My 6 Favorite Things to Do in Brussels in the Wintertime

Of all the cities to visit in Europe, Brussels is rarely at the top of the list. I’m not sure why, because it’s actually a very cool and vibrant city with so many things to do.

Brussels is full of museums, public squares, interesting architecture, cool neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and oh, did I mention the chocolate, waffles, and beer?!

While it’s a great place to visit year-round, personally, I love visiting in the wintertime when you can experience the Christmas Markets, the sparkling lights throughout the city, and the numerous cozy cafes beckoning you in for warm cocoa or sweet treat.

Even better, if you travel in January or February, after the holiday rush, you can usually take advantage of winter travel deals and save money. Plus, you’ll be dealing with fewer crowds because most people don’t travel right after the holidays, making your trip a much more pleasant experience.

I visited Brussels as part of a 3-day layover when I was traveling from NYC to Rwanda, to go trekking with mountain gorillas. Because Rwanda was briefly a Belgian colony in the 20^th century, Brussels Airlines is one of the main airlines that fly into Kigali from NYC, hence the layover.

Related: Check out my travel guide for Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Since I love to travel and check out places I’ve never been to, I always take advantage of a layover. I’m so glad I did with Brussels because it’s a great city to explore, even if you just have a few days to spare.

So, are you ready to learn more about my 6 of my favorite things to do in Brussels in the wintertime?

Keep reading for my top picks!

My 6 Favorite Things to Do in Brussels in the Wintertime

Ok, before we get to the list, I need to make one caveat here. I often travel for food, so experiencing and trying the local food wherever I go is always a highlight for me. Belgium is known for many culinary delicacies so my list of things to do in Brussels weighs more heavily towards food than seeking out the top touristy destinations.

Now, let’s get to it!

#1 Noordzee fish bar

Looking for the perfect antidote to jetlag? Head to Noordzee, a famous fish bar located in a bustling square. The restaurant is known for its fishmongers who churn out delicious fish finger foods to be enjoyed like tapas, at outdoor, standing-only tables. (This was their set-up even pre-COVID). My favorites are the hearty fish soup and the shrimp croquettes.

#2 Check out all of the street art

If you know me, you know I love to check out street art wherever I go. And Brussels has a lot of it! Take some time to wander through the city streets and check out the cool graffiti and street art. You’ll find bold and colorful gay frescoes in Brussels gay quarter (or Rainbow quarter) at Rue de la Chaufferette. Also worth checking out is the Comic Strip trail. Belgians love their comic books and in various neighborhoods of Central Brussels, including Sablon, Marolles, and Saint-Gilles, you’ll find walls and gables adorned with iconic comic book characters.

#3 A chocolate and beer tasting tour

I find one of the best ways to get to know a place is by doing a food tour run by a local. So that’s exactly what I did in Brussels, with a focus on the beer and the chocolate. I took Hungry Mary’s beer and chocolate tour. The 4.5-hour tour costs 80 Euros for adults and includes a walking tour of the city center, chocolate tastings in well-known shops as well as artisanal small chocolatiers, and then a beer tasting session of Belgian style beers in various bars and taverns. It was truly one of the highlights of my trip!

#4 The architecture

When it comes to architecture, Brussels is a feast for the eyes. Basically anywhere you look in the city center you’ll see grand and beautiful buildings. Make sure to check out the Grand Place, the Notre Dame du Sablon,  the Musee Royaux Des Beaux-Arts, and not related to architecture but a famous site nonetheless, The Mannekin Pis. Yes, this is literally a statue of a pissing boy but it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Brussels. I also highly recommend checking out the architecture at night, particularly the Grand Place, when everything is lit up.

#5 Belgian Waffles

Who can say no to Belgian waffles! Of course, I had to try them. (Ok, maybe more than once!) There are actually two kinds of waffles that are very popular, Brussels waffles and Liege waffles. The Brussels version is light, airy, rectangular-shaped, and not too sweet. The Liege waffle is denser and darker in color, sweeter and oval-shaped.  There are so many shops and cafes where you can indulge in either of these Belgian treats. I had a delicious Liege waffle at Maison Dandoy where they also offer the Brussels version. You can also find both waffles at the Waffle Factory. Head to Gaufres and Waffles for Brussels waffles and Vitalgaufre for Liege waffles.

Pro Travel Tip: Not a fan of waffles but love your chocolate? Head to Laurent Gerbaud for the best hot chocolate in town.

#6 Les Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert

Finally, when the chilly and damp weather starts to get to you, head to Les Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert to warm up. This ornate, 19th-century shopping arcade, located under an arched glass roof, offers loads of high-end shops, cafes, and theaters.

A Couple of More Brussels Recommendations For You

Where I stayed and ate in Brussels

I stayed at the Sandton Pillows Hotel which has been refurbished and rebranded now as the Pillows City Hotel, Brussels Centre. If you’re looking for a small, chic, boutique hotel, this is the perfect place to stay. I loved that it was within walking distance of the city center and the Brussels-Central train station. (I took a day trip to Bruges via train so being near the train station was important to me.)

Aside from my fantastic meal at Noordzee, there were two other restaurants I went to worth mentioning. Winehouse Osteria is a tiny gem of a restaurant with authentic, hearty Italian pasta dishes and more. The owner was super friendly and my friend and I had a wonderful time here.

The second, more high-end restaurant where I had a lovely meal by myself at the bar is Lola. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Sabon, the contemporary cuisine was delicious. Plus, I got to practice my French with the bartender! If you’re looking for an elevated but unpretentious dining experience while in Brussels, come to Lola.

Are You Ready to Visit Brussels in the Wintertime?

So what do you think about my list of things to do in Brussels in the wintertime?

I hope this inspires you to book a trip to this often-overlooked city of Europe.

And if you’ve already been to Brussels, comment below with your favorite things to do and see in the city. I always love adding more cool things to my list!

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