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round trip travel and lifestyle blog

11 Things to Do in Brussels

February 20, 2019
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Welcome to the land of gourmet chocolate, warm fries and musician Stromae.  I was naturally drawn to Belgium for its French influence because it’s French, y’all.  It’s an interesting mix of both French and Dutch cultures, both the romantic and practical architecture.  Although this isn’t my favorite destination of all time, there were some moments spent I’ll cherish for a long time.   Here’s your city guide to Brussels, Belgium:

1. Mannekin Pis

Why a little dude taking a piss is a tourist attraction, I’ll never be able to wrap my mind around.  But this fountain of a small boy peeing is on virtually every list of things to do in Brussels.  It’s worth a peek because of all the hoopla it gets — hehe.

2. Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Did someone say shopping?  This indoor-meets-outdoor shopping strip is the most glamorous mall you’ll ever strut through.  We bopped into a fun toy shop and, of course, a chocolate store.  

3. Stuff your face with chocolate

At least, I did, and it was wonderful.  Two stores that were recommended to us were Neuhaus and Leonidas, and I preferred the latter of the two.  I went to buy gifts for my family and friends and naturally had to get some for myself.  And you know it didn’t even make it to the end of the hour.

4. Go on a beer tour

Although this wasn’t my first choice, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed our tour.  I’m gluten-intolerant, which means I can’t even drink the beer, but I paid a reduced fee to spend time with my friends and learn about the history and types of beer.  Our tour guide had the sickest accent and knew more about beer than you even knew existed.

5. Make a stop at Delirium

And the beer tour ended at this huge bar.  I asked for the menu at this famed pub, and I was handed a dictionary of beverages organized by letter.  It was intense, let me tell ya.  I asked the bartender for a good gluten-free beverage, and I thoroughly enjoyed by apple strawberry ale.  This bar has multiple floors, and they carry different vibes, making it a great spot for whatever you’re feeling that night.

6. Eat french fries

And you’ll have plenty of opportunities.  They serve them in a handheld paper cone and toss on your choice of sauce.  When in Belgium, do as the Belgians do, right?

7. Take a walking tour

We spent several hours on a walking tour of the city.  If I’m being real, I wasn’t crazy about our walking tour, but this could’ve been avoided.  It was awfully chilly and rainy and just not a good day for a walking tour.  I could’ve dressed warmer, which would’ve made a dent on my discomfort.  Also, before you choose a walking tour, get a list of what you’d be seeing.  Although our tour guide took us to some off-the-beaten-path spots, we missed a lot of major Brussels sites.  I would’ve rather seen the big stuff on my first trip to Belgium.

View this post on Instagram

It’s more than just chocolate, beer and fries. New post on the blog with a city guide to Brussels including the most darling boutiques, the best steak-frites and mouth-watering chocolate🍟🍫

A post shared by Kristin • Content Creator (@round.trip) on Feb 20, 2019 at 10:24am PST

8. Vertigo Cafe

During our freezing cold, windy walking tour, we took a break at this quaint cafe.  I sipped on my thick hot chocolate in this dim-lit cozy spot with exposed wooden beams.  The warmth, sips and couches were a great perk up on a long day.

9. EU Museum

For those who want to understand more about the history and political influence of this city, the EU Museum is the place to be.  This interactive museum lays out the history and impact of the European Union.  (They might have to make some changes soon @Brexit.)  Before you go through security, don’t miss out on the fun and free photo booth they offer.  (They email the photos directly to you.)

10. Nanuk and Atelier en Ville

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably sick of all those dinky souvenir shops, so when I find a cute boutique, I have to dish all about it.  We stumbled into Nanuk, a new boutique with candles, jewelry and the kindest shop owner.  I spoke French with her, and our three-minute conversation led to an invitation to hang with her in Marseilles.  

Another darling boutique worth stopping by is called Atelier en Ville.  Vintage Life magazines decorate the wall, and a cafe overflowing with plants is connected to this charming clothing boutique.  This spot is nestled off the main stretch and greets you with the shops name in large Scrabble-like tiles.

11. Volle Gas

This came as a recommendation to us, and I’m here to pass it along to you.  This was one of my favorite experiences from my time in Brussels — eating juicy steak and sipping bubbly champagne.  The staff was kind enough to split our checks, and I was happy to linger in this classic Belgian restaurant.  Looking around, I noticed almost every other diner had a bucket of mussels to themselves.  I took a bite of Hongyu’s but wasn’t a fan.  (I’m just not a fish person, what can I say?)

Looking to add another stop on your trip to Brussels? Add a trip to nearby Paris.

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Comments

  1. teatimewithhann says

    February 24, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    This city guide is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I would loveee to visit Brussels. (also, totally off topic but I couldn’t help but ask what your thoughts are on your Sperry’s- been wanting to purchase a pair but have heard mixed reviews)

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      February 24, 2019 at 4:50 pm

      Thanks, gal! I was actually just telling a friend today that I would swear my life on those boots — okay not really, but you get the point! They can go with jeans and a nice top for a casual dinner, but they’re sturdy and waterproof, which came in handy when I went hiking in Spain. To be honest, I couldn’t recommend them more. They took almost no time to break in!

      Reply
  2. denissesamantha says

    March 9, 2019 at 7:25 pm

    Lovely post, I have also recently went to Brussels and wrote a post on it on my blog; https://denissesamantha.com/2019/03/06/deewanderlust-brussels-belgium/ How I wish I read yours before I went. I would have loved to visit nanuk as it looks like such a cool boutique!

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      March 10, 2019 at 12:47 pm

      Hi Denisse! Your photos look lovely! I wish I could’ve gone when it wasn’t so rainy and cold. You got such great views and pictures of the gardens 🙂 Happy travels!

      Reply
  3. bigworldawaits says

    May 11, 2019 at 8:18 am

    nice post! I’m going there soon 🙂

    http://bigworldawaits.travel.blog

    Reply
    • roundtriptravel says

      May 11, 2019 at 8:39 pm

      Yay, that’s so freakin’ exciting! Have a fabulous trip, and bon voyage 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

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    February 28, 2019 at 9:01 pm

    […] moment I’d love to transport myself back to, but the next best thing is sharing my adventures in city guide form so that you too can enjoy […]

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  2. Where to Travel Based on Your Enneagram Type – round trip says:
    June 26, 2019 at 9:01 am

    […] You have big, altruistic dreams and are at the forefront of making these a reality, which is why Brussels is where you should travel next. More or less the capital of the European Union, Brussels is a hub for change, too, as […]

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Hi, I'm Kristin. I'm a content creator teaching English in southern France. I'm all about exploring new places, practicing my French and sharing blogging tips. Allez-viens!
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Hi, I'm Kristin. I'm a content creator teaching English in southern France. I'm all about exploring new places, practicing my French and sharing blogging tips. Allez-viens!
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