze statue of a naked boy urinating into a fountain. But this statue comes with it’s own traditions as the city dresses him up to celebrate occasions like Christmas, cultural festivals, and national holidays.
This little guy has been dressed up as Elvis, Dracula and as Santa every Christmas. So you never know what you may see when you arrive. Be prepared for this spot to be surrounded by hundreds of tourists ready to get that all important selfie.
Jeanneke Pis
Jeanneke Pis was a first for me on this trip, as I never knew she existed and by chance happened to walk by her. She is the female counterpart of Manekin Pis (see above) but this time it’s a little naked girl urinating in a fountain. Located in a small alley way across from Delirium cafe, she is quite hidden.
Royal Palace of Brussels
Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King of the Belgians, but he actually doesn’t live here! I have never actually been inside as it’s only open in late summer (July to September), but it is free to enter. Whether or not you have the time to go inside, I’d still make sure to stop by and admire this beautiful neoclassical building!
Place du Petit Sablon
Place du Petit Sablon is this beautiful and immaculately maintained small park in the Sablon district across from the Gothic Église Notre-Dame du Sablon. The park is surrounded by 48 bronze statues representing the old trades and guilds of Brussels. Some of my favorite pictures of Brussels come from this park. Not to mention some really good small cafes nearby!
Mont des Arts (Kunstberg Gardens)
This is hands down my favorite spot for photos in the city. From the top here you can look out over the Mont des Arts garden and see the spire of the town hall from the Grand Place. Sometimes there are food truck vendors out here and what a great spot for a coffee and a crepe!!
Kunstberg Clock Tower
Kunstberg Clock Tower is a large mechanical clock with 12 bronze figures that you can see in small recesses around it. They represent some key historical figures and symbols from Belgian history. The clock is mounted on the side of a modernist building known as the Carillon du Mont des Arts and can be seen to the right as you stand on the viewpoint of the Mont des Arts.
Each hour, one of the 12 figurines moves to strike the bell, accompanied by music. I wouldn’t advise making a trip here just to see this in action as it’s really not terribly exciting. I would just say admire it as you make your way down from the viewpoint to the Grand-Place.
And if you have more time....
We didn’t see these on this trip, but there are several other sites worth considering if you do have more time. Pictures from previous trips!
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Located in the European Quarter of Brussels. Parc du Cinquantenaire, was built in 1880 to commemorate Belgium’s 50th anniversary of independence. The center piece of this park is a massive triple-arched monument (Arc de Triomphe-style), offering panoramic views of Brussels from the top. There are also several museums on site like the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art & History Museum and Autoworld for any vintage car enthusiast. The park is quite a way from the center of the city, so unless your up for a walk I would recommend taking the metro here.
Atomium
The Atomium was built for the 1958 Worlds Fair that took place in Brussels. It’s a giant model of an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times. It has 9 stainless steel spheres (18 meters in diameter) connected by tubes you can walk through. It was not intended to be a permanent structure, but gained a certain fan appeal and alas remained part of the Brussels skyline.
The center vertical tube has an elevator that takes you to the top in 23 seconds. There are panoramic views from the top, an exhibition and even a restaurant. Entrance is €16 and it’s worth visiting early to avoid large crowds. Both times I’ve visited I got here on the hop on hop off bus tour, as it’s 7-8km away from the city center.
Comic book route
You may not realize this, but Brussels is the capital of the Comic strip. The city played a central role in the development of the comic strip in Europe, and has been the creative home for some of the most iconic comic strip artists in the world. These creators were innovators of the clear line drawing style that influenced generations of comic artists across Europe and beyond.
Throughout the city you can find many murals of famous comic book characters decorating the sides of buildings. In fact, there is a self-guided comic book route that takes you past 60 of these creative drawings.
EU Quarter
The EU Quarter is the district in Brussels where the main European Union institutions are located. Should you be interested in exploring this area you can visit the European parliament, house of European history and the Parliamentarian. You can loop this in with a visit to the Parc du Cinquantenaire, as it’s located nearby.
Belgian treats!
Waffles
You can’t come to Brussels without indulging in a Belgian Waffle! There are no shortage of places offering this treat, so do yourself a favor and have one or two!
Fries or frites
You will also see plenty of places selling fries or better known as frites in Belgium. In fact, Belgians will say they invented these and not the French. I promise you these frites are much tastier than anything you may have had in the US or in the UK. Double frying these babies give them their soft interior and crispy golden exterior. They are served with many variations of sauces – and I recommend the curry mayo!!
Chocolate
Belgium chocolate is not your run of the mill chocolate. There are strict laws as to what can be classified as Belgium chocolate, and the country is home to over 2,000 chocolatiers. Some famous Belgium brands you may have heard of are Godiva, Leonidas and Wittamer, and if you forget to stock up while you’re in town, don’t fret, the Brussels airport has you covered as it’s has been said to sell more chocolate than anywhere else in the world.
Food and drink
There are hundreds of restaurants and cafes in Brussels, so you will not be at a loss for places to eat. I’m recommending the one we visited while on this trip.
Jardin des Olives
This wonderful and intimate bistro is not too far from the Grand Place in the historic Saint-Jacque district. I will preface my partner did all the research and booked this place in advance as we were in the city to celebrate my birthday. This charming spot had some wonderful food paired with delicious wine. It’s the perfect place to enjoy fine dining, without being over the top pricey and away from the throngs of tourists. Jardin des Olives
Delirium Cafe
There’s way too much that can be said about Belgian beer, so I won’t even try. If you want to be overwhelmed for choice, then visit Delirium Cafe that literally has thousands of beers. Delirium isn’t a single bar, but rather it’s part of a multi-level complex known as Delirium Village.
Théâtre Royal de Toone
If you want to mix enjoying some Belgian beers and enjoy some culture, you can check out Théâtre Royal de Toone, which is a traditional puppet theatre and tavern tucked away on a narrow alleyway not too far from the Grand Place. Established in 1830, it’s the only remaining traditional puppet theatre in Brussels. The ground floor tavern is quirky with puppets hanging from the ceilings and retro decor on the walls.
Wrap up
While a weekend in Belgium really only allows you to scratch the surface whether visiting two cities (like us) or just exploring one, it does provide a wonderful break full of culture, history and culinary delights! And given its accessibility via Eurostar, it makes a perfect short trip from London, Amsterdam or Paris. Leave me a comment on my YouTube video and let me know how your trip goes!
