I used my extended Queen’s Jubilee weekend to full advantage and took the Eurostar to Brussels for 4 days. A client of mine had advised that I’ll never need a full 4 days to see Brussels. And they were entirely right, even a day trip to Bruges and I was still struggling to stay entertained in this compact city – however, I still enjoyed my time there.
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, is a city that truly has something for everyone. From its rich history and cultural heritage to its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, Brussels is a destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
One of the highlights of a visit to Brussels is the chance to explore the city’s historic centre. The Grand Place, the central square in Brussels, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful historic city centres in Europe. The square is surrounded by stunning Gothic buildings, including the Town Hall and the Bread House, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
I was staying only 2 streets away from the central plaza and was able to capture its beauty both during the day and at night. Even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a military band parade on one evening.
Would I go back – it’s unlikely – but yes if I remember to take my camera!
Would I recommend it – yes
The joy of this city is that it is very compact. And with everywhere I go, exploring on foot is a must! From the old centre walk up towards Mont des Arts and you’ll start to see the grandeur of the Brussels Arts industries, museums and arts venues thrive in this area. From here you can either stroll past the Royal Palaces or cut through the park – adaptly named Brussels Park. Although you’re now in the embassy district and stuck on a few large roads, taking the direct route to the Triumph Arch lends itself to giving you the best view, it’s an impressive structure surrounded once again by beautiful parks and more National museums.
I decided against heading to the ‘must-visit’ attraction The Atomium, an iconic landmark representing the city’s innovative spirit. The Atomium is a 102m tall building that offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Visitors can ride to the top of the structure and explore the various exhibitions that showcase Belgium’s history and cultural heritage. It’s on the outskirts of town, with little less in the area that’s worth visiting and many of the Google reviews led me down the pessimistic path that it’s a glorified viewing tower.
However, if you’re a chocolate lover, then Brussels is definitely the place for you. The city is famous for its delicious chocolate and has a long history of producing some of the finest chocolate in the world. Whether you’re looking for artisanal chocolates or simply want to indulge in some sweet treats, you’ll find plenty of options in Brussels.
Now, the waffle, I spent a while (in the rain) trying to find out the best waffles to try! And, sadly, I was disappointed. Whether it was the hype, the toppings, or the fact I’d spent far too long trying to find ‘the best’.
Maybe it was even the fact it was vegan.
When it comes to dining, Brussels has plenty to offer. From classic Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) to contemporary cuisine, the city has a thriving food scene. And of course, no trip to Brussels would be complete without sampling some of the country’s famous beers. With over 1,500 beers produced in Belgium, you’re sure to find something to your taste.
The Top 3 food finds I would recommend are:
For the Belgian classics – Aux Armes de Bruxelles – and still decorated in a 1920’s European bistro this offers an authentic dining experience. The cheese board and wine list are both exceptional!
For something different – Baladi – this Syrian restaurant is a hidden gem sitting waiting to be discovered. Catering to vegans, it’s slightly on the pricey end but worth the weight in flavour and portion size.
And of course, for the beer drinking that Belgium is renowned for – A l’Iamaige Nostre-Dame – This tucked away pub is a genuine local, offering a great selection of regional beers and being off the beaten path it’s a great hideaway.
Belgium is renowned for its cartoons, most notably Tin Tin, and this is captured epically in the 100+ street murals around Brussels. And another thing to take advantage of within the city is its obvious links to the EU, there’s a great free exhibition amongst the many impressive Parliament buildings. With a final travel trip, a majority of the city’s museums are free on the first Sunday of every month, a great way to learn more about this incredible city.
Overall, Brussels is a city that has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history and culture, food and drink, or want to experience a new and exciting destination.
Bruges
The day trip to Bruges was a big highlight of the trip – ever since the Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson film from 2008 this has always been a must-visit. And yes, the tower stairs to the Belfry are very narrow although no longer 5 Euro, now 14€
Bruges often referred to as the “Venice of the North”, is a picturesque and charming city located in the northwest region of Belgium. The central plaza is beautifully surrounded by historical buildings before finding the boutiques and hidden gems down any number of the streets leading away. However, it’s the areas on the outskirts of town that win this beauty award. The canals, parks and courtyards are all beautiful in their own right. Bruges is a popular destination for those seeking a taste of old-world Europe.
One of the must-visit sights in Bruges is the iconic Markt Square. The Markt is the heart of the city, surrounded by stunning Gothic and Renaissance buildings, including the Belfry Tower and the town hall. The square is also home to a vibrant market, where visitors can browse for souvenirs and sample some of the local cuisines. Take advantage of the lesser-known tower at the Provinciaal Hof followed by the Grand Beer Cafe both offer great views of the square without the crowds while still enjoying the afternoon sun.
Another highlight of a visit to Bruges is the chance to explore the city’s numerous canals. Opting to not take one of the many leisure boat tours and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city on foot along the picturesque canal-side paths and admire the beautiful reflections of the buildings and bridges.
When it comes to dining, Bruges has a variety of options to suit all tastes. From traditional Belgian cuisine to contemporary fusion dishes, the city has a thriving food scene that is sure to delight even the most discerning of palates. And of course, no visit to Bruges would be complete without sampling some of the local specialities, such as waffles, chocolate, and beer.
Finally, for those seeking a bit of relaxation, Bruges has plenty of tranquil parks and gardens to enjoy. The Minnewater, for example, is a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for picnics and strolls. And a lovely way to be introduced to the centre when walking from the train station into the city centre.
In conclusion, Bruges is a city that truly has something for everyone. And somewhere I would definitely go back to and would 100% recommend.
Andy Cook 