How to do Brussels like a local with travel tips and tricks from my Belgian buds
“How to do Brussels like a local” is key to unlocking the city’s hidden charm.
Belgium has a lot going for it with its tasty chocs, fairy tale architecture and the world’s best beer. But ask visitors what they make of its capital city and you’ll get mixed reviews.
Popular opinion has it that while Brussels’ city square is one of the best in Europe, there isn’t much else going on.
But never fear my friends, I’m here to tell you how to enjoy all of the city and do Brussels like a local thanks to some hot tips from those who know.
When I first visited the city four years ago, I was lucky enough to be shown around by my Belgian pals. Now I’m sharing the love in the hope you can experience Brussels like a local too.
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How to do Brussels like a local… the Brussels vibe
Those who return from Brussels feeling underwhelmed seem to have gone expecting another Paris or Rome. But the beauty of the Belgian capital is that it is small enough to explore leisurely while soaking up its cosmopolitan vibe.
Brussels is not about marathon sightseeing trips and check lists. In fact, the best way to ‘do Brussels’ if you ask me is to simply kick back and enjoy.
As locals will tell you, the city has some real gems for eating, drinking and wandering. This brings us to my tried and tested tips on how to do Brussels like a local.
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How to do Brussels like a local
Grand Place
While there is more to Brussels than its main square, the Grand Place is truly spectacular. So it wouldn’t make sense to start anywhere else.
Grand Place is undoubtedly Brussels’ most famous attraction and not just among tourists.
During the day, the square can get pretty crowded with tourists flocking to admire its decadent buildings during the summer months.
So… the trick is to go in the early evening when all the tourists are having dinner. Join the buskers and locals in hanging out with a shop bought beer on the cobbles.
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Mulles frites
It’s true I tell you! Mussels and fries really is a big thing in Brussels. And when in Rome – or Brussels – it’s fun to jump on the cultural band wagon and get your mitts stuck in quite literally.
Le Zinneke offers a menu complete with 69 recipes of mussels including my favourite – the classic garlic and white wine.
Located off the beaten tourist trail, just a few minutes’ walk from Meiser Station, you’ll feel right at home in this cosy eatery complete with its very own Manneken Pis. I’ll leave that for you to find.
As well as all the traditional recipes you can think of, the menu includes several more modern concoctions. Choose from mussels with lobster stock, mussels with gin, or even with red Indian curry. Not sure how I feel about that one.
Walk the city at night
Any “Brusseleer” will insist you experience their city by night, when its streets are lit by twinkling fairy lights.
The view point at Place Poelaert, near Avenue Louise, is perfect for watching the sunset.
From here, make your way to Mont des Arts which is just 30 minutes on foot. The historic site is known for having one of the best views in Brussels and is lit up in different colours at night.
Finish the night at Parc du Cinquantenaire and sprawl out under the stars. I’ve spent many an evening here, looking up at Brussels’ very own triumphal arch which is based on Paris’ Arc de Triomphe.
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Drink Belgian beer, lots of it
When in Brussels, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a bit of Belgian beer bar hopping… that’s a mouthful.
Delirium Café is super popular among tourists and I wouldn’t deter you from going. Its iconic pink elephant logo and impressive 2,000 beer menu feature on every travel guide.
But in the quainter backstreets of the city centre, you’ll find some local gems.
If you’re looking for a more unique bar in Brussels, Le Goupil Le Fol is a top choice. The rickety town house is a labyrinth of rooms crammed with old sofas and paintings. I’m told the bar is actually an ex brothel too.
Or if you want something a little more elegant, L’Estrille Du Vieux Bruxelles is another favourite of mine. Serving delicious beers and food, it is tucked away in a courtyard under a canope of fairy lights.
It very much feels like you’ve discovered a secret spot among locals here. Find it on Rue de Rollebeek in the city’s chic Sablon District.
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Visit the Sablon District
The Sablon district is a lively area full of cool bars, fancy restaurants and chocolate shops.
Antique dealers and booksellers fill the streets of Grand Sablon every weekend. Its popular market is open from 10am until late afternoon. Find it by Grote Zavel.
Get lost in the Sablon’s rich selection of chocolate shops including the world famous Godiva, Neuhaus and Leonidas – all located at the Place du Grand Sablon.
On nearby Rue des Minimes, you’ll find the city’s Jewish Museum which illustrates the history and culture of Jewish people living in the capital. While if you are visiting in summertime, spend the day at the beautiful Egmont Park.
The Eglise Notre Dame, a 15th century gothic church, is also worth a visit and is situated on Regentschapsstraat.
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Track down Mannekin Pis
Certainly the most famous statue in Brussels and perhaps the most controversial – Manneken Pis literally means the ‘little peeing man’ in Flemish.
But despite its fame, this little fella is just over 60cm tall. This in itself is a talking point among tourists who spend the day trying to track it down, only to be shocked by its modest stature.
So don’t be that tourist. Manage your Mannekin Pis expectations.
It’s not all about size people. The Manneken Pis is a little statue for a little city and has heaps of history behind it.
The bronze sculpture, designed by Jérôme Duquesnoy, dates back four centuries and played an essential role in the former distribution of drinking water.
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The little statue would be clothed at big events and has since become a symbol of Brussels folklore, said to be the emblem of the city’s rebellious spirit.
Don’t miss it’s less famous female counterpart – Jeanneke Pis – which you will find near the famous Delirium Cafe.
So there you have it, travel tips from my Belgian buds on how to do Brussels like a local.
Have you visited the Belgian capital and what did you make of it? Do you have any travel hacks to add?
Thank you for dropping by. Safe and happy travels,
