Holiday Nerd

Brussels has a reputation for being one of the most boring cities in Europe — and, truthfully, that reputation didn’t appear from nowhere.

It’s not a city that overwhelms you with landmarks or dramatic scenery, and it lacks the instant charm of places like Bruges or Paris. However, written off entirely, it would be unfair. Brussels works best not as a standalone destination, but as part of a wider Belgium or northern Europe itinerary. Add it onto a trip to Bruges, Ghent or even Paris or Amsterdam, and it makes much more sense.

Manage expectations, focus on what it does well — food, architecture and European politics — and it can fill a day or possibly even two.

Why Visit Brussels?

• One of Europe’s most beautiful central squares
• World-class chocolate and waffles
• Excellent beer culture
• Home of the European Union institutions
• Easy to combine with Bruges or Ghent
• Compact and walkable centre

It’s not spectacular — but it’s convenient, central and good for a short stop..

Getting There

Brussels is extremely well connected.

Brussels Airport (BRU) offers frequent flights across Europe and beyond, with easy rail connections into the city centre taking around 20 minutes.

For many visitors from the UK, the most convenient option is the Eurostar, which runs directly from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi in just over two hours. The station connects easily to the rest of the city via metro and tram.

Brussels is also a major high-speed rail hub, linking easily to Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne and other European cities.

It combines particularly well with a trip to Bruges, which is around an hour away by train and offers a far more picturesque setting.

Where to Stay

Brussels has a wide range of accommodation, though it lacks the boutique charm of some other Belgian cities.

The main options include:

• International chain hotels – Particularly around the EU Quarter and near Brussels Midi
• Mid-range city hotels – Convenient and functional
• Boutique options – Limited but available near the Grand Place and Sablon

If possible, stay within walking distance of the historic centre rather than the EU Quarter, which can feel quiet and business-like outside working hours.

What to See & Do

Grand Place

Brussels’ standout attraction.

The Grand Place (Grote Markt) is one of Europe’s most impressive squares, surrounded by ornate guild houses and the striking Town Hall. It’s particularly atmospheric in the evening when illuminated.

If you see one thing in Brussels, make it this.

Every two years in August, the square hosts the Flower Carpet, when thousands of begonias create an enormous patterned display across the cobblestones — one of the city’s most spectacular sights.

Manneken Pis

The city’s most famous (and slightly baffling) landmark.

The Manneken Pis — a small bronze statue of a boy urinating — is free to visit and only a short walk from the Grand Place. Be prepared: it is much smaller than most people expect (no pun intended). It’s more of a novelty photo stop than a major attraction.

He’s frequently dressed in costumes (there are hundreds), and you can see many of them at the nearby GardeRobe MannekenPis Museum.

You might also stumble across his lesser-known counterparts:

• Jeanneke Pis (a squatting girl statue)
• Zinneke Pis (a dog)

Atomium

Built for the 1958 World Expo, the Atomium is a giant stainless-steel structure shaped like an iron crystal magnified billions of times.

You can go inside for exhibitions and views over the city. It’s slightly outside the centre but easy to reach by metro.

Mini-Europe

Right next to the Atomium, Mini-Europe features detailed miniature replicas of famous European landmarks — from the Eiffel Tower to Big Ben and the Acropolis.

It’s surprisingly well done and makes a good half-day combined visit with the Atomium, particularly if you’re travelling with children, have time to fill or want something a bit different.

European Parliament & EU Quarter

As the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels hosts the European Parliament.

You can visit the Parlamentarium for a free interactive exhibition explaining how the EU works. Even if politics isn’t your passion, it’s interesting to see the institutional side of the city.

Museums & Galleries

For classic city views, head to Mont des Arts, where you’ll get a postcard-style perspective of Brussels with the Town Hall spire rising in the distance.

Nearby you’ll find:

• The Royal Museums of Fine Arts
• Royal Palace of Brussels (open to visitors in summer)
• BELvue Museum

Other museums and galleries include

• Magritte Museum – Dedicated to the Belgian surrealist; a highlight and worth visiting if you enjoy surrealism.
• Belgian Comic Strip Centre – Celebrates Tintin and Belgium’s comic heritage.
• Train World – Surprisingly impressive if you enjoy design or engineering.

Seasonal Attractions

Christmas Markets (Winter)

The Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d’Hiver) Christmas market runs from late November through December, centred around Grand Place and Place Sainte-Catherine.

Expect wooden chalets, mulled wine, a Ferris wheel, light shows on the Grand Place, and festive projections. It’s lively and atmospheric but can get busy at weekends.

Flower Carpet (August – Even Years Only)

Every two years, the Grand Place is covered with a vast floral carpet made from thousands of begonias. It only lasts a few days but is one of Brussels’ most famous events.

Practical Information

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: French and Dutch (English widely spoken)
• Plugs: European plug sockets
• Getting around: Walkable centre; metro and trams for longer distances
• Safety: Exercise caution in certain areas, particularly around Brussels Midi station and parts of the city at night

Brussels does have areas that feel less polished, and petty crime can be an issue. Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly around major stations, and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.

Best Time to Visit Brussels

• Spring & Summer: The Grand Place and café culture are at their best.
• Autumn: Cooler but less crowded.
• Winter: The Christmas market adds atmosphere, and the Grand Place looks particularly striking when lit up.

Food & Drink in Brussels

Food and drink is where Brussels redeems itself. Belgian chocolate is world-class. Independent chocolatiers are everywhere, particularly around the Grand Place and Sablon. Even casual visitors will find themselves leaving with a box.

Other things to try:

• Belgian waffles – Street stalls and cafés alike
• Moules-frites – Mussels with fries
• Frites with mayonnaise – Simple but done properly
• Belgian beer – Vast variety, from Trappist ales to fruit beers

48 Hours in Brussels: The Perfect Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Centre

Morning

• Arrive in Brussels
• Visit the Grand Place
• Walk to Manneken Pis

Lunch

• Traditional Belgian brasserie near the centre

Afternoon

• Explore Sablon district
• Visit a chocolate shop or museum
• Optional museum stop (Magritte or Fine Arts)

Evening

• Beer tasting in a traditional bar

Day 2: Modern & European Brussels

Morning

• Visit the European Parliament / Parlamentarium
• Metro to the Atomium

Afternoon

• Final chocolate shopping
• Relax in the Grand Place before departure

Combining Brussels

Brussels works far better when paired with another destination these include:

• Bruges – Fairytale canals and medieval charm
• Ghent – Smaller crowds, similar architecture
• Antwerp – Fashion and design focus

It can even be combined with Paris or Amsterdam, both of which are easily reachable by high-speed train.

If you’re pairing Brussels with another city, you can comfortably see the highlights in one day — or even half a day, depending on how keen you are on museums and how leisurely you want to take things.

On a true whistle-stop visit, half a day is still enough to:

• Soak up the atmosphere with a Belgian beer or waffle
• See the Grand Place
• Walk past Manneken Pis (if only to say you’ve done it)
• Enjoy a relaxed lunch or early dinner
• Do some chocolate shopping

Final Thoughts

Brussels is not a city that dazzles. It’s functional, political and a little rough around the edges.

But it does have a spectacular central square, some of the best chocolate in Europe and enough to fill a day or two. As a standalone long weekend it may feel thin; as part of a wider itinerary, it works perfectly well.

Go with measured expectations — and a healthy appetite — and you’ll likely leave satisfied, if not completely converted.