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I lived and worked in Brussels, Belgium, for three months and let’s put it out there: it isn’t the coolest European capital. When you compare what the city offers with Berlin or Amsterdam, it’s quite safe to say that, well, Brussels doesn’t really measure up.

If I were to be really honest, I’d say that Brussels is actually pretty boring. It speaks volumes that the most famous of Brussels’ touristic offerings is a fountain of a little guy peeing (but then again, the fact that there is a “museum” presenting its numerous clothes certainly is the most hilariously ironic and self-aware display of national pride in the history of ever).  But in the end, I must say I had a great time and got to like the city quite a bit. It is possible to enjoy Brussels very much, and here’s how to fill up a nice week-end.

1. Drink (a lot of) beer

Some clichés are worthy to be lived, and Belgian beer is one of them. After three months there, I’m a believer. While I find it difficult to find cool bars (if that’s what you’re looking for, center around the Bourse, or Saint Gery) nothing is easier than finding a good beer. I don’t mean to get anybody drunk, but a) it helps face the cold of the winter months, and b) it makes sightseeing that much more fun.

For the largest choice of beer in the capital, head out to Delirium Café, which offers more than 2000 kinds, from trapiste to coconut beer (for real, and it ain’t even bad). They even have free concerts, so what more can you ask for?

If you’re into classics checks out Ultime Atome, if you are in the Saint Boniface district. It has a nice terrace in the summer, and a warm welcoming feeling in the colder months (smokers even have a special room to get warm and smoke in peace, too).

2. Some sightseeing

The good thing about Brussels is that you can see all major tourist attractions in a couple of hours, and you won’t feel stupid when people ask if you have seen this or that, because you’ll have.

The Grand-Place, the very heart of the city, is quite a sight. The corporation houses on the left side are beautifully chiseled, Le Cornet with its boat-like gable being my personal favorite. If you are in Brussels around Christmas, don’t miss the party: a huge tree and live nativity scene are erected there, and last year they played Opera and held a light show to the tune of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which I must say was quite brilliant.

The Manneken Pis and the glazed Royal Galleries (the oldest in Europe, built before that of Milan, natch) are only a few streets away from the Grand-Place, albeit in opposite directions. A small walk will take you to the Royal and Sablons districts, where you can take in some art (at least four museums within a 5 minutes walking radius) and some beautiful churches, including Notre Dame du Sablon, which one should definitely see. Plus the Church is close to all chocolate makers on Place du Grand Sablon, so you can amend for gluttony quite easily.

If the weather permits long strolls through Brussels, I would really recommend walking up to the Palais de Justice whose Dome, currently under scaffoldings, dominates the city. If offers an amazing view of the city, and you can take the nifty elevator down to the street level below.

3. Check out the center of Europe

So this is a bit of a stretch for “fun”, but frankly it’d be a shame if any European were to go to Brussels and not take a look at the institutions having more and more to say in its life. The European Quarter, centered around Schuman and the Berlaymont, has a complete life of its own. Its liveliest part is the Place du Luxembourg: all its bars fill up around 6pm on week days, and you’re bound to hear your language more than once, wherever you’re from. If you wanna meet someone, just pretend you’re working for the Commission, and you’ll be fine.

4. Eat, eat, eat

You will notice while walking that there are more food stands crammed into the small city center than in the whole of Manhattan. And if fries are not as common as the legend goes, waffles are everywhere, and let me tell you: they’re delicious. When you order one (and you must) don’t be scared to refuse one that you haven’t seen come out of the oven. They’re obviously best when they’re hot and fresh, and being a tourist shouldn’t deprive you of that pleasure.

For lunch or diner, try some Belgian food: stoemps, carbonnade, waterzooi… I always eat mine at t’Kelderke, the only exception to this equation: touristic places = bad restaurants. This one, located directly on the Grand-Place, is consistently delicious and rather inexpensive.

You’ll find nice restaurants around Bourse, and if you’ve spent your budget on beer, as you should, head out to Tapas Locas, rue du marché au charbon, which serves up 3 € tapas dishes in a great laid-back ambiance. Also fairly cheap but in another part of town, I’m very fond of Chez Quentin, a simple address serving a wide variety of tartines with a comprehensive wine list.

5. Dance your Saturday night away

Unless you are too tired to move, there is a nice electro scene in Brussels, and some very interesting clubs. If you ever read anything about the Belgian nightlife, you read about Fuse. It’s a classic, and just like other classics, it’s always good. Club You is pretty cool, and if you are not into dancing as much as lounging, I recommend The Flat, which should content just about anyone looking for a trendy place to show off the day’s shopping.

And if you still have some time, take the tramway to the Atomium, and sample a few more beers. Life is good, and so Brussels be, too.

Photo of Manneken Pis, Brussels, Belgium originally posted by ricardo.martins