Is Brussels Worth a Day Trip From Paris?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a trip to Paris and wondering if it’s worth taking a day trip to Brussels? The short answer is yes, absolutely!

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a beautiful and vibrant city that has a lot to offer for tourists. Let’s dive into why you should consider adding Brussels to your itinerary.

Location and Accessibility

Brussels is located just two hours away from Paris by train, making it an easy and convenient day trip destination. You can catch a high-speed train from Paris Gare du Nord, and arrive at Brussels Midi station in under two hours. Trains run frequently throughout the day, so you can easily plan your schedule.

Architecture and Art

Brussels is known for its stunning architecture that blends medieval, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles. The Grand Place or the central square of Brussels is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It’s surrounded by opulent guildhalls that date back to the 15th century.

Other architectural wonders include the Atomium – a unique building that was built for the 1958 World Expo, and the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral – a grand Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Brussels.

Art lovers will also enjoy visiting various museums in Brussels such as the Magritte Museum which houses some of Rene Magritte’s famous surrealist works.

Food and Drink

Belgium is famous for its delicious cuisine, so it would be remiss not to try some while you’re in Brussels. Belgian chocolates are world-famous for their quality and taste; there are numerous chocolate shops throughout the city where you can indulge in some decadent treats.

Another popular food item is Belgian waffles – crispy on the outside with soft doughy insides served with toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce.

And let’s not forget about the beer – Belgium has over 1500 varieties of beer, and you can find a wide selection in Brussels. Be sure to try some of the local brews while you’re there.

Shopping

Brussels is also a great destination for shopping. The city has numerous shopping streets and markets where you can find anything from designer clothing to vintage records. The Sablon neighborhood is known for its high-end antique shops, while the Marolles market is perfect for finding unique souvenirs and vintage items.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brussels is definitely worth a day trip from Paris. With its beautiful architecture, art museums, delicious food and drink, and excellent shopping opportunities – it’s no wonder that Brussels attracts millions of tourists every year. So why not add it to your itinerary and experience all that this vibrant city has to offer?