The Best 7 Things To Do Solo in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, the heart of Belgium, unfolded its festive charm as I, your favorite solo adventurer (😉) ventured into its enchanting streets during the Christmas Markets! Known for its waffles, amazing chocolates, and lively markets, Brussels is a tapestry of historical grandeur and contemporary charm. I’m sharing the best 7 things to do solo in this magical city so let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

The Best 7 Things To Do Solo in Brussels, Belgium

As a solo female traveler blogger, my goal is to uncover the hidden gems within this European capital during the festive Christmas Markets. Unfortunately, during my stay, I got a nasty cold but that didn’t deter me from exploring every day and finding the best things to do (even in winter)!

So, lace up your walking shoes and prepare to wander. 💕

Grand Place

It’ll be no surprise that this is on the list. The Grand Place is home to one of the most beautiful buildings in Brussels, Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles (Brussels City Hall). It’s also where the City Museum is (Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles) and it’s surrounded by chocolate shops and one of the prettiest Starbucks locations to be seen.

If you happen to visit during the Christmas season they have a beautiful tree in the center of the square, as well as a nativity scene.

Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

If you’ve ever seen photos or youtube videos about Brussels, The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert will pop up because it is the most beautiful row of shopping you’ll ever experience. It is exceptionally regal and every second shop is a chocolate marvel. This is where all of the chocolate makers display their art and the best part, is for a few mere euros you can take a self-chocolate tour of your own.

This center has everything, including a wonderful bookshop, postcards, boxed chocolates, silk scarves, Belgium waffles, luxury cafés, and more. Worth the stop for an Instagramable moment.

Go on a Smurfs hunt

Yep – you read that right! Little known fact, The Smurfs were invented in Belgium and Brussels has embraced them with love. There’s a statue and an amazing ceiling mural just in front of the train station. Don’t forget to check out the Comics Art Museum for more.

If you’re a Smurfs fanatic, the Hilton Brussels Grand Place has a 2-bedroom Smurf Room dedicated to the beloved comic strip heroes. If you’re that obsessed you’ll need to go to the Smurfs Store too.

Take a train to a neighboring town

Brussels train system is unbelievably easy and fairly inexpensive. A daily commuter pass was a mere 32 euros (round trip) to Bruges and I could take any train to get there and back. It was super easy to buy a standard ticket online here.

Two other very popular day trips are Ghent and Antwerp. They’re both very different but the locals say Ghent are Bruges are lovely. I can confirm Bruges is especially picturesque and I wish I got there earlier.

_{Read for more: Bruges Christmas Market: A Hallmark Day Trip with a Twist}

Wolf Food Market

Food halls are amazing and practical when traveling solo because you’re guaranteed to find a place to sit and eat and you’re also surrounded by other people. Many restaurants in Europe don’t have bars or tables set aside for one. You may also have issues making a reservation for 1 in general, never-the-less on a Friday night.

Insert Wolf! Which, has its own bar area in the center of the market and is surrounded by every food you could imagine. From poké to pizza to Greek pitas!

Roam the Gardens (even in winter)

Brussels is a great outdoor city with wonderful trails throughout it. There are several parks/gardens in the downtown area and they’re filled with public art, murals, and rotating exhibits. Parc de Bruxelles is especially charming because it’s just outside the Royal Palace. It’s huge and filled with sculptures, marble busts, art nouveau Kiosque de musique and Vaux Hall (both lovely and music kiosks).

Other gardens:

Mont des Arts (beautiful all year round!)
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Parc Léopold
Le Botanique (former glass botanical garden)
Parc Elisabeth (home of the beautiful Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur)

Take a Beer and Chocolate Tour

This highly-rated Viator Tour gives you the best Brussels has to offer! Local craftsman beer, meats, cheeses, fries, and authentic Belgium chocolate included. Not to mention good company and a tour guide.

I have taken numerous Viator Tours and I’ve never had a bad experience. I love that you can accrue credits as an incentive to keep booking with them.

_{Note: please remember to bring cash as gratuity is not included with the tour!}

I had so much fun reminiscing on my solo escapade in Brussels while writing this blog post! I can practically smell the Belgian chocolates while walking through Galeries Royales Saint Hubert. 🍫

If you have the opportunity to visit during the Christmas Markets, definitely check out my post here. It’s such a magical time and adds that little extra sparkle to a lively city.

Happy solo adventuring!