I love Brussels for its Art Nouveau Architecture, the hipster brunch spots, but also because it’s the city where I found one of the best chocolates in the world. Brussels has a special charm, which if you come to discover it, you will see that it’s not just about that cold and rainy city you read about before.
Brussels is an amusing city, full of historical buildings, monuments, vibrant culture, and delicious food. As a result, it is one of the most popular destinations for travelers of all kinds. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or simply looking for a good time, Brussels has something for everyone.
Well known as EU capital, for the Atomium or the Grand Place – one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, Brussels is also a great base city for visiting many other beautiful Belgian cities.
Here is a guide to explore Brussels like a local and make the most out of your trip. In this post, I’ve put together a list with the most popular attractions to see in Brussels, my favorite chocolate shops, brunch spots and breweries, but also some of my favorite spots which are very appreciated among the locals.
The most popular attractions to see in Brussels
- Grand Place
- Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
- Mont des Arts
- Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
- Manneken Pis
- St Michael Cathedral
- Saint Catherine Church
- Parc du Cinquantenaire
- Tervuren Park
- Atomium
- The Royal Greenhouse of Laeken
- Le Sablon neighborhood and Palace of Justice
Grand Place
Belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and described by Victor Hugo as the most beautiful square in the world, Grand Place impresses with its sumptuous architecture decorated with golden details and, definitely should be your first stop in Brussels.
Very busy during the day, especially when the sun goes out, Grand Place is surrounded by museums and cathedrals, the Town Hall, but also it brings together the chocolate and souvenirs shops, cafes and restaurants.
Every 2 years in August, Grand Place hosts the Flower Carpet festival, when over 1 million of beautiful and colorful begonias are displayed like a carpet inside the square, offering a beautiful show.
My favorite chocolate shop in Grand Place is Chocolatier Darcis, not only for its artisanal chocolate, but also for the macaroons and patisserie, and their delicious ice-cream in different flavors such as chocolate, caramel salé or strawberry.
Manneken Pis
This bronze fountain representing a boy urinating became the symbol of Brussels. The statue is not far away from Grand Place, being a good opportunity to stop for checking the list with top attractions in Brussels.
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Located very close to Grand Place, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is a very elegant corridor which brings together exquisite souvenirs shops and chocolateries. There you will find a good Ethiopian café – Aksum Coffee House. I always enjoy a good coffee from them when I visit Brussels.
Mont des Arts
Located very close to Grand Place, Mont des Arts (Mount of the Arts), represents the cultural and artistic part of Brussels, hosting the museums, BOZAR, the Royal Library of Belgium and much more. It is a beautiful place to stop for panoramic views and to take photos or just for enjoying its beautiful garden.
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
After visiting this museum, I totally changed my perspective about how the true chocolate is made.
It was a great museum to learn more about the history of the chocolate, where cocoa is produced and the expedition from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. I also assisted to a live chocolate making demonstration and chocolate tasting.
Tervuren Park
Tervuren Park is more than a park, it is a great escape from the city into a beautiful and romantic place, perfect for bike ride, long walks into the forest or just siting on the grass and reading. When I got there I felt like I just walked into one of Jane Austen’s novels, this is why it’s one of my favorite places in Brussels. You can reach it by public transport with tram no 44 and in the same area you will also find the Royal Museum of Central-Africa.
Le Sablon neighborhood and Palace of Justice
I love Le Sablon neighborhood for its vibe, the Art Nouveau architecture, the chocolate shops and cafes. There is also the impressive building of Palace of Justice and my favorite panoramic viewpoint to watch the sunset over the city.
The Royal Greenhouse of Laeken
The Royal Greenhouse of Laeken is a truly hidden gem in Brussels. It hosts a collection of rare plants and a tropical forest, and it’s the perfect place to lose yourself and to hide from the busy city life. The Royals open their gates and allow the public to visit it every spring for 3 weeks.
Travel tip
If you go at opening hours, you will avoid a huge line queue and enjoy better, with less people this amazing place.
The garden is located in the Laeken area, together with the Atomium and The Chinese Pavilion, this is why these sights can be visited together.
Atomium
Located in the Laeken area together with The Royal Greenhouse, Atomium is one of the most representative landmarks of Brussels. The futuristic structure which looks like an atom is a museum which offers one of the best panoramic views over the city. During the evening when the lights come on, it looks even more interesting.
The Japanese Tower and Chinese Pavilion
This site brings the charm and the beauty of Asia in Brussels, featuring a museum and a beautiful park surrounding the temples.
The local cuisine in Brussels
When it comes to trying out new foods, Brussels is a great place to start. Belgians are well known for frits, waffles, chocolate or beer and for a good reason. I love Belgian specialties and below are some of my favorites spots where I go every time I visit Brussels to try the best local specialties and enjoy the vibe.
Favorite chocolate shops
Chocolatier Darcis
Probably you will find it by chance, because this chocolate shop is located right in Grand Place. This is the right place to buy artisanal chocolate souvenirs, or just to try their delicious macaroons, chocolate or ice-cream.
Patisserie- Chocolaterie Yasushi Sasaki
This is my favorite stop in Brussels for chocolate, cakes, bread, croissants, macaroons, jam, all home-made. Yasushi Sasaki is a family business, very appreciated between the locals for the quality of the products they made. The address: 10 Avenue des Franciscains 1150 WSP Bruxelles, in Chant d’Oiseux neigborhood. You can get there with a direct bus (no 36) from Schuman (EU quarter).
Favorite brunch spots and restaurants
La Fabrique
This is my favorite brunch spot in Brussels and very popular among the locals as well. There are 2 La Fabrique in Brussels:
- La Fabrique Chatelain, address 122 rue Américaine, 1050 Bruxelles
- La Fabrique en Ville, address Boulevard de Waterloo 44, 1000 Bruxelles.
The second one has also a beautiful garden, perfect to stay outside, if the weather is good.
Since it’s so popular is better to call in advance in order to book your table.
Pistolet Original
“Pistolet” means a traditional type of bread with a crispy crush and soft inside. Don’t miss Pistolet Original, if you love home-made sandwiches, home-made steak tartar or cheese specialties.
Maison Antoine
Maison Antoine is the place for the very well appreciated Belgian frites. Belgians frites are a must try if you visit Belgium, together with waffles, chocolate and beer. Mostly, the frites are served in a paper cone or in a take away container.
Ellis Gourmet Burger
Don’t miss this place if you are a burger fan, because they serve gourmet delicious burgers. There are many Ellis Gourmet in Belgium and you will find at least 1 in other Belgian cities.
Nona
Nona is a lively and cool restaurant which serves a tasty pizza made from organic ingredients which are selected from Belgian farmers. It is a perfect place to eat good in Brussels.
The local beer
Even if I am not a regular beer drinker, I have to confess that Belgian beer is one of the best I have ever tried.
In Belgium, beer is a way of life. With over 1,500 varieties of beer available for you to try, you won’t have to look very far for your favorite brew. Whether you opt for a traditional Trappist beer or a local favourite, you’re sure to find something that will quench your thirst.
A good place for beer lovers in Brussels is BrewDog, located just across Brussels Central Station and a stone’s throw away from Grand Place. They serve many beer specialties produced locally by Belgians and, they also have an amazing terrace with a panoramic view over Brussels.
Where to stay in Brussels
The best place to stay in Brussels, considering proximity to major attractions, is the central area around the Grand Place. This historic square is surrounded by iconic landmarks, charming cobblestone streets, and a vibrant atmosphere. Staying in this area puts you within walking distance of several must-visit attractions.
Choosing accommodation in this central area ensures you are well-connected to public transportation, allowing for easy exploration of other neighborhoods and attractions throughout Brussels. It also provides the opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and the unique charm of its historic streets. Whether you opt for a luxury hotel, a boutique stay, or a budget-friendly option, the central area around the Grand Place offers an excellent base for your Brussels adventure.
In addition to the central area around the Grand Place, Brussels has several other neighborhoods that offer unique experiences and are well-suited for tourists. Here are a few alternative areas for accommodation:
- Ixelles/Elsene – known for its trendy and bohemian atmosphere.
- Saint-Gilles – A diverse and artistic neighborhood with a mix of cultures, it offers a more local, off-the-beaten-path experience
- European Quarter – well-connected by public transport, ideal for those interested in EU institutions and modern architecture
- Sablon/Zavel – close to the Royal Palace and the Museum of Fine Arts. Place du Grand Sablon is a charming square with cafes and a weekend antique market.
- Marolles/Marollen – close to the Magritte Museum and the Halle Gate, it boasts a mix of vintage shops, art galleries, and cafes.
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Woow, Walkcatwalk, you really outdid yourself! I’ve been living in Brussels for almost 5 years now, and indeed, you managed to discover those very cool and delicious places, us locals simply love. La Fabrique is truly a great place to have brunch on a weekend – do come prepared with an empty stomach and Yasushi Sasaki, or, the Japanese patiserie, as we call it here is simply the best. There are no better words to describe it – from the cakes, chocolate and macarons, to the croissants, pains au chocolat and breads – all is simply delicious (and low sugar).
I can’t wait to go to La Fabrique again. And the chocolate and the cookies from Yasushi are my favorite 🙂
So happy you like it.