Is Brussels an Ideal Choice for an Autumn Weekend Getaway?

The notion that Brussels is boring is quite unfounded. Here’s why.

In this series, the Dinogo Planet team of writers and editors addresses your travel queries and offers tips and tricks for a seamless journey. We reached out to travel writer Luke Waterson, who spent six months living in Brussels and cherishes his memories as a fan of fine beer and chocolate.

Question: My friends and I (all in our 30s and single) are seeking a great European city escape for October, and Brussels seems affordable for flights and lodging. However, I’ve heard it can be dull on weekends, with many locals leaving town. Should we consider another destination?

Luke Waterson: This is an excellent question, and it brings a smile to my face for several reasons. Belgium’s monarch, Leopold II, once famously stated: “Je suis le souverain d’un petit pays et de petites gens” (I am the ruler of a small country and small people). Additionally, Brussels is the hub of the vast EU bureaucracy, home to numerous Eurocrats who keep things running during the week before escaping to more enticing destinations for the weekend, often just to relax and eat.

However, let’s pause for a moment. Even if the first part of that last statement holds some truth (which I know from experience, it might), enjoying local cuisine is one of the best activities on any holiday, right? What’s not to love about moules frites (mussels and fries), melt-in-your-mouth Flanders tenderloin, delectable waffles, and possibly the finest chocolates in the world (head to the Sablon neighborhood for the best)? All of this can be savored alongside beer brewed by Trappist monks. If your entire trip in Belgium revolved around indulging in its food and drink (imagine hearty portions prepared with French flair), it would hardly be a failure.

Yet, most capital cities host centers of government, don’t they? And as tedious as these centers can be, we don’t label those cities as boring. Setting Leopold II aside, I truly struggle to understand why Brussels has earned its reputation for dullness.

Let’s kick things off in the heart of it all (at least from a traveler’s perspective): the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful central squares. Looking for something a bit less Baroque? The Atomium, the city’s top attraction, offers breathtaking views and showcases a remarkable arrangement of nine spheres (it’s modeled after what a single iron crystal would look like if magnified 165 billion times). Are you into street art, comics, or both? Belgium is the birthplace of Tintin, one of the most famous comic strips of the 20th century, and many buildings in the city center are adorned with vibrant Tintin murals.

Of course, I know that sightseeing isn't the only priority for those in their 30s. You’re looking for a good nightlife scene, right? Delirium Café, located near the Grand Place, boasts the world record for the most beers available in one place (around 2000). Bozar is an exceptional venue for exhibitions, concerts, and world cinema, set in a stunning 1929 art deco building in the city center. The trendy Brussels Canal district, once considered edgy, now flourishes with cool new waterfront bars, restaurants, and galleries.

As for the clubs? You may not want a 40-something advising you on where to go, but they’re definitely lively. Plus, Brussels is the capital of a nation that beautifully blends French and Flemish culture, and being the seat of the EU guarantees a diverse mix of representatives from every European country.

While October may not be the peak month for city celebrations—hence the budget-friendly accommodation options—there are amazing festivals happening throughout the year. The enchanting Christmas Market runs from November to January, and the unique Carnival of Binche, one of Europe’s oldest street celebrations, takes place just before Lent in nearby Hainaut. In May, you can enjoy the Jazz Weekend and the quirky Zinneke Parade, where participants don colorful costumes as they parade through the streets.

Honestly, there’s rarely a dull moment here.

And just to play devil's advocate... if you find yourself regretting Dinogo Planet’s recommendation and feel that Brussels doesn’t quite meet your expectations (though I’m sure it will), you’re in a prime location for spontaneous changes. The medieval wonders of Ghent and Bruges are just an hour and an hour and a half away to the northwest, respectively; the fashion hub of Antwerp is an hour north; Amsterdam is three hours northeast; and Paris is four hours southwest (or less than 90 minutes on the high-speed Thalys).

There must be plenty of entertainment in all those places.