Brussels
Belgium
Backpacking Brussels
Information on Brussels, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Home to the European Union and the capital of Belgium, Brussels is a historic city known for its beer, fries, waffles, and chocolate. This combination of qualities is what makes it such a popular destination for tourists from all walks of life. There’s nothing quite like munching on some pommes frites while you check out architectural wonders that hold the weight of a very long history. Our favorite thing about Brussels is definitely the food and drink so if you are a foodie you are in luck. Belgium is known for having over 1000 different types of beer and home to some of the world’s best. Otherwise, Brussels has a reputation of being kind of boring and it has been years past. However, the city is starting to attract more of a creative class so it’s slowly becoming a city you want to spend a day or two in. We recommend visiting Belgium in the April, May, September or October as the weather is most comfortable for sight seeing.
Must See
Grand Place - The UNESCO protected central square is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world. The site was originally an open-air marketplace dating back to the 11th century. The square is comprised of two major landmarks: the Brussels Town Hall and the King’s House, or ‘Breadhouse’.
Brussels Royal Palace - A working palace, the Royal Palace is where the Belgian King does most of his royal administration duties. It was Renovated in the early 1900s by King Leopold II, Belgium’s longest-reigning monarch. In summer, the palace opens for tours.
European Union Parliament - Brussels’ European Parliament Buildings are remarkably transparent and open to visitors for free. If you want an in-depth education on the history and function of the European Union, this is the best place to acquire it.
Must Do
Fries, Waffles, Beer, and Chocolate. Brussels is all about eating and drinking. The city is the birthplace of the world’s best beers so sampling those is a must do. And there’s chocolate everywhere. And the amazing fries. Belgian Waffle lovers will also rejoice. We recommend absorbing the breath-taking architecture by also going on a food/pub crawl.
Day Trip to Ghent - Ghent is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Not too far from Brussels and if you’re looking to explore a medieval town than Gravensteen Castle plus a boat tour of the canals are both delightful.
Nightlife
Brussels is not a huge city, and so the nightlife offering doesn’t keep up with other European capitals. However, it is still worth checking out for a night or two, and the quality of clubs and bars on offer are definitely enjoyable! Belgium officially has over 1000 different kinds of beer and Brussels has a few of bars that stock well over two thousand beers from around the world. We can help point you in the right direction depending on what type of night you’d like to have.
Get started now on planning your backpacking trip with personalized recommendations from our advisors. Your plan will include: accommodation options, food/nightlife recommendations, tours or attractions to see with recommendations for best operators, 24/7 assistance with bookings, answers to any questions and more.