Brussels Anti-Tourist Guide

Here’s our Brussels Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, offering plenty of activities and must-see places. From various museums and contrasting architecture to vibrant streets to roam around, and nightlife to party all night long. To help you explore the best of Brussels, we invite you to check out our Brussels Anti-Tourist Guide to ensure you enjoy the city from the inside out.

First questions first:

How many days should I save to visit Brussels?

For a quick peek, we would say that two days is okay here. Want to experience Brussels without any rush and actually enjoy the vibe without checking the time 24/7? We suggest staying for three or four full days. It will be just enough to explore the city through a local’s eyes.

What are the main highlights of Brussels?

1. Brussels Cultural Scene

Brussels is a treat for art lovers! Here you can choose from more than 40 museums and art galleries.

a) Must-visit Museums

• Musée Royal d’Art & d’Histoire: one of the most impressive and well-known museums in Brussels. Impressive artifact collections and exhibitions here will let you experience history like never before. Even though this is not a hidden gem, this experience is worth it for sure!

• House of European History: another masterpiece is situated within the European Parliament. The building itself is beautiful and modern, with vast green areas to relax and explore. Here you can immerse in ancient and contemporary history from all of Europe, visit gallery-organized events, and just enjoy the cultural ambiance.

b) Art Galleries

• Horta Museum: this is not just a casual art gallery, as they call themselves. It is the house of the artist and architect Victor Horta. Wander through the halls of this peculiar house and explore his art nouveaux projects. Enjoy the many exhibitions and musical events that are organised every month as well!

• Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: this group of museums combine the most important museums of the city. From paintings to sculptures and installations, you will find diverse artworks as well as unique guided tours. Additionally, the museum shop is considered more as a library than an actual shop! Check their website, and choose one of the six different museums to visit!

2. Where to eat in Brussels

Brussels traditional culinary scene mostly is influenced by Belgian traditional cuisine as well as neighbouring countries France and Germany. A local dish that we urge you to try is Moules-frites which is mussels (bathed in wine) shallots, and parsley, alongside golden, crispy fries. When it comes to places where to head, we have some special suggestions that are undiscovered by tourists:

• Grimbergen Bruxelles Café: this café hides more than a simple place for a drink. It’s also a brewery! Apart from making their own beers, the also have the best mussels and fries of the city. You will not find  more Belgian place than here!
• Aux Gaufres De Bruxelles: you can find waffles all around the city. But if you wish to try the best ones, then you must visit this place! It is a quiet place at the outskirts of the Grand Palace. They have all kinds of sweet Belgian delicacies to try!

• Yummy Bowl: an affordable Vegan restaurant with a variety of rich-in-taste dishes to offer. Choose from wraps, sandwiches, bowls, or tasty vegan desserts.
• Maison Antoine: Belgian fast food place with an always welcoming atmosphere. Here you can make a quick stop and taste the best quality fries and sandwiches.

3. What to see in Brussels

• European Parliament: the parliament holds many spaces and msueums open for visit. The Parlamentarium offers an interactive experience about Europe, while the House of European History offers a more traditional museum experience. And yes, you can go inside the parliament. You can listen to a guide in every oficial European language!
• Grand Place: take a walk through the picturesque Brussels historical center. Get lost through its many streets where the legendary Manneken Pis lies.
• Parc du Cinquantenaire: this park holds some of the greatest museums of the city. It is a vast green area which ends on a great arch. Make sure to find the ice crem van. This tiny vehicle has been selling ice cream for more than ten years!
• The Future Is Europe: this mural made by the renowned European artist Novadead lies on the way to the European Parliament. It is a beautiful sight to behold if you’re planning to visit the European district or the Parc du Cinquantenaire.

Looking forward to explore more places in Belgium and beyond? Why not check our Eight European Routes For Your Summer Holidays and see which areas to visit!

4. Alternative places in Brussels

• Librairie Galerie BRUSEL: not just an ordinary library. This little corner is a hub for the art of “bande dessinée”, well known as the European comic. They also hold a vast collection of art and do exhibitions with local artists.
• Mini-Europe: this are near the famous Atomium is covered in little versions of famous cities and monuments all around Europe. It’s like seeing the world like a giant!
• Royal Greenhouses of Laeken: Get lost in a different world while bing inside the city! The beautiful glass domes look like palaces. The inside is truly breathtaking. From flower corridors to dense jungles, all contained in the art nouveaux style of architecture. Perfect to take a break from the busy streets!

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