Things To Do In Brussels

I've left my heart in Belgium! There are so many things to do in Brussels! It's definitely one of my favorite places in the world because I was fully immersed in it's city life during my time as an au pair and masters student. I also made some amazing life-long friends from all over the world while living there.

I feel that Brussels doesn't get the full attention it deserves as it is in the middle of London, Paris, and Amsterdam. When I met tourists, they usually only stopped for one night (and go to Delirium) as a quick visit before going onward to the other Big 3. The thing about Brussels is that it grows on you. It's a little diamond in the rough and it's easy to stay on budget. There is always something to do with so many art and cultural events throughout the year and lots of bars to meet friends.

The list below is from 2012-2014. I did not get the chance to go out to eat much as I was on a pretty tight budget, so my food out usually was either baguettes with cheese, waffles, or frites! I guess I need to go back to make a full update with restaurants!

Best Bars

• Goupil Le Fol - Eccentric bar with Belgian and French paraphernalia all over with Jacques Brel music!

• Le Cercueil - The coffin bar! An oldie, but goodie with goth vibes everywhere! Just off Grand Place

• Le Coq - Old long bar near the Bourse

• Le Petit Canon - Small bar just north of Place Flagey

• Café Maison de Peuple - Long bar with good food and large terrace

• Cafe Belga - Very popular café and bar in Place Flagey with large terrace. Good lunch spot!

• Madame Moustache - Bar/club with a circus vibe; there's usually a line to get

• Fuse - Famous club with techno and house playing all night; be prepared for a line to get in

• Flamingo - Quirky bar with good pub food located in the business district

Best Frites

• Place Jourdain - Located near the EU

• Place Flagey - Located in the Ixelles neighborhood

Best Chocolate

Chocolate from the good ol' grocery store is great if you're on a budget! If you want nicely wrapped posh chocolate there are so many options with multiple locations...

• Elisabeth

• Chocolaterie Mary

• Corné Port-Royale

Best Speculoos

Again, can get great speculoos cookies and cookie butter spread at the grocery store, but these spots are great for gifts and cute tea rooms!

• Maison Dandoy

• La Belgique Gourmand

Best Museums

• Museum of Musical Instruments - Unique instruments and amazing view of the city on the top floor

• Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium - Amazing collection of fine art from all over the world

• Magritte Museum - Large collection of the celebrated Belgian surrealist, René Magritte

• Comics Art Museum - See the history of famous comic artists behind Tin Tin and more

• Horta Museum - Explore the life and work of Victor Horta, pioneer of the Art Nouveau style

• Parlamentarium - Learn all about the European Union...FREE

• Royal Library of Belgium - Museum area containing rare books...FREE

• Royal Army and Military History Museum - Learn about the dark historical past...FREE

Best Neighborhoods to Explore

• Marolles - In the city centre...great for secondhand and vintage shops

• Ixelles - Fun neighborhood full of cool bars and cafés with beautiful architecture

• Saint-Gilles - Eclectic neighborhood full of cool bars, cafés, restaurants

• Schaerbeek - Area north of the city centre with beautiful architecture

• Molenbeek - Moroccan neighborhood full of lively tea shops

Fun (Mostly free) Activities

• Grand Place - The heart of the city and stunning architecture with the Hôtel de Ville and guild houses lining the perimeter of the square.

• Mannekin Pis - It's a good laugh and down that street are where the best cheap €2 street waffles are...get a hot plain one, no toppings needed! Also try to find Jannekin Pis and Zinneke Pis ;)

• Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon - My favorite church...it's stunning. Find the boat inside!

• Palais du Justice - Take the elevator up from the Marolles neighborhood to see an epic view of Bruxelles!

• Brasserie Cantillon - The home of gueze beer! Take a cool tour and learn about the art of brewing near Gare du Midi.