My recent layover in Brussels turned into a cozy little city adventure. In just 24 hours, I saw the famous Manneken Pis, wandered through charming neighborhoods, enjoyed fries at Patatak Sint-Gillis (with some amazing topping choices 🍟), and walked 10,000 steps without even realizing it 🚶♀️
We planned on grabbing waffles near the hotel but ended up with strawberries instead 🍓—not the classic Belgian choice, but still a sweet ending. Next time, I’ll definitely stop at Maison Dandoy for the real waffle experience 🧇
Fun Facts🇧🇪
🍫 Belgium produces over 220,000 tons of chocolate each year (yes, heaven exists).
🍟 French fries are actually Belgian! The name came from American soldiers in WWI who thought they were in France.
🏛️ Brussels is home to the headquarters of the EU and NATO.
🎨 Belgium has a rich comic strip culture—Tintin, The Smurfs, and Lucky Luke are all Belgian creations.
Get Your Vocabulary Right🗣️
Hello → Bonjour (French) / Hallo (Dutch)
Good morning → Bonjour (French) / Goedemorgen (Dutch)
Good night → Bonne nuit (French) / Goedenacht (Dutch)
Thank you → Merci (French) / Dank u (Dutch)
One coffee, please → Un café, s’il vous plaît (French) / Een koffie, alstublieft (Dutch)
Where is the train station? → Où est la gare ? (French) / Waar is het station? (Dutch)
A Short History🏛️
Belgium became an independent country in 1830, breaking away from the Netherlands.
Brussels grew from a small medieval settlement into the capital of Europe’s politics and culture.
The city is known for its mix of Gothic architecture (like the Grand Place), Art Nouveau, and modern EU buildings.
The twist: Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, German), making it one of the most multilingual countries in Europe.
Must-See Attractions
Grand Place (Grote Markt) 🌆
The heart of Brussels — a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by ornate guildhalls. Magical by day, breathtaking when lit up at night.
Manneken Pis 👶🚰
Tiny, but iconic. This little statue of a boy peeing has over 1,000 costumes and a whole museum dedicated to them.
Atomium ⚛️
A futuristic landmark built for Expo 58. You can go inside the spheres for exhibitions and panoramic views of the city.
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert 🛍️
One of the first shopping arcades in Europe — perfect for browsing Belgian chocolates and cafés under a glass roof.
Parc du Cinquantenaire 🌳
A grand park with arches, fountains, and museums — great for a sunny stroll.
Maison Dandoy 🧇
Famous for waffles and speculoos biscuits. A sweet stop that’s almost an attraction on its own!
Transportation Tips 🚇
Metro, trams & buses → Operated by STIB/MIVB. Easy, clean, and good for short stays.
Walking → The best way to discover hidden corners. My 10,000 steps prove it..
Bikes → Brussels isn’t as bike-friendly as Amsterdam, but services like Villo! let you rent bikes for quick rides.
Trains → Perfect for day trips to Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp (all under 1 hour away)
When to Visit🌞
Summer (June–August) ☀️ → Lively squares, outdoor cafés, longer days.
Christmas Season (late Nov–Dec) 🎄 → The Christmas markets in Brussels and nearby Bruges are magical, with mulled wine, twinkling lights, and skating rinks.
Spring/Autumn → Fewer crowds, mild weather, still plenty to enjoy.
Nightlife Note 🍸
Although I didn’t have time this trip, Brussels has some great rooftop spots:
- BeerLab → relaxed, chill vibe 🍻
- Secret Rooftop by Warwick → perfect for sunset cocktails with a view 🌆
Brussels may be small, but it packs a lot into 24 hours—historic squares, statues, fries, waffles, and plenty of charm. Whether you’re here for a layover or a long weekend, the city makes you want to come back for more 💛
