Top 5 must-do’s in Brussels, Belgium
Belgium is one of the most fascinating countries in Europe with its ties to the French and the Dutch – it’s not easy being the “middle” child – but what it does make up for is its culture: a delicious mix of different tastes, flavours, and colours that make Belgium absolutely unique.
If you’re visiting Brussels, here are 5 must see’s or do’s when you’re in the city.
1) Moules Frites
A meal of moules frites – a giant bowl of fresh-cooked mussels and French fries or frikots – is one of the first thing that you must do when you arrive in Brussels or Belgium. You can generally find it on nearly every restaurant menu in the city for around 20 EUR, but for your best bet, try Chez Leon (Rue des Bouchers-Beenhouwerstraat 18, near Grote Mark’t)– one of the oldest moules frites operations in the city and one of the best; or Au Pre Sale (20, Rue de Flandre-Vlaamsesteenweg, near St. Catherine) for a cozy but busy family-owned shop.
Be sure to down your moules frites with a crisp, Belgian beer like a Duvel, Mas or Hoegaarden.
2) Manneken Pis
A peeing mannequin? It’s almost exactly what it sounds like. The Manneken Pis statue in Brussels is one of the biggest attractions – the statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. There are a few stories behind the statue, like it was inspired by a boy who peed on invading soldiers from a tree; or that it was inspired by a boy who put out a fire that would have burnt down the city, by peeing on it. It’s a fun and quirky sight. During holidays, the statue is dressed-up in costumes.
3) Grote Mark’t / Grand Place
The Grand Place or Grote Markt is the heart of the city’s historic center and has been used since the 1300’s but has been torn down and rebuilt various times due to bombings and war. Today’s Grote Mark’t is a grand square surrounded by stunning, ornate, guild houses that are around 300 years old and unique to this area in Belgium alone. Today, the guild houses are museums, shops, cafes, or restaurants while the rest of the square is dominated by Brussels City Hall and the King’s House (also know as the Breadhouse).
4) Sint-Hubertus Gallery
Open in 1847, the Saint Hubert or Sint Hubertusgalerijen is the world’s first covered shopping mall. Although the shops have changed, the mall’s open-air concept and French-style architecture are definitely something from the past and worth a photo or two. Nearby Grote Mark’t, a visit to the Sint Hubertus Gallery is a nice stroll or stop for some old-fashioned candy or chocolate shops and other unique Belgian goods.
5) Chocolates & Waffles
Aside from moules frites and beer, the next two best-known Belgian delicacies worldwide have to be Belgian chocolates and Belgian waffles. The best place to find these en masse are in and around Grote Mark’t. Most waffle joints are small stands and sell them for as low as 1 EUR. Chocolates on the other hand, are dominated by brands like Leonidas, Neuhaus, and Marcolini shops.
If you go:
Stay: The Hotel Metropole Brussels is one of the most distinguished hotels in the city, not to mention steeped in history of over 100 years old. Hotel Metropole is a member of Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection. Double rooms start from £262 per night. For more information or to book please visit www.ghotw.com/metropole.
Get in/out: The rail travel in Europe is easy, efficient, and affordable. Rail Europe offers travel passes to allow you unlimited travel within specific countries, regions, or any number of days. Go to http://www.raileurope.com/index.html for more.