How to Spend a Layover in Brussels, Belgium

I had no intentions of visiting Brussels, but with only an hour to deboard the plane, retrieve my luggage, and recheck it, the chances of catching my flight to Washington D.C. were slim. And, as expected, I missed my flight (first time ever too!) With the next flight leaving the following day, I had a full 24 hours to explore. Suddenly, missing my flight didn’t seem so bad after all. I booked a room at the Marriott and took an Uber into the city, which was only 30 minutes away. 

Aside from chocolate and beer, I knew nothing about Belgium, so my expectations were low. With Belgium being such a small country, I figured I wouldn’t need so much time in this country to get a feel for it. 

Here’s what I recommend if you find yourself in Brussels for a limited period of time:

1) Visit Grand Place! : This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the heart and soul of the city and it makes for some great photos. Grand Place looks like something out of a movie; I was amazed by just how stunning the architecture was.  This is the one thing you cannot miss.

2) See Saint-Michel Cathedral: This Cathedral built in the 11^th century is just a short walk from Grand Place. The inside is quite impressive with its stained class. 

3) Catch a view of the city at Mont Des Arts: This urban complex offers some of the most photogenic shots of the city and is one of the most lively areas in the city. A must see as well!

4) Try a Belgium Waffle: I mean, it’s in the name. Try one out and see if it lives up to the hype. You can find one anywhere….and I mean anywhere! 

5) Sample one of the many beers: Maybe this doesn’t go so well with waffles, but who’s judging? 

This should take up most of your time, but if you still have more, I recommend just walking around the city. It’s hard to not find anything to do or see. If you’re in the Grand Place area, you can walk to most places.

Brussels is one of the best cities for a layover given its proximity to the airport, abundance of tourist attractions, and compact size. Don’t forget to stock up on souvenirs!