Things to Do in Brussels

Brussels – Belgium's Versatile Capital

Introducing Brussels Without the Sprouts

Brussels, the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium and the unofficial capital of the European Union. With Brussels political and business exterior, it still has a fun, interesting, and cozy interior. We'll mention some (of the best) things this city has to offer such as the finest chocolate, waffles, comics, fries, and beer. In previous years, Brussels was infamously placed on the top of the lists as the most boring city in Europe, but with this team of five, that negative epithet in describing Brussels will never come to your mind. 

No matter what brings you to this city, a business trip, a friend visit, or just a connecting flight that leaves tomorrow morning, find time to get to know the vibe of Brussels and taste what the city has to offer to the fullest. You'll remember the sweet taste and alluring aroma of Brussels even after you leave this city because their waffles with various toppings and all the other wonders that you can put on them can be found on almost every street.

You'll find the same sweetness in their famous „houses of chocolates" like Neuhaus or Galler. In these type of chocolate stores, you'll usually find a very attentive and friendly sales person who will show you around and offer you some local chocolates or home-made pralines in various shapes and flavors. It's up to you to decide which type of chocolate to bring home or as a gift, just try not to take the same old Godiva which is sold in every store at home.  If you're a big chocolate fan, good quality Belgian chocolate and pralines with some good deals can even be found in the souvenir shops.

Touristic part of exploring Brussels includes beautiful gardens, Royal Palace, stunning and majestic Grand Place, Belgian Comic Strip Center, and - some quirky statues.

Manneken Pis, the statue of a little boy urinating, is the most famous statue and tourist attraction in Brussels. The statue was made in the 17th century and is located near the Grand Place, the heart of Brussels. Manneken Pis is literally a little supermodel - his statue is dressed in different costumes several times a week, following a specific schedule.

Jeanneke Pis is a lesser known counterpoint of the Manneken Pis. „Little Ms." Jeanneke Pis is a fountain and statue of a little girl squatting and urinating on a blue-gray limestone base. This little statue was built over 350 years after the Manneken's and while the male version is always crowded with tourists, usually you won't find Jeanneke in a lot of tour guides, plus around her statue, there are often not that many people.

If you get hungry while in Brussels or you just want to try the famous „French" fries (which are actually originally from Belgium and should be called Belgian fries) stop by in one of many baraque de frites or fries stores. The selection is great, and one of the best in the city, recommended by the locals, is Maison Antoine where you can put one (or more) of thirty different sauces or dips on your fries. With classic dips such as mayo or ketchup, you can try some of the original Belgian sauces with ingredients like brandy or whiskey, pepper pate, a mix of vinegar, sugar and vegetables, special peppers from the Maghreb region, or spicy chicken.

For classic Belgian entertainment in Brussels go to Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée or Belgian Comic Strip Center.  In this cartoon and comics' paradise, you can learn absolutely everything about the origin of the comic book, enjoy the reading rooms where you can flip through and read comics like The Smurfs or Tintin, take a walk and check out the center's exhibitions, or join a comic book workshop on Saturdays.

Put Brussels on your list of the must-see cities! When you get there, explore the city with the little help of the team of five we recommend because you'll want to come back and take that five again.