BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Beautiful and historic with a fairytale charm, Brussels is a wonderful city for art, culture and culinary delight. Equally enjoyable as a spring city break or a cosy winter holiday, it has plenty to offer all year round; from historic landmarks and cathedrals, to Art Nouveau architecture, seasonal markets, and very pedestrian-friendly streets. One of the most pleasant, easy-to-enjoy cities in Europe.
TO STAY
Within walking distance to the historic hub of Brussels, The Hoxton is an ideal place to stay close to the centre but away from the crowds. A modern-retro style boutique hotel with a hip crowd and a laidback atmosphere; perfect for solo travellers, couples and friends. They offer a variety of room sizes but if you're looking at a longer or more comfortable stay, book one of the bigger options (like The Corner or The Biggy). The hotel also sits across the Botanic Gardens, which makes for a lovely morning stroll, and just a short walk to major landmarks like Galeries Royales Saint Hubert and the St Michael & Gudula Cathedral.
FOOD & DINING
CAFÉS & BAKERIES
KHOBZ
In the trendy neighbourhood of Ixelles, this sourdough-speciality bakery serves some of the best baked goods in the city. Everything from croissants to whole loaves, Khobz's weekly line-up is always excellent. Deep in flavour and baked to perfection. Notably the best croissant we've had in Brussels. It's a grab-and-go bakery but they serve excellent coffee and you can enjoy your baked goods just across the street on a park bench.
BROOD
Another Ixelles hotspot for sourdough bread and pastries, Brood serves a weekly line-up of staples like croissants, pain au chocolat, and pain suisse, as well as a range of seasonal specials and loaves sold either whole or by weight. Excellent pastries, especially if you catch them warm from the oven, good coffee, and a small seating area inside. Go early to avoid sell-out.
BATCH
This café-by-day, bistro-by-night in Ixelles is one of the trendiest spots in Brussels right now with sleek, minimal interiors and small-plates style dining. They serve a breakfast & lunch menu throughout the day (with Scandi inspired classics like bread, butter & cheese plates), alongside pastries from Brood, and a seasonal evening menu for dinner.
AUX MERVEILLEUX DE FRED
Though this is a French-born patisserie, Aux Merveilleux de Fred's speciality brioche (known as cramique) is absolutely worth a try, as well as their classic butter croissants and Belgian gaufres. Not to mention their world-famous Merveilleux meringues for dessert. There are two locations in the centre - the one on Rue du Marché aux Herbes is take-away only, whereas the one on Rue Auguste Orts offers table seating.
RESTAURANTS
Home to the original Filet Américain recipe (one of Belgium's traditional dishes), first created by Joseph Niels in 1926 and passed down through generations. Au Vieux Saint Martin is somewhat of a dining institution in Brussels with a long-standing reputation, frequented by locals and travellers alike, and it's one of the best places to enjoy authentic Belgian cuisine. The menu offers a variety of local specialities like vol-au-vent, stoemp saucisse, chicons au gratin, and beef carbonnade. But if you have only one Filet Américain in Brussels, it should be here. The restaurant operates all day on a walk-in basis only, but the service is quick and the wait isn't too long if you avoid peak hours. Located on the charming Place du Grand Sablon. This is busiest and most popular location of the Niels Family Group, but they do have a few other restaurants around the city with similar menus (like Au Savoy, The Canterbury, and Au Grand Forestier).
A small family-style brasserie in Uccle, just a short drive from the centre. Nestled among the trees in a quiet neighbourhood and a cosy wood cabin setting, it's a delightful escape for a slow, leisurely lunch. The menu changes every one or two weeks depending on fresh produce and seasonal ingredients; but you can always expect a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian options, as well as their famous sharing-bowl of pommes frites (which are alone worth going for!) and filet Américain on Saturdays. A pleasant and heart-warming place to dine among locals.
An old-fashioned inn now headed by talented chefs, In't Spinnekope quickly became a culinary hotspot for hearty Belgian food and beer. The place is still very much in its original shape with rustic wood furnishings, dim lighting, and an intentional shabbiness. In turn you can also expect good food, friendly service, and a warm atmosphere. The menu focuses on hearty Belgian staples like stoemp-saucisse and slow-braised Flemish stew, both of which are excellent. Reservations recommended because they do fill up every night (make sure to ask for a table downstairs). Just a short walk from the Bourse or Place Saint-Catherine.
BELGIAN SPECIALITIES
For the best and most traditional taste of Belgian speculoos, Maison Dandoy was the first to create this recipe in 1828. They make a range of speculoos and butter biscuits to try, as well as the most decadent speculoos pâte à tartiner (which is deeper and richer than the Lotus Biscoff spread). The city is dotted with Dandoy shops, but the oldest one sits on Rue au Beurre and the nicest one (with a tea room and waffle bar as well) is at Galerie du Roi.
NEUHAUS
The inventor of the Belgian praline, Neuhaus is an essential stop on any Belgian chocolate tasting-tour. They have boutiques all over the city, with two of their biggest locations on Grand Place and at Galerie De La Reine; and for some of the richest mousse chocolat, visit the Neuhaus Atelier just next door to the Galerie shop.
One of the more classic and traditional chocolatiers, Mary is a quintessential stop not only for the rich and decadent chocolate but because it is completely exclusive to Belgium. Their Art Deco boutiques and old-fashioned packaging make it a delightful and charming experience. Makes for a perfect gift as well. The original boutique sits on Rue Royale, with two other shops at Galerie De La Reine and Grand Place.
Another unique and exclusive chocolatier to try, with a few boutiques around Belgium and only one in Paris, Elisabeth makes some of the most delicious artisanal sweets and Belgian delicacies - everything from chocolates and traditional melocakes, to waffles, biscuits, and nougatine. If you're chocolate shopping on Rue au Beurre, stop for a taste of their unique sweets.
PIERRE MARCOLINI
For some of the best hot chocolate, Marcolini's is second to none. Rich, dark and velvety, like sipping on pure melted chocolate. Served at select locations in the winter only, usually at Galeries Royales.
GALET
The city is dotted with waffle shops and chains, which can be overwhelming for choice, but Galet makes one of the better street-shop liege waffles. Nicely crisp and caramelised on the outside, with a soft and buttery (almost gooey) inside, and a batter so flavourful it can be enjoyed plain. There are two locations around the corner from one another near Passage du Nord.
For some of the best pomme frites in the city, Café Georgette is an essential stop. Most of the popular shops make very similar looking and tasting fries (pale, short, and stubby), but the ones at Café Georgette are completely different and more restaurant-style than others. Fried twice in beef fat oil (as is traditional of Belgian frites), the fries are perfectly crisp with a rich flavour and a deep golden colour. Generous portions, always fried to order, and absolutely delicious. Surprisingly not nearly as busy as other famous spots. Located just a short walk from Galeries Royales and around the corner from Grand Place and Rue au Beurre.
If there's only one other friterie to visit in Brussels, Frites Atelier should be it. This upscale and gourmet friterie completely deserves the hype. Excellent quality potatoes all identically cut and fried to order by a timer/thermometer for perfect results every time. Thick-cut with a golden crisp exterior that nicely soaks up the oil and a fluffy almost croquette-like texture inside, they've perfected their fries to a science. The house-made sauces and toppings are equally delectable, with a selection of croquettes and burgers for a fuller meal. There's spacious seating indoors and a few high tables outside to enjoy the food. There's almost always a queue but it's absolutely worth the wait. Just around the corner from Place Saint-Catherine.
PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO
GRAND PLACE
The heart and centre of Brussels, Grand Place is a beautiful square framed with Gothic-Baroque architecture. As the city's main square, it's an ideal place to start exploring the historic landmarks. It also branches out into many of the major areas like Quartier Royal and Sablon, and it puts you within walking distance to places like Galeries Royales and Rue au Beurre.
GALERIES ROYALES SAINT HUBERT
The oldest and longest shopping gallery in Brussels, Galeries Royales is made up of three arcades lined with luxury boutiques, gourmet chocolatiers and cafés. A wonderful place to stroll through and pick up some of the finest Belgian chocolate on the way. It's also surrounded by other shopping streets to explore like Rue au Beurre and du Marché aux Herbes.
ST MICHAEL & GUDULA CATHEDRAL
A beautiful medieval Catholic cathedral in the centre of Brussels, just a short walk from Grand Place and Galeries Royales. One of the biggest and most important churches to visit in the city.
MONT DES ARTS & QUARTIER ROYAL
These two historic quarters have many of the major landmarks to visit within walking distance to each other. Mont Des Arts is a beautiful garden square just below Place Royal, and in the warmer seasons it makes for a wonderful stroll to or from the Quartier Royal. From there you can visit the Royal Library, the Royal Palace and Parc de Bruxelles for a scenic walk, the Musical Instrument Museum as well as the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. There's much to see in this area and it's just a short walk to Grand Place on one side and Sablon on the other.
The biggest and most important museum complex in Brussels, housing 6 different museums - including the Old Masters Museum, the Magritte Museum, and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum. The building itself is beautiful and houses so many significant masterpieces to see. Purchase a combined ticket for full access.
SABLON
One of the most charming areas to explore in Brussels, Sablon is a busy and lively neighbourhood dotted with artisanal shops, two historical squares and a church. Start at the beautiful Square du Petit Sablon and a visit to Église Notre Dame du Sablon; then make your way down to the bigger Square du Grand Sablon where you'll find many luxury boutiques to browse through, including the Sablon Antique Centre, the Taschen Bookshop, and Costermans. Make sure to stop by Au Vieux Saint Martin for lunch or dinner, and pick up some sweets from Neuhaus, Dandoy, or Pierre Marcolini just around the corner.
PLACE SAINTE-CATHERINE
Another busy and lively area to explore in Brussels is Place Saint-Catherine, which also branches out into smaller streets lined with shops and restaurants. In the heart of the square is the beautiful Église Sainte-Catherine and the scenic Anspach Fountain. Around the corner is Frites Atelier for some of the best fries in the city and Noordzee for traditional street-side Belgian fish snacks. Just a short walk from there is Rue Antoine Dansaert for up-and-coming fashion brands and trendy cafés.
BOURSE DE BRUXELLES
The former Stock Exchange of Brussels was housed in a gorgeous, high-domed building with many of its original fixtures and signage. It's worth a quick visit if you're near Place Saint-Catherine or Rue au Beurre, just a short walk from either one.
ART NOUVEAU HOUSES
*Brussels is home to the Art Nouveau movement and these are some essential houses to visit.
Victor Horta is one of the founding fathers of Art Nouveau architecture and design, and there's no better place to see his genius at play than his former family house & workshop. The Horta Museum retains almost every original detail of the house - from stained glass and murals, to the ornate iron rails and original pieces of furniture. It's a wonderful window into the life and work of Horta, with multiple floors and rooms to see. Pre-booked tickets are strictly required.
Just a short walk from the Horta Museum, Maison Hannon is a historic townhouse designed by Jules Brunfaut for the Hannon family. Inspired by Horta and the prevalent Art Nouveau style of the time, Maison Hannon offers an ornate example of this design era. Starting off with a stand-out white brick facade, wrought-iron fixtures and a protruding half-round balcony, it's hard to miss the entrance of the house on Avenue Brugmann. Inside, a beautiful mural staircase and light-filled winter garden immediately catch the eye. It's a small house with much of the upper floor still under renovation, but the central area downstairs is worth a visit. Purchase a combined ticket with the Horta Museum to visit any time throughout the day.
Designed by Horta for the Solvay family, this is one of the grandest Art Nouveau homes in the city. With a dramatic imperial staircase, stained glass ceilings, and larger-than-life wall murals, Hôtel Solvay is absolutely stunning at first sight. For preservation purposes, most of the rooms are railed off but easy to see in full view from where you stand. Besides the Horta Museum, this is perhaps the second most impressive design by Horta. Visiting times are very limited and pre-booked tickets are required, so make sure to book this one much in advance.
Also designed by Victor Horta, Hôtel Van Eeetvelde is famous for its octagonal rotunda interior and winter garden surmounted by skylight and wrought-iron fixtures in typical Art Nouveau style. There's also a beautiful, olive-green dining room clad with stylistic details. A short and quick visit, pre-booked tickets also recommended.
This former family home in the elegant neighbourhood of Schaerbeek is another famous design of Horta's and one of the bigger Art Nouveau houses to visit, with multiple floors and rooms to see. It's charming and cosy, with many real-life details still set about the rooms. Reservations not required for visits.
Another exceptional Art Nouveau house to visit, designed by Paul Cauchie in 1905. With a remarkable allegorical sgraffito facade, equally ornate interiors and multiple living rooms, there's much to see here. Visiting days are limited to the first weekend and third Saturday of every month, so do check in advance. If you're in the Etterbeek area, just the exterior alone is worth seeing.
DAY TRIPS
BRUGES
Just an hour away by train, Bruges is a quaint little town north of Brussels. It has a medieval-fairytale charm to it with historic buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and scenic canals. It makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip of just wandering around, popping into boutiques, visiting a historic site or two, and enjoying the waterside views. It's small and easy to explore in a few hours, and almost completely pedestrian. There are trains running to and from Brussels approximately every 20 minutes.
ANTWERP
Second to Brussels and just an hour by train, Antwerp is one of Belgian's biggest cities to explore; and it's equally historic as it is modern. Everything from old buildings and cultural museums, to modern art and design as well as upscale shopping, there's a nice balance of activities to occupy an entire day. Some must-see places include the opulent Central Station, the charming Grote Market and Cathedral of Our Lady, the MAS for art or DIVA Museum for diamond history, and a stroll down the main shopping street Meir. Go for an afternoon snack at Frites Atelier and some of Antwerp's iconic sweets from Philip's Biscuits just across. Enjoy a proper lunch or dinner among locals at Ciro's, an excellent old-school restaurant for Belgian cuisine (and some of the best Flemish stew); it's almost always busy and reservations are required. Antwerp is pretty big and there's plenty to do; if you're only visiting for the day, go as early as possible to explore more of it.
SHOPPING
GALERIES ROYALES SAINT HUBERT
The longest and most beautiful shopping gallery in Brussels, the 200 meter Galeries Royales is made up of three ornately decorated arcades. Lined with a variety of luxury boutiques, gourmet chocolatiers and cafés, it's a wonderful place to stroll and browse. Some of the best Belgian chocolate boutiques (like Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini and Mary) can be found next door to one another here, and most notably one of the biggest locations of Maison Dandoy. The gallery is just a short walk to or from Grand Place.
RUE AU BEURRE
Following its namesake, Rue Au Buerre (which literally translates to Butter Street) was originally a milk market and now known for its tempting lineup of chocolatiers, sweets shops and patisseries. Just around the corner from Galeries Royales, it's a perfect extension of boutique shops to browse on the way to Grand Place.
ANTIQUES
In the charming square of Grand Sablon, the Sablon Antique Centre showcases an interesting and upscale selection of antique furniture, tableware and accessories. For a more casual browse, Passage 125 Blaes is a three-storey market with an overwhelming amount of vintage furniture and tableware, secondhand clothes, original books and records, and miscellaneous memorabilia.
AVENUE LOUISE
For upscale shopping and luxury boutiques, Avenue Louise is the Champs-Elysees of Brussels. It's one of the largest and widest streets in the city, a little outside the historic centre and closer to the Ixelles district.