Beer is serious business in Belgium.
The country produces more varieties than there are days in a year, and many come with personalized glasses in which only that type may be served.
But beer isn’t all the country has to offer. On your next trip to Brussels, Belgium’s capital, sober up with some of these other activities.
1. Ascend the Atomium.
Built in 1958 when Brussels hosted the World’s Fair, the Atomium is a cross between sculpture and architecture.
It’s modeled after a crystallized molecule of iron magnified 150 thousand million times.
Escalators take visitors to expositions in the various spheres, and the upper sphere houses a restaurant, Chez Adrienne.
2. Experience Mini Europe.
At the foot of the Atomium is Mini Europe, the only place where touring the continent takes just a few hours. Roughly 80 cities and 350 buildings are represented.
Marvel at impressive reproductions of Europe’s most attractive monuments, watch Mount Vesuvius erupt, and see a Finnish girl dive into icy waters.
3. Discover Old Town.
The crown jewel of Brussels’ Old Town is the Grand Place, built as a merchants’ market in the 13th century. Tour the striking Gothic town hall or people watch from a café. Then, wander the surrounding cobblestone streets.
Stroll through the Galeries St. Hubert, a glass roofed arcade lined with cafes, theaters, and luxury shops. Also be sure to see the Manneken Pis, the famous bronze sculpture of a boy peeing in a fountain.
4. Sample world-famous chocolate.
Learn about Belgian chocolate at the Chocolate Museum, then visit some of the Brussels’ most celebrated chocolate shops.
Wittamer, in the heart of the city, is a family-owned chocolatier that’s been in business since 1910. It’s the official chocolate supplier to the Belgian Court.
Pierre Marcolini, whose flagship store is located near the Grand Place, is a newer but welcome addition to the Belgian chocolate scene.
Marcolini opened his first store in 1995, the same year he was named the World Champion of Pastry.
5. Revisit the comic strips of your youth.
Did you know that Tintin was created by a Belgian artist? You would if you visited Brussels’ Comic Strip Museum. See original pages of comic artwork, sketches and memorabilia.
Learn how the Smurfs, also of Belgian origin, got their start. (Hint: They’re a spin-off!)
6. Savor moules frites.
When Bruxellois devour this unofficial national dish, they eat the first mussel with their fingers and then scoop up the rest using the empty shell as a utensil.
And what about the fries? They dip those in mayonnaise.
Moules frites can be found at most restaurants, but if you’re near the Grand Place, try the mid-range and delicious L’Estaminet du Kelderke.
7. See a puppet performance.
Nestled at the end of a cobblestone alley in Old Town is Café Toone, whose cozy building dates from 1696.
Enjoy a drink with locals downstairs, then head up to the attic for a show like no other: marionettes perform Shakespeare and other classics.
8. Take a tour.
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Hop-on, hop-off bus tours, offered by Brussels City Tours, give a good overview of the city’s most famous sights. Catch the bus outside Central Station.
For do-it-yourselfers, take a walking tour of Brussels’ most upscale designers, explore the city’s antique and flea markets, or experience its beautiful green spaces.
9. Visit the EU.
As the European capital, Brussels is home to the European Union headquarters. Take an audio-guided tour of the European Parliament, the elected body of the EU.
During sessions, you can even attend a parliamentary sitting. Check for session dates here.
10. Okay, a little bit of beer…
Near the South train station, which connects Brussels to other cities in Europe, is one of the last traditional breweries, Cantillon.
Almost nothing has changed since the brewery opened in 1900.
See the open vats where their signature Lambic beer is cooled, and the oak wood barrels where it’s aged for up to three years.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
If Brussels is but one stop on your trip around Europe and you’re on a budget, check out Matador’s list of Top 10 Free Things to Do in Europe.
All photos by author.
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12 Comments... join the discussion!
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Yeah. We have the best!
But those were still Brussel waffles. I've aten better ones up at the coast 
If you're visiting Brussels I'd suggest taking 2 extra days and stop by Ghent and Antwerp while you're at it. We aint the biggest country around but we've got a lot of history and those 3 towns will pretty much show you everything Belgian culture has to offer.
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How can I forget my, intense beer drinking experience, at this beautiful pub called DELIRIUM … cozy little place with approx 200 different brands of beer on offer .. coming from Mumbai, I was immediately sold on the concept of 200 odd different brands of beer !!!!!!!! .. friendly service too
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Thanks for the tips. Will be in Brussels first week of August and things will help me explore the city.
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very useful list given here mate…we used these as a guidline to plan our trip here and really enjoyed it
lovley place
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Great to hear! Glad you had a successful trip.
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I was getting a little scared until I read number 10, good save. Also I noticed that mayonnaise on the fries seems to be very popular outside the US where ketchup seems almost customary. In Brazil if not a ‘hot sauce’ type oil that hails from northern Baia region then mayonnaise and in Peru your fries most often come with mayonnaise and aji amarillo.
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This was about 15 years ago since I visited but they eat fries with mayonnaise and paprika in Germany.
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Can’t say I was impressed last time I was there! The company who hired me placed me in a great hotel – slap bank in the middle of a red light area – okay, I was working and didn’t see much, but what little I did see was run down and sleazy.
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HI. myself and two other students are heading to the centre of brussels for four days, we have a place to stay but we have no idea what to do when we get there. We would be really greatful if people could tell us some good places to go out e.g. pubs and clubs, nice restrauntbars etc,but we are not really into sight seeing PLEASE HELP!!
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Sonia, if you don’t get an answer here, try posting to the Matador community forums: http://matadortravel.com/forum
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This will be our third visit (we usually cycle and camp over 4 days) to Belgium and we have never been to Brussels before. Thanks for the suggestions – they’re different to most of the ones I’ve come across in ‘normal guide books’. We’re crazy about this country! The architecture, old cities, quaint villages and countryside is beautiful. The food is awesome. The people are also very friendly, although we have only travelled the Flemish part so it will be interesting to see the difference now that we’ll be doing south of Brussels.
If anyone is doing a weekend trip, then don’t miss Bruges and Gent our two favourites cities.↵
