Recommendations
We’re so excited for you to experience Brussels!
It’s a city full of charm, history, and hidden gems. If you’re here just for a few days, we recommend spending 1–2 days in Brussels itself, and then adding a short day trip by train. No car needed—public transport makes it easy to get around.
Getting Around & Travel Tips
Public Transport
Download the STIB App for trams, buses, and the metro.
Trains
For day trips, use the SNCB App to buy tickets and check schedules.
Flights
There isn’t a direct flight from San Francisco to Brussels.
The easiest way is to fly into Paris, Amsterdam, or London first & spend a few nights there.
From there, Brussels is just a quick train ride or a short connecting flight away.​
Hotels
Here are a few hotels we recommend for comfort and good locations:
Marriott Brussels – central and convenient.
Warwick Hotel – classic style, close to Grand Place.
The Hoxton – modern, trendy vibe.
Hotel Aris – smaller, great value, and central.
Airbnb – also a good option! Just make sure you stay in the "good" parts of Brussels.
(areas like Châtelain, Flagey, Ixelles, Uccle)
Some neighborhoods aren’t ideal; feel free to message us before booking and we’ll happily check for you.
What to do in Brussels
Shopping
Louise, Bailli, and Stéphanie are the best shopping streets.
Favorite boutiques include American Vintage, Sandro, Maje, and ba&sh.
Sights
Don’t miss the Royal Palace of Brussels, Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Mont des Arts, Petit Sablon, Parc du Cinquantenaire, the Bourse, and the Atomium.
Parks & Bars
Take a walk through Bois de la Cambre and stop for a bite at Woodpecker.
Nightlife
Try Les Jeux d’Hiver (club in the park), Spirito Brussels (set in a former church), or Fuse (legendary electronic music).
Coffee & Lunch Spots
La Fabrique en Ville – brunch in a park.
Café de la Presse – lively coffee spot.
Le Perroquet – art nouveau café with famous pitas.
Pistolet Original – Belgian sandwiches, reinvented.
Kafei – Asian-inspired brunch.
Knees to Chin – spring rolls, fresh and light.
Makisu – casual sushi rolls.
Drinks & Evening Spots
Belga – lively terrace, perfect on a sunny day.
Brussels Beer Project (BBP) – modern craft beer.
Pepette & Ronron – chic wine bar.
L’Impasse – tiny, character-filled bar.
Chez Ginette – fun, quirky dancing spot.
Delirium – iconic beer bar with hundreds of choices.
Dinner ideas
Mendo – Mediterranean-inspired, stylish setting.
Palo Alto – modern European, trendy crowd.
Nonna Pizza – authentic Italian pizza.
(Brussels’ food scene changes quickly—sometimes the best finds come from simply wandering around!)
Rooftops
One of the best parts of Brussels in the summer is the open-air vibe—rooftop terraces and seasonal pop-up bars with music and great views. Many of these are temporary and change from year to year, so we’ll share fresh recommendations as we get closer to the wedding.
Here are a few favorites rooftops to keep in mind:
The Eight Rooftop – sleek, modern bar with panoramic city views.
The Beer Lab Rooftop – Belgian beers enjoyed with a view.
Terrasse O2 – lively, seasonal hotspot during summer months.
Lila29 Brussels – chic and trendy terrace.
And plenty of other pop-up rooftops that appear around the city in warmer weather.
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For more food finds, follow @BruxellesFood on Instagram.
Day Trips by Train
If you’d like to venture out, choose one destination and enjoy it fully; each is an easy train ride from Brussels:
Brugges – canals, cobblestones, and storybook charm. (~1 hour by train)
Antwerp – fashion, shopping, and museums. (~40 minutes by train)
Knokke – Belgium’s chic beach town. (~1h15 by train)​
Suggested Itineraries
