Brussels Travel Guide: My Local Guide to the City I Studied In

On By saar.decosterIn Belgium

My Brussels Travel Guide is more than just a list of things to do. It is based on my personal experience of living, studying and spending a lot of time in Brussels.

From 2019 to 2022, I studied Occupational Therapy at Odisee, which meant Brussels became part of my everyday life: classes, coffee breaks, late trains home and spontaneous evenings with friends. I still return regularly, especially because friends and family continue to live there.

Because of that, I experience Brussels through familiar, local eyes rather than simply as a tourist.

Brussels is a city of contrasts. It is chaotic, elegant, messy, political, creative and multicultural all at the same time. It is also a city that I think is often misunderstood by visitors. You might not fall in love with Brussels immediately, but give it some time and explore beyond the most touristy streets, and you may start to see what makes it special.

If you’re planning to explore more than just Brussels, my Belgium Complete Travel Guide: Cities, Food, Festivals & Local Tips is a good place to start planning the rest of your trip.

Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium

Where to Stay in Brussels

Choosing the right neighbourhood can make a big difference to your Brussels experience. While staying directly around the Grand Place is convenient, I personally think some of Brussels’ other neighbourhoods offer a much better experience.

If you’re not sure where to stay, I’ve written a separate guide covering the best areas in much more detail:

→ Where to Stay in Brussels: Best Areas & Hotels

For a quick overview, these are some of my favourite areas for visitors:

Sablon / Zavel

Sablon is one of my favourite areas in central Brussels. It is elegant, walkable and filled with beautiful architecture, chocolate shops, cafés and antique stores.

It is a great choice if you want to stay somewhere central but slightly quieter than the busiest tourist areas.

Sainte-Catherine

Sainte-Catherine has a completely different atmosphere. The neighbourhood is lively, multicultural and packed with restaurants, cafés and bars.

I especially like this area in the evening when the streets come alive. If you enjoy food, drinks and a more energetic atmosphere, Sainte-Catherine is a great option.

Flagey / Ixelles

For a more local and student-friendly atmosphere, consider staying around Flagey and Ixelles.

You’ll find plenty of cafés, brunch spots, restaurants and bars, and the area has a much more residential feel than the historic centre.

Quartier Royal / Warandepark

The Royal Quarter is a good choice if you prefer beautiful architecture, museums and green spaces.

You’re close to the Royal Palace, Warandepark and several of Brussels’ major museums while still being within walking distance of the historic centre.

Grand Place / Historic Centre

If this is your first time in Brussels and convenience is your priority, staying around the Grand Place or Brussels Central Station can make sense.

You’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions, restaurants, shops and historic streets.

The downside is that this is also one of the busiest and most touristy parts of Brussels.

Areas I’d Be More Cautious About at Night

Brussels is generally easy to explore as a tourist, but like any large city, some areas around major transport hubs and quieter streets can feel less comfortable late at night.

If you’re unfamiliar with the city, I personally wouldn’t choose accommodation around Brussels-North / Gare du Nord simply because there are other areas I’d prefer for a tourist stay.

Some parts of Anderlecht and Molenbeek can also feel different depending on the exact street and time of day. This doesn’t mean you need to avoid entire neighbourhoods, but if you’re visiting Brussels for the first time, I’d personally choose a more central area.

My biggest tip: don’t choose your accommodation based only on price. A good location can make your Brussels trip significantly easier, especially if you’re only staying for one or two nights.

Short on time?

Here are my 4 favourite hotels in Brussels:

Grand Place & Historic Centre: Hilton Brussels Grand Place
Sainte-Catherine & Saint-Géry: Citadines Sainte-Catherine Brussels
Sablon & Royal Quarter: 9HOTEL SABLON
Ixelles / Flagey: Maison Flagey

Getting Around Brussels

Honestly, walking is one of the best ways to explore Brussels.

Many of the neighbourhoods and attractions in central Brussels are relatively close together. You can easily walk between areas such as the Marolles, Sablon, the Royal Quarter and Sainte-Catherine while discovering smaller streets and places you might otherwise miss.

For longer distances, Brussels has an extensive network of metro, tram and bus connections.

Metro and tram tickets cost around €2.10, although prices can change, so check the current fare before travelling.

If you’re travelling between Brussels and other Belgian cities, my guide to Getting Around Belgium: Trains, Buses & Public Transport explains how to get around the country by public transport.

Walking Between Upper and Lower Brussels

One useful local tip is the free elevator near the Palais de Justice.

Brussels has quite a noticeable difference in elevation between the Upper and Lower Town. Instead of walking up the steep streets, you can use the elevator near the Palais de Justice to make the journey much easier.

It’s particularly useful when walking between Marolles and Sablon.

How Many Days Do You Need in Brussels?

For most visitors, I recommend 2–3 nights in Brussels.

Two nights is enough to see many of the major sights while still having time to explore a few neighbourhoods. Three nights gives you more flexibility and allows you to slow down a little.

If you’re travelling around Belgium and want to see several Belgian cities, however, I wouldn’t necessarily spend your entire trip in Brussels.

Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven and other Belgian destinations all have something completely different to offer.

In fact, if your goal is to explore as much of Belgium as possible, I would consider staying in Ghent as a base and taking day trips to several other cities.

→ Check out my Ultimate Belgium Itinerary for inspiration on how to combine Brussels with other destinations around Belgium.

If Brussels is your main destination, however, 2–3 nights is the sweet spot.

Not sure which Belgian cities are actually worth adding to your trip? My Belgium Cities Compared: Which Belgian City Should You Visit? breaks down what each city is best for and which ones I’d prioritise.

Is Brussels Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, but I think you need to experience the city beyond the most touristy part around the Grand Place.

Brussels has incredible architecture, museums, food, nightlife and neighbourhoods, but one of my favourite things about the city is its multicultural atmosphere.

It is busy, international and constantly changing. You can walk from historic Belgian architecture to streets filled with completely different cultures, restaurants and languages within minutes.

That contrast is what makes Brussels interesting to me.

If you only have one day, I’ve also created a One Day Brussels Itinerary that combines iconic sights with neighbourhoods, food and some of my favourite local spots.

If you’re still deciding whether Brussels is worth adding to your itinerary, I’ve gone into more detail in Is Brussels Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion.

What To Do in Brussels

This is where Brussels truly shines: its neighborhoods, architecture, food and little streets. You can see many of the main highlights in a day, but I’d recommend taking your time and actually wandering between the sights instead of just ticking them off your list.

Classic Must-Sees

Grand Place / Grote Markt

  • Brussels’ most famous square, surrounded by stunning historic buildings.
  • Visit during the day and again in the evening when the buildings are beautifully lit up.

Manneken Pis

  • Tiny, touristy and slightly underwhelming, but still one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks.
  • It only takes a few minutes to see, so you can easily combine it with other sights.

Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule / Sint-Goedelekathedraal

  • Beautiful Gothic cathedral in the heart of Brussels.
  • Free to visit the main part of the cathedral.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

  • Perfect for a quick walk, especially if the weather isn’t great.
  • Beautiful 19th-century shopping arcade with chocolate shops, cafés and boutiques.

Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique

  • Large museum complex with an impressive collection of classical and modern Belgian art.
  • A good option if you’re interested in art and want to spend a few hours indoors.

Musée Magritte

  • One of the best museums to visit if you like surrealism and modern art.
  • Dedicated to René Magritte, Belgium’s famous surrealist artist.
  • Student ticket ~€3.

Atomium

  • Go inside for exhibitions and panoramic views over Brussels.
  • One of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks, built for the 1958 World Expo.

Quartier Royal / Warandepark

  • Beautiful area around the Royal Palace, perfect for a relaxed walk through the city.
  • Especially nice in summer, with greenery, terraces and views of the surrounding royal buildings.

Views & Upper Town

Place Poelaert

  • Huge square with one of the best panoramic views over Brussels.
  • You can sometimes find a Ferris wheel here in summer.

Palais de Justice

  • One of Brussels’ most impressive and dramatic buildings.
  • Located right next to Place Poelaert, so easy to combine with the viewpoint.

Place du Grand Sablon / Grote Zavel

  • Elegant square surrounded by chocolate shops, cafés and antique stores.
  • A lovely area to wander around and grab a coffee or something sweet.

Egmont Park

  • Quiet green park hidden behind the busy streets of central Brussels.
  • Perfect for a peaceful walk or a short break from sightseeing.

Top 3 Paid Experiences in Brussels

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Marolles & Flea Market

Personally, this is my favorite part of Brussels.

Place du Jeu de Balle hosts a daily flea market:

  • Every day: 9:00–14:00
  • Weekends: often until 15:00
  • Best time: Saturday or Sunday morning

Nearby, Rue Haute and Rue Blaes are full of vintage shops. For example, Pêle-Mêle, Ticky Tacky and Teguila Bijoux et Accessoires are great stops.

As a result, Marolles feels raw, creative, and extremely local.

Sainte-Catherine & City Vibes

Sainte-Catherine

  • Lively neighbourhood packed with bars, restaurants and cafés.
  • Great area to visit in the evening for food and drinks.

Vismarkt

  • Charming square surrounded by restaurants and outdoor terraces.
  • A nice spot to stop for lunch or drinks.

Halles Saint-Géry

  • Historic market hall turned into a cultural and social space.
  • Often hosts exhibitions, events and nightlife.

Botanique

  • Cultural centre known for concerts, exhibitions and events.
  • One of Brussels’ best spots for live music.

Gare Maritime

Great for food, drinks and exploring the impressive industrial architecture.

Former railway station transformed into a large indoor food and event space.

European Quarter

European Parliament

  • One of the most important European institutions and open to visitors.
  • Personally, I found it less exciting and a little disconnected from the rest of Brussels.

Planning your Brussels trip?

I created a Brussels Google Map with my favourite places and local recommendations, including things to do, coffee & brunch spots, restaurants, bars, shopping and more.
OR
Want to explore more of Belgium?
Get the Complete Belgium Google Map with 540+ saved places across the country.

Brussels Google Map: €2
Complete Belgium Google Map: €5

Food & Drinks in Brussels

Brussels has a great mix of specialty coffee, brunch spots, Belgian classics and international food. Here are some of my favourites:

Coffee & Brunch

Bouche

  • Small specialty coffee shop with a cosy atmosphere.
  • Great for a quick coffee stop.

Stella

  • Cosy specialty coffee bar in Saint-Gilles.
  • Known for creative lattes and homemade pastries.

Love Ciabatta

  • Small sandwich shop specialising in fresh ciabatta sandwiches.
  • Perfect for a quick and casual lunch.

Kawa Coffee

  • Specialty coffee, light brunch dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • A good spot for a slow morning.

La Fabrique en Ville

  • Brunch café located in Egmont Park.
  • Especially nice for breakfast or weekend brunch.

KAFEI

  • Trendy brunch and lunch spot with creative dishes.
  • Popular for a relaxed brunch.

Brunchy

  • A good option if you’re looking for something affordable.
  • Casual brunch restaurant with a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes.

If you’re mainly looking for good coffee and brunch spots, I’ve put together a separate guide to Best Coffee & Brunch Spots in Brussels, Belgium with more details about my favourite cafés.

Restaurants

If food is one of the main reasons you’re visiting Brussels, I’ve also put together a more detailed guide to 15 Best Restaurants in Brussels, Belgium with more places I’d recommend.

Belgian & Local Food

1. Basserie Boemvol

  • Belgian classics in a cosy setting.
  • Great for trying traditional Belgian dishes.

2. Pépin

  • Contemporary cuisine with an intimate atmosphere.
  • A good option for a more special dinner.

Burgers & Comfort Food

1. RAMBO

  • Casual spot known for burgers and comfort food.
  • Perfect for an easy, laid-back meal.

International Food

1. TOPE

  • Mexican rooftop restaurant with city views.
  • Great for food, drinks and a more lively evening.

2. DaLongYi Hotpot

  • Hotpot restaurant that’s especially fun with a group.
  • A great choice if you want something different.

3. Mappa Mundo

  • International restaurant with creative global dishes.
  • Good for sharing food and drinks.

4. De Wolf

  • Trendy restaurant serving modern dishes.
  • Nice option for a more contemporary dining experience.

5. Knees to Chin

  • Vietnamese street-style small plates.
  • Great for a quick and casual meal.

6. Koku Ramen

  • Cosy ramen spot serving comforting Japanese dishes.
  • Perfect for a cold or rainy day.

7. NONA Pasta

  • Fresh pasta in a casual setting.
  • Simple, hearty and delicious.

8. Chez Monsieur Yang

  • Chinese comfort food in a relaxed setting.
  • A good option for something different from Belgian cuisine.

9. Amadeus

  • Known for its unlimited spare ribs, served with baked potatoes and grilled meat dishes.
  • A fun choice if you’re hungry and want a casual dinner.

10. Dinghi

  • Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates using seasonal ingredients.
  • Great for sharing several dishes with friends.

Sweet Spots

1. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

  • Home to several elegant Belgian chocolate boutiques.
  • Perfect for picking up some Belgian chocolate or simply treating yourself while exploring the galleries.

Wine, Cocktails & Night

Lary

  • Stylish cocktail bar with a more intimate atmosphere.
  • A good spot for cocktails and a night out.

The Bank

  • Trendy bar in a former bank building.
  • Great for drinks in a unique setting.

Café des Minimes

  • Lively bar with a relaxed, local atmosphere.
  • Nice for drinks and a more casual night out.

Delirium Café

  • One of Brussels’ most famous bars, known for its huge beer selection.
  • Very touristy, but still worth experiencing at least once.

KaraFun

  • Perfect for a fun night out if you want something different from a typical bar.
  • Private karaoke rooms where you can sing with your friends.

Tips & Tricks

To enjoy Brussels fully, walk everywhere whenever possible.

Moreover, combining upper town and lower town gives the best experience. For example, flea markets in the morning pair perfectly with sunset views at Poelaert.

In general, Brussels is about neighborhoods rather than monuments. Therefore, taking your time is essential.

Daytrips from Brussels

Brussels is not just a city, it’s also a perfect base to explore other Belgian gems for a day.

Brussels is also a great base for exploring other Belgian cities and towns by train. Here are some of my favourite day trips, from shortest to longest journey.

Leuven

  • Around 25 minutes by train
  • Lively student city with beautiful architecture, cosy bars and a relaxed atmosphere
    → Find my Leuven Travel Guide

Ghent

  • Around 30 minutes by train
  • Medieval streets, canals, cosy cafés and a lively student atmosphere. One of my favourite Belgian cities
    → Find my Ghent Travel Guide

Antwerp

  • Around 40–50 minutes by train
  • Fashion, art, shopping and trendy cafés, perfect for a day of urban exploring
    → Find my Antwerp Travel Guide

Hasselt

  • Around 1 hour by train
  • Smaller and more relaxed, with great shopping, food and cosy streets
    → Find my Hasselt Travel Guide

Bruges

  • Around 1 hour by train
  • Cobblestone streets, canals, chocolate shops and fairytale-like architecture
    → Find my Bruges Travel Guide

Ostend

  • Around 1h10–1h20 by train
  • Belgium’s coast, with sandy beaches, fresh sea air and seafood by the sea
    → Find my Ostend Travel Guide

Durbuy

  • Around 1h45–2h by train and bus
  • Tiny, picturesque town in the Ardennes, perfect for a slower day surrounded by nature
    → Find my Durbuy Travel Guide

Brussels is also a great starting point for a bigger Belgium trip. For a route combining several cities, check out The Perfect Belgium Itinerary: 5 Days in Belgium.

Best Organised Day Tour to Bruges and Ghent

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Reflection

Brussels is rooftop sunsets at TOPE.

It is vintage hunting in Marolles.

It is ending up at karaoke in Sainte-Catherine.

Although the city can feel chaotic, that is exactly what makes it special. Ultimately, this Brussels Travel Guide shows a city that is messy, creative, political, and unforgettable

Planning Your Trip to Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between historic cities, lively student towns, coastal destinations and smaller hidden gems.

That’s why I’ve created my Belgium Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Belgium.

→ START HERE: Belgium Travel Guides
→ GET MY GOOGLE MAP: Belgium Google Map

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Frequently Asked Questions About Brussels

Is Brussels worth visiting?

Yes, Brussels is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in Belgian food, beer, architecture, history and culture. The city is also a great base for exploring other Belgian cities such as Bruges, Ghent and Leuven.

How many days do you need in Brussels?

I recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Brussels for a first visit. This gives you enough time to see the main sights, explore different neighbourhoods, try Belgian food and still have time to enjoy the city without rushing.

What is Brussels best known for?

Brussels is best known for the Grand Place, Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries, beer and the Atomium. It’s also the capital of Belgium and home to many European Union institutions.

What are the best things to do in Brussels?

Some of the best things to do in Brussels include visiting the Grand Place, seeing the Manneken Pis, exploring the Royal Quarter, visiting the Atomium and trying Belgian food and beer. The city is also great for simply wandering around its historic streets and neighbourhoods.

What food should you try in Brussels?

You definitely shouldn’t leave Brussels without trying Belgian waffles, fries, chocolate, beer and classic Belgian dishes. Brussels is also home to plenty of great restaurants, cafés and food spots.

What is the best area to stay in Brussels?

For a first visit, I’d recommend staying around the historic city centre and Grand Place if you want to be close to the main sights. Other areas can be better depending on whether you prefer nightlife, restaurants, a quieter atmosphere or easy access to public transport.

Is Brussels easy to get around?

Yes. Brussels is relatively easy to explore, especially by walking, metro, tram and bus. Many of the main sights in the historic centre are within walking distance of each other, while public transport makes it easy to reach areas further away.

Can you visit Brussels as a day trip?

Yes, you can see many of Brussels’ main highlights in one day, particularly if you focus on the historic centre. However, I’d recommend staying at least 2 days if you want to experience more of the city rather than simply ticking off the main sights.

Is Brussels expensive to visit?

Brussels can be more expensive than some other Belgian cities, but it’s still possible to visit on a reasonable budget. You can save money by choosing affordable local restaurants, using public transport and mixing paid attractions with free things to do.

What is the best time to visit Brussels?

Brussels is a year-round destination. Spring and early autumn are particularly pleasant for exploring the city, while December can be magical if you want to experience the Christmas atmosphere and markets.

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