TravelEnthusiast

BRUSSELS

Itinerary

Suggested Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights
BEST TIME TO VISIT BRUSSELS: 
June to September

CLICK FOR A SPECIALIZED ITINERARY

My Thoughts on Brussels

I visited Brussels, the capital of Belgium, in 2011 with a friend. I had always been captivated by the Atomium and also dreamt of seeing Mini Europe - an epicenter which features all of Europe’s monumental landmarks in a garden-like arena. They are miniature sized and identical to the real life landmarks such as London’s Parliament Building, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, etc. I always thought the idea of this was genius. There were lots of lovely sites in Brussels that made for great sightseeing moments. The city also came with its fair share of chocolates, waffles and countless cafes. Brussels is a very viable option to place on a Travel Enthusiast’s list. 

Airports to Fly Into

  • Brussels Airport (BRU)

Where to Stay

Four Points by Sheraton Brussels
Rue Paul Spaak 15, Brussels 1000 Belgium, +32 2 645 61 11

I loved the Four Points by Sheraton in Brussels for its location, and its affordability. It’s the reason it’s my most recommended hotel in Brussels. It’s only steps from the prestigious Avenue Louise and its luxury boutiques, the Sablon district, the Justice Palace and Brussel’s nightlife. This hotel offers easy access to the heart of Belgium.

OTHER SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN bruSSELS:


Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
Rue Auguste Orts 3-7/Grand Place, Brussels 1000 Belgium

Renaissance Brussels Hotel
Rue du Parnasse 19, Brussels 1050 Belgium

Courtyard Brussels
Avenue des Olympiades 6, Brussels 1140 Belgium

Where and What to Eat

Belgian Waffles

There were so many places offering delicious Belgian waffles. It’s Belgium’s staple and must be tried.

Belgian Chocolate

Leaving Brussels without trying its chocolate will be an epic fail. Try the chocolates for a monumental palette experience.

Koek & Zopie

An awesome coffee bar with 99% organic coffee beans. They are also vegan friendly and bear a very catchy slogan: “May Coffee Be With You!” They have branches in Brugge and Antwerp.

Moules Frites

Belgium’s most important staple (Mussels and Fries). Absolutely delicious. You cannot leave Brussels until you've tried Moules Frites.

Sea Grill

For an upscale seafood dining experience, try the Sea Grill, located inside the Radisson Hotel in Brussels.

Le Marmiton

To experience authentic Belgian cuisine, try Le Marmiton located at Galeire de la Reine 38, Rue des Bouchers 43, 1000 Bruxelles. This restaurant is a stone throw from the Grand Place. Their Oysters, Mussels and Steak, were all so delicious. The Roquefort sauce with the tenderloin  steak was heavenly.

What to See and Do


Manneken Pis

People (like me), travel from all over the world to come see this pissing statue. And it's SO TINY!!! Lol. However, one has got to see it. Manneken Pis is to Brussels, what Eiffel Tower is to Paris. There were so many things made in the image and likeness of the Manneken Pis; Chocolates, Waffles, etc.

Atomium

Downhill in Blvd du Centenaire stands the monument that most tourists come to see. I'd always wanted to visit Brussels just to see the Atomium. It's been a thing of fascination for me. This astonishing piece of engineering from 1958 looks impressive from a distance and is even more awesome up close. The Atomium (representing the atomic structure of an iron molecule magnified 165 billion times), is were Star Wars or Star Trek was filmed.

Mini Europe

Mini Europe is a must see. It features all the monuments and landmarks of Europe in miniature form! Entrance fee when I visited in 2011 was €22.70. For current or up to date entrance fees, please visit the web: https://www.minieurope.com/en/.

Old City Center

Encounter the Grand Place, with its timeless and harmonious aura. You’ll also come across Everard 't Serclaes monument. Legend has it that whoever touches this monument will marry within one year... Well, it never worked for me. However, it never hurts to dream :-).

Grand Place

One of the world's most beautiful squares. In 1998 Grand Place was declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. In 1965 came its worst moment, when three days of French Artillery bombardment reduced it to a smoking ruin. It was rebuilt in a few years on a grand scale and is now Brussels' theater of life, a place of cafes and restaurants, snap shooting tourists and modern events and festivals.

Notre Dame du Sablon

This very intriguing Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Brussels.

Palais Royale (Royal Palace)

One of the world's most beautiful squares. In 1998 Grand Place was declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. In 1965 came its worst moment, when three days of French Artillery bombardment reduced it to a smoking ruin. It was rebuilt in a few years on a grand scale and is now Brussels' theater of life, a place of cafes and restaurants, snap shooting tourists and modern events and festivals.

My Favorite Quotes

You cannot leave Brussels until you've tried its moules frites (mussels and fries), its chocolate, and its waffles. They are almost addicting.

- Lynda ‘Kechy

Brussels is a gay little city that lies as bright within its girdle of woodland as any butterfly that rests upon moss.

- Ouida

Belgium is modernizing itself and it gives me joy.

- Albert II of Belgium

In Brussels, everything is easy. It's not a very big city, and the people are very quiet and warm.

- Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt

TIPS TO REMEMBER WHILE VISITING BRUGGE

1. Always remember to have a photocopy of your passport with you, where ever you go. It pays to be prepared, especially when changing your country’s currency.

2. Buy a SIM card - For international travelers like me, SIM cards could be a life saver and a true best friend. It allows you to keep in touch with loved ones and access emails or social media, and is a lot more inexpensive than going through your phone provider. Just make sure you are getting the right SIM card for what you desire on your trip, swap that for your U.S. SIM and away you go.

3. Rent a car if possible and venture to Antwerp for the day from Brussels.

4. For easier access to this wonderful city, utilize the Hop On Hop Off city sightseeing bus. I recommend a 48 hour ticket in-lieu of 24 hours, to ensure you are able to see all the sites, with one inexpensive ticket.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON BRUSSELS, BELGIUM:

Brussels is spectacular and alive… The people are warm and friendly. It should definitely make a Travel Enthusiast’s list.

More COUNTRIES