WHAT TO DO IN BRUSSELS?
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a super fun city just a few hours away from the Netherlands. A weekend in Brussels is therefore definitely recommended for those who do not want to go too far and still want to have a good time abroad. Brussels is a pleasant city with nice beer cafés, charming streets and beautiful sights. In short: all the ingredients for a fun city trip! In this blog I answer the question: ‘What to do in Brussels?’ and I share all my tips for a city trip to Brussels!
HOW TO GET TO BRUSSELS
Brussels is approximately 170 kilometers from Utrecht and is therefore ideal for a short city trip close to home. You can reach Brussels in different ways. Most choose to go by car or train. You can drive to the capital of Belgium in about 2 hours by car.
✈ Train tickets: You can view the current departure times and ticket prices via the NS website.
OUR FAVORITE HOTELS IN BRUSSELS
The capital of Belgium naturally has an infinite number of hotels and that is why it is sometimes difficult to make a choice at which hotel you can spend the night. We slept at Novotel Brussels Grand ourselves and I can definitely recommend you to do this. This four-star hotel has spacious rooms, are nicely decorated and the beds sleep wonderfully! Next to that, you are right next to the Grand Place. You can get a room here from 161 euros per night. Are you looking for a slightly cheaper alternative? At Gresham Belson Hotel Brussels you already have a double room from 80 euros per night. Or sleep in a youth hostel where you have a double room from 59 euros per night.
WHAT TO DO IN BRUSSELS?
Brussels is a big city and there is plenty to do during a weekend break. We visited Brussels for two days, but you can also enjoy yourself for three days. Read below what you can do during a weekend in Brussels!
✈ Tip: Don’t feel like walking all day? Then get a ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus. If you plan to visit several museums and places of interest, it can be advantageous to purchase a Brussels City Pass. With this pass you get free access to certain activities and discounts at many restaurants, sights and tours.
MANNEKE PIS IN BRUSSELS
You’ve probably seen it pass by: the statue of Manneken Pis. Many foreigners come to Brussels for a weekend especially for this statue. I found it a bit disappointing, because it really is a very small statue. But while you’re there, you might as well visit this one, but don’t expect too much! And did you know that there is also a Mrs. Pis, her name is Schannulekke and she is about 500 meters away from Manneken Pis. And there is also a dog named Zinneke, another 500 meters away. A super fun round to walk, together with the kids and certainly not too far.
✈ Tip: Stop along the way to eat a delicious Belgian waffle.
HAVE A DRINK ON THE GRAND PLACE IN BRUSSELS
Like many Belgian cities, Brussels also has a Grand Place where it is super cozy and atmospheric. The square forms the heart of the city and is surrounded by beautiful buildings. The town hall is also definitely a must-see building. Furthermore, we especially liked to drink a Belgian beer on one of the terraces. This way you can enjoy a delicious beer and have a view of this beautiful square! We enjoyed a burger at the Hard Rock Café with the children. They love to go there, because of the loud music and fries.
SHOPPING IN THE NEWSTRAAT IN BRUSSELS
Shopping is the best thing to do during a weekend in Brussels. Do you have an afternoon to spare and do you like shopping? Then you can shop best in the Nieuwstraat.
VISIT THE ICON OF BRUSSELS: ATOMIUM
Just like Manneken Pis, there is another icon of Brussels: the Atomium. This monument is located in the Heysel Park and is not really in the center. It is therefore best to go by public transport or with the Hop on Hop off bus. The Atomium was built in 1958 in honor of the World’s Fair. Today there is a museum in the Atomium and you can climb the monument for a beautiful view of Brussels. Tickets for the Atomium cost 16 euros and can be purchased online in advance.
✈ Tip: Visit the Choco-Story Brussels, you learn how first the Mayas, then the Aztecs, grew cocoa trees, how the cocoa bean conquered Europe and how cocoa is made into chocolate. A master chocolate-maker prepares pralines right in front of you while tasting chocolate is naturally part of the tour. A small shop sells various samples for those who want to take a part of the museum home. And of course our children were mesmerized! And loved all the chocolate they could eat.
