I had heard so many variable accounts of his colleagues passenger in Brussels. Some appreciated him while others found him missing. But I had to go and discover it for myself. And I was pleasantly surprised. Brussels is a beautiful city full of incredible architecture, fantastic food and a ton of things to do and see in its compact nucleus. I feel like I have discovered the best of Brussels.
The best things to do and see in Brussels
Large place
Victor Hugo one day wrote: “It’s the most beautiful place in the world.” And I must say that this is certainly one of my favorites. The big place is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must see the light of day and night while everyone illuminates. Housing the old town hall, restaurants, museums and even a hotel. The Grand Place also has many Brussels festivals. The buildings were also formerly guild houses and each is unique in its details. Nowhere in the city will see a better example of the diversified architecture of Brussels than here.
Museums
Brussels is home to more than 80 museums. It is an exceptional amount! Museums include everything, from Belgian art to the art of comics and musical instruments through Art Nouveau. But where do you start? Two of my favorites are the Museum of the City of Brussels and the Museum of Music Instruments. The Museum of the City of Brussels is located in one of the large buildings in a large place. Here you will find everything on the history and folklore of Brussels, including the statue of original Manneken-Pis.
The Museum of Music Instruments is in a Beaux-Arts building which was once a department store. This museum is home to more than 9000 pieces and you can even hear recordings of what everyone sounded. Another culmination of the museum is the restaurant on the top floor with one of the best views in Brussels.
Street art
Brussels is home to a fabulous street art. There is everything, from modern art to video invaders of the video type. But the main print is comic strip paints. There is even an autoguidized visit that you can take, the Bruxelles comic strip route, which will bring you exceed 50 of these wall paintings which are located in the city center. What could be more? Discover the Belgian comic strip center.
Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert
Built in 1847, the royal galleries of Saint-Hubert were the first shopping arch in Europe. With an amazing architecture inside and outside. It houses more than 50 fabulous stores, charming cafes, large theaters and even a spectacular bookstore, tropisms, which has made its way in my best bookstores in Europe. Saint-Hubert is also the place where you will find my favorite chocolate factory in Brussels, Mary.
Related article: Best bookstores in Europe
Best food in Brussels
I must admit that I am not a gourmet. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like to eat and try new things. That said, I was totally in love with everything I ate in Brussels. There are a lot of essential foods while in the city, Belgian fries, Belgian waffles, Flemish stew and Belgian chocolate.
Belgian fries and waffles
Cheap and fast to take for lunch or dinner on the move, Belgian fries and waffles can be purchased for less than a few euros. Belgian fries are delicious fries that are fried in quality oil, twice. Crispy and golden fries, fries are often served with a spoonful of mayonnaise for your soaking pleasure. Belgian waffles are available almost everywhere and are super cheap. The real thing is crisp, rectangular and sprinkled with icing sugar. They are good for a snack or a quick meal.
Flemish stew
For dinner, remember to try Flemish stew. This affordable beef stew is cooked in Belgian beer. It is rich, soft and enticing. Flemish stew is often served with fries that are excellent when soaked in the stew sauce.
Belgian chocolate
Belgian chocolate is among the finest in the world. They had a long story with chocolate, to be among the first to bring cocoa to Europe to the pioneer how to do so. You will find many chocolate makers in Brussels, but for me the best is Mary. Mary is a family shop from 1919, now under new owners, and located in the royal galleries of Saint-Hubert. I suggest you indulge in a few different types, from pralines to truffles, you will not be disappointed.
While some of the best tourist sites have done nothing for me, like Manneken -Pis – maybe if I saw him put on one of his many costumes – I was satisfied with how much I appreciated Brussels. Strangely, this big city had a pleasant city that was pleasant. It was perhaps the old men who gathered on the square outside my hotel to play jazz that struck a sensitive string in my heart. It was perhaps because when I arrived for the first time, it was at night and after having recorded my hotel, I hit the city a little eating and I ended up being carried away by its brilliant beauty. Whatever the reasons why I appreciated Brussels, I hope you will give the city a chance.
Have you been to Brussels? What were your favorites?
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