I decided to do a day trip to Brussels yesterday. It’s the capital of my home country Belgium and I don’t visit the city that much. Now I remember why I don’t. Don’t get me wrong, Brussels has some beautiful sights to see. But if you have only a few days to spend in Belgium I recommend to skip Brussels and visit Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp instead. These wonderful cities have much more to offer and are less packed with tourists. At least that’s the impression I get everytime I go to Brussels.
Maybe I haven’t discovered its most beautiful spots yet, so if you disagree, let me know where to go next time.
One thing I know for sure; if you love to eat, you’ll definitely like Brussels. Whether it’s to eat typical Belgian, Italian or Asian. You’ll find it all! And if you’re a sucker for sweet; indulge in Brussels waffles, crêpes, macaroons and Belgian chocolates! Food gets you thirsty, but don’t worry, Belgium has over 1000 different beers! (here’s a list!)
If you do decide to visit Brussels, don’t miss out on these attractions;
Manneken Pis (Little Man Pee)
Remember; it’s called Little Man Pee! Don’t expect a statue of 2 meters high. It’s really small and often a disappointment for tourists arriving at the peeing man. The reactions of tourists around it are actually funny.
Grote Markt (Grand Place)
The main square of Brussels is probably the most beautiful spot. You’ll be surrounded by palatial guildhalls, the Town Hall and the Breadhouse.
Rue des Bouchers
A street packed with restaurants. Fun to walk through!
Jeanneke Pis
The female lesser-known version of Manneke Pis. You’ll find her in a side street of the Rue des Bouchers; Impasse de la Fidélité.
Galeries Royales St Hubert
A gorgeous shopping arcade where you’ll find the best chocolate stores and other delicacies and specialties! During the Christmas period it’s the most beautiful with all the decorations and lights.
Royal Palace
I don’t know if you know, but we have a royal family in Belgium! They’re not as fancy as the British, but still, we have kings and queens, princes and princesses!
Kunstberg
A nice place to hang out and you get a beautiful view on the tower of the Town Hall and the Koekelberg church!
Brussels Waffles
Just eat them and be in heaven.
Share your favorite places in Brussels in the comments down below!
This is really good to know about trying to visit some other cities instead of the capital. I’m travelling through some of Europe now and hope to end going from Paris to Amsterdam before home (UK) with a pop into Belgium on the way so I’ll look into the other places! Do they changes much in terms of costs to travel, eat, sleep ect? Thanks!
Hi Ellie!
You can find articles about Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges on this site as well! I don’t think the costs vary that much. I never stayed in a hotel here because it’s my home country.
http://www.worldwanderista.com/?s=antwerp
http://www.worldwanderista.com/?s=ghent
http://www.worldwanderista.com/christmas-bruges-brugge-citytrip/