Is Brussels Worth Visiting? Why This Underrated City Surprised Me

Is Brussels Worth Visiting? Or should you skip it?

If you’ve been asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. I had the exact same thought before my trip—and I wasn’t expecting to fall for the city like I did.

I spent two days in Brussels this past December, originally drawn there by the promise of one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. But what surprised me most was everything beyond the festive stalls—the food (oh my gosh, the food!), the stunning architecture, and how much charm the city had in such a short visit.

In this post, I’ll share my honest take on Brussels—what makes it worth visiting, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip (even if it’s just for a day or two).

Whether you’re planning a holiday getaway or considering a quick stop between Amsterdam and Paris, this guide will help you decide if Brussels belongs on your itinerary.

Spoiler – It does!

Is Brussels Really Worth Visiting?

In my opinion, Brussels is definitely worth visiting—especially during the holidays!  Its Christmas market is one of the biggest in Europe and was actually voted one of the best. – This I can totally agree with. It was pretty spectacular.

But even beyond the holiday extravaganza, there’s so much to enjoy. The Grand Palace (or Grote Markt) is absolutely stunning and easily in my top three most beautiful squares I’ve ever seen in Europe. And don’t even get me started on the food… I could (and probably will) go back just for the waffles and fries, oh and the BEER!. 

A food tour is a must when you visit – trust me!

That said, I wouldn’t plan to spend more than two full days in the city itself. But it does make a perfect home base for exploring nearby gems like Bruges and Ghent—both are just a quick, easy train ride away.

Or if you’re traveling through Northern Europe, like I was, Brussels makes an ideal day trip from places like Amsterdam. 

Whether you stay a night or two or just pop in for the day, it’s 100% worth squeezing it into your itinerary.

But… Is It a Little Underwhelming?

Let’s be real—Brussels gets a bit of a bad rap.

I’ve heard some travelers say Brussels is boring compared to places like Paris or Amsterdam, and honestly, I expected the same. And after spending two days there in December, I could agree but we’re comparing apples to oranges. Those cities are iconic. I think it’s just not fair in comparison.

Honestly, if you’re expecting nonstop bucket-list landmarks or picture-perfect canals, you will be disappointed – at first glance.

But Brussels isn’t trying to be a polished, tourist-perfect city. It’s a mix of old-world beauty, quirky charm, and raw authenticity.

What made the difference for me was how I approached the city— with an open mind and not rushing, but just enjoying the atmosphere, food, and some day trips.

With the right expectations, Brussels totally delivers. Give it a chance!

Bonus: it makes a really great central home base for epic day trips!

8 Reasons Why I Think You Should Visit Brussels, Belgium

If you’re still on the fence about adding Brussels to your travel plans, let me give you a few reasons to reconsider. From mouthwatering food to magical holiday vibes, here are the top things that made me fall in love with this underrated city.

1. Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, or Grote Markt, is hands down one of the most gorgeous squares I’ve seen in all of Europe. The buildings that surround it are incredibly ornate—each one covered in gold accents, intricate carvings, and centuries of character.

It’s the heart of the city and easily my favorite place to wander, people-watch, and just take it all in. During the holiday season, it transforms into something truly magical with a sound and light show that plays every hour after dark. It was so beautiful, it honestly brought tears to my eyes.

Oh, and fun fact—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site!

2. Beautiful Architecture

If you’re into architecture, Brussels will seriously impress you—especially around the Grand Palace and city center. The buildings here are so beautifully intricate and detailed, with an eclectic mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV styles that somehow all work together perfectly.

Everywhere you look, there’s something to admire—golden trim, ornate facades, and rooftops that look like they belong in a fairytale.

3. The Food

One of my absolute favorite things about Brussels is the food! I’m not even kidding when I say I had the best waffles of my life there. Crispy on the outside, perfectly soft inside, and just the right amount of sweetness baked right in—now I finally understand the hype.

And if you’re a fellow fry fanatic like me, you’re in luck. Brussels is home to a tiny store that draws long lines every day and is said to serve the best fries in the world. Naturally, I had to test that claim… and yes, they were totally worth the 40-minute wait.

But the food scene doesn’t stop there. Brussels is also world-famous for its chocolate, and trust me, it lives up to the reputation. There’s an entire street lined with fancy chocolatier shops—and walking down it smells like heaven.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, I highly recommend doing a chocolate tasting tour or even a hands-on chocolate-making class. It’s such a fun way to dive into the Brussels culture (and you get to eat everything after, which is a win in my book).

Brussels is just full of delicious surprises around every corner. Don’t leave without indulging—you’ll regret it.

4. The Beer

Belgian beer is definitely my favorite beer so, getting to enjoy it right in Brussels was pretty cool.

Belgium is known for its unique fermentation methods which give the beers here their signature flavor. Whether you’re a beer lover or not I think you’ll enjoy the fun beer scene here. There’s a pub or brewery on pretty much every corner.

And If you enjoy beer even a little, a beer tasting tour in Brussels is an absolute must. You can try local favorites and learn about the brewing traditions that make Belgian beer so iconic. I left with a newfound appreciation (and a few new favorites to look for back home!).

5. Museums

Brussels has a surprisingly rich museum scene that’s perfect for a culture fix between waffles and walking tours if that’s your kind of thing.

Some of the most popular museums are the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (great for classic and modern art lovers), the Magritte Museum (dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte), and the Comics Art Museum—because yes, Belgium takes its comics very seriously! 

If you’re into history, don’t miss the BELvue Museum for a deep dive into Belgium’s past. There’s truly a museum for every interest, and many are within easy walking distance of each other.

6. Art, Icons & Quirky Finds

Brussels has a playful, artistic side that’s hard to miss once you start looking for it. 

One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Atomium, a weird futuristic 1950s structure built for the World’s Fair that offers panoramic views from the top. It’s quirky, bold, and totally unique to Brussels.

Then there’s Manneken Pis, the cheeky little statue of a boy peeing into a fountain. It’s weirdly iconic, and while it might seem small (literally), the city fully embraces it—there are over 1,000 different costumes for him! You’ll even spot spin-offs like Jeanneke Pis (a little girl squating) and Zinneke Pis (a peeing dog) scattered around town.

Another art highlight I loved is the Comic Book Route. Since Belgium is the birthplace of beloved characters like Tintin and The Smurfs, the city pays homage through massive, colorful murals painted across buildings. Go on a fun scavenger hunt through the city and see how many murals you can find. 

7. One of The Biggest Christmas Markets During the Holidays 

If you’re planning a winter trip, Brussels is an absolute must during the holidays! 

The city’s Christmas market—known as Winter Wonders—is one of the biggest in Europe and has even been voted one of the best. After visiting over 20+ markets across Europe, I can confidently say it deserves the hype. I’d even go as far to say it’s one of my top favorites! 

The main market is huge and stretches through the city center, but what I loved most were the smaller markets scattered around nearby squares—each with its own cozy vibe.

Everything is walkable, so it’s easy to spend hours hopping from one spot to the next, sipping Glühwein and indulging in festive treats. And speaking of food, this market had everything. From traditional Belgian dishes to global foods, the variety was amazing!

One of the main highlights for me was the sound and light show at the Grand Palace. The historic buildings come to life every night after dark, dancing to music as the light show is projected onto them. It was so beautiful it actually gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. I stood there completely in awe.

If you’re ever going to visit Brussels, December is such a magical time to do it.

8. Great Home Base For Day Trips

One of the best things about Brussels is how well-connected it is to other parts of Belgium—and even to neighboring countries.

It makes a fantastic home base if you’re planning to explore more of the region without constantly packing and unpacking. The train system is super efficient, and you can get to some of the most charming towns in under an hour.

My favorite day trips from Brussels were to Bruges and Ghent.

Bruges feels like stepping into a fairytale, with its cobblestone streets, canals, and medieval buildings. It’s romantic, peaceful, and perfect for exploring in a day.

If you’re heading there in winter, don’t miss my complete guide to the Bruges Christmas Market for market tips or my full list of what to see, eat, and do when its cold outside.

Ghent, on the other hand, has a slightly more modern, artsy vibe—think cool cafes, and street art mixed with beautiful old architecture.

Both cities are easy to reach by train (no car needed!), and they offer totally different experiences from Brussels so you really get the best of all worlds.

Whether you’re staying in the capital or just passing through, using Brussels as your travel hub is a smart way to see more of Belgium.

Best Day Trips From Brussels:

If you’re wanting to explore a little more outside of Brussels I’m listing the two most popular guided day trips with nothing but 5 star reviews! If you don’t want to put too much thought into the planning, definitely take a look at these!

🏰 Bruges & Ghent – Belgium’s Fairytale Cities (Full-Day Trip)

This tour is the most popular and sells out fast! It’s a 10‑hour excursion that whisks you through the charming medieval towns of Ghent and Bruges. You’ll love the canals, cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and gingerbread looking buildings in the town squares.

🏰 Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels

Cross the border and take in two incredible destinations in one day. Begin in Luxembourg City, where you’ll visit the Grand Ducal Palace, Notre‑Dame Cathedral, and the historic casemates, then head to the scenic town of Dinant— along the Meuse River with its 13th‑century cathedral and citadel. This tour is another very popular choice for a day trip.

If you’re in the middle of planning your trip to Brussels, be sure to check out my post, “15 Amazing Things to do in Brussels in December,” next!

FAQ’s for Visiting Brussels

Still have a few more questions before you book your trip? Here are some quick answers to help you plan.

Is Brussels a good place for tourists?

Absolutely! It’s a great spot for a quick city break or weekend adventure, especially during the holidays when the Christmas markets are in full swing. It also makes a super convenient home base for day trips to other parts of Belgium.

How many days in Brussels is enough?

I’d say 2 to 3 days is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to explore the highlights without feeling rushed.

Is Brussels a walkable city?

Yes, Brussels is very walkable, especially around the city center. But it also has a great public transportation system if you want to venture farther out.

Is Brussels expensive to visit?

Not really. Compared to other major European cities, I found Brussels to be pretty decently affordable, especially when it comes to food and accommodations.

What is the best time to visit Brussels, Belgium?

In my opinion, December is the best time to visit. The city comes alive with holiday lights, markets, and that magical festive energy. But then again, I’d love to go back and visit in August when the Grand Palace is blanketed with flowers during the biennial Flower Carpet event—it looks absolutely stunning in photos!

That’s a Wrap

So, what do you think? Is Brussels worth visiting?

I say yes—especially if you time your trip right and manage your expectations. I think if you give her a chance she’ll surprise you with charm, food, and festive energy. 

So If you’re planning a European itinerary, don’t skip Brussels, whether it’s for the Christmas markets, a base for day trips, or just a quick foodie fix.