If you're the kind of traveler who prefers wandering over planning, street food over room service, and unexpected turns over rigid itineraries—Brussels might just become your favorite accidental love story. Tucked comfortably in a charming, well-rated hotel close to the downtown core, I spent seven days drifting through the capital of Belgium with nothing but Google Maps, an empty stomach, and a curiosity for cobblestones and chocolate.
Let me just say this: Brussels is criminally underrated.
First impressions? The city feels like it couldn’t quite decide whether it wanted to be French or Dutch—so it settled somewhere in the middle, with fries, beer, and bilingual street signs that confuse and amuse in equal measure. The locals? Surprisingly chill. The pigeons? Bold. The architecture? A dreamy mix of gothic towers, modern absurdism, and charming old townhouses that lean like they’ve had one too many Trappist beers.
The best part of staying near the city center is that almost everything worth seeing is either walkable or a very short tram ride away. And oh, do get the transit pass (around €7.50 per day or €30 for a week). It’s a lifesaver when your legs finally tap out after chasing murals, waffles, and historic monuments all day.
The Must-Sees That Didn’t Feel “Touristy” (Even Though They Totally Are)
The Grand Place is your unavoidable first stop, and honestly? Worth it. The square sparkles even when it's not trying. Gothic spires, gold-trimmed facades, and a kind of fairy tale vibe that makes you question your life choices (like why you aren’t living in a building with gargoyles).
Just a few streets away, the Manneken Pis stands in all his... glory. Yes, it's a tiny statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. No, it doesn’t make sense. Yes, there are crowds. But somehow, it's endearing. Brussels has a thing for offbeat statues—there’s even a Jeanneke Pis (his female counterpart) and Zinneke Pis (a dog), because why not go all in?
Now for something that doesn't involve urinating figurines: the Atomium. This retro-futuristic silver beast looks like what would happen if a disco ball and a science textbook had a baby. You can go inside, ride up to the top, and pretend you're in a Bond movie from 1972. Do it. It’s weird and wonderful.
If art’s your thing, Magritte Museum is a must. Surrealism and bowler hats and clouds and apples galore. Don’t ask questions, just enjoy the ride.
Let’s Talk Food. Because It’s Belgium, Baby.
You don’t come to Brussels to count calories. You come here to demolish waffles like you’ve just escaped a diet cult. And forget the thin, crispy ones you might know. Liege waffles are thick, chewy, caramelized little bricks of heaven. You’ll find them on random corners, in hole-in-the-wall bakeries, and in overly lit tourist stands—somehow they’re always good.
Fries? Yes, they’re a religion here. Get them double-fried (the proper Belgian way) and drizzled with andalouse sauce, which tastes like spicy mayo got its life together. A good frites shop—like Maison Antoine—can turn a humble potato into a spiritual experience.
And then there’s the beer. Oh, the beer. Even if you’re a “just one glass” kind of person, Belgium will test your limits. Tiny bars like Delirium Café (home to over 2000 beers) will blow your mind and your tolerance. For a more local, relaxed vibe, pop into Moeder Lambic or A La Mort Subite, where the bartenders actually seem happy to explain what the heck gueuze is (spoiler: funky, sour, and strangely addictive).
Nighttime Brussels: Lowkey and Lovely
Brussels isn’t exactly the rave capital of Europe, but it does know how to show you a good time after dark. The downtown area glows under string lights, and the café culture spills into the streets. Whether you're sipping a kriek (cherry beer) on a terrace or catching live jazz at a cozy venue like L’Archiduc, there’s always something softly buzzing beneath the surface.
For something with a little more edge, head to Saint-Géry. It's the hipster core of the city—cocktail bars, funky art spaces, and just the right amount of chaos. Think thrift-shop-boho energy with a Belgian twist.
Museums? Parks? Quirky Bits?
Yes, all of the above.
Spend an afternoon at Parc du Cinquantenaire, just soaking in the wide lawns and majestic arches. It’s the kind of park where you accidentally fall asleep and wake up to a man playing the accordion and feel completely okay with that.
The Comics Art Museum is a love letter to Belgium’s legendary comics culture—Tintin, The Smurfs, and some you’ve probably never heard of but will come to adore. It’s colorful, weird, and sneakily educational.
And then there’s the joy of just wandering the Marolles neighborhood: flea markets, vintage shops, gritty charm, and a lot of cats. I don’t know why there were so many cats. I stopped questioning it and embraced the fluff.
Budget? Here’s the Scoop
So, what’s the cost of this DIY Brussels adventure (excluding flight and hotel)? You can have a fantastic time on around CAD $60–$75 a day.
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Meals: €20–30/day (grab breakfast at a bakery, street waffles for lunch, and a solid dinner with a beer)
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Transport: €7.50/day or cheaper with a weekly pass
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Attractions/Museums: Many are free or €10–12 max
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Coffee/Beer Stops: €2–6 per drink (don’t overthink it, just hydrate the Belgian way)
If you’re thrifty, you can definitely do it for under $60. If you like dessert with every meal and occasionally shout “YOLO!” in your head, $75–80 will keep you happy and well-fed.
Brussels surprised me. Not with flashy show-off energy, but with quiet confidence, quirky charm, and the kind of food that makes you briefly consider staying forever. It’s a city made for wanderers, snackers, and people who enjoy their travel with a side of surrealism.
So pack your best walking shoes, leave space for chocolate in your bag, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost. Brussels has a way of making the wrong turn feel like exactly where you were supposed to go.
Trust me. Even the statues are cool with that.
