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- Weekend
Weekend in Brussels
Elegant, eccentric Brussels has a charm that’s all its own. Compact enough to explore in a weekend, it’s always full of surprises.
Planning a short break
It’s not hard to fathom Brussels’ appeal when it comes to weekend breaks. Eurostar’s services run direct to the city centre, and the train from London to Brussels takes around two hours. There’s beauty wherever you wander, from the Art-Nouveau mansions of Saint-Gilles to the Sablon’s leafy squares, or – at the centre of it all – the Grand-Place’s gilded splendour. Beyond that, though, its quirkier side soon starts to emerge: this is also the city of surrealism, whose most famous statue is of a peeing small boy, not a statesman. A city break in Brussels also involves great eating, whether you’re snacking on waffles or tackling a stack of mussels (here’s our pick of the best spots).
Things to do in Brussels
First, check out the essential landmarks and attractions: our destination guide has the lowdown, starting with the glorious Grand-Place. Once you’ve marvelled at Magrittes, climbed inside a giant atom and sampled a beer or two, here’s what to do next.
Tune into the music scene
Brussels excels when it comes to live music, with a line-up of gigs and concerts that puts bigger cities to shame. Start by seeing what’s on at Bozar and Flagey, two cultural big-hitters with eclectic musical tastes and programmes that span classical superstars, electro-rebels and more. Gig venues include stalwarts like Ancienne Belgique and Le Botanique, set in the old botanical gardens; for an edgier vibe, seek out lo-fi upstarts like Le Lac. Legendary jazz clubs include L’Archiduc and Jazz Station, while Flagey hosts the ten-day Brussels Jazz Festival in January. April 30 also brings a flurry of concerts, in honour of International Jazz Day.
The best shopping in Brussels
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. Try the rum-filled pearls and seasonal truffles at Elisabeth Chocolatier, or admire the latest creations at Pierre Marcolini, whose slick Grand Sablon flagship has a sideline in luscious hot chocolates. The square outside hosts an upscale farmer’s market on Thursdays, while the elegant Lower Sablon’s dotted with galleries and antiques shops. For fashion, stroll Rue Antoine Dansaert, pausing for a coffee at MOK, or browse the Marolles’ vintage stores and daily fleamarket. You’ll find its stalls on cobbled Place du Jeu de Balle, selling everything from comic-books to candelabra. Still space in your suitcase? Check out our shopping guide.
A cheap weekend in Brussels
Being a little low on funds needn’t cramp your style. Book your hotel in advance, make the most of free attractions, and remember that a piping-hot cone of frites is perfectly permissible as lunch.
Seeing the city on a budget
The best way to get to know the city and its quirks is by setting off on foot. The Grand-Place will stop you in your tracks with its gleaming statues and spires, as will Saint-Gilles’ Art Nouveau facades (download a map on the Horta Museum’s website). The Horta is one of several museums that’s free on the first Sunday of the month; at others, like the Magritte Museum, it’s on the first Wednesday. For a change of scene, Parc du Laeken is lovely for a wander, with its Japanese Tower, magnolias and Royal Greenhouses (open for a few weeks in spring, though tickets sell out fast). The Royal Palace, meanwhile, opens its doors every summer; it’s free, but you need to book.
Where to stay for less
There are plenty of cheap hotels in Brussels, with many punching well above their rates. Try the Novotel Brussels Centre Midi Station, a modern stay set between the station and hip, historic Marolles, or the playful Yooma Urban Lodge Hotel – a standout for families, with its bunk beds and comic-book theming. Design-lovers will feel perfectly at home at the Hygge Hotel, which takes its cues from Scandinavia. Think pared-back design, pale woods and cosy communal spaces, with doubles for around £100 if you time it right. Finally, the Meininger Bruxelles City Center is a turbo-charged take on a hostel, with dorm beds for as little as £24 as well as spacious private rooms.
Brussels for families
If you’re travelling with kids, taking by train is an excellent option – fast, comfortable and no-fuss, with free travel for under-fours. The Belgian capital should also meet with their approval, with its playgrounds, parks, and passion for chocolate and comics.
Things to do
If your offspring are early risers, beat the crowds to the Grand-Place for photo-ops and gargoyle-spotting. Cheerfully peeing in a fountain, the nearby Manneken Pis will be a hit, while a museum on Rue du Chêne showcases his princely wardrobe. The Magritte Museum welcomes kids with playful audioguides, and the Atomium is a must, its soaring, space-age steel spheres connected by thrilling escalators. At Porte de Hal, the playground is styled like a castle, while the further-flung Rouge Cloître has forest trails, farm animals and an epic pirate’s ship. Come winter, hit the Winter Wonders Christmas Market: a fairytale ensemble of elves, wooden chalets and whirling merry-go-rounds.
Brussels for comic-lovers
The capital wears its love of bandes dessinées (comic strips) on its sleeve. Where else might you bump into a statue of a Smurf, or find a shop devoted to Tintin? The obvious place to start is the Comic Art Museum, set in a splendid Art Nouveau mansion designed by Victor Horta. It’s not the most interactive, so better for older children, who’ll have to prised out of the well-stocked reading room. For more hands-on capers, follow the city’s Comic Strip Trail, past supersized murals of 80 greats, including Astérix. In March, Anima is an all-ages animation festival, while September’s BD Comic Strip Festival spans workshops, screenings and more.
Where to eat with kids
For a quick treat, share a cone of frites at a street kiosk like Frit Flagey, or get to grips with gaufres (waffles): Brussels waffles are fluffy, light and usually piled with toppings, while the smaller, richer Liège version has a caramelised crust. Try both at Belgian Waffles, on Rue du Marché aux Poulets, or choose between sweet and savoury at Saint-Gilles’ friendly Pardon Café. Too much sugar? Lunch on first-rate falafel, flatbreads and houmous at the laidback Pois Chiche, or make for food market Wolf. It dazzles even picky eaters with slow-proved pizzas, bao buns, burgers and more, and – if you’re lucky – Sundays bring a bouncy castle. Hungry for more? Consult our eating guide.
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FAQs
Yes, you can take a London to Brussels train and arrive in just 1 hour 53 minutes.
Start in the Grand-Place with a speculoos cookie at Dandoy, then spend the afternoon admiring the art in the Magritte and Old Masters museums, before strolling through the Sablon’s charming streets. Other must-sees include the Atomium, the Art-Nouveau gems that dot Saint-Gilles, and the Comics Art Museum in Sainte-Catherine. For more ideas, see our destination guide.
Of course! There’s a comprehensive network of cycling paths, including eight themed “Brussels by Bike” routes geared towards visitors on wheels. Villo! is the shared bike scheme, with hubs across the city, while Pro Velo offer rentals and tours, along with a 20% discount for Eurostar travellers.
For super-convenient sightseeing, look in the city centre, divided into two parts. The Lower Town is to the west, taking in the Grand-Place, while the smaller, exclusive Upper Town sits on higher ground to the east. In a city of this scale, though, nowhere’s that far from the action, so consider other neighbourhoods like Ixelles or Saint-Gilles.
Walking is the easiest of all, but if you need to take public transport, download the Floya app (available in English, French and Dutch). It lets you plan and pay for journeys on all forms of transport, from scooters and city bikes to taxis, metros, trams and buses, as well as giving walking times.
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