Things Reprinting, republishing or copying of any content on this site, whether whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Who can resist having an award-winning artisanal Silly beer at the Silly Brewery? The palace standing today replaced the former Coudenberg Palace that dated back to the Middle Ages. The riverside bar service to floaters near Dinant amazed me. Check the Brussels Town Hall. alternative hotels near the Grand Place here, What to see in Brussels (with highlights of my DIY Comic Strip Walk), How to get to Brussels (and getting around). TIP: Go with an open mind and see if you think Margaret Thatchers speech on immigration was more relevant in 1979 than today! WebHere are 20 things to see and do within one hour of Brussels. Selecting will open the HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts Website in a new browser window. Located within the Le Berlaymont building, this European Union institution manages the everyday business of the EU from decision-making to legislation proposals to safeguarding EU treaties. I really wish I did a day trip to Antwerp too Ill just have to go back . Although this is certainly not unique to Brussels, be aware of children being forced by their parents to beg for money whilst youre dining outdoors. best day trips from Brussels But you should do that and combine your travel plan with the confidence to wander and find amazing sites, cafes, and eateries on your own. Getting there: Hourly trains travel from Brussels to Tournai, taking just over an hour to reach the city. Map Leuven 12.5 miles from central Brussels. Thank you so much for your feedback, I greatly appreciate your comments! Map Botanic Garden Meise To make your life easier, weve collected ten of the best day trips from Brussels, showcasing all that Belgium and this part of Europe has going for it. Belgium Brussels The 10 best day trips from Brussels: castles, cool cities, and culture Daniel Fahey Dec 20, 2021 7 min read From mesmerizing medieval cities to Waterloo Battlefield, here are the best day trips within easy reach of Brussels The exhibition is available in 24 languages including English. I really do appreciate your writing about my city, i.e Brussels, Belgium, which, according to my non-Belgian friends, is a hidden treasure. to See in Brussels: 15 Impressive Attractions s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); 28 miles from central Brussels. best day trips from Brussels I was confident in my accommodation choice and I am so glad I stayed where I did because I had a wonderful time! Monks from the Cistercian Order lived, prayed, and worked here. Here are 20 things to see and do within one hour of Brussels. Grand Place Atomium & Mini Europe Belgian Comic Strip Centre Town Hall St. Michael And St. Gudula Cathedral Royal Museum Of Fine Arts Manneken Pis Jardin Du Petit Sablon Notre Dame Du Sablon Bruges. 37 miles from central Brussels. Heres how it went. 1. From accessible nature breaks to delicacies like fries and chocolate, medieval towns to trendsetting art scenes, there's something for everyone in Belgium. Waffle vans serving piping hot waffles wrapped in paper can be found all over Brussels city parks and weekend markets are good places to look. Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby Sep 10, 2021 16min Europe Europe travel guides 2023. 20 miles from central Brussels. Transport tips to get around Brussels easily. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Keep in mind the farthest places from Grand Place like the European Quarter and Parc du Cinquantenaire are about 30-40mins walk. On arrival I received a hand-held multimedia guide (similar to a buzzer you receive when waiting for your dinner at a bistro) that helped walk me through the permanent exhibition. Hallerbos, or the forest of Halle, is a beautiful escape from the cityyear-round with its miles of gentle walking trails through peaceful woodland. Youll get the chance to meet your your favourite comic strip characters, see comic exhibitions, go to book-signing sessions and witness the Balloons Day Parade and Comic Strip Car Rally its a weekend jam-packed with fun! This city-within-a-city was home to single women who dedicated themselves to the church. As you walk, aim for the Anne Frank House which is more than just a commemoration of a young life lost, but a moving memorial to all that the Holocaust destroyed. Brussels WebThings to Do in Brussels, Belgium: See Tripadvisor's 811,017 traveler reviews and photos of Brussels tourist attractions. 6.5 miles from central Brussels. Places To Visit In Brussels Must-Visit Attractions in Brussels Whether you agree or disagree with the exhibitions representation of todays EU, it is still interesting to expand your knowledge about its creation after WWII and what it aims to achieve for the continent. You can however book accessible taxis through Taxi Verts. LOL!! As you can see there are many things to see in Belgium outside of Brussels. I personally preferred Ghent as well but each city is amazing for different reasons , Glad I found this! On the contrary, Leuven is a compact, walkable city and home to one of Flanders UNESCO-listed beguinages. So without further ado here are the best places to visit from Brussels. Places To Visit In Brussels As far as the waffles are concerned, there are 2 types of waffles: the Brussels waffle, known as the Belgian waffle, light and crispy, which we mostly eat with either sugar, or butter and sugar, or whipped cream, or whipped cream and strawberry; and then there is the Liege waffle, which we eat plain, considering it contains lumps of sugar. things For rentals, local bicycle sharing platforms such as Billy Bike, Villo! Locals prefer their waffles plain, maybe with a little sugar instead! Several companies operate buses in Brussels: STIB/MVIB runs most buses downtown, while De Lijn and TEC cover the suburbs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hi Liezl, sorry that wasnt clear! To be fancy in first class you need a pricey first class ticket. Think of it what you will, but I would rather not support that kind of disrespectful behaviour by foreigners. Amazing article, thanks. Source: cge2010 / shutterstock. We were there visiting friends, which was the one bright spot, but I think were due a return visit to give the city a second chance! The real symbol of Brussels can be found at the southern end of the park with an enormous Belgian flag draped beneath the iconic Arcade du Cinquantenaire. Yes, the west of the western side of the R20. Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks. I strongly suggest you conduct your own research in addition to my advice so you can draw your own conclusions, too. Rated Day Trips from Brussels Rain can definitely put a damper on a city experience, I felt that way about Copenhagen. 2. STIB-MIVB operates 147km (92mi) of tram lines throughout the capital, and tram stops are identified by signs and shelters beside the tracks. Villers sprawling lawns are the ideal place for a picnic on a sunny day and are popular with Belgian families for Sunday gatherings. Bruges. Belgian train company SNCB-NMBS, has a similar split identify; SNCB is French, NMBS is Dutch. Knowing exactly what to expect before your visit can mean the difference between having a mediocre or mind-blowing experience in this intriguing city. Located 100 kilometres northwest of Brussels and only 15 kilometres from the North Sea, Bruges, also known as the Venice of the North, is a great choice for a day trip from Brussels. Selecting will reload the Holiday Inn Website in this browser window. Pictured above is whatthey like to call The Metre and it has 15 different types of Belgian beers to sample. WebThings to Do in Brussels, Belgium: See Tripadvisor's 811,017 traveler reviews and photos of Brussels tourist attractions. Visit a replica Balinese temple or participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Some of the most famous that showcase Belgian culture are: March: With 130 participants showcasing their delectable treats, this one is not to be missed if youre a Belgian chocolate lover. Transport tips to get around Brussels easily. Its a sensitive topic and a sad reality that you cannot help everyone. I would love to go back for the flower festival. Trains are only really necessary to head to the airport or take day trips from Brussels. Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks. Selecting will reload the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Website in this browser window. Brussels Cut in half by the beautiful Meuse River, Namur is dominated by its huge stone citadel. 3. Alex Reynolds. Getting there: In less than 40 minutes you can take the train from Brussels to Lille, making it an incredibly easy place to visit for the day. Map Stoomcentrum Around the Grand Place, you mostly find the Liege waffle with all those weird toppings! Save. Youll literally be spoilt for choice as Guinness World Record holder Delirium Beer Caf boasts over 200 beers to tempt your tastebuds. 1. Located 100 kilometres northwest of Brussels and only 15 kilometres from the North Sea, Bruges, also known as the Venice of the North, is a great choice for a day trip from Brussels. Foodies will love Antwerps diverse culinary scene, and there are always plenty of concerts, plays, and exhibitions to entertain until the wee hours. Its needed to activate the audio and video options at the different installations throughout. Finish your day with a Belgian beer and traditional Flemish meal on the postcard-perfect Graslei waterfront. And finally, dont leave Antwerp without seeing the high-tech Museum aan de Stroom or the new Port Authority building nearby. It has an incredible wealth of culture, heritage and architecture just waiting to be discovered. But you should do that and combine your travel plan with the confidence to wander and find amazing sites, cafes, and eateries on your own. Take in the beauty of the citys Town Hall and Tafelrond before heading into the equally impressive St Pieters Church. 40 miles from central Brussels. Places to Visit in Brussels Located in the Flemish city of Maldegem, Stoomcentrum was once owned by the Belgian rail company SNCB. This is why its so important to be aware and have your wits about you! Selecting will reload the Candlewood Suites Website in this browser window. Frustratingly, their tickets arent interchangeable, so choose the right ticket for your journey. Top-Rated Tourist Attractions The Royal Museum of the Army and Military Historyis adjacent to the archway if you have some extra time. TIP: I discuss more about this topic and similar issues in my guide to adopting responsible tourist traits. I assume by west of R20 you mean west of the western leg of the R20? However, specifically this festival is held in early September and breweries large gather at the Grand Place with stalls to sample their liquid gold. I asked where she stayed and it was in the Red Light District, which is in no way as trendy as its Amsterdam counterpart, unfortunately. Stroll through Grand Place (Grote Markt) Grand Place (Grote Markt) Right in the heart of Brussels Old Town, the city's main plaza (known as Grand Place) is one of the best preserved in Europe and the city's top tourist attraction. Bruges Bruges Bruges, 104 kilometers northwest from central Brussels, is Belgium's most popular destination, with an old town district packed with some of the country's most famous historic tourist attractions, including the belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Markt square and Bruges' canal-side architecture. Luckily, you can now save yourself a headache on public transport with the BRUPASS. Ive written about how you can be an Invisible Tourist in 10 easy steps and avoid being a target, too. Visit the animals at the Planckendael Animal Park, or enjoy interactive science learning at Technopolis. You cant visit Belgium without discovering the countrys rich beer culture. Source: cge2010 / shutterstock. An absolute must: the Grand Place, and the neighbouring galleries. Transport tips to get around Brussels easily. 1. 53 miles from central Brussels. All rights reserved. Best Day Trips from Brussels Did I mention most of these things to do in Brussels are FREE? TIP: Be sure to visit the Grand Place at night when the buildings are illuminated beautifully to make amazing night shots. Its hard not to chuckle when you look at a map, but theres only one place to go in Belgium if youre feeling silly, and thats Silly. WebHere are 20 things to see and do within one hour of Brussels. I definitely recommend spending more than just one day in Brussels in my whole week there I can promise you I was never bored. 10,085. The Antwerp Railway Station is a another sight not to miss due to the eclectic design of its main hall. Things to Do in Brussels The prices Ive mentioned below are an average for adult one-way tickets as they change depending on what season and time of day you travel, but it should give you a rough idea to help with your itinerary planning: Prices listed below are for an adult, one way, second class tickets via Belgian Rail: All of the places Ive mentioned in this article are easy enough to reach by foot as Brussels is quite flat (no hills, thank goodness) making it perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace. Even other travel bloggershave mentioned their Brussels experience wasnt great This really surprised me so now Im here to set the record straight. Would love to spend a week there someday and will reference your article when I do! Getting there: There are very frequent trains that make the journey from Ghent to Brussels in 30 minutes. One of the highlights is the recreated medicinal garden planted with herbs grown and foraged by the monks for healing purposes. Visit Brussels 18 miles from central Brussels. This is also the best way (next to walking) for getting a sense of how the city fits together. Another one of the best places to visit in Belgium is the city of Antwerp in the north of Belgium. 46 miles from central Brussels. Drink a beer in a brown cafe Cramped seating, smoke-darkened wooden panels, and an extensive (but tasteful) beer list are defining features of classic Belgian brown cafes. 10,085. Whether you choose to explore the regions of Flanders and Wallonia or head to a neighboring country, you wont be disappointed in what you find. Nice post! Brussels is definitely a cool city and the waffles with chocolate are DELICIOUS! Must-Visit Attractions in Brussels Best Day Trips from Brussels If you'd rather arrange wheels on arrival, some hotels offer complimentary bicycles, and many have spaces to charge electric bikes. best day trips from Brussels Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and architectural heritage, Brussels is a vibrant city that attracts visitors from around the world. Although, I must give credit where it is due: he does have a wardrobe bigger than most people and on some occasions hes even been known to pee kriek (cherry beer a Belgian favourite!). With a short walk through the narrow streets of Patershol youll eventually reach Gravensteen castle where you can get fantastic city views from its great big stone towers. Imagine if those walls could talk! Timmermans brews a wide variety of Belgiums favorite beverage, from fruit beer like Kriek (cherry) and Framboise (raspberry) to traditional sour gueuze and lambic beers. Most hotels are independently owned and operated. The top 8 traditional bars in Brussels Grab a pint, Map the museum With more than 30,000 rose bushes of 3,000 varieties, Coloma is a riot of colors and scents, and its pure heaven for garden-lovers. Its in close proximity to Bruxelles-Midi train station, restaurants, pubs and the Grand Place itself. It has an incredible wealth of culture, heritage and architecture just waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by water-filled moats, this fourteenth-century chateau of the Princes de Ligne is square with round towers at each corner. Great article! Belgians are known for their surreal sense of humor, and Belgium is no stranger to funny-sounding place names: Affligem, Dudzele, Dworp, Pollinkhove. Ill have to see a few of these when I visit next! Pin me to Pinterest for reference later! Haha, I think everybody knew what you meant , Thank you and wow, thats interesting about your great-grandmother! There are some MUST-SEE places to visit in Brussels: the Grand Place, the Royal Palace, and the town hall should be at the top of your list! To make your life easier, weve collected ten of the best day trips from Brussels, showcasing all that Belgium and this part of Europe has going for it. Grand Place Atomium & Mini Europe Belgian Comic Strip Centre Town Hall St. Michael And St. Gudula Cathedral Royal Museum Of Fine Arts Manneken Pis Jardin Du Petit Sablon Notre Dame Du Sablon Places to Visit I did nothing touristy (well, apart from seeing the pissing boy statue and eating a waffle), just partied (sober, believe it or not!) By Eric_PAQUAY. 1. Would love to know more about the comic route in Brussels . My travel buddy and I dedicated a day to this (which may not be to everyones taste) but as a massive art lover this was something I really wanted to do in Brussels. Brussels is home to many festivals throughout the year that draw visitors from near and far. Nearby, the splendid Belfry of Tournai is another UNESCO recognized landmark that defines Tournais cityscape. We have reviews of the best places to see in Brussels. As I harp on about in every itinerary and travel guide, staying in a centrally-located hotel is so important. Several of Belgiums neighboring countries are easily reached, meaning you can experience a whole different country just for the day if you like. Inside the castle is a gallery hosting world-class exhibitions. Not too big, not too small, Brussels is juuust right for leisurely exploring. Moving through the citys historic center, youll pass the elegant Ghent Belfry and the unusual City Pavilion to find Ghents Town Hall. BRUSSELS HIGHLIGHTS: 1) Enjoy the Grand Place at night ~ 2) Discover Brussels street art on a Comic Strip Walk ~ 3) See whats impressive about Manneken Pis ~ 4) Watch the giant Belgian flag fly high at the Arcade du Cinquantenaire ~ 5) Wander the different neighbourhoods ~ 6) Relax and unwind in one of Brussels many parks and green No surprise then that its also the most popular among Brussels day trips, as it can be easily visited in one day. I really should have said Mannekin Pis rather than pissing boy, but oh well. As I mention in Ghent city guide, youve just got to try ALL the beers when in Belgium (even if youre not a beer fan). 10 things to know before you arrive in Brussels What should you pack? I hope you get to go back and see the flower carpet, Anisa! Selecting will reload the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Website in this browser window. Most downtown buses are run by STIB-MVIB, with signs in French, but buses to the citys outskirts may be run by Flemish company De Lijn (white and yellow buses) or Wallonian company TEC (yellow and red buses), with their own ticketing systems. Its great you trusted your gut and decided to go back to where was familiar. They dont actually taste like beer, which is the best part and probably why I enjoyed them so much!
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