Brussels: Beer, Art and Frites with a Smile
Every Belgian journey seems to begin in Brussels…and what a welcome it gives.
With its gilded facades, Grand Place is a square so dazzling it almost feels unreal – like standing in a theatre set lit by golden light.
But Brussels is no static museum piece; it’s a city of layers, where grandeur rubs shoulders with quirkiness and every corner tells a story.
One of my first stops was the Belgian Beer World Experience. It’s not just a shrine to brewing, it’s an education – gleaming copper vats, centuries-old recipes and a tasting room where a frothy blonde or a gleaming cherry red ale land in your hand with a smile.
Belgium’s beer isn’t just drink; it’s heritage in a glass. Belgium is a paradise for beer lovers, boasting more than 1,500 varieties – from the strong, malty depth of Trappist ales brewed by monks to the tart sparkle of lambics and fruity krieks.
A tour here is a must, especially as it culminates in a rooftop beer tasting session with incredible views over Brussels. Its interactive, immersive and an absolute bargain at only 19.50 euros!
For art lovers, the Magritte Museum is unmissable. Here, surrealism leaps from the walls. Bowler hats, floating apples and enigmatic skies that make you pause and think.
It’s a reminder that Belgium’s creativity is as deep as its history and that there are indeed some very famous Belgians. Rene Margritte to name but one who was way ahead of his time.
And then, with a wink, the city lightens the mood: the Frietmuseum. Yes, an entire museum dedicated to chips, celebrating Belgium’s most delicious contribution to the world.
Yes, the humble French fry originates here and not, as the name suggests in France. You’ll walk out not just smiling but probably craving a paper cone of crispy, golden frites dunked in mayonnaise.
Then there’s the chocolate, perhaps Belgium’s most irresistible gift. Step into any chocolatier and you enter a temple of indulgence.
Better yet, roll up your sleeves at Laurent Gerbaud’s workshop: temper glossy chocolate, top it with nuts or fruit and revel in the rich cocoa aroma. The best part? Tasting your handmade creations, indulgent bites that melt on the tongue.
It’s more than a workshop – it’s a delicious journey into Belgian artistry.
Bruges: Canals, Cobblestones and Chocolate Dreams
From the bustle of Brussels, Bruges (pictured above) feels like a deep breath out.
Stepping into the city is like tumbling into the pages of a medieval storybook, where lace-curtained windows overlook quiet canals and church bells ring above cobbled lanes.
With its lively cafés and the commanding Belfry, the Markt Square is the beating heart – climb the 366 steps if you dare and you’re rewarded with a panorama of terracotta rooftops stretching to the horizon.
But Bruges isn’t only about the postcard moments. It’s in the small things: the soft crunch of cobblestones under your shoes, the hush as you glide by boat along mirror-like canals, the gleam of pralines in a chocolatier’s window.
There’s a rhythm here – slower, gentler – that invites you to wander without a map.
And just when you think you’ve had enough beauty, Bruges surprises you again: a tucked-away courtyard, a windmill silhouetted against the sky, or a pint of golden ale shared in good company.
Antwerp: Baroque Beauty with a Modern Beat
Antwerp is compact, stylish and captivating. The star of the city tour here is the Cathedral of Our Lady (pictured below). Its Gothic spire dominates the skyline, but it’s what’s inside that steals the show.
Here you’ll find Rubens’ world-famous masterpieces, including The Descent from the Cross. The sheer emotion and scale stop you in your tracks. It’s art at its most powerful and the cathedral’s soaring arches and stained glass only heighten the drama.
Step outside and Antwerp keeps dazzling. The Grote Markt glitters with ornate guild houses, each like a jewel box. Wander a little further and you’ll stumble upon quiet courtyards, cosy cafés and the buzz of the fashion quarter, where the city’s modern creative heart beats loud.
End your day by the Scheldt River with a coffee in hand, watching the city flow past. Antwerp is history, style and soul rolled into one. You don’t just see it – you feel it.
Antwerp Botanic Sanctuary Hotel – one night was not enough!
If you want indulgence, the Botanic Sanctuary Hotel is it. Set in a restored monastery, it feels like a hidden oasis in the city.
Lush gardens wrap around stone cloisters, creating instant calm. Inside, Gothic arches meet sleek modern design.
The spa is dreamy, the Michelin-starred dining exceptional and every detail whispers luxury. This isn’t just a place to stay – it’s an experience.
A true sanctuary, where history and elegance meet in perfect harmony.
Curious to know more about Brussels?
For any support in selling Brussels and Belgium as a destination please reach out to the local DMO:
Tom Albrand – International Business Developer – Visit Brussels.
E-mail : travel.trade@visit.brussels // t.albrand@visit.brussels
Website : https://linktr.ee/
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/
NEXT MONTH: An emotional tour of Flanders and a lightning quick trip to London on the Eurostar.
