Authentic Belgian Chocolate Shops: 

Galler Chocolatier

@czphoneshome

Belgian chocolates can get expensive if you don't know where to go. AVOID Leonidas, I have since learned that they are no longer authentic chocolates and cater to tourists. Galler on the other hand are AMAZING and authentic chocolates that are really reasonably priced! They've become another go-to of mine whenever we are in Brussels!

Add to

Details

Chocolaterie Mary

@czphoneshome

This is another great option for authentic Belgian chocolates! They have been around since 1919 and originated in Brussels. This shop is more expensive than Galler but you'll know the quality is amazing!

Add to

Details

NEUHAUS Brussels Galerie De La Reine

@czphoneshome

Another great quality authentic Belgian chocolate shop is Neuhaus which is the oldest shop on this list - they've been around since 1857! Fun fact: they are the inventor of the Belgian Praline - which is essentially chocolate with a filling inside!

Add to

Details

Things to do: 

Atomium

@czphoneshome

Although a bit out of the city center, Atomium is one of the most iconic things to do in Brussels. It is a large structure that resembles an atom and provides an excellent panoramic view. It was designed for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958 and has stayed ever since.

Add to

Details

Happiness Expo

@czphoneshome

This is a temporary exhibition that will be around until January 7th 2024! It is one of the most fun and interesting exhibitions I've ever been to and the message is amazing! It is all about how art makes us happy. The exhibition explores ways to manage anxieties and stress through art and color in the most unexpected ways. Highly recommend going before it closes!

Add to

Details

Chocolate class;

One of my most memorable experiences in Belgium to date has been a chocolate-making class! We spent 2.5 hours learning how to make 30 Belgian chocolates, that we got to take home at the end of the lesson. Below is a link to the exact class we booked! 👇🏻

Places to see: 

Grand Place

@czphoneshome

This is probably one of my favorite squares in Europe! It is so incredibly ornate and detailed with gold highlights around the entire square, it's really beautiful! And is one of my favorite photo spots in the city!

Add to

Details

Manneken Pis

@czphoneshome

Why do we care about this little statue? It was designed in 1388 but there are many legends about the statue that have been introduced over the years. Most are surrounding the idea that the statue or boy the statue represents has saved Brussels, either from a fire or in battle. Fun fact: this statue has a wardrobe of 1,000 costumes that is on display in the Brussels City Museum in the Grand Place

Add to

Details

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

@czphoneshome

This arcade is a covered shopping street that has been around since the 1830s and is another wonderful photo spot in Brussels! It has a beautiful, glass roof and is lined with stunning storefronts of some rather luxurious spots. I always come here to window shop the different chocolatiers!

Add to

Details

Foods to try:  

Waffle Factory

@czphoneshome

Of course, waffles are a Belgian specialty! But what I learned on a recent visit to Brussels is that there are Brussels waffles and Belgian waffles. Belgian waffles are the most common, they are smaller and thicker. But a Brussels waffle is larger, has a crispier exterior, and a very light, airy interior. They are really good! This spot here isn't anything too special but it is my go-to to enjoy the famous Brussels waffles whenever I am visiting!

Add to

Details

Fritland

@czphoneshome

Fries are another Belgian specialty! Friteland is what they call a friterie, a place where they sell fries and other fast food treats such as fricadelle. One of my best advice for you when visiting a friterie is to be adventurous and try some of the sauces! They have so many - my personal is the Hannibal sauce!

Add to

Details

Beer: 

You can find pubs all around the city where you can get a taste of the famous Belgian beer. If you're interested, below you can find a beer-tasting experience to try the next time you're in Brussels! 

Places to stay: 

Disclosure: When you click "Check Prices", I earn a small commission when you book through Thatch, at no extra cost to you, which helps support my work. Thank you!!!

Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre

@czphoneshome

This hotel has: 10-minute walk to the Grand Place -airconditioning & heating -a sustainable travel rating of 2 -9.0 rating on Booking.com -private parking available

Check Prices

Add to

Details

Motel One

@czphoneshome

This hotel has: -airconditioning & heating -an elevator -a sustainable travel rating of 2 -free cancellation

Check Prices

Add to

Details

Moxy Brussels City Center

@czphoneshome

This hotel has: -airconditioning & heating -an elevator -8.9 rating on booking.com -restaurant and balcony

Check Prices

Add to

Details

I hope you enjoy your little day trip to Belgium! If you would like to read more about what to do in Brussels or other spots in Belgium, you can check out my blog below! 👇🏻

On the blog: 10 things to do in Brussels you’re going to LOVE

czphoneshome.com

I highly recommend escaping the big city in Belgium and exploring the smaller, fairytale town of Bruges! It is an extremely easy day trip from either Lille OR Brussels and its worth the visit I promise!

You can check out 20 different spots around the town in the day trip guide below! ✨

Enjoy and thanks for stopping by! 

Caity Zagar

Bruges: Day Trip to a Fairytale Town 🛶✨

Bruges has become known as one of the most underrated towns in Europe. It is a quintessential, fairytale town in Belgium that is decorated with canals and flemish architecture. Luckily enough, this town is also the PERFECT day trip from either Lille, in the North of France, or Brussels, the capital of Belgium. This guide has planned out your day trip for you, giving you the chance to enjoy every moment of your visit. In this guide you will unlock: 🚂 detailed information about getting to Bruges 🛶 2 activity suggestions 🌳 +10 spots and hidden gems 🍽️ 7 food & drink recommendations (1 lunch spot, 1 dinner spot, 1 bar and 4 snacks) 🗺️ + all recommendations are listed in geographical order, making it even easier for you to just follow along step by step! I have been lucky enough to pay a visit to Bruges 4 separate times, and with each visit, I have discovered new hidden gems or revisited my go-to favorite spots. And of course, all of these recommendations I've consolidated for you here! I hope you enjoy visiting this fairytale town as much as I do! ✨

History • Architecture • Foodie • People & Culture • Romantic

$15.00

5.0

(1)

Itinerary

*Disclosure: This guide uses affiliate links. If you click on a link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the efforts to continue providing valuable content. Thank you! 

Planning on visiting France as well? 

I consider France to be my area of expertise. I've lived here for 2 years and have traveled around many times to many regions! I would love to help you with your trip planning - let's make the most out of your trip! 

Sneak peak of what your trip to France COULD look like 🇫🇷

www.instagram.com

How can we make your trip EVEN BETTER? 

Curated recs are great if:

you know where you want to go, but don’t have the time or energy to research where to eat, what to do, or where to stay!

Get curated recommendations for your trip 🇫🇷

www.thatch.co

Custom itinerary is great if: 

you know where you want to go but cannot commit the time to planning and researching the logistical details. You can choose whether you want an in-depth itinerary or a trip outline!

Get a custom itinerary made for your trip 🇫🇷

www.thatch.co

Consultation calls are great if:

you want to chat face-to-face with someone who has lived in Europe for 4 years and can give you advice, tips, or even feedback on your itinerary. We can talk about everything and anything you need help with!

Book a travel call 🇫🇷

www.thatch.co