A Weekend in Brussels: Walking for Street Art and Beer

Wondering what to do for a weekend in Brussels, Belgium? Use self-guided walking tours to wander the streets in the name of art, beer, waffles, french fries, and chocolate!

Returning from a few months in South East Asia, we booked a stopover in Brussels, Belgium for two days. Our accommodation was an Airbnb apartment that was centrally located in the Marollen district. The Marollen neighborhood is home to a daily flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle as well as lots of shops selling everything from antiques to trendy fashion.

TIP: We use Airbnb for unique accommodation as well as the opportunity to stay in local neighborhoods around the globe. Use this link to get a $20 credit towards your first booking! As an alternative to Airbnb, HotelTonight is great for locating last-minute deals in cities, such as Brussels, around the world. Enter the promo code MMELLI for $25 off your first booking! Or, try one of these accommodation options in Brussels, Belgium.

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, the administrative center of the European Union, and is legally bilingual (French and Dutch).

A Weekend in Brussels: Walking for Street Art and Beer

There are, of course, many historical and cultural activities in Brussels. However, this weekend in Brussels focuses on the good stuff: walking for art and beer. We suggest planning your weekend as follows:

Wander the flea market and shops in the Malloren district (consider also staying here for its central location).
Marvel at the beauty of The Grand-Place, registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 for its political, cultural, and commercial value.
Beginning at The Grand-Place, follow the fantastic, informative walking tour to Cantillon Brewery and Museum. When you arrive, take the tour and sample some gueuze.
Along the self-guided walk, take time out to sample waffles or french fries.
Definitely stop to purchase and sample some chocolate.
Throughout the walk, stop to appreciate the comic book frescoes. This street art is scattered around the city and can be further appreciated on a second walking tour on your second day. Read more about each work of art on the comic stip walk here.

TIP: A fun and lasting souvenir is The Adventures of Tintin memorabilia.

Undoubtedly, you’ll pass by Manneken Pis, the iconic bronze sculpture depicting a boy urinating into a fountain.
Consider also taking the time to admire the surrealism art collection in the Magritte Museum.
Wind down with a stop for wild, funky beers at Moeder Lambic (their second location is centrally located at Place Fontainas).