City Guide Brussels: Tips from a local for a wonderful two day visit

You might have heard of Brussels in the past few years and what you’ve probably heard about my city wasn’t exactly all positive. One of my favourite quotes was this one:

“I was in Brussels a long time ago, 20 years ago, so beautiful, everything is so beautiful — it's like living in a hellhole right now.”
Donald J. Trump

What I am offering you right now is a quick guide from a local, someone who actually lives in Brussels. Even my close friends who live in other parts of Belgium ask me sometimes what one should do when spending the weekend or a few days in Brussels. This is a tricky question as Brussels has a lot to offer for all kinds of people. So I am going to narrow it down to what I would consider to be a weekend or a few days well spent in the EU Capital. Let’s begin…

Day 1

As starting point I’ll go for the obvious and take you to the Grand Place (Unesco World heritage site). Let the architecture and atmosphere carry you away to medieval times. Explore the small streets in and around the Grand Place as well. If you’re feeling hungry, go and grab one of our delicious waffles! You won’t regret it. In need of a caffeine fix? The cosy Café Capitale is just around the corner. Here you can take a well-deserved break. A short walk away you’ll find another landmark of Brussels, albeit a bit smaller than you might think: the Manneken Pis. Feel free to laugh or be disappointed when you first see it (you wouldn’t be the first one).

Our next stop is the beautiful Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, arguably one of the oldest (if not the oldest) shopping arcade in Europe. Here you’ll find some of the most well-known Belgian chocolatiers. Feel free to purchase some, they’re delicious. These beautiful galleries will automatically take you to the famous Rue des Bouchers with all its restaurants. Here waiters will try and get you to eat at their restaurant throughout your walk, it’s all part of the charm. However, I would not suggest to eat here, as there are a lot more and better options to choose from.

Not too far from the Galeries Royales and in the city centre there’s my favourite stop to grab something to eat during the afternoon. I suppose you’ll be getting quite hungry after that waffle now. I’m talking about Noordzee – Mer du Nord at Place Saint Catherine. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Experience delicious seafood meals in the shadow of the Saint Catherine church.

Finished with your meal? Well then this will give you enough time to take a relaxing walk towards the Mont des Arts to enjoy an amazing sunset view over the city. Trust me you will not regret it. I myself never get tired of this view. Walk a little bit further and you’re at the Royal Palace. Also a must see.

By now it will be almost dinner time. So time to head back to the city centre. Go back to the Grand Place and marvel at the beautiful facades all lit op. It will almost be magical. As for dinner, there are numerous great options in the Rue Dansaert right across the Bourse de Bruxelles. One of my favourites would be Bonsoir Clara. But plenty of other options are available (Moroccan, tapas, etcetera).

Had your fill? Then head up to Place Saint-Géry right next door for a couple of Belgian Beers. More than enough bars to choose from and a lot more beers to choose from. If you’re lucky my go-to bar, the Bizon Bar, will have a (small) live concert scheduled the night you’re there. If so, sit back and enjoy with my favourite beer: Omer.

Day 2

Your second day starts with a visit to the Marolles Flea Market. If you’re a bit like my you’ll find it hard not to buy something here. You can find basically anything here, from vintage clothing to second-hand ornaments and paintings… You name it, they probably have it. The Marolles neighbourhood also has tons of vintage and antique shops for you to wander through. After some haggling you’ve probably earned a little break in Pin Pon, which is situated right on the square where the flea market is.

Ready to move on? Then you can make your way towards the Marolles Elevator, which will take you right up to the Brussels palace of Justice and Place Poelaert. Here you can enjoy another amazing view over the city. The Palace of Justice is still being renovated, but you can still admire its beauty. Fun fact: it was Hitler’s favourite building, he was tremendously fond of it.

Next stop, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), but it’s not what you think. We’re having lunch here. They have one of the best rooftops in Brussels and it’s perfect for a late brunch or lunch. Charge your batteries here and let the view soak in.

A visit to the Parc du Cinquantenaire is still on the agenda to finish the two day Brussels adventure. Take a stroll through the park, walk under the Triumph Arch and maybe you’ll feel like visiting the Royal Museum of Art and History, Autoworld or the Royal Military Museum. All can be found on the site. Maybe finish in style with a bottle of wine or some beers in the Grand Central bar near the park.

I hope this guide will convince you to visit my city (again) and experience it to the fullest.
Enjoy!