I wouldn’t say that Brussels is the most exciting city that there is, but it certainly has its charm. What I really enjoy about the Belgian capital is its cleanliness, architecture, artistic heritage, political implication, and its food. I mean, going on a trip to Belgium and not eating waffles and fries is pretty close to being considered a sin! I would say that Brussels is an ideal destination for short trips (e.g. weekend getaways), family trips, and quiet expeditions.
My absolute favourite things to do in the unique capital-city are admiring the artwork at Magritte Museum, walking around the Royal Palace, and having a good old beer downtown. Yet, there are countless other things to see and do in and around Brussels; here is a (very) short list:
- Firstly, there is the oh-so-famous Manneken Pis. Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York has the Statue of Liberty, and Brussels has, well, a bronze sculpture of a little boy… pissing! Still, this statue is nothing short of iconic, home to a million selfies and jokes. Everyone enjoys this famous naked boy, for no true reason, other than the fact that it has become an easily-identified Belgian symbol over the last centuries. Oh, and there is even a female version of the statue called Jeanneke-Pis, that is also worth the detour.
- Then, there is the Atomium; a gigantic steel structure suited for both architecture lovers and science enthusiasts.
- Brussels is a city that I like mainly for its numerous big parks where I can safely read, eat or even nap without anyone ever bothering me. The most beautiful and well-known parks are: Parc du Cinquantenaire, Leopold Park, Bois de la Cambre, and of course, Brussels Park
- Another must-do in Brussels is sightseeing the many gorgeous castles the city has in addition to the Royal Palace. Those include Gaasbeek Castle and the Castle of Laeken.
- As for museums, apart from my own personal favourite (Magritte’s), some of the best and most interesting are the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Comic Book Museum, Horta Museum, the Musical Instruments Museum, Museum of the Armed Forces, Coudenberg, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Museum of the City of Brussels, among MANY others. Honestly, if you love culture, that city definitely is for you, it feels like there is a museum at every corner.
- If you enjoy politics and justice, then a stop to the European Parliament should almost be mandatory. You should also check out the Town Hall, and the Law Courts.
- As for churches and cathedrals, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon as well as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, are all musts.
- Another personal favourite in Brussels is the glory that are the botanical gardens. So lovely, so peaceful!
- If you are traveling with kids, then you should stop by “Mini-Europe”, a miniature park full of replicas of European staples and fun attractions.
- Finally, for shopping or just walking around, you should go to the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert (the 5th Avenue or Champs-Élysées of Brussels!), Mont des Arts (the best view you’ll get of Brussels, and surrounded by typical cafes and friteries), Place du Grand Sablon, Marollen (the cool neighborhood) and Place Royale.
Brussels is a fun, relaxing city that I would recommend to all art & culture lovers. Enjoy! (and don’t forget to eat a waffle!)
Bittersweet Travel Memories 