Things To Do in Brussels

Attractions in Brussels

Grand-Place de Bruxelles

Just go see for yourself, it's definitely a must see.

Electric Carriages (The Grand Place)

You can find these carriages sitting in the Grand Place. We have not used them ourselves but they look like a interesting way to have a guided tour of the city center. According to the news articles I found, they hold up to five people and cost 70 euros for 30 minutes. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a website.

Belgian Beer World Experience

Beer museum inside the old Belgian stock exchange. Interactive tour and at the end you get a free beer to drink on the rooftop. Directly in the city center so I highly recommend this visit. Especially since Belgian is known for its strong and rich beer culture.

Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique

Several fine arts museums all in one location. I have visited the Magritte museum several times and always enjoy. The others are also well done if you are a fan of art museums.

Parlamentarium

Brussels is home to the European Union which is formed by the European Council, European Commission and the European Parliament. There are many monumental buildings that form this union in Brussels but also one open to the public. You can discover the world of the European Parliament at the Parlamentarium by reserving tickets in advance (recommended for weekends visits because the sell out quickly).

Atomium

Well known monument in Brussels surrounded by a beautiful park. If you have the time, we recommend it, but it is not the easiest to access. Would not put this on the top of the list, unless you take advantage of the Tootbus.

Tootbus Brussels, Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Hop on, hop on bus that takes you all around the region. I have done this with friends when they’ve come to visit and found it oddly interesting, even as a local. Can visit several of the attractions by using this bus so its two ideas rolled into one. Makes visiting the Atomium accessible!

Train World

Can access this by either taking the 92 tram or taking the train just to the Schaerbeek train station where the museum is located. I know its sounds boring, but I’ve visited twice and I loved it both times. Plus the little restaurant inside had good food. Caution with the restaurant, I am almost certain none of the staff speaks English. Quite rare but it's not in the tourist area so it can happen. It's also not far from where we live and right next to my old apartment!

Belgian style restaurants to try

Nüetnigenough

If you want traditional Belgian food, this is my number one choice. Be careful that they don’t take reservations and its small. Quite known to tourists now but I still recommend this place if you don’t mind waiting for a table or going to eat sort of early.

Fin de Siècle

Another good Belgian brasserie style restaurant. My second favorite spot for good Belgian cuisine. Also no reservations but the restaurant is bigger. I suggest trying it during the week.

9 et Voisins

Practically across the street from Fin de Siècle. If that restaurant is too full, this is a great second option. They don't take reservations but getting a table is generally easy to do.

Plattesteen

An old Belgian staple as well. Really solid food, simple but always good. No reservations but never a problem getting a table.

Billie

The place to go for a good Belgian spaghetti Bolognese, yes I said that correctly. In the front is a Belgian style bar with good beers and cocktails and in the back in the restaurant. If you can't get a table, don't worry. They put your name on a list and give you a buzzer and you can have a drink in the bar and eat some light bites while you wait. We love eating here!

Breweries in Brussels

We have ton of them around the region and of course in the country. Here are some of my preferred locations just in Brussels.

Brussels Beer Project

Solid beer, cool ambiance and down the street from my favorite cocktail bar. Highly recommend trying.

Brasserie Surréaliste

Close to the Belgian beer world and Brussels Beer Project. We've visited all three one afternoon starting with beer world, Surréaliste and then finished with the beer project. The interior is definitely in the surrealist style. They have food here too but I have never tried it so I can't give my opinion.

Delirium Café

This will be the most touristy one of all. Personally, I never go since I get annoyed by the tourist, but it's kind of a must see when you visit the city. Honestly, I do like the beer so it's worth drinking somewhere in the city. But if you're up for the atmosphere, I say go for it.

Brasserie de la Mule

Not the easiest to access but if is in our neighborhood so worth trying all together if we can line it up. Hours are kind of limited so be sure to look them up before making the trip.

Brasserie de la Senne

If you do the Tootbus, stop at Tour and Taxi and have a beer here (be sure to check hours). They also have food and I have heard its quite good.

Friteries (Fries shops)

Here are the fry places we recommend in and around the city. There are quite a few but there certain ones I don't personally care for.

Friture de la Chapelle

Currently closed for renovations, but if this is reopened by the time of the wedding, we highly recommend this fry shop. Its my favorite one in the city.

Café Georgette

There is a restaurant with the fry shop attached to it. Probably my second favorite fry shop in the city. The food in the restaurant is also quite good. Also, this is right next to Delirium.

Manneken Frites

In the order of my favorites, this is third on the list. Also probably the easiest one for a place to sit down.

Fritland

Personally, I am not a fan but including it on the list because it's open late. So if you're in the mood for late night munchies this is the fry shop for you.

Chocolate Shops

It true what they say about Belgian chocolates. I know many of you will be wondering where to buy the best chocolates and honestly, it's nearly impossible to find "bad" chocolate here. Here are some of the biggest chains here. I normally wouldn't boast chains but they are honestly all so good that any of these options would satisfy your chocolate desires. Renaud and I go back and forth on which one we prefer. I will happily add independent shops if I come across some between now and the wedding.

Leonidas

Pierre Marcolini

Neuhaus

Maison Dandoy

Not a chocolate shop but known for having really good biscuits and cookies. Speculoos can be found here and its much better than Biscoff. Highly recommend going there and buying some.