Beautiful, beguiling, and... boring? No way! Brussels may be a lot of things but boring is certainly not one of them! True, it may not be as hectic as London, as historic as Rome, nor as stylish as Paris, but it remains a great destination nonetheless. And who says it's boring? Those who probably never had the chance to see Brussels at its finest! If they did, they'd know that even just a day in the city will have anyone doing lots of exciting stuff. Here are just a few on what you can do for a day in Brussels.
Visit Palais Royal
No visit to Brussels—or to any other European city for that matter!—is complete without seeing the beautiful palaces and castles. And here in the Belgian capital, it's all about the Palais Royal. Though the Grand Place, the city's main square, is undoubtedly the most spot in Brussels, the Palais Royal is just as beautiful and a lot more historic. For years, this elegant palace served as the residence of the country's royal family. Even to this day, it's known as their official residence. But don't expect to see the Belgian royals here when you visit! They spend their time mostly in Laeken, a largely residential
district of Brussels.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Go To Old England
No, you don't have to go all the way to the UK for this! The Old England building in Brussels is one of the most fascinating structures in the city. Built back in the 19th-century, its intricate interior conveys both its age and elegance. And at the time, it served as one of the premier department stores in the Belgian capital. Today, however, the Old England building now serves as a museum that displays an astounding collection of 2,000 different musical instruments. It's only here where you'll be able to not just see them, but also listen to them too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Learn All About Lace
Did you know that needlework lace is actually one of Brussels's oldest crafts? From centuries ago to today, the city remains one of the best producers of high-quality lace in the world. And you can learn all about it in the
Fashion & Lace Museum of Brussels. Detailing the country's handicraft, as well as the
Belgian designers who've contributed to the world of fashion at large, this place will teach everything you'll need/want to know. Not to mention show you the beautiful lace, dresses, and more that were handmade and sewn right in this very city! The museum will leave you spellbound!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy a Beer Tour of Brussels
Brussels was never really that well-known for its beer, was it? There are
Belgian chocolates, Belgian waffles, but Belgian beer? Doesn't ring a bell for many of you beer aficionados, does it? In any case, that doesn't mean that the beer served here is any less than in other cities. In fact, Brussels even has its own cul-de-sac, the Délirium Village, where you can enjoy as much beer as you want! From one memorable brewery to the next, you'll be able to taste around 2,000 different kinds of beer here! That is if you can last long enough to try everything!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Take Photos of Dieweg Cemetery
Now, you're probably thinking: '
why would I spend an entire day in a cemetery?' And you're right! Why would you spend your day amidst graves and tombstones? That sounds a bit too eerie, doesn't it? Well, if you get over the fact that it's a cemetery and forget all about the ghost stories and urban legends that come with it, Dieweg Cemetery is actually an extremely picturesque place. The tombstones, mausoleums, and the like here have a dream-like quality to them, they're almost out of this world! Also, the cemetery serves as a great sanctuary away from the hustles and bustles of the Belgian capital.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Michel wal
Shop at Jeu de Balle Flea Market
Oftentimes, the best places in old European cities like Brussels are the flea markets. Here in the Belgian capital, one of the best is the flea market on Jeu de Balle square. In these chaotic, open free-for-alls, you'll find so many great finds, you'll feel like a pirate who stumbled upon buried treasure. Sure, they may be worn-out, secondhand pieces, but isn't that part of their charm? Who knows the history of the knick-knacks you discover here. As well as the scrumptious local delicacies and desserts you can get your hand-on too!
Source: Flickr.com/ Kotomi_
See The Comic Book Murals of Brussels
Did you know that in some parts of Brussels, you can read a large comic book painted on the buildings and apartments here? Brightening up the streets of the Belgian capital, comic book murals are scattered all over the city. It's even possible your own
luxury home here is one of them. Also known as Brussels's 'Comic Book Route,' it's a collection of walls and buildings painted over by prominent artists. Though there isn't one huge district that houses them all, it's actually more fun stumbling upon one randomly, as if it was a prize inside a snack or something.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ MusselsNFries
After a day or two in Brussels, the word 'boring' would be the last word you'll use to describe this place. There's so much to see and do in the Belgian capital that it's almost a shame that it's not as popular as other European capital cities out there!
