I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Brussels, Belgium for the first time. My husband and I stayed at the Van Der Valk Brussels Airport Hotel, conveniently located just 5 minutes from the Brussels Airport. After settling into our comfortable room, we headed out for our first dinner in Brussels at La Parisienne, a fusion restaurant with an immersive dining experience! I indulged in a perfectly cooked edamame, shrimp,Mac and cheese, and fish! La Parisienne also has a full hookah bar upstairs which is absolutely stunning. 

The next morning, I made sure to get in a workout at the hotel’s well-equipped gym before fueling up for the day ahead. There’s nothing quite like starting the day with some exercise to get the blood pumping! With my energy levels high, we set out to explore the culinary and cultural delights of Brussels. Our first stop was the iconic Maison Dandoy, a renowned purveyor of traditional Belgian waffles. I couldn’t resist trying both the classic Brussels waffle which were absolute perfection, melting in my mouth with each bite. Dome of the best time spent in Brussels was indulging in the famous food scene. 

Next, we headed to the beloved La Friterie for a taste of Belgium’s famous frites. Served in a paper cone and seasoned to perfection, these crispy, golden fries were the perfect accompaniment to our wanderings through the charming city streets. It’s said to be one of the best places for french fries and it did not disappoint. Another must have on my list was belgian chocolate which was yummy. I stoped at a chocolate shop near by for some chocolate covered almonds. The chocolate was very rich and I enjoyed every bite! Brussels has some really good food and quickly started to become a favorite among our European city adventure. 

No visit to Brussels would be complete without seeing the iconic landmarks, and we made sure to check off all the must-see sights. The grand architecture of the Grand Place left us in awe, and we spent time exploring the Galleries of Saint Hubert, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade. Of course, we couldn’t leave without a visit to the iconic Manneken Pis, the whimsical statue of a young boy relieving himself. On this particular day he was dressed as a rockstar with a guitar in hand. This iconic statue is one of the main attractions in Brussels and it is located in the tourist areas. The best way to hit all of these spots is to simply walk the streets and explore ,most things are just a short walk between each other. 

As the afternoon wore on, it was time to indulge in another Belgian specialty – Belgian beer. We made our way to Au Brasseur, a cozy pub offering an impressive selection of Belgian brews. Opting for the tasting flight, I delighted in sampling a variety of styles, with the rich, malty Kasteel and the crisp, hoppy Cactus emerging as personal favorites. I’m not a beer girl but..when in Brussels! I consider that a special event! This is a great place and the right place to go if you’re looking to get the Belgian beer experience in my opinion. 

That evening, we continued our exploration of Brussels’ vibrant nightlife, visiting the trendy Kombibar and Mezzo a bar located in the city. Both venues showcased the city’s dynamic mix of modern and classic influences. Kombibar was such a good chill dive bar vibe. It’s a nice place to go just to eat, hangout and enjoy good music. Mezzo was a classic bar vibe and we got to party with the friendly locals. This was really just the icing on the cake for me when it cam to enjoyng and experiencing the belgian culture. This brussels itinerary would definitely be one to follow filled with not only the most popular attractions but also local spots highly recommended by the locals. The best travel guide will come for the locals which is why we never hesitate to ask around when we visit places for the first time. Brussels is great for a day trip or a full destination in the summer months. It’s truly an underrated city. 

On our final day, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the Van Der Valk hotel before bidding farewell to Brussels and hopping on the Eurostar to continue our European adventure in Paris.

My first visit to Brussels was an absolute delight, filled with unforgettable culinary experiences, stunning architectural sights, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. As a content creator, I’m already eager to return and share more of this captivating city with my audience. The city of Brussels has certainly cemented it’s place on my list of must-visit European destinations.