What to Do for 3 Days in Belgium
When people picture traveling to Europe, they often think of the famous highlights: London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam. Small countries like Belgium are often overlooked for eager tourists, but out of the dozen or so countries I’ve been to (so far), Belgium stands out for its stunning architecture, hearty food, and storybook atmosphere. I’ve rounded up my favorite things to do there - and eat!
Day 1 in Brussels: Acquaint Yourself
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and the seat of the European Union. Old world charm meets day-to-day bustle, and the scent of waffles wafts magically through the air.
Breakfast: Château Moderne
Travel lesson 1: release yourself from over-reliance on Google rankings. I have been to highly mediocre restaurants rated 4.9 stars, and enjoyed myself immensely at ones rated 3.6 stars. Chateau Moderne is a perfect example of the latter. Perched on the hill near the central train station, it has a gorgeous view of the city and delightful interior design. I will admit that the baristas are a bit intimidating - but just gird your loins and enjoy delicious (and reasonably priced) coffee and brunch.
Morning: Musical Instruments Museum
Did you know that there are dozens of types of bagpipes? Did you know that the first keyboard was invented in the 1400s? You can learn all of that and more at this amazing, interactive museum! Perfect for music lovers of all kinds and genres, this museum holds 4 floors of musical wonder. Best of all, your ticket includes an audio guide that allows you to listen to nearly every instrument.
Lunch: Namaste
I know what you’re thinking - Indian food in Belgium?! But this restaurant is listed on the Michelin guide for a reason. Not only is it absolutely delicious, it’s also one of the most reasonably priced restaurants in Brussels. Finding vegetarian food in Europe can be a challenge, but Namaste has a wide variety of vegetarian appetizers and curries.
Afternoon: Vintage and Secondhand Shopping
Brussels (and Belgium in general) absolutely bursts with awe-inspiring architecture. It then stands to reason that Belgians have excelled creative tastes in all areas. In the warmer months, outdoor markets with fun curiosities abound. In the winter, you can still browse some excellent vintage shops. This tour on AirBNB will take you through some of the city’s best spots.
Dinner: Aux Armes de Bruxelles
Down a charming cobbled alley, through diamond-pane leaded glass windows, Aux Armes de Bruxelles has set the standard for fine Belgian cuisine for over 100 years. It’s a bit on the pricier side but not unreasonably so - the white tablecloths and spit-shined servers indicate proper pricing. You must order mussels and croquettes! Bonus: it has the best bread I’ve had perhaps…ever?
Bonus Food Activity: Planète Chocolat
Located in the heart of the city (Mannekin Pis is mere steps away) this delightful shop draws visitors in with heavenly scents. In addition to purveying chocolates, Planète Chocolat offers tours and information on the chocolate making process. You can even take a workshop to make your own chocolate! Be sure to book this well in advance - for obvious reasons, their spots fill quickly!
Day 2 in Brussels: A Casual City Jaunt
Breakfast: Cafe Boudin
This fun pink cafe is perfect for a quick, chic bite. With lots of vegetarian options and coffee options, it’s perfect for pleasing a crowd. Plus, it’s as delicious as it is Instagrammable.
Morning: Photo Shoot
Brussels has 2 qualities perfect for photo shoots: buildings that look like gingerbread houses, and cloudy skies (a.k.a - great lighting). Hire a local photographer to take stunning photos of you around the city. Those aforementioned clouds often make for chilly weather, so be sure to plan your outfits accordingly.
Lunch: Frites Atelier
You may or may not be surprised to learn that french fries are not French - they are Belgian! Therefore, you must eat at least one meal entirely comprised of fries in Brussels. I don’t make the rules. Frites Atelier is a casual restaurant serving up a variety of smothered fries. From Thai Chicken to Parmesan Basil, there’s something for everyone.
Afternoon: Visit the Atomium
Located a bit of a jaunt from the city center, this strange attraction still merits a visit! Like something out of Jimmy Neutron, this giant chrome statue symbolizes modern Belgian art and architecture. The adventurous at heart can climb inside and enjoy sweeping views of Brussels. It even has a restaurant!
Dinner: Oysters and Smørrebrød
Seafood and fish is a staple in Belgium. Canals crisscross the whole small country, brining delicious shrimp, oysters, fish, and more directly to the main city centers. Oysters and Smørrebrød (sandwiches) showcases the best seafood Brussels has to offer. The atmosphere is casual - the food is anything but.
Bonus Food Activity: Aux Merveilleux de Fred
No trip to Belgium is complete without a visit to a patisserie (pastry shop). As well as meaning “marvelous” in French, a merveilleux is a small pastry made of whipped cream and meringue coated in chocolate shavings. Frothy and delicious, you must enjoy this culinary treat at least once. If meringue doesn’t strike your fancy don’t worry! They carry a wide array of decadent treats.
Day 3 in Bruges: Experience a Fairy Tale
A mere hourlong train from Brussels, you must put the fairytale city of Bruges on your itinerary. Though so close to Brussels (a mainly French city), residents of Bruges primarily speak Dutch. Thanks to going largely undetected from 1482-1892, the city is rife with well-preserved medieval architecture.
Breakfast: Blackbird
Charming, delicious, a slight witchy edge, Blackbird has everything you want in a cafe! Heed my warning now: if you don’t get the coconut and berry pancakes, you will regret it.
Morning: See Bruges from Boat Level
Before a minor economic collapse in the fifteenth century, Bruges was called the “Venice of the north.” It was the northern European center of commerce - to the point that the earliest stock markets were based on the daily currency exchanges in the city. Bruges is built on a network of sturdy canals. Hop on a boat and see the city from a whole new perspective.
Lunch: Café Vlissinghe
Founded in 1515, Vlissinghe is the oldest continually operating cafe in Bruges. In the winter, diners keep warm among the cozy dark wood with an authentic coal-powered stove. You’ll see servers occasionally pop over and pour whole coal into it as you enjoy your lunch. In the summer, an inviting walled courtyard beckons. Be careful - a Jack Russell terrier prowls the premises with perfect puppy dog eyes.
Bonus: it’s just down the street from Audrey Hepburn’s Bruges residence.
Afternoon: Attend a Waffle Workshop
You thought I would write a whole post about Belgium and NOT recommend any waffles? Of course you must try them! The options in flavors and combinations are endless. I recommend going to a waffle workshop yourself, whether it’s with beer or simply waffles only.
Dinner: Diligence
After a day hobbling about on cobblestones, a cold beer and warm Flemish stew are just what the doctor ordered. This exceedingly cozy pub is popular with business travelers and expats - and it’s easy to see why. The service is great, the food is delightful, and you meet all kinds of people at the bar. It’s open late, and unless you’re eating at the bar it fills up fast - so make sure to book early!
Bonus Food Activity: Brugse Zot Brewery
Loosely translated to “Bruges Fool,” Brugse Zot beer is a cornerstone of the 21st century Bruges revival. A pipeline under the city travels 4 miles from the brewery to the bottling plant, connecting the whole city to Brugse Zot. While you can get their beer anywhere in the city, the original brewery is the place to go. Look for the golden moon in the wall.
More Belgium Recommendations
Explore the architecture in Antwerp and Ghent
Visit the beautiful Het Predikheren library in Mechelen
Walk along the comic strip route
Visit the pink elephants at the Delirium Café
Browse the stacks at Cook & Book
Restaurants in Brussels
Grimbergen Café ($$)
GUS ($$$)
Le Marmiton ($$)
Ploegmans ($$)
Le Rabassier ($$$$)
Strofilia ($$$)
Le Vintage ($$)
Places to Stay in Brussels
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