Moules frites. This was basically the extent of my travel needs on a recent work trip to Brussels. I’d never visited the city before, but as a lover of Bruges and the aforementioned seafood and potato dish, I couldn’t wait to get there. My only problem? I had around 3 hours to do some sightseeing and eat some food before I needed to leave again. Challenge I hear you say?! Most definitely, and I must admit I was pretty chuffed to accomplish it too! So, in light of this, if you ever find yourself in Brussels with 3 hours to kill here’s a quick run-down of what you can hope to see…and I promise, there was no running whatsoever!
The Grand Palace
The central part of Brussels is quite compact and most of the hostels, hotels and guesthouses are located within a short walk of the Grand Palace, probably Brussels most iconic building. It stands 110 metres tall in the main square of Brussels, which was recently voted Europes most beautiful. I visited at dusk and while the light was difficult, I still managed to get some great shots.
Manneken Pis
The look on most tourists faces when they finally spot the small statue of a boy weeing into a small pond is one of both amazement and surprise – the thing is a lot smaller in person! I was expecting this huge man-baby towering over me with a hose like appendage spraying water into a giant lake, but what I got really was a peeing toddler! Still, its fun, and worth a look, even if it is just to take a photo to send to your mum for a laugh.
Lane Wandering
Around the backstreets behind The Grand Palace is some great bars and street art, like this mural below that I stumbled on before dinner. Grab your camera and wander the narrow lanes – you never know who or what you might find!
Getting Delirious
No trip to Brussels I’m told, would be complete without having a beer in Delirium. Not one to argue, I took myself there for one of the 400 kinds of beer they sell, and went for a 7% variety – by far the strongest beer I’ve ever had, but the perfect end to a crazy couple of hours sightseeing.
Moules Frites Inhalation
The piece de resistance, and what I’d been waiting for my whole trip was finally rewarded! I ate at Chez Soi on Rue Des Bouchers after a recommendation from a friend and she didn’t let me down…while the area does attract a lot of tourists, the restaurant itself was packed with a mix of locals and foreigners so that was god enough for me! I wasn’t disappointed – rich creamy mussels and crunchy, salty fries smothered in mayonnaise… yes,I was finally in Brussels!
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I’d go just for the moules, frites and beer! Sounds like a great quick trip.
Im with you on that Debbie – Id go again just for the food!
Thanks for stopping by!
Glad I discovered your site. I too was only in Brussels for a brief amount of time, but found it charming. Also went to the Delrium bar got a waffle or three.
Hi Scott, thanks for stopping by! Gotta love Delirium – Whoever decided waffles and beer were a good match is a legend in my book!
oh my god, that food looks amazing!! sounds like a great 3 hours
Thank you for the work you have put into this article, this helps clear up some questions I had.
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Thanks, glad you found it helpful! : )
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Great photos! Haven’t made it to Brussels yet but it looks like a great place to stopover!
Hi Katie, thanks – you’ll definitely have to go – if only for the food!
Nice job, it’s a great post. The info is good to know!
Wow 3 hours in Brussels.. guess you could see all of Europe in a week…
Haha, or in 3 days on a Contiki tour…