I traveled from Rotterdam in the Netherlands to Brussels, Belgium by FlixBus, which took about two and a half hours. Cross-border travel within Europe is always surprisingly smooth—sometimes you barely notice you've entered another country.
For this trip, I stayed at Brxxl 5, paying about €120 for four nights.
The hotel itself was clean and comfortable, and overall a pleasant stay.
However, the Wi-Fi was extremely weak, which is a critical disadvantage for a digital nomad.
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Although the location in the Old Town was convenient for sightseeing, the city as a whole seemed to have poor network quality and relatively high prices.
Out of all the cities I’ve visited worldwide, Brussels unfortunately ranks as one of the least suitable for remote work.
The FlixBus stop was quite far from the hotel, so I took the metro. European public transportation never fails to impress with its reliability and reach.
Coming from the Netherlands, the sharp increase in prices was immediately noticeable.
To save money, I spent most of my time exploring the Old Town, which is surprisingly spacious.
During my four-night stay, I didn’t take any day trips outside the city center.
Brussels is also French-speaking, which creates a fascinating contrast—just a few hours away from the Dutch-speaking Netherlands, and suddenly the language environment is completely different.
The medieval streets and architecture provided a refreshing atmosphere, making even a simple walk feel enriching.
Main Attractions in Brussels’ Old Town
Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis
Most travelers know about Manneken Pis, but many are surprised to learn that Jeanneke Pis also exists.
I learned about her only after arriving in Brussels.
Both statues are much smaller than expected.
Before seeing them, I imagined something closer to child-sized sculptures—but they’re actually tiny.
Manneken Pis dates back to around 1451, though the one displayed today is a replica.
The original is kept in the Brussels City Museum.
There are several legends surrounding the statue, but the most famous one tells of a boy who extinguished a fuse to prevent an explosion by urinating on it.
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Despite its small size, Manneken Pis has long been considered a symbolic guardian of the Old Town.
Jeanneke Pis, on the other hand, is located in the small alley Impasse de la Fidélité, right next to Delirium Café.
She was created much more recently, mainly as an attraction to boost tourism—more an artistic installation than a historical figure.
It will be interesting to see how her presence is interpreted after a few hundred years.
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Grand-Place (Grote Markt)
As you walk through the Old Town, you suddenly emerge into a massive open square—the iconic Grand-Place.
Although the weather was cloudy when I visited, the square is breathtaking on sunny days, with gilded façades reflecting the light beautifully.
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Grand-Place once served as a bustling marketplace and still hosts major events today.
During my visit, a film crew was shooting a drama.
Every two years, the famous Flower Carpet event is held here, and the Christmas Market is also a highlight.
If your travel dates are flexible, it’s worth timing your trip around one of these festivals.
Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral
This cathedral is one of Brussels’ most important historical landmarks.
It originated in the 9th century from a small chapel built on the site.
The interior is free to enter and features elegant Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and a solemn atmosphere.
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Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Opened in 1847, this is one of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades.
In the middle of the Old Town, you suddenly encounter this refined gallery with a glass-roofed arcade, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding medieval streets.
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Since I visited in October—a month full of cloudy and rainy days—this was the perfect place to rest.
I enjoyed hot chocolate and Belgian waffles here, relaxing while watching people pass by under the glass canopy.
Belgian Food Highlights During My Stay
Belgian Beer
Near Jeanneke Pis is the famous Delirium Café, known for offering over 200 kinds of beer.
If you love beer, it’s practically a pilgrimage spot.
I ordered a recommended beer (though I forgot the name), and it was excellent.
If your budget allows, definitely try several varieties.
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Belgian Waffles (Maison Dandoy)
When you think of Belgium, waffles probably come to mind first.
Founded in 1829, Maison Dandoy is one of the most iconic waffle shops in Brussels.
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I visited their location inside Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.
The combination of warm waffles and cold ice cream was a first for me—but incredibly delicious.
It became one of my most memorable moments in Brussels.
A must-visit!
Mussels (Moules)
Another Belgian classic: moules-frites, or mussels served with fries.
I chose to eat at Au Coin Gourmand, which offered the dish for 17 euros—much more affordable than the 25-euro plates I saw elsewhere.
The portion was generous, and the mussels were fresh and flavorful.
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Belgian Fries
Despite the common name “French fries,” the dish is said to have originated in Belgium.
I found a great spot called Frituur Tabora, where you can get a large portion for just 3.5 euros.
There are many sauces to choose from, so I simply asked the staff for their recommendation.
I enjoyed it so much that I ended up going there multiple times during my stay.
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Conclusion: A City Best for Sightseeing, Not Remote Work
Brussels is a wonderful city for history, architecture, and food.
Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping back into medieval Europe, and the local specialties—waffles, beer, mussels—are all worth trying.
However:
- Prices are high
- Internet is weak
- Not ideal for digital nomads
So my impression is that Brussels is great for tourism, but not for long-term remote work.
Next time, I’d like to visit during a major event such as the Flower Carpet or Christmas Market to experience the city at its most lively.
For travelers exploring Europe, Brussels makes for an excellent short stay filled with culture and delicious food.
