Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Brussels, Belgium! Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but it’s also the capital of the European Union. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate when you visit Brussels Belgium.
Hate #1: Brussels is Overrated
As the capital of the European Union, we often hear about Brussels in the news, so sometimes travelers are expecting a New York or a London feel when they visit Brussels. There are many places to visit in Brussels and lots of tourist sights, but it just doesn’t live up to the expectations of being a huge cosmopolitan city. I recommend spending just a few days in Brussels before setting off to explore other cities of Belgium, like Ghent or Bruges.
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Love #1: Grand Place
Of all the places to visit in Brussels, the Grand Place is one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful historic square surrounded by amazing buildings with gold accents and impressive detail. It’s just a few blocks from Brussels Central, and the Grand Place is always buzzing with people.
Hate #2: Manneken Pis
The unofficial mascot of Brussels is the Manneken Pis, a statue of a boy peeing. You literally see this likeness everywhere: on watches, chocolate bars, t-shirts and street art, so it’s a bit surprising when you visit the actual statue and discover he’s only two feet tall.
Love #2: Museums in Brussels
Brussels has really great museums. Many famous Flemish artists are from Belgium, including Rubens. There is the Royal Museum of Fine Art, the Art & History Museum, Museum of Natural Sciences, Brussels City Museum, the Atomium and more.
Hate #3: Brussels Train Stations
Brussels has several train stations, so it can be a bit confusing when you are transferring. There’s Brussels Midi, or the South Station, where you catch the Eurostar and Thalys to Paris and London. Then there’s Brussels Central, where the local and regional trains stop, and it’s also near the main tourist places to visit in Brussels. Midi is not “middle” or “central,” it’s actually the South station and this trips up a lot of tourists.
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Love #3: International Atmosphere of Brussels
Because the EU is based here, there is a definite international flavor to Brussels. There’s also a lot of great international cuisine that you can try in Brussels, although don’t miss out on the local specialties of fries and mussels.
Hate #4: Prices & Service in Brussels
Brussels is expensive. As the head of the EU, prices are inflated because they receive a lot of government travelers. Accommodation is especially expensive in Brussels, which is why I recommend staying only a few days or even visiting Brussels as a day trip from another city in Belgium. The service is the same almost everywhere in Belgium: not great. In other European countries like Germany, you may not get overly friendly service, but it’s at least professional. In Brussels, it’s not particularly friendly or professional. If you know this ahead of time, it won’t throw you for a loop. It’s just something to be aware of when you visit Brussels.
Love #4: Day Trips from Brussels
Although it’s expensive, Brussels is a great home base for exploring the entire country of Belgium. You can get to Bruges from Brussels in less than one hour, and Ghent is only 30 minutes from Brussels by train. If you are visiting Brussels for work, you will still have time in the evening to get out and explore other towns in Belgium. Even Amsterdam is one of the possible day trips from Brussels.
Hate #5: Safety in Brussels
Belgium is a pretty safe country, but I am a bit more aware of my surroundings when I come to Brussels. There are definitely areas you want to avoid when you visit Brussels, and just keep your wits about you. We haven’t had any specific issues, it’s just more of a general feeling being in Brussels.
Love #5: Architecture in Brussels
The architecture in Brussels is truly stunning. As you travel around the city, you’ll be constantly amazed by the different building styles that you see. Brussels has been called the capital of Art Nouveau, and the Musical Instruments Museum near the Grand Place is a great example of Belgian modernist architecture. You’ll also find Art Deco, Neoclassical, Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture in Brussels. Besides the beautiful buildings of the Grand Place, don’t miss the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, just one block over.
While Brussels isn’t my favorite city, it’s definitely worth a stop as you tour central Europe. I prefer Ghent or Bruges but will usually spend a day or two in Brussels as well. Want more tips for planning a trip to Europe? Check out these other blog posts: