A couple of days in Brussels – What you must do!

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Belgium? Chocolate? Beer? Diamonds? These are of course some of the most popular things the picture-perfect country is known for. While this post isn’t an exhaustive list of must-do s in the country’s lovely capital, if you have a day or two in Brussels, these are some things you can do.

Grand Platz and Grote Markt – This is old historic town center, and was built as a merchant’s market. With its stunning architecture and rows of shops, you can walk around as much as you like and not get bored. Walk through the Galeries St. Hubert, an arcade with a glass roof, which is home to several cafes, theaters and shops. Visit the Tintin Boutique if you're a fan of this boy-detective. Make sure you also visit the Grand Platz after sun-down, it is really a special experience.

The Grand Platz 

Shops in Grote Markt

Say Hello to the little boy Manneken Pis – Located in one of the cobbled streets that make up the Grote Markt, this bronze statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain is one of the symbols of Brussels. There are several legends about this statue, some of them being about war, and others being about a little boy who went missing and then found. It’s an extremely touristy place, but you wouldn’t have seen Brussels if you haven’t seen the Manneken Pis.

Manneken Pis 

Chocolate, anyone?  Belgian chocolate is more than confectionary, it is art, and it is created by some of the most talented masters in the world. I am hardly a connoisseur, but I do know when chocolate is Belgian. And what’s more – there is Belgian chocolate that tourists buy, and Belgian chocolate for Belgians. Locals prefer handcrafted pieces of art from stores such as Pierre Marcolini’s or Mary’s. Wittamer’s is a well known family owned chocolaterie that you can visit. Mary’s is probably the jewel in Brussels’ chocolate crown, and is the choice of the Royal family. The rows and rows of pralines, caramel, marzipan and other heavenly goodies are a treat to all your senses.

If you’re interested, take the chocolate making course that Mary’s offers to visitors at its workshop in the suburbs.

One clown who brings a smile to your face! 

Climb up the Atomium – One of the iconic landmarks of Brussels, this structure was built in 1958 when Brussels hosted the World’s Fair. Built to look like a highly magnified molecule of iron, it has escalators to take you up to the different spheres. There is a restaurant in one of the spheres that you can try.

The Atomium 

Walk the Comic Book Trail – Belgium is the place where many of our favorite comic book characters were born including Herge’s Tintin. There is a comic book trail where buildings are painted with popular characters, that you can walk, and you can also visit the Comic Strip Museum to see some original artwork, and sketches.

Hello, Tintin on the wall ! 

Sample some Belgian Waffles – A trip to Brussels won’t be complete without trying some sinful Belgian waffles. Make it your first meal of the day, so you can burn off all those calories by walking around in the Grand Platz. There are several tiny shops around Grote Markt that make waffles with delicious molten Belgian chocolate, or fresh strawberries, bananas and nutella, and various other toppings. Let go, and enjoy a generous helping!

There's nothing to say, really, except YUMMY! 

More gastronomic delights – Try Speculoos at J Dandoy Tea Room, these absolutely delightful biscuits will make you want to take home a pack. Belgians love their moules frites – mussels and French fries. If you’re vegetarian, like me, you can still polish off just some fries, and you won’t regret it! Wash it all down with a Belgian beer.