You can’t say anything wrong about Brussels, can you? It’s charming, picturesque, historical and lovely.
Everyone visits it for different reasons though. Some visitors want to indulge in delicious Belgian waffles and chocolate on a budget, some head to Brussels to explore the history of European Union and others just go there for a romantic walk. Whatever the reason is, Brussels will always bring back great memories. Memories of…
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1. Delicious Belgian Waffles
Going to Brussels and not having at least one waffle full of sugar, fruits, chocolate and whipped cream is just a sin. It is a place where waffles taste differently. You can have them anywhere in the world, but Belgian waffles just melt in your mouth, make you crave more of them and make you such a happy traveller, right? Waffles are the best of Belgian cuisine, that’s for sure!
There is no way you won’t enjoy your waffle. You can either go for a Brussels waffle (sugar on top), Liege waffle (sugar inside), tourist waffle (extra topping) or extreme tourist waffle ( ME: extra topping, nutella chocolate, fruits and whipped cream – just silly).
2. Best Belgian Chocolate
Who doesn’t like chocolate? Hands up (can’t see anybody). Brussels is a chocolate paradise where you can try a great variety of different chocolate – pralines, chocolate with nuts, fruits and much more. Brussels is all about chocolate. You can smell it everywhere and try some without paying. Chocolate displays look amazing and you feel like licking the shop windows of the time.
So if you can’t find a good reason to visit Brussels, eating some chocolate and drinking some Belgian beer would be a good excuse.
3. Romantic Valleys
Brussels invites you to stroll through and relive their forbidden romance. The narrow streets, beautiful parks and cozy restaurants will make you fall in love not only with your partner, but also with the city.
There are several lovely hotels and spas where you can recharge and relax together in sumptuous luxury. Have you ever seen Brussels during the 2012 Brussels Flower Carpet? It would certainly take your breath away!
4. Historical Buildings
Brussels is full of historical churches, museums and theaters. If you are a fan of history and want to find out something more about Belgian culture and tradition, it is a perfect place to start from. Brussels will welcome you with the Royal Palace, La Grand-Place, Town Hall, Atomium and Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula.
The streets of Brussels feature art an architecture created from an unmistakably Belgian point of view that cannot be replicated. You will be amazed by that, I guarantee you.
5. THE EU Experience
If you have only 24 hours in Brussels, you can easily make an European Union walk. As the European capital, Brussels is home to the European Union headquarters. Start from the European Parliament (free of charge) and finish at the Palace of Justice. It is gonna be not only fun, but also a great lesson of history.
6. Seeing How Small The Manneken Pis Is
Manneken Pis is the infamous statue that serves as an symbol of the spirit and humor of Brussels. During the national holidays it is dressed with some funny costumes and traditional uniforms.
You will be actually surprised by the size of the sculpture. The boy is tiny in a real life in comparison to what you can see in the photos, postcards from Brussels or even on TV. Everyone was like “Is that it? What!?” and it’s worth going to Brussels to find it out.
Whatever your reason is to visit the European Village, just make sure you make it there one day as it is absolutely worth it. Nowadays, Brussels is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s must-see destinations, with its small town charm, great nightlife, tasty food and low prices.
What would be your reason to visit Brussels?
47 thoughts on “6 Reasons To Love and Travel To Brussels”
Belgian chocolates might be great, but apparently there’s more international competition nowadays, so they have to step things up to hold onto their crown. It’s pretty interesting to hear about amazing chocolate coming out of Australia, for example. Wouldn’t it just melt all the time? But somehow they do it pretty well there.
I’ve never tried Australian chocolate to be honest. Send me some and then I will tell you how bad or how good it is in comparison to the Belgian one :).
I hate to disappoint you, but I am the one person out there who does not like Brussels! When I backpacked western/central Europe in 2005, it was probably my least favorite place I visited and I disliked it so much I have no desire to ever return. I’m sure the fact that our dorm had bedbugs did not help, but even before that discovery my travel partner and I just found the city really bland. The waffles were really delicious, though!
Ouch, really? Sorry to hear that. Do you know how many times I found bedbugs in my bed when sleeping in different hostels? WAY TOO MANY!! Maybe if you give Brussels another go, you will like it more :).
I loved Belgium. And although I had just one day in Brussels, I saw a lot…and of course the peeing child! lol Great pics!
Thanks Mike! Brussels’s awesome :)
I really liked Brussels. I loved the buildings, the waffles and the chocolate!
That makes 2 of us Stef!
The architecture in Brussels looks lovely. I think i’d definiately put on a few pounds though eating lots of chocolate and waffles!
It does, I loved the churches and cathedrals!
I’ve been once but only as a teenager I think it’s time to make a return visit! Love the photos of the waffles :-)
Thanks Becky! Hope you’ll enjoy your second visit as well!
I still have to go to Brussels, in actual fact I haven’t been to Belgium at all, not yet. Considering I’m traveling around Europe I might pop by to have some chocolate and waffles :)
You haven’t been to Belgium yet? Ouch, that must change soon Franca! Enjoy your waffles when you finally make it there!
No other city can beat Brussels with WAFFLES! What’s your favourite waffle Agness? You look stunning in the photo, so happy!
True!!
Brussels is such a romantic city. I remember my first date with my boyfriend there. We were having some nice chocolate waffles, then went to the city center and visited the local museums and cathedral. Great time.
Telling me? I know something about it :):)
Okay you had me at waffles & chocolate. Seriously gorgeous photos though! x
Thank you Jacquie :) Yes, waffles are worth travelling to Brussels :D
I was never a huge fan of waffles (although that’s American-style waffles) but those Belgium ones certainly look good!
I’ve never tried American-style waffles, but those Belgium ones were amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I get hungry every time I think of them <3 HEAVEN!
You just made me want to book the next flight to Brussels. The waffles look A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and I don’t mind that architecture too!
Hahahhahaa I knew it!!! Nothing can beat waffles!
What a beautiful selection of pics!! I would love to try the chocolate and waffles!! It looks like a great place to explore!! Hopefully one day I will make my way to Brussels!
Thanks Constance :). I took them in August when I went to Brussels for a concert of Robbie Williams. I’m in love with Belgian architecture and waffle of course!
We love Brussels! We were only there for a day but can’t wait to go back. The chocolate samples alone would entice me for a visit but of course, there was a lot we didn’t get to see. The Mannekin Pis was dressed up when we saw him. did you also see Jeanneke Pis (his female counterpart). It’s been 4 years since we went and my kids still talk about Mannekin Pis :)
So true Mary :). Hahahhahaah, they will probably talk about Mannekin Pis for the next 10 years, unforgettable experience!
Wow, first the sushi post I read a bit ago and now dessert with Belgium waffles. Yes, please. I love all of those old historical buildings and the city center is absolutely beautiful. But, you look so serious in the picture at the Parliament, Agness! :)
I could never get bored with eating waffles!!!!! Yes, I looked pretty serious :-) and much older :P
I’m going to try and go this year for the flower carpet! It’s looks truly and utterly stunning, but I imagine insanely busy? Another big reason is the food, your pictures have set my sweet tooth yearning for everything chocolatey!
Awesome!! I hope you will have a wonderful time!
Brussels looks a fantastic place to visit. It’s again one of those places I haven’t really considered but it actually sounds like it has a lot going for it. From the beautiful architecture to the history and of course chocolate it looks great.
Hey Alex. Yes, you can find a great mixture of modern and historical architecture, great food and beautiful churches. Definitely worth going there!
Love the architecture, and the chocolate too!
Real yum!
I’m all for waffles and chocolate :-) Although I only live an hour drive from Brussels, I have never been to Brussels when the flower carpet is in the city centre. I really should go and see it next year.
An hour drive from Brussels? That’s so close. You definitely need to attend the flower carpet festival and let me know how you liked it. I’m moving to Europe next September so get ready to meet me in person :) xx
I actually wasn’t super interested in Brussels so when I visited I have really low expectations. But I ended up loving it! The waffles and chocolate certainly helped, but I thought it was a pretty city with lots to do and great cultural attractions. Would definitely go back!
Glad to hear that Heather!