🇧🇪 Brussels Travel Guide — Things to Do & Where to Stay

Brussels is one of those cities that surprises you. It's smaller than you'd think, super walkable, and genuinely charming. From incredible architecture to waffles and chocolate that will change your life, there's something special about this place. Plus, if you're Muslim-friendly traveling, the halal food scene is brilliant. Here's my complete Brussels guide.

✨ Best Things to Do in Brussels

🏛️ Grand Place – The Heart of Brussels

This is the absolute must-see. The architecture is stunning—ornate guild houses, the town hall, and this incredible sense of history everywhere you look. Go during the day to appreciate the detail, but honestly, see it at night too when it's lit up. It's magical. Grab a waffle or a beer at one of the cafés around the square and just soak it in.

🤖 Atomium – Iconic & Quirky

This giant atomic structure from 1958 is iconic Brussels. You can go inside, climb around, and get amazing views of the city. It's a bit touristy, but genuinely worth it. The view from the top is incredible.

🍫 Chocolate & Waffle Shops

Okay, Belgian chocolate is real. There are chocolate shops everywhere, and they're all good. But find the proper ones—not the tourist traps. Waffles are everywhere too (Liège waffles are my go-to). The combination of both is dangerous for your waistline, but so worth it.

🎨 Musée Magritte Museum

If you're into art, this is brilliant. René Magritte was Belgian, and his surrealist work is mesmerizing. The museum is well-organized and not too overwhelming.

🚶 Sablon District – Charming & Local

Beautiful neighborhood with antique shops, cafés, and a genuinely local vibe. The Sunday market here is fantastic. It's where Brussels feels most authentic.

🏰 Royal Palace & Park

The official palace is impressive, and the grounds are beautiful. It's free to walk around outside, and the park is perfect for a stroll.

🍺 Beer Tasting

Belgian beer is world-famous for a reason. Find a proper beer bar and try some local brews. The variety and quality are incredible.

💡 Quick Explore Tip: Brussels is super walkable and compact. You can genuinely see a lot in 2-3 days. The city center is where everything is, and it's all connected by easy-to-navigate streets.

🕌 Halal Food Scene

This is actually brilliant in Brussels. The Muslim community here is well-established, and the halal food is fantastic. When I stayed at Hotel Chambord, it was super close to loads of halal restaurants and kebab shops, which made life easy, alhamdulillah. You can find authentic Middle Eastern, Turkish, and North African food easily throughout the city.

🏨 Where to Stay in Brussels

All three of these hotels are in great areas with easy access to the city center and attractions. Choose based on your budget and what vibe you want.

Hotel Chambord

This is where I stayed. It's very basic, but honestly, it's perfect if you're just doing a quick city explore. The real win here is the location—it's close to tons of halal food options, which worked out incredibly well for us. Great neighborhood, good value, and you're not paying for fancy extras you won't use. Perfect for travelers who just need a clean bed and want to spend their time exploring the city.

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Hilton Garden Inn Brussels

This is a really solid choice and not badly priced for what you get. Proper hotel amenities, comfortable rooms, good service. It's a step up from Chambord if you want more comfort and facilities, but it's not going to break the bank. Great location, and you get that reliable Hilton quality.

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NH Collection Brussels

A nice mid-to-premium option. Good area, comfortable rooms, and proper hotel facilities. NH Collection is known for quality, and this property maintains that standard. If you want something nicer than Chambord but still reasonable pricing, this is a solid choice.

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🎯 My Recommendation: For a quick city explore like I did, Hotel Chambord is brilliant value. If you want more comfort and are staying longer, go Hilton Garden Inn. Both areas are good for halal food and getting around.

🍽️ Eating in Brussels

Beyond halal food, the food scene here is genuinely great. Try the mussels (moules), fries (Belgian fries are different and better), and proper Belgian beer. The cafés are perfect for just sitting and watching the world go by. Don't skip the chocolate—buy some proper stuff from good chocolate makers, not the airport shops.

💡 Practical Tips

Getting around: The city is walkable, but there's also a great metro/tram system. A day pass is cheap and covers everything.
Language: Belgian Dutch and French are spoken, but English works fine in most places, especially in the city center.
Best time to visit: Spring or fall. Summers are busy, winters are cold. April-May and September-October are perfect.
Budget: Brussels is cheaper than many European capitals. Food, hotels, and attractions offer good value.
Halal dining: Stick to the neighborhoods near where you're staying—you'll find good options easily.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Brussels doesn't get the hype it deserves. It's not flashy like Paris or Rome, but it's genuine, charming, and really enjoyable. The people are friendly, the food is incredible, and you can see everything without feeling rushed. Whether it's a quick 2-day explore or a longer stay, Brussels delivers.

Rating: 8.5/10 — Great city, incredible food, and super walkable. Perfect for a European escape. 🇧🇪

🇧🇪 Brussels Travel Guide — Things to Do & Where to Stay