Brussels is one European capital that’s easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe. The whole little country of Belgium is easy to miss, but it’s one that you really shouldn’t. It has lots to offer. This grand old city is not only the capital of Belgium, it’s the Capital of the European Union.
Something you’ll have to get used to in all of Belgium, is that there are two languages – everywhere. Dutch and French, so you’ll often see signs in both languages. It’s “Brussels” in English, “Brussel” in Dutch and “Bruxelles” in French. You’ll get along fine in either language or English. Our friends in Belgium slip from one language to another with ease that puts us to shame.
Right in the center of the city is where you want to be. “La Grand Place” or “Grote Markt” is the main square right in the heart of the old town. This huge cobble stone square is surrounded by the city tower and 300 year old buildings, most of which were guild halls.
There are really only a few old streets left around the square, but they’re fun to wander. Shop for Belgian chocolates. Have Belgian Waffles with caramelized sugar on the square. (Luikse wafel or gaufre de Liege). Definitely have a Belgian beer. The Belgians are known for their beer. There are over a hundred breweries in this little country producing hundreds of different brands and many types of beer!
When you stop to eat, you’ll have to have mussels (moules). You can have French fries (fritjes or frites) with them, or have fritjes as a snack. If you want to eat those fries as the Belgians do, have them with mayonnaise. The first time we visited friends in Belgium, they made it a point to serve us Brussels sprouts… but you don’t have to eat those if you don’t want to! If you order any of these as a snack, you can take them and sit on steps or benches around the square just as the locals do.
Just a short walk from the Grand Place-Grote Markt is the Manneken Pis. EVERYONE wants to see this fountain with its funny little statue. And it is little… smaller that you think it will be… especially since it’s reputation precedes it all over the world. You know what we’re talking about… the funny bronze statue of a little boy… well, Manneken Pis says it all doesn’t it? Maybe he had one too many beers?
There is a museum full of little outfits that have been created for the little boy. If you’re lucky (or unlucky depending on your viewpoint), you might even see him dressed in one, but they are usually kept in the museum. Signs will direct you to the corner where he stands.
For a little culture, visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts off one end of the main square. There are two museums linked together here, the Ancient Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. If you like early Flemish masters, the Ancient Art Museum is for you.
You probably don’t need to spend more than two or three days in Brussels to see it well before you move on to other areas of Belgium or Europe, but really, it’s a great city that you shouldn’t miss.
Here are favorite Brussels Tours
Private Tour: Brussels City Sightseeing Tour
Price: $165.23
Embark on a private tour through Brussels, chauffeured in your own vehicle by your knowledgeable driver guide. This three hour tour can be customized to your liking and includes five local beer samples to really give you a taste for Belgian pleasures.
Brussels City Hop On Hop Off Tour
Price: $23.79
Marvel at the best of Brussels from an open-top double-decker bus, complete with informative commentary. You have the option to hop-on and off as many times as you like at any of the 12 stops for your own sightseeing. With bus departures every 30 minutes and tickets valid for 24 hours after first use, this is the perfect way to orientate yourself with Belgium’s capital.
Bruges Express City Tour from Brussels
Price: $44.94
Upon arrival in Bruges you will visit the Lake of Love (Minnewater) and the Beguinage (convent).
Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop
Price: $92.53
You’ll pound the pavement in Brussels on a four hour guided walking tour with a twist as you following the trail of Brussels? top chocolate shops. A chocoholics dream! Your knowledgeable local guide will point out the major sights and explain the history of Brussels and why its famous for mouth watering chocolate. You will enjoy free samples and tastings of delectable Belgian chocolates and learn to make sweet Belgian treats in a workshop with a “Master Chocolatier”.
Brussels Beer Tasting Tour
Price: $66.09
Take this Brussels beer-tasting tour to discover why Belgium is so famous for its mouth-watering beers! No country in the world boasts a brewing tradition as rich and diverse as Belgium s, and this tour is the perfect way to visit some of the finest breweries, learn about the country’s beer heritage and taste great beers. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 people on this small group Brussels Beer tasting tour, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.
Brussels Night Walking Tour: Gourmet Belgian Food
Price: $105.75
Discover Brussels, the gourmet city, by night on this fantastic three hour, small-group, foodie walking tour! Visit Brussels? tastiest restaurants, meet well-known chefs, taste Belgian specialties and learn about the city s history and culinary traditions. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 people on this small group walking tour, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable food expert. A great trip for food and history lovers!
Brussels Half-Day City Tour
Price: $31.72
Choose between a morning or afternoon guided coach tour and get better acquainted with Brussels. See the world-famous market square, glance at the remarkable city hall and discover the secrets of Belgium chocolates on this comprehensive half-day tour. Sit back and relax as you soak in the historic highlights of Belgium’s culture capital.