17 Jun 2024 Whether you're staying three days in Brussels, or just two days in the Belgian capital, you're sure to have a clear idea of the most important stops and the most beautiful places you want to visit.
The Grand Place will be on your list, as will the Atomium, shopping for something sweet in the best chocolate shops of Galeries Royales Saint Hubert and we hope you've already had a look at our guide to hidden gems in Brussels, but how about going one step further?
We're going to take you to places where tourists don't usually go, and if you come across one, you're sure to have more information and find nooks and crannies that no one else will. Join us as we take you on a tour of Brussels at its most Brussels-ish.
Brussels is perfectly located in relation to the rest of Belgium's cities. You can escape to Antwerp, Ghent or Bruges by train, spend the day there and be back to try some of the best Belgian restaurants in Brussels.
They are cities with a long and interesting history that you should visit. But if you want something unique, how about a visit to the Villa Bloemenwerf? If architecture, painting or design is your thing, Henry Van de Velde is your man, and his home is the Villa Bloemenwerf, just 40 minutes by public transport from the heart of Brussels, where Latroupe Grand Place Hostel Brussels is located.
The seed of the famous Art Nouveau, the artist was responsible for the design and decoration of this work of art. And, speaking of art, if you still want to see works of art but in the middle of the street, in the midst of pure nature that seems to have never known human beings, go to the Parc des Étangs, in the Anderlecht region, half an hour by public transport from the centre of Brussels.
You'll want to try the famous Belgian craft beers. They are almost a religion here and you can't leave without tasting the best. The question is, where do we go? The first choice is surely Derilum Café.
And you're right, it has an endless supply of high quality beers. But how would you like to taste beer surrounded by Brussels locals? Let's go to the taverns where those who finish their working day and just want to relax go.
We head to the Musée bruxellois de la gueuze, also known as the Cantillon Brewery, at 56 Rue Gheude in the Anderlecht region. What's so special about it? Honestly, everything. First of all, it's not just a bar, it's a factory, a brewery. Its brewing techniques are traditional and that shows in the final taste.
Don't miss its Lambic beer, the only beer produced in the whole area until well into the 19th century, and the most typical and representative of Brussels. Not only can you enjoy a good beer with friends, you can also take part in different activities, including tastings.
But if you're more of a pub crawler, wandering around discovering new taverns and stories, then head to the Saint Gilles area, where the architecture and atmospheric bars are sure to catch your eye.
You've probably done your research and discovered that there's no better place in the world for a sweet tooth than Brussels, thanks to chocolate and the best waffles in Europe.
Well, you've probably already taken a look at our guide to the best Belgian fries places, and in addition to the Waterzooi, you've noticed that mussels are a great classic in Belgian and, in particular, Brussels cuisine.
Trying mussels is not usually among the favourite options for tourists, but you are not like that every day, which is why you are here reading this right now. And thanks to your desire to innovate, let me give you some recommendations.
The few who go straight for the mussels go to well-known and spectacular restaurants, such as Chez Leon, Le Zinneke, In't Spinnekopke or Au Vieux Bruxelles. All great, where locals and tourists enjoy the best of local cuisine, but what if you surround yourself with something 100% Brussels?
Grimbergen bruxelles Café is the place to go for juicy croquettes, fantastic beef carpaccio and, of course, the best tasting mussels in town. And the service is always ready to help you and to make themselves understood.
We're not breaking anything new to you. Long before you set foot in the city of Brussels, you probably already know that the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudule, or Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule, is a must-see.
The Brussels Cathedral, as it is also known, is visited by thousands of people every year, but how many people visit its crypt? Intrigued? Well, you should be, because the floor hides secrets and stories that no one above ground wants you to know.
Here you will find the original settlement of the building that was built here in the first place, and you can see the Romanesque features of the pillars and walls that are still standing.
Brussels has a history full of battles, curiosities, cultures and mysteries. Only those who have lived in the city for a long time are familiar with the many legends and symbolism hidden in places as busy as the Grand Place.
According to authors such as the 20th century Belgian writer Paul de Saint-Hilaire, who wrote on subjects such as esotericism and whose own life hides several mysteries, he claimed that the seven streets that lead to the Grand Place are the seven processes necessary to create the philosopher's stone.
Yes, you read that right, the secret of turning everything into gold and eternal youth is engraved in stone and scattered throughout the heart of Brussels. Tourists don't know it, but they pass daily between instructions on the philosopher's stone and Masonic symbolism. Will you be the one to discover all the details and uncover the great secret? Look beyond the monuments.
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29 Jul 2024 