You’ve probably never heard someone tell you “I’m going on vacation to Belgium” – fair enough! But we often hear about Brussels when the European Commission has a big summit.

There are many things Belgium is famous for; for example, 80% of the world’s billiard balls are made in Belgium; the saxophone was invented in Belgium; it holds the world record for the longest time without a government, and Belgium is among the most taxed countries. But I suppose this is not why you would visit!
It is also, of course, well-known for its beer, chocolate, waffles, mussels and fries, diamonds, Manneken Pis, and cuberdon – a cone-shaped candy! Now we’re talking!
Neuhaus chocolate
Belgium is maybe small, but it has a few interesting places to visit. Here are my suggestions for a short trip to Brussels:
Day one:
– Starting point: the Cinquantenaire Arches: a monumental triple arch built in 1905 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. It was erected on the initiative of King Leopold II, who wanted to beautify Brussels. Enjoy the beauty of the building and walk in the park of the Cinquantenaire.
– Walk on rue de la Loi until you arrive at the European Commission’s headquarters: the Berlaymont. The building has the shape of a cross with four unequal wings.
The Berlaymont at Mini-Europe
– After the EC, turn left toward rue Belliard to reach the European Parliament – Parlamentarium: the visitor’s center of the European parliament. An interesting complex that was built relatively recently.
– Keep going on rue Belliard and avenue des Arts until you reach Porte de Namur. Shop on rue de la Toison d’Or and avenue Louise, shopping streets with many boutiques. On the other side of avenue de la Toison d’Or, on Boulevard de Waterloo, there are more upscale stores. Delvaux is one of them, an outstanding leather shop. Their handbags are extremely expensive but so beautifully displayed in the old town hotel that is worth the trip.
Delvaux store
– Also make sure to check out the Palais Royal, which is within walking distance.

Day two: The îlot Sacré

– Start with a spectacular view of Brussels from the Palais de Justice. The building is about three times the size of the royal palace and is a notable landmark of Brussels.
– From there, you can go down to the Sablon, famous for the antique stores surrounding the square. If you are there during the weekend, the place turns into a huge antique fair.
– Make a stop at the pastry shop Wittamer. There is a large outdoor space where you can sit down and savor their delicious pastries.
– Make sure to buy pralines at either Neuhaus or Godiva, traditional Belgian chocolate brands.
– Walk to the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage since 1998. It is considered as one of the most beautiful squares
in Europe.
– Don’t miss the Manneken Pis, the mascot of Brussels. It’s located on one of the little streets; I won’t tell you which one precisely – the beauty is to look for it!
– Walk around the very small streets and the surrounding area – this is the oldest part of Brussels, home to some of the oldest buildings in Europe.
– Visit the Royal Toone Theater on 66 Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes – A traditional puppet theater since 1830. It’s also a café and a workshop where the puppets are made.
– There are stores that are part of the old city history and others that sell Belgian specialties.
  • Maison Dandoy, since 1829, specialized in cookies and especially speculoos – traditional Belgian cookies.
  • Belgian Beer Tradition, they have a wide variety of beer; even if you don’t drink beer, you’ll be amazed by the store.
  • La Belgique Gourmande, not the best quality but you will find as many kinds of chocolates and candies as the world can hold.
  • Pierre Marcolini, high-end chocolate
  • Belgian frites, for French fries
  • Gaufre de Bruxelles, to try delicious waffles
– Have a drink at the Chaloupe d’Or, located on the Grand Place in one of the old buildings on the square.
– Have another drink at the café A La Mort Subite, the oldest establishment in Brussels (c. 1928) with an impressive beer selection. Located at Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 7, 1000 Brussels.
– Have many other beers at the Delirium, the establishment with the largest beer selection in the world, with more than 2,000 options (make sure to go to the bottom floor area as well). Located at Impasse de la Fidélité 4, 1000 Brussels.
Try one of the Trappist beers, which are: Westmalle, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Achel, and Westvleteren (recognized as the best in the world, but it’s very likely they won’t carry it as usually you can only buy it at the abbey where it’s made).
Now that you have had enough beer, it’s time to think about food.
Restaurants around the Grand Place:
  • Chez Léon: a very touristic but good place to get real Belgian Mussels and Belgian saucisses. I love going there, as it was a part of my childhood. $$
  • L’Ogenblik: a Belgian gastropub, quite a bit more expensive than the above. $$$
  • Aux Armes de Bruxelles: opened in 1921, they serve authentic Brussels cuisine. $$$
  • Restaurant Vincent: founded in 1905; classic French/Belgian cuisine with beautiful tiled frescos inside. $$$
  • Restaurants abound the little streets around la Grand Place. When the weather is nice, people are sitting outside and servers try to lure you into their restaurant. There is a street with cheap Greek pita restaurants. Don’t waste time trying to find the best one; they are all quite similar. I wouldn’t be surprised if they all belong to the same owner! $
You can combine the two days above if you don’t spend too much time shopping and drinking!
In the case of day three:
– The Atomium – a spectacular modern structure made of nine big spheres representing the iron atom, magnified 165 billion times. It was built for the 1958 Brussels World Expo.

 – Mini-Europe at the foot of the Atomium. It has reproductions of monuments in the European Union on show, at a scale of 1:25. Roughly 80 cities and 350 buildings are represented.
Mock-up of the Grand Place with the flower carpet
Museums that I find interesting in Brussels:
  • Musical Instruments Museum (MIM): the building itself is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau. Located at Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Brussels.
  • Musée Magritte – Don’t miss it! By far my favorite. Located at Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels.
  • Hotel Solvay – built by Horta, the most famous Belgian Art Nouveau architect. Listed UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 2000. Located at Avenue de Roodebeek 70-74, 1030 Brussels.
  • Musée de la BD – If you like comic books, the museum has an amazing collection displayed in an exceptional Art Nouveau home designed by Victor Horta. Located at Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels.
You have one more day and you want to visit a place outside of Brussels? I recommend Bruges, a small but charming medieval town to discover. One day is more than enough. Boat tours are available and quite nice to do.
Have a great trip to Brussels!
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