StreetlyBrussels beyond the clichés: Grand-Place, comics, art nouveau and great food
Brussels is a city of baroque squares, comic-strip murals and art nouveau houses, with a food scene that goes far beyond waffles. Here are the essentials, how to dodge the crowds, and where locals eat and drink.
Grand-Place and the historic centre
The Grand-Place is the heart of the city and looks best early in the morning or at night, when it is far quieter. From there, stroll through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, visit the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula, and look for the Manneken Pis, smaller than most people expect.
The Atomium, Cinquantenaire and the big icons
The Atomium, the city's symbol, sits to the north; pair it with a walk around Laeken and avoid rush hour on the approach. In Cinquantenaire Park, the grand triumphal arch gives wide views and calm. For a panorama of the centre, head up to the Mont des Arts area.
Eating and drinking like a Bruxellois
Order frites at a neighbourhood friterie with your pick of sauce, and try mussels with fries or a carbonnade flamande. For beer, taste a gueuze or lambic in a traditional cafe and visit the Cantillon brewery. Brussels waffles are best from a simple street stall rather than a flashy shop.
Marolles, Sablon, comics and art nouveau
The Marolles is the old working-class quarter, home to the flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle, while the Sablon has antique shops and chocolatiers. Follow the comic-strip mural trail through the centre, then head to Ixelles and Saint-Gilles for art nouveau facades and relaxed cafes.
Sample 3-day route
A starting point for your trip; in Streetly you can adjust days, pace and interests and get your own version with a map.
- Day 1Grand-Place → Manneken Pis → Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert → Cathedral of St Michael → Mont des Arts
- Day 2Place Royale → Sablon → Marolles → Place du Jeu de Balle → Palace of Justice
- Day 3Atomium → Laeken → Cinquantenaire Park → Ixelles
Practical tips
- The centre is walkable; for the Atomium and Cinquantenaire use the metro or tram.
- Visit the Grand-Place early or at night to see it without the crowds.
- Pack an umbrella: the weather changes fast and rain is common.
- Eat fries in residential neighbourhoods, where they are often better and cheaper than near the landmarks.
Create your Brussels route with Streetly: ordered stops, a map for each day and a budget.
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