One day in Brussels: Beer, Street Art, and a Square You'll Never Forget.
- Jon Holden-Makings
- Jul 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 24
From kitsch cheeky statues to sweeping skyline views from Mont des Arts, here’s how we made the most of a single day in Belgium's vibrant capital - gluten-free, queer-friendly, and packed with culture.
First Impressions: Arriving in Brussels
Pulling into Brussels-Midi Train Station might have you questioning your decision. Located in a rather unloved district, this major hub hasn’t seen much recent investment. As our train came to a halt, Ash and I looked at each other, uncertain. "I've heard good things about Brussels, I promise!" I said, pushing thoughts of EU bureaucrats in grey suits out of my head.
We grabbed a coffee inside the station to get our bearings, having just come from beautiful Ghent this was quite the change-up. The atmosphere felt more practical than picturesque, but we weren’t ready to give up on Brussels just yet. Rather than continuing straight on to Brussels-Luxembourg Station, we decided to stash our bags and give the city a chance. And we’re so glad we did.
We took a tram into the centre (surprisingly easy to navigate) and emerged in a completely different world - charming cobbled streets, beautiful townhouses, and wafts of fresh waffles hitting us in the face. It felt like Brussels was offering us a second first impression - and this time, we were sold.
Exploring the Old Town: Statues, Street Art & Surprises
Our first stop? The cheeky and iconic Manneken Pis. Just a five-minute walk from Brussels-Central, we joined a crowd of tourists admiring the famous peeing boy. It’s daft, but emblematic of Brussels' irreverent and creative spirit - a spirit you can find in the city’s playful street art, weird museums, and eccentric performers.
Manneken isn’t alone, either. His female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis, is tucked behind the raucous Rue des Bouchers, and Zinneke Pis, a dog in mid-stream, marks a corner in the northern Old Town. You might even see them dressed up for special occasions - Manneken Pis has over 1,000 costumes, all displayed at a museum nearby.
The statues led us on an unintentional walking tour of the Old Town. Wandering the quaint cobbled lanes between Rue de l'Étuve and Rue des Eperonniers, we dipped into boutiques, browsed vintage vinyl at a tucked-away shop, and followed the smell of chocolate wafting from open doors. This area rewards curiosity. We stumbled across a hidden courtyard with a quirky art installation and a local guitarist serenading passersby - moments like these are what travel is all about.
We found the Old Town to be very photogenic, so if you're after that perfect shot for Instagram, keep your camera or phone ready. Soft light in the morning makes everything glow, and there are endless opportunities for quirky shots - murals, statues, storefronts, and even random art installations.
Gluten-Free Lunchtime in the Grand Place Area
Belgium isn't the easiest place for gluten-free travellers, but Brussels is making strides. After being tempted by a hundred bakery windows, we found a gluten-free haven at The Sister Brussels Café - just off the Grand Place.
This organic café serves:
Gluten-free focaccia sandwiches (served with soup)
Buddha bowls
Gluten-free Belgian waffles - both sweet and savoury
We recommend the raspberry and vanilla combo or the bacon, goat cheese, avocado, and egg version. Add a GF beer or a rich coffee and take in the view of the gothic rooftops above you.
Just a few streets away, La Cai Tapiocaria offers delicious Brazilian gluten-free eats: crispy tapioca crepes, cheesy Pão de Queijo rolls, and vibrant tropical flavours. It’s a great pick-me-up just steps from the tourist heart of Brussels.
Top tip: Many menus in Brussels are now clearly labelled for allergens, but always ask, especially when it comes to sauces and shared fryers. Google Translate’s camera function is a lifesaver if you're not fluent in French or Dutch.
Midday: Grand Place & Royal Galleries
The Grand Place (Grote Markt) needs little introduction. Stepping into this UNESCO-listed square is a jaw-dropping moment: every facade is golden, intricate, and full of history. From the 15th-century Town Hall to the gothic Maison du Roi, and the guild houses that line the square, it’s a crossroads of culture, trade, and community.
We spent time just soaking it in, snapping photos, and admiring the details carved into every inch of stone. With the sun shining, we sat down for a drink and people-watched. This is also where LGBTQ+ events like Pride parades sometimes pass through, adding even more colour to the golden facades.
Just around the corner, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert invite you into a world of elegance under soaring glass ceilings. Pop into high-end chocolatiers like Neuhaus or Mary, browse Belgian luxury brands, or simply enjoy the people-watching over a coffee at Mokafé.
If you’re planning a proposal or a special date, this part of Brussels has a magical, Parisian-meets-Venetian feel that feels made for romance.
Street Art & Skyline Views from Mont des Arts
After lunch, we wandered past the Royal Palace and Gare-Centrale into the hillier museum quarter. Street art dominates this part of town, with huge murals celebrating Belgium’s comic book heritage - look out for Tintin, The Smurfs, and other quirky creations.
Climbing up the Mont des Arts, we reached one of the best views in Brussels: the spires and rooftops of the Old Town stretching into the distance. It’s especially stunning at sunset, with the skyline bathed in gold and pastel hues.
From here, you’re flanked by world-class museums including:
Musical Instruments Museum (an architectural gem)
Royal Museums of Fine Arts
Magritte Museum, featuring surrealist masterpieces
Ash is a music geek, so we couldn’t resist stepping inside the Musical Instruments Museum. The Art Nouveau building itself is worth a visit, but the exhibits - and the included audio guide that plays samples as you pass each instrument - made it an unexpected highlight.
If you're more into visual arts, the Magritte Museum is brilliant for photography lovers. The lighting and layout are surprisingly modern, and the surrealist works are incredibly Instagrammable - in a weird, wonderful way.
Royal Grandeur and Green Escapes
Facing the Place Royale, the grand Royal Palace of Brussels looks out across a leafy public park ideal for a shady break in the summer sun. The changing of the guard and ornate gates make it feel like a scene from a fairytale. It's one of Europe's lesser-known palaces but makes for a perfect photo op.
The Parc de Bruxelles across the road is ideal for a breather. Joggers, families, and couples fill the paths, but there's still plenty of space for a quiet moment under the trees. We stretched out on the grass, recharged our phones, and watched a street performer draw a small crowd near the bandstand.
For families or LGBTQ+ parents travelling with little ones, this park is a great place to let the kids run wild without feeling like you're missing out. It’s also wheelchair-accessible and dotted with benches, fountains, and shaded picnic spots.
Evening: European Quarter & Departure
As the sun began to dip, we wandered southwards to the European Quarter, home of the European Parliament and surrounding institutions. Though the Parliament building is imposing (and arguably a little boring), the surrounding area - particularly around Place du Luxembourg - is filled with cosy cafes, parks, and relaxed energy.
We grabbed our last coffee of the day at Karsmakers Coffee House, a leafy hideaway with a lovely conservatory. It was the perfect spot to reflect on our day before catching the train from Brussels-Luxembourg Station.
From here, trains head towards hidden gems like Namur, Dinant, and even across the border to Luxembourg City - all of which are perfect for adding on to a Brussels city break.
LGBTQ+ Travel in Brussels: What to Know
Brussels scores top marks for inclusivity. Belgium was one of the first countries to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption, and its capital is proudly queer-friendly.
Whether you're visiting for Brussels Pride, exploring LGBTQ+ nightlife around Rue du Marché au Charbon, or simply strolling the streets hand-in-hand, this is a city where you'll feel safe and welcome.
Make time to check out:
RainbowHouse Brussels - a community hub with exhibitions, events, and info
LGBTQ+ exhibitions and pop-ups in the Grand Place area
A host of gay-friendly bars, from Le Belgica to La Réserve
For queer travellers, Brussels offers more than tolerance - it embraces diversity as part of its identity. Public displays of affection feel normal here, and same-sex couples can expect a warm welcome in most cafes, hotels, and cultural spaces.
Essential Tips for Your Brussels Day Trip
Arrival: Eurostar brings you straight to Brussels-Midi. We recommend stashing your luggage at the station and heading directly to the Old Town.
Getting Around: Most of the city centre is walkable. For longer journeys, use Brussels Metro or hop on the tram. Day passes are available at metro stations.
Language: French and Dutch are both official languages. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, but it’s polite to greet with a "Bonjour" or "Goedemiddag."
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the best weather. Be prepared for rain though, no matter the season!
Luggage Storage: Lockers available at Brussels-Midi and Brussels-Central stations.
Tourist Cards: The Brussels Card gives access to 49 museums and public transport. Great value if you plan to do more than one.
Toilets: Public toilets can be scarce - most are paid (€0.50 -1). Cafés and museums are your best bet.
Tipping: Service is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a small tip for great service is appreciated.
Brussels in a day!
As our train pulled away, I kept thinking of the contrast between the playful defiance of Manneken Pis and the golden grandeur of the Grand Place. That duality - cheeky and elegant, weird and refined - captures Brussels perfectly.
It’s a city of crossroads: of languages, of cultures, of communities. A place where Gothic town halls sit beside comic-book murals, and where queer travellers and gluten-free foodies alike can find themselves completely at home.
We can’t wait to come back.
Save this post for your next Eurostar city break - and follow us on social for more queer-friendly, gluten-free travel guides around the world.
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