There are countless things to do in Brussels. I was there many years ago with my brother as we backpacked around Europe, but given our limited funds and time, we only walked around a few areas that were close to the main train station before setting off to our next destination.

Although my recent visit was another quick trip, I was able to piece together a few mornings and afternoons in between other activities and day trips to revisit a few of the places I had previously explored and to branch away from the station area to discover new sites.

Not comprehensive or in any particular order, but the following were my top 10 favorite activities during our recent trip to Brussels, Belgium.

Walking around Grand Place

Only a few blocks from the main train station – and with a fun new BXL sign to pose by along your way! – the Grand Place is a site you can’t really miss.

The market square is surrounded by the 15th-century Gothic town hall, guild halls, museum, shops, and more. Many tours start and end from this spot, which is full of history.

Touring the Porte de Hal

One of my favorites sites this visit was one I had not visited before – the Porte de Hal. The audio guide tour was very interesting and full of history – not just about the medieval city wall remains, but the city of Brussels overall.

Right off the metro, this stop was in a bustling neighborhood with surprisingly few tourists. The views from the top of the battlement were amazing, as was the current special exhibit on paper theatres.

Exploring Saint Catherine’s Area

(Including: Eglise St. John Baptiste au Beguinage, Eglise St. Catherine, Pigeon Soldat Memorial, and Le Mer du Nord)

Another one of my favorite spots – and also new to me this visit – was the area around the Church of St. Catherine. I spent several hours wandering around the Marche aux Poissons to see the fountains and monuments, including the WWII carrier pigeon memorial, and stepping inside both St. Catherine’s and the Church of St. John the Baptist.

I could have easily spent the day had I been there early enough to explore the shops and restaurants before they closed. It would have been fun to drink coffee on the square and people watch – it was very relaxing and there weren’t many tourists.

I did grab a quick dinner while I was there at the highly recommend Le Mer du Nord where you could pick your fresh seafood from the display counters to go or order your seafood dish to eat on site at one of the small tables in the square. My shrimp scampi was magnifique!

Sitting down to a multi-course meal

Speaking of foodie experiences, a top highlight of our time in Brussels was lingering over a 7-course meal at La Bonne Chere (note: I had to book this online well in advance of our trip).

This intimate little restaurant had a wonderful ambiance, exceptional service, and an inspired menu of dishes we’d never experienced. It was a wonderful way for us to catch up on how the trip was going (his customer visits – sad, my day tripping about – grand).

Window shopping the Galleries Royales St Hubert

Although I don’t enjoy shopping, I did enjoy wandering through the 19th century Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert, which is an ensemble of covered shopping arcades.

In addition to enjoying the art and architecture, I also enjoyed the window displays at the many gourmet chocolateries inside!

Sampling chocolate and frites

While Belgium is know for a number of dishes, frites and chocolates usually make it into every top 10 list. A bit touristy, but I grabbed frites and mayo near the main train station as you’re walking to Grand Place at a little walk-up window that my brother and I visited when we were here long ago. They were just as hot and salty and delicious as I remembered.

As for the chocolates: take your pick from any of these iconic Belgian brands – Laurent Gerbaud, Jean Neuhaus, Godiva, Mary’s Chocolatier.

Visiting the fountains

I debated putting the peeing fountains on the list but they don’t take long to visit, they are iconic to Brussels, and their absurdity still brings a smile to my face!

This visit I sought out Mannekin Pis and Jeanneke Pis, but you can also try to spot the elusive Zinneke Pis if you want to bag the triple crown.

Admiring Chapel Church

A bit off the beaten path and situated in an unassuming neighborhood next to a skate park, Eglise Notre Dame de la Chapelle is the oldest church in Brussels and was built sometime in the 12th to 13th centuries.

The quiet and soaring interior offered a respite from my afternoon wanderings, and I thought the small heat lanterns interspersed between the pews were brilliant for chilly services.

Spotting eclectic murals and art

While I took the metro between spots that were in vastly different areas, I enjoyed walking aboveground as much as my feet and the weather would allow and stumbling upon fun murals, statues, and other works of art around seemingly every corner!

Seeing the city at night

I am an early to bed, early to rise girl but occasionally Brian can talk me into watching the sunset or seeing a place at night.

I have to admit that although there were more people to navigate in the bar/restaurant areas of downtown after dark, it was also nice seeing some of the sites I’d visited by day all lit up at night.

Next Time

As always, I didn’t come even close to seeing everything on my list. A few of those things I would definitely prioritize next time.

• Canal boat ride
• Atomium and ADAM
• Live jazz music
• Centre Beige de la Bande Dessinee (comic strip museum)
• Musee Mode and Dentelle (history of Belgian lace)
• Train World Museum

What would go on your list?