Fancy some artisanal chocolate and fluffy waffles? And perhaps a crisp lager the likes of which you’ve never tasted? Brussels, Belgium, is the capital of the European Union, with its own strong identity complemented by influences from neighbouring Germany, the Netherlands and France. Book a holiday in Brussels to experience a city that’s rich in both flavours and culture.
Begin your Brussels holidays by touring the historic old town square, the Grand Place. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been the commercial centre of the city for centuries. Walk the cobblestone streets to find the nearby Manneken Pis, the beloved bronze statue of a naked urinating boy that locals claim symbolises their city's irreverent spirit. Then head to another renowned emblem of Brussels: the Atomium, a massive construction in the shape of an iron crystal, which offers 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Finish your day with a turn through the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, which pays tribute to the country's rich heritage in the comic medium, including the popular series, “The Adventures of Tintin.”
If you have the time, escape the city and see the countryside and surrounding areas with one of Wotif’s car hire options in Brussels. Drive to the lovely city of Bruges with its canals and medieval buildings or relax for a day or two on the beaches of the seaside resort of Knokke-Heist.
If luxury shopping is on your itinerary, Brussels has it in spades. Head to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a 19th-century shopping arcade with exquisite Italian architecture, for stores offering everything from uncommon jewellery and leather goods to those famous Belgian chocolates. For a more authentic slice of Brussels life, visit the Sunday market at the Gare du Midi, where you can wander through the crowds and pick up fresh cheeses and meats for a picnic in the Parc du Cinquantenaire.
Brussels has rapidly become a premier culinary destination, and the classic brasserie fare of mussels and frites can be found in restaurants across the city. And it would be blasphemy if you didn’t grab a classic Belgian waffle with powdered sugar from one of the smaller shops by the Grand Place. For more than a snack, head to the Rue des Bouchers, north of the Grand Place, to find a heap of restaurants offering traditional Belgian cuisine. After tucking in, enjoy a pint or two of the city's most famous attraction: beer, which is arguably the best in the world.
If you’ve been drinking in a pub for too long and want to dance, you’ll find the most popular nightclubs in Place de St-Gery and Rue de Chartreux, while the city's thriving jazz scene can be sampled in the Ixelles district and neighbouring Matonge.
If you’re imagining sipping a Belgian beer at a canal-side pub, book holiday to Brussels with Wotif. Search our inventory of flights, hotels and car hire options to get the best deals in Brussels. We also bundle airfare and lodging with Brussels package deals, which will save you hundreds on your next Belgium holiday.
