Belgium
Things To Do In Brussels-Belgium
Brussels is the capital of Belgium.
Brussels is rich in history, architecture, gastronomy, culture and so much more!.
Belgium is a travel destination made for history buffs and chocolate addicts. Even if the nation is small, it plays a big part in the world’s history. There are over 3,000 castles to explore, all the gourmet chocolate you can imagine, every museum imaginable and all the churches.
Belgium is an incredible country to explore! It might be relatively small when it comes to size but don’t let that fool you. It’s one of those Belgium cities that has a little something for everyone.
If you have more time to spare, since the country is so small, I’d recommend squeezing nearby cities like Bruges, and Ghent into your itinerary, all of which are amazing and well worth a visit.
We’ve been to Bruges and Ghent, they’re all amazing places to visit.
Brussels
*Mannekin Pis!! Smaller than I taught!!
If you look up any list of things to do in Brussels, you’ll no doubt hear about Mannekin Pis, the 400-year-old statue of a small boy peeing into a fountain.
No idea why it is so popular, but it’s a 5-minute walk from the Grand Place and worth checking out for the weirdness alone.
*LA TOUR DE VILLIERS
A medieval tower tucked away just outside the city centre of Brussels.
La Tour de Villiers is one of the last remaining pieces of Brussels’ medieval architecture along with the Black Tower. Once upon a time, this fairytale-like tower defended Brussels from attack in the 13th century.
La Tour de Villiers is actually a short walk from well known sights including the Manneken Pis.
*Tour the Place Royale (Koningsplein)
A favourite attraction for photo-ops, the most important building on this square is the Royal Palace (Palais Royal), which is used by the Belgian royal family as an official residence.
From late July to late August, free guided tours of the palace’s interior, taking in the grand reception rooms and halls, are available. In September it was closed.
*Did you know that dark chocolate is good for your health!!
*Choco Story Museum Learn about the history of chocolate. 600 objects related to 5000 years of the history of cacao and chocolate.
Take a Belgian Chocolate Workshop! The best way to take some home, though? Make your own!
*View Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts is occupying the elevated site between the Place Royale and the Place de l’Albertine.
From the square between them is a fine view of the lower central city.
*Admire the Stained Glass of Notre-Dame du Sablon
The interior of the church is breathtaking, in particular, because of its marvellous stained glass.
On the other side of the street, you will find a lovely park with statues.
*Explore the Comic Book Route.
If you’re a fan of Belgian comics–especially of The Adventures of Tintin–don’t leave Brussels without checking out the Comic Route.
Brussels is decorated with dozens of murals from famous comics, and finding them is quite an entertaining scavenger hunt.
You can buy a book with the map route at the tourist office.
*Galerie Royale St Hubert
A must-place for all visitors to Brussels, the place is within walking distance from Brussels Central Station. A selection of fantastic shops mainly high-class chocolate stores and other shops.
One of the oldest shopping arcades in central Brussels. It was established in 1847. It has a variety of
I recommend you go for it, it is a piece of history and a WOW factor.
Built-in the popular, ornate Italianate style, with a glass-panel roof and arched shopfronts, the grand 213-meter-long arcade revolutionized retail architecture in Europe, replacing the narrow market alleys that had gone before and becoming the continent’s first shopping center.
*Atomium – Unique to see, but not worth it. We took the tram or metro to go there from the train station.
The Atomium is a landmark building in Brussels, Belgium, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58). Now, it is the city’s most popular tourist attraction and serves as a museum, an art centre and a cultural siteThis attraction is expensive and not worth the entrance fee that is required for it. The view from the top is indeed beautiful, but standing in line to go up to the observation deck and then going up escalators to each of the balls is not interesting.
Good To Know
Language: The country of Belgium has three official languages, Flemish (Dutch), French, and German. You’ll often see signs in both French and Flemish.
Currency: The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (EUR).
Credit Cards & ATMs: You shouldn’t have any trouble using your credit card when visiting Belgium. However, keep in mind that many people prefer cash when it comes to small purchases. ATMs in all Belgian cities and towns, and you’ll usually find them near gas stations, shopping centers, and bus and train stations.
Plugs: In Belgium, the power plugs are type E, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Safety: Overall, Belgium is a safe country to visit. Petty crime does exist though so don’t carry too much cash and keep an eye on your bags. I always Have a Travelon bag with closures.
**The biggest thing to take into consideration when planning a trip to Belgium is the weather. We did the end of September and the weather was beautiful and warm. But always bring an umbrella, just in case!!
Tips
*How to get to Brussels?
When flying into Brussels, you’ll either be flying into Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL).
We took the exit to Central Station and walk to our hotel.
*How to get around?
If you want to explore and discover as many hidden alleys and special places as possible, then walking is the best option.
*When is the best time to travel to Bruges
Belgium is a country with mild winters and summers. There are no extreme weather conditions. However, if you want good weather, I recommend that you visit Bruges between April and October. Of course, you always have the chance that it will rain during those months as well. It’s still Belgium. We encounter rain only the first morning there. Temperature between 15-18 Celcius.
End of September the weather was beautiful and warm with occasional rainfall.
*Book your hotel somewhere central
*Choco Story Museum (paid entry 9.50)
*Everything close at 6-7pm
*Sunday most places will open at 12.30-1pm
Our Hotel
Ibis Budget Brugge City Center
rue Joseph Plateau N2
1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
Note
Our Hotel was a 15 minutes walking distance from the central train station and within walking distance of the town.
Most of the touristy sights are within walking distance so it’s important to book somewhere in the heart of the action.
**The hotel was comfortable and the staff was always helpful.
