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Brussels in Winter: The Best Things to Do + See

Brussels in winter? Really? 

Brussels has been somewhere I’d been meaning to go for a long time. I was excited at the prospect of finding out what to do in Brussels and what Belgium is like as a whole. Even if I was making my first visit to Brussels during the winter!

I’d heard mixed things about visiting the capital of Belgium, and even more about visiting Brussels during December / January.

People seemed to have a love-or-hate relationship with the administrative home of the European Union, so I decided it was time to find out for myself!

Belgium is known for being a melting pot of sorts. From the mixture of different languages spoken in a small country to the historic architecture and medieval towns that blend seamlessly with modern designs across the country.

However, there are many things that Belgium is distinctly known for, particularly its comfort food of waffles, chocolate, beer, frites, and mussels.

So what are the best things to do in Brussels in winter? Eat all of those things and more, as you’ll see below!

Brussels in winter

Coming from outside of Europe, I’ve never really heard people speak about visiting Belgium as a bucket list destination.

Instead, it’s normally an add-on to a wider European adventure. Maybe with the exception of Bruges, thanks mostly to the film “In Bruges”, of course.

While visiting Belgium in summer and enjoying the delights of boating and outdoor cafes along the canals of medieval towns might seem highly appealing, visiting Belgium in winter is another story.

Average daily temperatures in the colder months of December, January, and February are around 3 degrees Celcius, so although not freezing, it makes for a rather chilly time to visit.

However, a recent trip to Brussels in winter convinced me that it’s well worth the trip and a great time to visit Belgium!

Brussels in winter

Things to do in Brussels in winter

Eat – Waffles, Chocolate, Mussels, Frites, Everything!

Yes, I am listing the first thing to do in Brussels as eat… but in all seriousness, the food is one of the best things about visiting Brussels!

The smell of freshly cooked waffles and melted chocolate hangs in the air, and you won’t be able to stop your mouth from watering until you try something.

Waffles

Waffles are one of just many foods you have to try in Europe!

When it comes to waffles, there are two types – the Brussels waffle and the Liege waffle. The former is made into a large square and tastes very light, with a slight crunch.

The latter is much sweeter and more doughy, with pearl sugar included in the batter that caramelises on the outside and melts on the inside.

Both can be eaten with a variety of toppings, including cream and fresh fruit, and of course, melted chocolate. They’re traditionally a breakfast or dessert food, but I’d suggest them at any time of day!

Brussels in winter - Waffles

Chocolate

Chocolate is another delicious speciality in Belgium and is famous due to the invention of the praline, a chocolate shell around a soft centre that is often a mixture of ground nuts, sugar, and creme.

Belgian chocolate is also often higher in cocoa than Swiss chocolate and is delicious!

There are shops specialising in chocolate all over Belgium and plenty in Brussels. Step inside to get out of the cold in Brussels in winter, and get a hot chocolate for as little as €1.

You can buy pre-packaged chocolate or choose your own from a huge array, usually found at shop counters. Prices will vary greatly, but we found a place that had 15 speciality chocolates for €6, which was pretty good!

Mussels

Mussels and frites (fries) is another Belgian speciality.

In New Zealand and Australia, I had been to Belgian restaurants serving huge mussels pots in various flavours paired with a cone of chips and mayonnaise. I was so excited to try the real thing in Brussels!

The only thing is, European mussels are much smaller than the New Zealand variety, so although the dish was tasty, it wasn’t the best mussels and frites I’ve ever had. Sorry Belgium!

Brussels in winter - Mussels

However, for people who don’t like mussels or aren’t quite sure, the smaller mussels are a better introduction.

They are often paired with a broth of whichever flavour you’d like to try. Pick something like bacon and cheese, which is a fairly powerful taste by itself if you’re not convinced!

Also, the frites are pretty good, but the mayonnaise is what makes them amazing. I don’t even like mayonnaise, but I loved it in Belgium. Go figure.

Drink – Belgium Beer

Aside from food, Belgium’s other great love is beer. Brussels is full of great pubs and bars where you can sample the wide variety of Belgian beer on offer.

We visited Delirium, which I wouldn’t say is the most amazing bar, but it is a popular choice due to its offering of over 2000 beers, live music, and plenty of seating. It made a great escape from the cold of Brussels in winter, and we enjoyed an afternoon spent trying beers.

I actually loved that one of the best things to do in Brussels is to find somewhere to soak up the atmosphere and have some drinks.

We could relax and enjoy ourselves rather than feel like we had to constantly be on the move and ticking places off a bucket list.

I’d highly recommend the cherry beer, but be careful. At 8%, you can’t have too many!

Brussels in winter - Beer

Visit the Grand Place

The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and where you can view some of the best architecture in the city, including the city hall and historic guild houses.

You can’t see the square until you’re right in it, and there are so many small streets surrounding it it’s like a rabbit warren in places, but a wonderful place to explore.

It’s worth a visit during the day and at night to see it illuminated. There’s a flower market held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and in August, a huge flower carpet transforms the cobblestones into a work of art.

In winter, for a month from the end of November, the Grand Place becomes one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, with a huge Christmas tree and hundreds of chalets selling Christmas wares and delicious food. One of the highlights of visiting Brussels in winter!

Brussels in winter - Grand Place

Enjoy the Atomium

Constructed for the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, the Atomium has become one of the city’s landmark buildings, built to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

It’s a little out of the city centre, but if you venture there, you’ll be able to go up inside it, visit the museum, and stop in at Mini-Europe next door, where the most famous sites in Europe have been recreated in miniature.

See the view at Mont des Arts and visit MIM

Brussels is home to many museums, and you can visit several around the Mont des Arts, including the Museum of Musical Instruments and the Magritte Museum.

However, it’s also a great spot to take in the view of Brussels if a little chilly in winter!

Belgium in winter

Feel festive at the Christmas Markets 

The Winter Wonders Christmas Market takes place in Grand Palace from around the end of November to the beginning of January (check here for this year’s dates).

There are also festive areas around Bourse, the Place de la Monnaie, the Marché aux Poissons, and the Place Sainte-Catherine. Shop at over 200 chalets, go ice skating, or warm up with a mulled wine. 

Venture to the Tintin Museum

Brussels is a great place for Tintin fans, given it’s where he was first seen in a Brussels newspaper called Le Petit Vingtième.

His creator, Georges Remi, drawing under the name Hergé, is regarded as a great artist in Belgium, and you can visit Musée Hergé, a shuttle bus or one-hour train ride away.

However, keep an eye out around Brussels for large-scale Tintin murals too!

Tintin in Brussels, Belgium

Sift through the Vintage Markets and Stores

Brussels has an impressive collection of vintage shops and markets. Visit the Place du Grand Sablon to see beautiful antique shops or Rue Haute, Rue Blaes and the morning market at Place du Jeu de Balle.

Wander through Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

This 19th-century pedestrian shopping arcade is a lovely place to wander through when you’re walking around Brussels in winter.

For one, you’ll be out of the cold a little, and you’ll be able to marvel at the shop windows with everything from dazzling jewellery to macarons and chocolate.

Brussels in winter - Galeries Royale

Wander through Cinquantenaire Park

Not just a park but a landmark of Brussels, the Parc Du Cinquantenaire may be a bit chilly in winter but is worth the visit.

It has its own Arc de Triomphe and several museums to explore before perusing the pristine gardens. 

See the Manneken Pis

You can’t talk about visiting Brussels and not mention Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a boy peeing in a fountain.

It’s probably one of the most random attractions I’ve ever sought out, and honestly, I’m still confused. But it’s said he embodies Brussels’s sense of humour and rebellious spirit.

On any given day, he could be dressed in one of over 900 specially crafted costumes. There is also a Jeanneke Pis, the female equivalent, located near Delirium, and Het Zinneke, a dog version…

Brussels in winter - Manneken Pis

Visit the Notre Dame du Sablon

The Notre Dame du Sablon is a 15th-century church that is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture I’ve ever seen, with stained glass windows surrounded by high arches.

Famously, a girl from Antwerp was said to have had a vision of the Virgin Mary telling her to take her statue to Brussels, she did so, and it became a place of pilgrimage at the Notre Dame du Sablon. 

Explore the Brussels City Museum in Broodhius

The Broodhuis is a 19th-century Gothic-style building that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now houses the Brussels City Museum.

The building itself has beautiful and intricate features and is home to over 7000 items. You can see the original Manneken Pis there, but also artefacts and artwork from Brussel’s past. 

Brussels in winter

The Parlamentarium and House of European History

The Parlamentarium is an interactive museum designed to take you to the heart of the EU and European politics.

Find out how it works and why it matters, and follow the stories of EU citizens from diverse cultures.

You can also visit the House of European History, which is close by. It delves into Europe’s descent into war and the subsequent search for a more united Europe. 

Day trips from Brussels

Belgium is a small country with a fantastic train network within and to other European destinations.

If you’re considering taking any day trips from Brussels, I’d recommend seeing a different side of Belgium in the following medieval towns.

Antwerp

Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium, but it retains its medieval look in the centre of the city. It’s well-known as a fashion destination, and for its hip bars and cafes.

Bruges

The border guard at the airport and our taxi driver both asked if we would be visiting Bruges while we were in Belgium, and while we initially didn’t think so, we ended up doing so, and I’m so glad!

It’s just over one hour from Brussels to Bruges and an easy day trip to make due to frequent trains.

The town is, of course, famous for “In Bruges”, a black comedy crime film starring Colin Farrell. While I have to admit I’ve never seen it, the cobblestone streets of Bruges did delight me.

However, even Bruges in winter was crowded, so I can’t imagine how it is in summer, making the colder months the perfect time to go!

Read more: What to Do in One Day in Bruges

Day trips from Brussels

Ghent

Ghent, between Brussels and Bruges, is a popular place to stay to discover Belgium. It retains its medieval heart, with historic buildings running along canals, but it’s also home to a vibrant music scene.

Packing for Brussels in winter

Choosing what to pack for Brussels in winter is all about layers.

You’ll want to have a warm coat, hat, gloves, and scarf, but given you’ll likely be going to restaurants and shops where it’s very warm, layers underneath are key!

It doesn’t often snow in Brussels, but waterproof and warm footwear is a must!

Make sure they’re comfortable because you’ll also be walking the streets.

How to get to Brussels

Fly

Brussels airport is located close to the city. There is a train from Brussels Zaventem Airport to Brussels Central Station 7 days a week that takes around 20 minutes and costs about €13.

Depending on the location of your accommodation, you may need to get a cab or bus from there. A cab from the airport to the city centre is around €50, also depending on your final destination.

Train

As mentioned, Brussels is well-connected to the rest of Europe. The Eurostar goes from London to Brussels several times a day and only takes about 2 hours, making it a conceivable day trip from the UK!

Similarly, the train between Amsterdam and Brussels is also about 2 hours, and from Brussels to Cologne as well. Between Brussels and Paris is only 1.5 hours.

Basically, you could make a day trip from many places in Europe or easily add it to your itinerary.

Getting around Brussels

Many of the top attractions in Brussels can be explored on foot as long as you wrap up! However, if you’re not up for the chill, you can also use public transportation to get around Brussels in winter.

There’s the bus system, the Pré-Métro (tram system), and six metro lines. If you plan on travelling a lot on public transport and visiting at least a few museums and galleries, then the Brussels card allows you to hop on and off and is great value for money. 

Brussels in winter - how to get there

Where to stay

I recommend staying in the centre of Brussels, as you’ll find everything within walking distance, and be close to the train station to venture further.

We stayed at the Hotel Novotel Brussels City Centre, one of the 3 Novotel hotels in the city.

It was basic but affordable and in a great location that allowed us to wander to the Grand Place within 5-10 minutes or to the vibrant Sainte Catherine area, which had plenty of restaurants and wasn’t so populated by tourists. 

Check prices for Hotel Novotel Brussels City Centre on Booking.com

Other recommendations from friends include:

I’ve also heard good things about the Ixelles area, a diverse area with lots of fantastic places to eat, and the Hotel ‘Made In Louise’ (check it out on Booking.com here). 

Brussels in Winter

When I told people I was visiting Brussels, many people told me they weren’t big fans of the city.

After visiting, I’d have to disagree, but I can see why some people feel the best of Belgium might be found elsewhere.

For a large city, the most beautiful parts of Brussels are fairly limited to the centre unless you really like modern architecture and, at first glance, there isn’t a ton of stuff to do unless you like museums.

But I guess what I really liked about Brussels was the energy in the air as I saw people enjoying themselves all over the city. It was a fantastic place to people-watch and to eat and drink to your heart’s content.

I wouldn’t rush back because there are plenty of other places in Belgium I’d love to see.

However, if someone was asking for somewhere to go for an affordable winter weekend away with great food and places to go out, I’d recommend it!

Sonja x

Planning your trip to Belgium? Check these posts out:

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Brussels in winter - Visit Brussels, Belgium's capital city, in winter. What to see, things to do in Brussels, where to stay and the best foods and places to eat and drink!

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