Brussels Town Hall-really pretty at night.

First Take

As an American, I always thought Brussels was a big deal. Capital of Europe. Important. Serious. Suits and policy and meetings that go long.

The first time I actually went, back in 2014, I realized something else: Brussels is kind of a hidden gem.

Europeans don’t really hype it. With so many flashy cities nearby, I get why it gets skipped. But me? I like Brussels.

I like calmer places. Cities that don’t feel like they’re trying too hard. That’s the essence of Brussels.

We were there in winter. It rained a bit, which thinned the crowds, and honestly—that’s a win. I’ve said this a dozen times: if you can do Europe in late winter, early spring, or fall, do it. Fewer people. Better pace. More room to breathe.

Brussels rewards that kind of travel.

⚡ The Buzz Factor

The core of the city has a ton going on—great newer restaurants, worn-out Instagram classics, and small weird things you stumble into by accident.

Yes, there’s Manneken Pis—the little peeing boy everyone lines up for. But there’s also Zinneke Pis, a bronze dog peeing on a fire hydrant, which somehow feels more honest.

The vibe skews younger, a little working-class, relaxed, and quietly fun. Nothing dramatic. Nothing screaming for attention.

To really see Brussels, you need to embrace public transport. Fully. No half-measures. Don’t do Europe without it—you’ll miss a lot, and you’ll be tired for no reason.

I’m not a tour guide. Never will be. But I’ll share what actually worked for me.

🍴 The Bite Test

Pick your poison—Brussels eats well if you let it.

☕ Breakfast / Brunch

We did brunch at Woodpecker.
Small place. Good food. Really good coffee. Locals vibe. No nonsense.
That’s my lane.

🍝 Dinner

Two places that aren’t secrets, but are worth your time:

Nona Pasta
Sister spot to their pizza place (NONA), but we did pasta.
Portions are a little artsy and on the small side—but really good. I’d go back without thinking twice.

Umamido (Bourse location)
Looks like one of those places you’d ignore if it were in a mall. Don’t.
The ramen is legit.

🍫 Treats

Le Funambule
When in Belgium, eat the waffle.
Street-side, paper carrier, chocolate and whipped cream.
Not diet food. Absolutely worth it.

Mmmm-chocolate. Trust me, you CAN eat too much

Chocolate shops
Brussels is serious about chocolate. Like… aggressively proud of it.

My advice: don’t overthink it. Cruise. Sample. Grab a piece here and there. If one stops you in your tracks, then go all in.

We popped into:

Atelier Sainte Catherine–Rollebeek – small, excellent
Pierre Marcolini – world-renowned, for a reason

Chocolate is personal. Trust your own taste buds.
Go forth, cacao warriors.

🎨 Fun Stuff to Do

We kept it mostly outdoors- parks, monuments, wandering.

Here’s where I’d take you:

Parc du Cinquantenaire & Triumphal Arch
Great walking. Open space. Some art.
On weekends there’s often a market or event, which adds life without chaos.

Manneken Pis
You’ll see it. Everyone does.
It’s historic and central, but crowded, underwhelming, and not why you’ll remember Brussels.

Zinneke Pis
The better statue. A bronze dog peeing on a hydrant.
Perfectly Brussels: subtle, slightly absurd, easy to miss.
I walked past it twice before I noticed it.

That tracks.

🧠 The Takeaway

Brussels doesn’t punch you in the face with charm. Its not that charming. its got some cool stuff, its got some amazing architecture- and a lot of walkable parks. It does have a glove problem and a statue of a guy on a horse, so its a legit European city.

Not a show-off city. Personally, I really like Brussels.

Brussels-Overlooked- I like it.