Things to do in  Brussels

Brussels is known for its food and drink—particularly beer, chocolate, fries, and waffles—and for the large number of international organizations based there, including NATO and the European Commission. It’s also famous for its varied architecture, especially around the city’s central square, the Grand Place.

Belgium has many famous attractions, from historic battle sites to stately old buildings. Four famous ones are the canals of the medieval city of Bruges, buildings of the Grand Place in Brussels, World War I battlefields of Flanders, and Jan Van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece at St. Bavo's Cathedral.

Belgium gets a lot of rain, so many of the more popular things to do in the country involve spending time indoors (think visiting museums and hanging out in cozy brewpubs). When the weather is pleasant, however, people head outdoors to spend time at local beaches and parks.

Yes. While Brussels merits more than a day, it's compact enough that you can easily do a lot in just one day. If you want to hit up all the main sights in just one day, you're probably best off joining a sightseeing tour, either by bus or bicycle.

Yes. Many people in Brussels speak fluent English, which can partially be attributed to the presence of large international organizations (notably the EU and NATO). While Brussels is in the Flemish part of Belgium, French is more commonly used than the Flemish Dutch language that dominates in the surrounding region.

Brussels has all sorts of special features, from beautiful old buildings to an abundance of chocolatiers. You'll also find plenty of alley bars—tiny pubs tucked away in old alleys. While beer and liquor are the main draw at most of these establishments, some also serve up fantastic food.