Brussels is one of the most visited capital cities in Europe. It’s well known as a chocolate paradise, with countless chocolate shops lining its historic streets. But Brussels has a lot more to offer than chocolate. If you’re planning to visit Brussels in December, you’ll be met with Christmas markets, beautifully decorated streets and shop fronts, and significantly less tourists at some of the major attractions.
The Belgian capital was founded in the 10th century and it quickly grew into an important commercial centre due to its location along key trading routes. Today, the city is the administrative home to the European Union and it draws in millions of tourists every year thanks to its vibrant food scene, unique collection of museums, and its historic old town. Even visiting Brussels in December, when most people shy away from travelling, isn’t a bad idea.
Getting around Brussels
Getting around Brussels is incredibly easy. A daily metro ticket costs just €8.00 (excluding the airport) or you can purchase a single fare ticket for just over €2.00. If you’re planning to do several trips in a day then the daily ticket will be worth purchasing. You can tap in and out of the stations using a bank card as well for convenience. However, if you do decide to use your card in this way you’ll be automatically charged the price of a daily ticket. If you want a single ticket, make sure you use the machines at the stations.
If you’re travelling from Brussels South Charleroi Airport you will need to purchase a train ticket from the airport station. Alternatively, you can use the airport shuttle from Flibco which runs every 30 minutes to and from the airport to the city centre.
Things to do in Brussels in December
Grand Place
One of the most visited attractions in Brussels is Grand Place. It’s the central square in the old town and it screams wealth everywhere you look. Most of the buildings here date back to the 17th century but the earliest reference to the square comes from the 12th century. Some of the main buildings to see here are Hotel de Ville, Maison du Roi, Maison des Ducs de Braban, and Le Pigeon which is where Victor Hugo once lived.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an incredible light show during the Christmas period which is well worth seeing if you’re visiting Brussels in December. You’ll also find a beautiful Christmas tree as well as a nativity scene set up in the square.
Visit the chocolate shops
Brussels is very well known for its chocolate shops. There are almost endless chocolate shops in Brussels, especially in the area surrounding Grand Place. Some of these shops are more tourist oriented though and don’t produce nice quality chocolate. I’d suggest doing some research beforehand so you know which ones to avoid or signing up for a chocolate tour.
I’d also highly recommend trying Elisabeth where you can get chocolate covered strawberries, doughnuts, mousse, and lots of artisan chocolates. Other places to try include Pierre Marcolini, Corne Port-Royal, and Laurent Gerbaud Chocolatier. It’s worth popping your head inside the chocolate shops near Grand Place even if you don’t want to buy anything because they often have free samples available.
Explore Brussels old town
One of the best things to do in Brussels in December is to explore the old town on foot. Make sure you bring warm clothing though, because you might get a mixture of rain and snow during your trip. There are a lot of beautiful streets to walk along and plenty of shops too. A top attraction in the old town is Choco-Story Brussels where you can learn more about the history of chocolate in Belgium as well as join some chocolate making workshops.
If you’re only staying for a short time in Brussels, it’s never a bad idea to join a walking tour so you can see the main highlights of the old town in just a few hours.
Enjoy the Christmas markets
Visiting Brussels in December means you’ll have the opportunity to go to some incredible Christmas markets around the city. One of my favourite things to do at the Brussels Christmas markets is to try out the street food, but the prices at these markets can be a bit expensive which is something to consider. There are a lot of smaller markets dotted throughout the city, but if you want to visit the main ones only then you need to check out Rue de la Bourse, Marche aux Poissons, and Place Sainte-Catherine.
St Catherine’s Church
As you make your way around Brussels, you’ll come across a number of impressive churches. St Catherine’s Church was built in the 19th century to replace a church dating back to the 15th century. It’s a beautiful building and in Brussels in December it’s a stunning backdrop to one of the most popular Christmas markets in the city. If the doors are open when you visit, feel free to take a look inside as well.
Black Tower
Just behind St Catherine’s Church sits the Black Tower. It’s one of the only and best preserved remains of the medieval city wall of Brussels. The tower itself dates back to the 13th century and has been well preserved over the past centuries despite city developments that have taken place around it. There’s a small square in front of it where you can find a few Christmas market stalls set up in December.
Manneken Pis
No trip to Brussels is complete without visiting Manneken Pis. This is one of the most famous attractions in Brussels and you can find it just a short walk from Grand Place. It’s a small bronze fountain sculpture of a boy urinating into the fountain, and sometimes you’ll find him dressed up. The earliest mention of this fountain can be dated back to the 15th century. However, it’s been replaced over the years and the original 17th century statue is now located in the Brussels City Museum.
Walk through the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
If luxurious shopping spots are your thing, you’ll want to visit the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert. It was designed in the 19th century and it still stands as one of the most impressive shopping arcades in Europe. There are numerous high-end clothing shops inside the gallery as well as picturesque cafes and some delicious chocolate shops that are worth going inside. In December, the arcade is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Mont des Arts
Wondering where to get one of the best views in Brussels? Mont des Arts connects the upper and lower sections of the city through the use of a green space. It was originally built in 1910 for the Universal Exhibition and the area is home to several important museums in Brussels, including the famous Magritte Museum. In the summer months this is a great place to relax in the sunshine and in the winter you can enjoy the city views from the top of the hill.
Delirium Village
As well as chocolate and frites, Belgium is also known for its beer. Even if you’re not a beer drinker, I’d suggest spending at least a couple of hours in the evening at Delirium Village and Delirium Cafe. This bar has a Guinness World Record for being the bar with the largest beer menu in the world, so you may want to check out the menu before sitting down. You can also order a cider if you don’t drink beer.
Royal Palace of Brussels
At the top end of Mont des Arts sits the Royal Palace of Brussels. It’s the official palace of the monarchy but it’s not used as a royal residence. The palace was built on the former site of an older palace, in the 19th century, and it was modified a century later. It’s normally accessible to the public in the summer months, but in 2024 the entire complex was closed for restoration purposes. It’s very easy to take a photo outside of the palace walls though in the event that it’s closed when you visit.
Palace of Coudenberg
Sitting next to the Royal Palace of Brussels is the Palace of Coudenberg. This palace started out as a castle in the 12th century and was later converted into a palace. After almost 700 years as the power centre of Brussels, the palace was destroyed by a fire in the 18th century. All that remains now of the original palace is the underground parts, which can be visited as part of an archaeological tour.
Grab a coffee at Barkboy
There are a lot of coffee shops around Brussels to go to. If you want a unique iced coffee or iced matcha latte though, I couldn’t recommend Barkboy enough. It’s a sustainable coffee shop and all of their iced coffees come served in a reusable plastic can with their logo, which is something I haven’t come across before. There’s minimal seating inside but there are plenty of spots outside to sit and relax for a while.
Stroll around the European Quarter
If you have some spare time while you’re visiting Brussels in December, taking a stroll around the European Quarter is a must. This is where you’ll find the European Parliament, the European Commission Library, Schuman Square, and The Berlaymont. It’s a very modern part of the city to walk around so it’s not as interesting as the old town though.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
One of the prettiest areas to visit outside of Brussels’ old town is Parc du Cinquantenaire, which was built in the 19th century. It’s located close to the European Quarter so it’s very easily accessible by public transportation. Inside the park you’ll find beautiful historic monuments, museums, and sculptures. The biggest highlight for me is the Triumphal Arch which is a beautiful place to take photos in Brussels in December without the crowds.
Cheap places to eat in Brussels
Friterie du Cafe Georgette
Belgian fries are a must-try when you visit Brussels. After doing extensive research before visiting the city, we decided to stop by Friterie du Cafe Georgette. It’s a very popular frites spot for locals, and we noticed a lot of food tours stopping here as well. When you place your order, the frites are prepared fresh and you have the option of adding different homemade sauces as well. The portion size is definitely big enough to share too.
Maison Dandoy
Brussels is also famous for its waffles, and one of the best places to get fresh waffles is just behind Grand Place, at Maison Dandoy. These aren’t the cheapest waffles you can find in the city, but it’s an experience you should have at least once. There’s usually a long queue to sit inside, but the takeaway queue moves reasonably quickly and there are places to sit outside. You can either choose a waffle from the menu or build your own at Maison Dandoy.
Elisabeth
I mentioned Elisabeth earlier as one of my favourite chocolate shops, but it has a lot more to offer. Inside you can treat yourself to a cup of chocolate covered strawberries or indulge in one of their chocolate mousse creations. They also have freshly made hot chocolate which is a popular choice for people visiting Brussels in December, as well as chocolate stuffed doughnuts that are made fresh daily. It’s a great spot to stop for a sweet treat as you walk around the old town.
Frites Atelier
If you want to dine at a Michelin restaurant but don’t know if you can afford it, Frites Atelier is the next best thing. This frites restaurant is owned by a Michelin chef and the menu is solely based around expertly cooked frites. There are several topping choices available, or you can opt for simple frites with a selection of dipping sauces. These aren’t your average Belgian fries, so you can expect to pay a bit more than other places in the city centre.
Hawaiian Poke Bowl
Every now and again it’s nice to add something a little healthier to your travel diet. Hawaiian Poke Bowl is a great place to go for lunch or dinner that’s both budget friendly and quick. You can order from the touch screens at the entrance and your food will be brought directly to your table. They have plenty of poke bowl options, but you can also build your own, and tofu is an option for a protein too.
Momade Cupcakes
There’s no better place to get cupcakes in Brussels than Momade Cupcakes. This dessert shop is located at the base of Mont des Arts and sells everything from luxury cupcakes to mini cupcakes and other delicious fresh desserts. There’s a small seating area inside where you can relax with a hot drink and a sweet treat too before heading back out into the streets to enjoy more of your time in Brussels in December.
Affordable places to stay in Brussels
MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi
Brussels isn’t known for being a budget friendly city, but luckily there are some fantastic places to stay in Brussels that won’t put a big hole in your wallet. MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi is the perfect example of a hotel that’s both affordable and centrally located.
It sits around the corner from Gare du Midi so guests have very easy access to all parts of the city through public transportation. The hotel features a beautiful bar and seating area, a small gaming corner, a kitchen for guests to use, and storage lockers which is very convenient.
We stayed in one of their multi-bed rooms but they have double rooms as well as family and dorm-style rooms available as well. The quad rooms (two twin beds and a set of bunk beds) are perfect if you’re travelling in a small group or as a couple. All of the rooms are ensuite too so you don’t need to worry about sharing anything. You’ll also find plenty of storage space in the rooms, and you might be treated to some goodies upon your arrival.
Having stayed at a few MEININGER hotels around Europe over the past few years, I can never fault their buffet breakfasts. If you’re not sure where to have breakfast in Brussels, I’d recommend booking the breakfast at the hotel to save money. They have a great continental selection available, including a few hot food items, and breakfast starts early in the morning which gives you extra time to explore Brussels in December.
If you want to stay somewhere that’s centrally located, with good access to public transportation as well as clean and modern rooms, you can’t go wrong with MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi. Even if you’re visiting Brussels in December, when prices are higher due to the Christmas period, this affordable hotel in Brussels will still comfortably fit within your budget.
>> See the rooms at MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi <<
Planning a trip to Brussels in December
Planning a trip to Brussels in December doesn’t need to be expensive, even though it’s a busy time of the year and the Christmas markets are on. There are a lot of things to do in Brussels in the winter, from exploring royal palaces to indulging in Belgian chocolate and wandering around the many museums in Brussels. If you can spend some time at the Brussel Christmas markets too, all the better.
If you have any questions about what to do in Brussels in December, where to eat in Brussels on a budget, or where to stay in Brussels, please feel free to reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. You can also follow me on Instagram and TikTok where you can find more helpful travel tips.
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