02 Nov The Ultimate Guide of Brussels for First Time Visitors
If you’re looking for a European city with a unique blend of history, culture, and architecture, you’ll want to add Brussels, Belgium to your travel list. This charming city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and Atomium, and there’s plenty to see and do for travellers of all ages. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s museums and art galleries or enjoying its delicious food and drink, Brussels is definitely worth a visit.
Tips for Getting Around Brussels
There are a few things to keep in mind when getting around Brussels.
First, the city is very walkable, so if you don’t mind a little walking, you can get around easily on foot.
Secondly, the public transportation system is very good, so if you’re not up for walking, you can take the bus or Metro. You can buy a single ticket or a day ticket so you can hop on a bus or metro whenever you need. The 24-hour ticket costs only 8 €.
If you need a taxi, it’s best to call one rather than flag one down on the street. Lastly, if you’re renting a car, be aware that traffic can be very heavy during rush hour.
Things to do In Brussels
Grand Place
The historic center of Brussels, the Grand Place is one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. Featuring an array of Baroque buildings with elaborately carved facades, this lively district is filled with locals and tourists alike enjoying its bustling atmosphere. The square also plays host to a variety of events throughout the year including Belgium’s biggest New Year’s Eve party!
Galeries Royales Saint Hubert
The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is a prestigious shopping arcade in Brussels. The Gallery was commissioned by Prince Charles of Belgium in honour of Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters. The gallery was designed by Belgian architect Jean-Philip Wetstraat and was built in 1847.
The gallery is considered one of the first enclosed shopping centers in the world. The gallery is home to high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes, including Maison Dandoy, Corne Port Royal.
Manneken Pis
One of Brussels’ most famous sculptures, the diminutive bronze boy peeing into his stone fountain is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Located in the heart of Brussel-Elsene, this beloved landmark has become a symbol of Belgium and is frequently featured in its tourism campaigns. This statue depicts a little boy who has urinated on his father’s leg to keep him from doing so himself! The legend behind the Manneken-Piss is quite interesting.
This striking steel structure was originally built for the 1958 World Fair and now serves as an important landmark in Brussels. The Atomium is located in the city’s main park, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and features a series of geodesic spheres that represent the elements found in an atom. The structure is also home to several museums including the Air Museum, Space Museum and Science Museum!
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are a collection of tropical horticultural rooms, which are enclosed by a glass dome. they were first built in 1837 and opened to the public in 1857. they are located in Laeken on the territory of Belgium, south of Brussels. They are composed of 9 different zones with plants from Africa, America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. The Royal Greenhouses are one of the most important botanical gardens in Belgium.
Museums
Brussels is filled with many world-class museums and galleries including the Belgian Comic Strip Center, Magritte Museum and Mini-Europe Park.
Grand-Place Museum – If you’re interested in art, be sure to check out this museum, which showcases some of Belgium’s most important artists including Jan Steen, Peter Paul Rubens and Frans Hals. This museum has been open since 1836 and is home to an extensive collection of historical items, including paintings and furniture from the 16th – 18th centuries. The Museum of the Grand Place also features a beautiful clock tower which was built in 1750. You can take a free tour around this building if you book in advance via their website.
Royal Museum of the Great European War – (or ‘Royal Museum for the Great Wars’). This museum was opened in 2014 and displays an extensive collection of military paraphernalia, including weapons and uniforms. It also features a section dedicated to Belgium’s role in World War I which includes an interactive war zone complete with sound effects and video footage. The Royal Museum for the Great Wars is located on the Rue du Luxembourg.
The Magritte Museum – is a museum in Brussels, Belgium, dedicated to the work of the Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte. It opened on 3 June 2009, and has been described as one of the most popular museums in Belgium. The museum was designed by architect Richard Delvaux, in collaboration with artists Peter De Potter and Vincent Peters. It has been voted “Best Museum” in Belgium for three consecutive years since opening.
The museum contains many works by René Magritte (1898-1967), including his famous “L’Etoile Flambée” (“The Starry Sky”). There are also works by other artists on surrealism and the avant-garde. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the Magritte Museum hosts a large number of temporary exhibitions each year.
Brussels Comic Book Route
The Comic Book Route is a tour of comic book shops and cultural institutions in Brussels. It was created by the Museum of Art, Industry and Work (MAIW) to help promote comics art in Belgium and raise awareness of its contribution to culture and society. The Comic Book Route has been endorsed by the Belgian Comic Strip Center (CBBD), an association of professional cartoonists, who helped develop the route’s program.
The Comic Book Route currently comprises ten stops on two separate lines. The first line includes stops at popular comic bookstores in the city, while the second line visits historic comic book sites.
The Palais de la Nation
Palais de la Nation which is located on Place du Luxembourg. This building dates back to 1779 and was once home to the Belgian Senate. Today it’s used as a conference centre and is home to the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Palais de la Nation is also a popular tourist destination because it houses several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (or ‘Mudam’). This museum was opened in 2010 and displays an extensive collection of modern art from Belgium and around the world. It also features temporary exhibitions which are updated regularly.
Mont des Arts
The old Mont des Arts is a big hill that lies between two canals, with lots of shops on the way up. When you get to the top there is also an amazing view over Brussels! On this side of the mountain, there are many birds flying around or sitting in trees, enjoying their day off from work. The Mont des Arts were originally created to take advantage of the beautiful views over Brussels. However, it has now become much more than just a scenic spot. It is now a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
Brussels' oldest neighbourhoods - the Jesuit District
This district dates back to the 17th century and is located just north of Place du Luxembourg. It’s made up of a collection of historical buildings which include townhouses, libraries, gardens and a church. The Jesuit District has been used as a tourist destination since 1994 and was named one of Belgium’s most beautiful districts by Brussels Life in 2007.
Place du Petit Sablon
The Place du Petit Sablon is a small square located near the Belgian Royal Palace, Hôtel de La Païva, and was named after the former garden of oak trees called “Le Petit Sablon”.
The square was created in 1798 following the destruction of the city during the Siege of Brussels by French troops during the War of the First Coalition. In 1960, the statue “La Paix” (Peace) by sculptor Charles Delvert was placed in the square to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Belgian independence.
The Place du Petit Sablon is surrounded by shops and restaurants and is a popular tourist destination.
Parc du Cinquantenaire or Jubelpark
Parc du Cinquantenaire is a large public park located in the center of Brussels. The park was built during Leopold II reign with the purpose to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Belgium’s independence in 1880.
The park is home to several important monuments and buildings, including the Belgian Army Museum and the Arc de Triomphe.
Where to eat in Brussels
There’s a lot more to Belgium than just beer! In fact, Brussels is known for its delicious meals and drinks including Moules-frites (steamed mussels) and waffles with chocolate. You’ll find many local restaurants that serve these treats along with Belgian beers like Stella Artois and Duvel. Bellow are some suggetions on where to eat in Brussels.
Restaurant La Belle Vie – Located just a short walk from Place Luxembourg, this cosy restaurant serves up delicious meals that will leave you feeling satisfied but not stuffed. The menu changes regularly to take advantage of the freshest ingredients, so you’ll never get bored. Plus, it’s run by a husband and wife team who are dedicated to making your dining experience as enjoyable as possible.
House of Lobster – The House of Lobster restaurant in Brussels is a seafood lover’s dream come true. The menu features a wide This seafood restaurant offers variety of lobster dishes, from lobster bisque to lobster rolls. If you’re looking for a truly decadent dining experience, this is the place for you.
The Le Conteur – The Le Conteur restaurant in Brussels is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and inventive dishes. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and the staff is attentive and professional. Le Conteur is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two or a night out with friends.
Le Bistro – Le Bistro restaurant is located in Brussels, Belgium. The restaurant serves French cuisine and is known for its extensive wine list. The restaurant has been in business for over 20 years. It is a favourite among locals and tourists alike because of its great food and friendly service which is always attentive and accommodating, making diners feel welcome and comfortable.
Where to get chocolate
Godiva – is one of the best-known chocolatiers in Belgium and around the world. They have two shops in Brussels: one at Place Jourdan and another at Avenue Louise. Both of these locations are open every day from 10am until 7pm.
Pierre Marcolini – is a chocolatier and patisserie that sells all kinds of delicious pastries and chocolates. Their shop at Avenue Louise is open every day from 10am until 7pm. If you’re looking for something sweet and something a little different, this is the place to go.
La Belgique Gourmande shop – is a great place to find delicious Belgian treats. They have a wide selection of chocolate, biscuits, and other sweet snacks that are perfect for gifts or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth. The friendly staff is always happy to help you find the perfect treat, and the prices are very reasonable.
Corné Port-Royal Chocolatier -Corné Port-Royal was created by a young pâtissier called Maurice Corné. There are around twenty boutiques in Belgium and fifteen in France. It’s most famous is in the Galerie de la Reine arcade in Brussels. The shop specializes in artisanal chocolate, made from scratch using only the finest ingredients. You can find a vast array of chocolates, pralines- including the famous Manon Sucre which was created by Maurice Corné
The shop is beautiful it has sophisticated displays and a cosy ambience. The staff is very friendly and they will help you choose the best chocolates.
Mary – This brand perhaps is not so known as the Godiva and Leonidas nonetheless is one of the best shops that sell handmade chocolates. Mary Delluc opened her first shop in 1919, she sold her chocolates to the members of the aristocracy and still supplies chocolates to the queen to this date. In 1942 Mary received the title of Belgian Royal Warrant Holder for the first time and this title had been renowned 3 times. The Mary shop is utterly beautiful, it has glamour displays and the chocolates are delicious, they are all handmade with the finest raw ingredients.
If you visit Brussels you must stop at Mary’s.
Where to get Fries (Frittes)
Fries are a national dish in Belgium. These fries are always hand cut and the secrete is that they are fried twice. the second time the temperature needs to be higher this allows the fries to be golden and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. The fries are usually served in a cone, and you can get several sauces to eat with it.
These are the 2 places we got fries in Brussels and they were delicious!
Maison Antoine – I can attest that this is one of the best fries shops in Brussels. The portions are generous, and the price isn’t that bad either. They have an array of sauces, my favourite one was the Andalouse sauce.
Frit Flagey – This kiosk is considered one of the best spots to get fries. A must-visit whilst in Brussels, the queues are usually long here but it is worth the wait! The portions are big and the fries are always served hot which is perfect on a cold winter day.
Where to eat waffles
Maison Dandoy – was founded by Francois Dandoy, who opened his first bakery on rue Royale in 1836. They make a large variety of different breads, pastries and chocolates. They also sell other food items such as sauces and condiments. The company was founded by Jean-Francois Dandoy who came from a long line of bakers.
Maison Dandoy has also been producing waffles since 1835. They have a wide range of products including plain waffles, with ice cream and strawberries or chocolate; “Bruxelles” waffles which are made from Brussels-style dough; a liege waffles a northern Dutch speciality- made from a thick yeast dough, deep-fried until dark and crispy.
You can only eat the waffles at the Maison Dandoy tea rooms.
Where to stay in Brussels
$ Hostels – A cheaper option
Hotel Le Roi du Belge (Place Rogier 5). This hostel is located in the heart of Brussels and offers dorms with four or six beds, private rooms and shared bathrooms. The hostel also has a bar where guests can meet new people and enjoy drinks during the evening hours.
Eurohostel (Rue d’Egmont 3), offers dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. The hostel also has a lounge area and free Wi-Fi for all guests.
$$Hotels – A Budget Option
Hotel des Artistes (Rue du Midi 56). This charming hotel is located in the heart of Brussels and offers classic rooms with wooden floors and furniture. The rooms are simple but elegant and very comfortable. The hotel also has a beautiful dining room where guests can enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore the city.
Craves Hotel– This is the hotel I stayed in and I highly recommend it. The hotel is located just 3 3-minute walk from the Gran Palace.
The Craves Hotel is a chic hotel with high-end decor and modern art pieces on the walls. The rooms are spacious and equipped with A/C, flat screen TV, free WIFI and plenty of space to store your luggage. The bathroom was very clean with a large rain shower head and fluffy towels. The hotel has a restaurant and bar where you can relax and enjoy a nice dinner or drink.
$$$ Hotels – A Luxury Option
If you’re looking for luxury, I recommend staying at the Hotel Metropole (Place de la Monnaie 1). This beautiful hotel was built in 1835 and offers elegant rooms with antique furniture and a gorgeous dining room.
I hope this short guide helps you plan a visit to Brussels.
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