Brussels: Grand Squares & Belgian Beer
Ornate architecture, royal landmarks, winding streets and an essential taste of the city’s legendary beer culture.
Brussels unfolded one cobblestone street at a time—grand guild houses, playful icons, formal gardens and cozy beer halls all layered together in the heart of the city.
Holiday Inn Express Brussels – Grand-Place
We stayed at Holiday Inn Express Brussels – Grand-Place, a modern, central base that made exploring on foot incredibly easy. Grand-Place, restaurants, cafés and several of the city’s most famous sights were all close by.
The icons of Brussels.
At Grand-Place—or Grote Markt—the city’s ornate guild houses, Town Hall and Maison du Roi frame one of Europe’s most remarkable public squares. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, it was the natural starting point for exploring central Brussels.
Palaces, gardens and one perfect view.
Our walk continued through the Royal Quarter to the Royal Palace of Brussels, the administrative residence and principal workplace of Belgium’s King and Queen.
Nearby, Mont des Arts offered one of the city’s classic perspectives. Its formal garden creates a beautiful transition between the elevated Royal Quarter and the historic center below, with Brussels unfolding beyond the terraces.
Finding a favorite at Delirium Village.
No Brussels visit felt complete without exploring its celebrated beer culture. We stopped at several beer halls and bars, but Delirium Village was my favorite—a lively collection of distinctive spaces tucked into a narrow lane in the old city.
The original Delirium Café is known for an enormous selection of more than 2,000 beers, while the surrounding Village offers everything from rotating taps to Belgian abbey styles. The energetic atmosphere and delightfully over-the-top décor made it one of the most memorable stops of the trip.
“Brussels felt wonderfully layered—royal and playful, historic and lively, with something unexpected around every corner.”Eliza’s final thoughts
Brussels at a glance.
A walkable Belgian city break filled with architectural landmarks, formal gardens and an unforgettable beer scene.
- Destination
- Brussels, Belgium
- Stay
- Holiday Inn Express Brussels – Grand-Place
- Must See
- Grand-Place & Manneken Pis
- Royal Quarter
- Royal Palace & Mont des Arts
- Favorite Stop
- Delirium Village
- Pack
- Walking shoes and a bright statement coat