Let’s be honest, Brussels is not really considered to be a dream travel destination. We know that the European Union is pretty much controlled from here, but is there anything else to see besides the glassy European quarter? Yes, there actually is!
If you visit Brussels as a tourist or if you work somewhere other than at an EU institution, chances are you’ll see the city from a totally different viewpoint than those who work in the European quarter as their workdays are actually too long for them to have any time or energy to explore the city. Here are some tips on where to go in Brussels:
Lively and interesting markets
If you really want to experience Brussels like a local, you should visit the markets. One of the noisiest and most hectic food markets in the city would have to be Clemenceau market in the Anderlecht district. Here you can find clothes, but more importantly you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, different cheeses, olives and other food items. Don’t be intimidated by the vendors who all scream that their oranges are the cheapest or their bananas are the tastiest. You won’t find many tourists here and although the place might seem a bit dingy, you’ll definitely forget that you’re in the EU capital.
Place du Jeu de Balle (photo credit: Peter Lorre)
Another interesting market is the antique and flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle. You can find all kinds of interior design items and African art pieces here, along with paintings, vintage books and jewellery. And if you approach the market from Avenue du Louise, you’ll see the grandiose Justice Palace and the observation platform of Louiza.
Parks for all tastes
If the weather is nice, one of the best ways to pass the time is to visit a park. Luckily Brussels has many different parks, so you’ll surely find a favourite. If you prefer to be alone, read a book and observe other people, you should go to Jean-Felix Hap’s garden. It’s a lovely private little park near the European quarter. Just walk straight along Avenue d’Auderghem until you reach Etterbeek’s youth house (Maison des jeunes D’Etterbeek) and then enter through the fence. It can be tricky to find, but if you prefer privacy, you should definitely come here. The search is worth it!
Parc du Cinquantenaire / Jubelpark (photo credit: Martin Geber)
If you prefer to spend your weekend with friends playing badminton for example, head to Parc du Cinquantenaire (also known as Jubelpark). It’s also close to the European quarter, but it’s much bigger and more crowded than Felix Hap’s garden. There are many playgrounds for children and there’s a corner where people play badminton and other sports. In the middle of the park there’s the triumphal arch, a car museum, an art museum and a history museum. If you prefer less manicured surroundings and are willing to travel beyond the city centre, you should visit Bois de la Cambre. Located on the edge of a forest, this park has a lovely lake with an island in the centre. It’s also quite big so there’s room enough for everyone to find a spot to enjoy the nature.
Must-visit cafés
Walking around the city and having fun in the parks will definitely make you hungry. If you enjoy sitting in the sun and listening to live music, head to Café Belga in the Ixelles district. When the weather permits, the café opens its windows and doors and you can actually see people sitting on the ground enjoying small picnics. If you want to order like a local, choose either a Belgian beer or a peppermint tea (made from fresh peppermint leaves). It’s also a place where you can listen to up-and-coming Belgian and French indie bands.
Café Belga (photo credit: Stephane Mignon)
If you happen to be in the city centre, make sure you stop by Café Central on Borgval Street. It’s popular on weekends, and they often have DJs and live acts offering up a musical delight. Also, there are two foods you absolutely must try during your stay in Brussels: fries and waffles. Both can be found at various cafés and street stalls.
Outdoors festivals and events
Like all big cities, Brussels also has its own interesting events and festivals. For example, World Environment Day is celebrated at Parc du Cinquantenair. The middle section of the park is filled with different food and drink stalls (instead of offering fries and hamburgers, vendors actually sell Indian, African and Italian food) and there’s a big concert. Entrance is free and everyone is most welcome.
World Environment Day at Parc du Cinquantenaire/Jubelpark (photo credit: Sem Vandekerckhove)
Another interesting event is Museum Night. Many museums all over the city take part so you might find yourself visiting places that you had no idea even existed, like the museum dedicated to the comic book hero Tintin or the Sewers Museum (yes, there actually is one in Brussels). The night ends with a big party at Bozar – the museum of fine arts in the heart of Brussels.
If you’d like to see the city lit up at night, make sure you plan your visit around Nuit Blanche. It’s a special night when the city glows with various light installations in quirky places. One year the public elevator at the observation platform next to the Justice Palace was transformed into a giant fish tank. This year Nuit Blanche will be held on October 4th, the theme – cinema.
Nuit Blanche (photo credit: Olivier Ortelpa)
Quirky places for adventurous types
The area surrounding St Catherine’s church is an interesting place to visit as it’s very diverse and always full of young people. If you’re a fan of gothic architecture, then the church itself is also a pretty sight. There are plenty of cafés and bars in the area as well as interesting vintage shops. And if you’re feeling adventurous, check out the sex shops (a good tip for all you “Fifty Shades of Grey” fans).
Another must-visit place is Laeken Cemetery. It might sound a bit morbid, but this huge cemetery is one of the most interesting, beautiful and chilling places in Brussels. There’s also a very beautiful church in front (when you approach via Rue Royale that is) and underneath there’s a creepy crypt. The cemetery has fixed opening hours – at other times the gates are locked. And don’t be freaked out when you see a big black cat lurking around – this friendly fellow actually lives here and can often be found sleeping on the gravestones.
The crypt under Laeken Cemetery (photo credit: Reginald Dierckx)
Opening photo credit: Jerome Bon.