Five reasons I love visiting Brussels Belgium
Hopefully, you get a chance to take a summer vacation this year. A few years ago, Kim and I took the kids to London, Paris, and Brussels.
Here are five reasons I love visiting Brussels, Belgium.
Reason #1 that I love visiting Brussels — Beer
Belgians make some of the best beer in the world. Thousands of them are available in Brussels.
If you like beer made by Monks, sours, lambics, or funky fruit beers then you will love Brussels. They make all of those and more.
If you want to try out a lot of different beers then head to Brussels and sample to your heart’s content.
Reason #2 — Souvenirs
Souvenir shopping in Europe can be challenging.
What do you get as a memento for your trip? After all, it needs to fit in your suitcase.
Brussels makes souvenir shopping super easy.
Top choice — box of chocolates. Belgians make some of the best chocolate in the world, and they keep a lot of it back at home in Brussels.
Tons of chocolate shops in the capital city. Grab a box to take home.
Another great option is beer glasses. Belgians make special beer glasses. In fact, they make different glasses for different brands and styles.
There are several stores that sell them. Pick up a few. Some of my favorite beer glasses are from here.
Reason #3 — Sites
Good news — Brussels is not a huge city, and there is not a long list of must-see attractions.
Although, it is mandatory to get a selfie by the Manneken Pis statue. Yes — it is a statue of a little boy peeing.
I like staying in the old part of the city. Go to the Grand Place and wander around this part of town.
You will find museums, parks, great architecture, churches, and restaurants.
Tons to experience in Brussels.
Reason #4 — Food
I eat like a pig when I am in Brussels.
Some say the Belgians mix French and German culture when it comes to your food. That means good food in large quantities.
They serve waffles, fries, and mussels. There is so much good food located all over the city. Bon appetit.
Reason #5 — Location
Brussels sometimes get a bad rap. People say Bruges is better — it is.
Brussels is a better place to start your European adventure. Lots of flights there from America and they have high-speed trains that go all over Europe.
Easy to get to Amsterdam, Paris, or London from here. You can also take day trips to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp easily.
If you are looking for a good city to start a grand tour of Europe, or see all of Belgium, then Brussels is the perfect place to start.
Practical tip when visiting Brussels
Be careful when drinking Belgian beer. It is strong.
Chimay Blue, one of my favorites is 9% ABV. It does down super smooth. It is easy to guzzle a gallon of it and wake up the next morning in the fountain square.
Make sure you read the label and know what you are drinking. Belgians, especially the monks, make really strong, smooth-tasting beer.
Three quick questions about visiting Brussels
- What is my favorite place to visit in Brussels — Grand Place. It is one of the best city squares in Europe.
- What is my favorite site — Manneken Pis. Fun to watch tourists take selfies there.
- What is my favorite pub — Delerium Taphouse. Go to the basement bar if you dare.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.
