10 Things You Must Do When Visiting Brussels

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Brussels. Of course I had heard that the city was known for it’s divine Belgian chocolate and waffles. I also knew that Brussels happened to be the capital of the European Union. But before visiting, I couldn’t really picture in my mind what the streets of Brussels would look like, or what a ‘classic’ tourist weekend in the city might be. With three official languages (German, French, Dutch) and a reputation for political bureaucracy, the country (and Brussels specifically) has oftentimes been deemed as having a bit of an ‘identity crisis’.

And while some of those aspects may be true, I found Brussels to be a pleasant surprise. It’s a vibrant and dynamic city, with great food and beautiful architecture. It has a funky Berlin hipster meets chic Parisian vibe. And thanks to Eurostar (2-hour train ride from London), it’s very convenient to get to and makes for the perfect weekend trip! I would go back to Brussels in a heartbeat (though I admit, mainly because I’m still dreaming about the amazing brunch I had in the city (see #7 below)). Check out my top 10 suggestions for what to do when visiting Brussels!

Related post: A Guide to Visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Eat Moules Frites in Brussels

Eat some moules frites (gotta have mussels while in Brussels), a classic Belgian dish! These steaming pots of mussels (cooked in white wine and herbs) are served with french fries and a variety of dipping sauces. The dish is extremely popular and served in virtually every restaurant in the Old Town! In fact, over 60,000 mussels are consumed in Belgium on an annual basis. La Boussole is supposedly a great option for moules frites.

Grand Place

Visit the Grand Place, Brussel’s main market square. The Grand Place is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most beautiful medieval squares I have ever seen (apparently popular opinion is that it’s one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe!). On one side of Grand Place, there is a row of 20 opulent Guild Houses, which were built over 300 years ago by rich and wealthy merchants who were competing with one another to show off their power. The Guild Houses feature exuberant details and a rich variety of architectural details that will make your jaw drop in awe!

Belgian Waffles

Just down the street from the Grand Place is Maison Dandoy, a dessert cafe specializing in cookies (speculoos) and waffles. There are several branches located throughout the city so make sure to visit the tea room located on Rue Charles Buls. Maison Dandoy offers two types of waffles: Brussels waffle (made with batter and offers a fluffy interior, similar to an American waffle) and a Liege waffle (made with dough and offers a stickier crust, and chewy texture). I ordered a plain Liege waffle and it was delicious!

TIP: You may be tempted by the various street stalls selling waffles decked out extravagantly in chocolate, fruit, and artificial candy. Don’t be! We tried a waffle from a random street stall and it did not even come close to tasting as good as the Maison Dandoy waffle!

Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Do some shopping and people-watching at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a grand shopping arcade featuring high-end designer boutiques and gourmet chocolate shops.

Comic Strip Trail

Talk a self-guided walking tour of Brussels following the Comic Strip Trail, a series of 50+ wall murals located throughout the city. The Comic Strip Trail was born out of a city-wide effort to decorate the blank walls of the city, and the murals feature many well-loved comic characters, several of them who were born in Belgium (for example, Tin Tin!). It’s a great way to have some fun while exploring the city. For the full route, check out this website here.

Mannaken Pis

Do the ‘touristy’ thing and check out the Mannaken Pis, a small statue of a young boy peeing in a pool. Yes, you read that correctly. I’ll be honest, I don’t really understand the appeal of the Mannaken Pis, but it just so happens to be one of the most recognizable icons for the city of Brussels (you can even buy Belgian chocolate molded in the shape of the statue!). It’s meant to represent Brussel’s ‘rebellious spirit’.

The statue is situated at the corner of Rue du Chene and Rue de Letuve, not too far away from the Grand Place. It’s probably not worth going out-of-your-way to see the Mannaken Pis (especially if you’re crunched on time!), but it is one thing to check off your Brussels tourist bucket list!

TIP: If you like the idea of the Mannaken Pis, then make sure to check out the female and canine version (all within short walking distance of one another).

Lazy Brunch

Brunch is a big deal in Brussels (which is great because brunch also happens to be one of my favorite meals). If you’re like me, and enjoy a lazy mid-morning meal on the weekends, then check out brunch at La Fabrique en Ville. Tucked away in Egmont Park, this restaurant is located within an orangery, and features a light and airy atmosphere with bright, rustic decor. It’s super cute! Best of all, it’s an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and offers homemade salads, made-to-order crepes and omelettes, and freshly baked bread. It’s a seriously great brunch spot!

TIP: Make reservations or go early. This place is popular with the locals! Also….MUST GET SALTED CARAMEL CREPES.

Belgian Chocolate

Get lost in the Old Town and savor the sweet smell of chocolate in the air. You can’t go to Brussels and not taste some of it’s world-renowned chocolate (there are over 2,000 chocolatiers located in Belgium!). Famous Belgian chocolate brands include Neuhaus, Galler, and Maison Pierre Marcolini.

St. Michael

Get lost in the city and explore the historical sites. Brussels is an extremely walk-able city. Spend time meandering the streets and you’ll find yourself stumbling upon beautiful places such as St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, Parc du Cinquantenerie, Atomium, the Royal Palace, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Have a question or need help planning a visit to Brussels? Leave me a comment below!