What I hope to see & do in Brussels!

Next week, I am off to Brussels. I have never been before and it was a destination decided by two friends of mine. I’m one of those friends that get asked “Do you fancy a girly weekend somewhere?” and I’ll say yes without caring where we are going. This was one of those times. I have never been to Brussels before – none of us has – so it can only make for a fun adventure, right?

So, what am I hoping to see & do?

Firstly, we’re there for a grand total of 48hrs. Give or take an hour. So we’re not there for very long, but that doesn’t mean to say you cannot make the most of it. I did read somewhere that Brussels comes alive in the Summer – can the middle of May be called Summer? Maybe not! But I still hope to see cute little cafe tables and chairs spilling out from the shop doors and onto the streets. 

We’re staying in Central Brussels {I think} and even though getting our bearings should be key, I think we will just walk and see where we end up. I understand that Central Brussels is split between Lower Town & Upper town.  So I think it will be relatively easy to get around. Famous last words? This is coming from the woman who gets lost, regularly!

And yes, I’m aware of Google maps, but I’m a rambler. Orienteering maps are my thing. Hand me a street map and I am clueless! Plus, my phone never works when I go abroad – even though I have international data roaming. So I think my network is just a home bird! 

Anyway, what would I like to see & do while there?

Ok, no judging! But I grew up with TinTin and apparently, in Brussels you can walk the Tin Tin trail. My inner nerd is excited about that! I had no idea that this iconic character was created by a Belgian comic artist. Every day is a school day! So, without a doubt I would like to check that out {apparently there are 140 murals to find around the City}.

The Grand Place is on my list, purely because it’s one of the top attractions to see when visiting Brussels. Not leaving out the chance to maybe do the chocolate tour. Belgian chocolate is beyond amazing, so it would be fascinating to how it’s made and learn some of the histories behind it all. 

I am a sucker for architecture, and Brussels is filled with it. So I will be snapping up as much as possible {as well as jotting down the names of said buildings that I can guarantee I’ll not be able to pronounce!}. 

Being the nerd that I am, I would love to see the Atomium. Which is a construct of a single unit of an Iron Crystal that has been magnified 165 billion times! That’s right, billion! You cannot deny, that is pretty darn cool, right? The 9 spheres represent atoms that are connected by tubes that hold escalators and even lifts. I mean, I have to see this! Check this, there is an even restaurant at the top, with panoramic views of the City.

However, after researching a little deeper, this is a little bit far outside of the City, so perhaps I’ll swap seeing the Atomium for the Cathedral of St. Michael & St. Gudula! Who doesn’t love a bit of Gothic architecture, eh! 

I’d also like to eat as many Belgian waffles as my stomach will allow, as well as enjoy one too many cocktails with my friends, possibly in the quirky pub, Le Cercueil {known as the most unusual bar in Brussels} and eat in cute little Belgian cafes! Overall, I’d just like to soak up as much of Brussels as I can, in my short time there. 

The only thing I am not looking forward to? Is the 2 am setting off time to Dublin airport. Yikes! That day is going to be loooong! 

Anyways, if you have ever been to Brussels and maybe have a recommendation or two, I’d love to hear them!