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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBrussels is bursting with hip coffee spots and cozy restaurants. We spent hours enjoying delicious coffee, long lunches, and amazing dinners. Because you aren’t in a rush to “check off” sights, you can truly unwind. So pack a good book, find a window seat, and watch the world go by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marvel at the window displays in the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you’re in Brussels, you can’t miss the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, especially if it’s raining. As one of the oldest covered shopping arcades in Europe, walking through here feels like stepping back in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The glass roof keeps you perfectly dry while you admire the luxurious window displays. Be sure to stop by one of the chocolatiers. For example, Neuhaus is located here, the very spot where the praline was invented! Also, don’t miss Tropismes, arguably the city’s most beautiful bookstore. It\u2019s housed in a former jazz club, complete with gorgeous mirrors and high ceilings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Magritte Museum<\/strong> had been on my bucket list for ages. Ren\u00e9 Magritte is one of my favorite artists, and there is no better place to experience his work. The museum is packed with his famous surrealist pieces (yes, including the men in bowler hats and the pipe that isn’t a pipe).<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it’s gray and dreary outside, it feels wonderful to escape into his dreamy, strange world. Since we were already indoors, we combined our visit with the Royal Museums of Fine Arts<\/strong> located right next door. You can easily wander around here for an entire afternoon without seeing a single drop of rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traveling with kids or just looking for something unique to do indoors? While Brussels is full of museums, these two spots are special favorites of mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ince we were hunting for indoor activities to escape the rain, we stumbled upon the House of European History<\/strong>. This turned out to be the biggest surprise of our trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in Leopold Park, this museum is incredibly interactive. Instead of reading endless plaques, you get a tablet that guides you through the history of Europe. It isn’t stuffy at all; in fact, it\u2019s fascinating and feels very relevant today. And a huge bonus for budget travelers: admission is completely free<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It might sound contradictory, but don’t just stay inside! We decided to head downtown in the evening, armed with umbrellas, and wow, Brussels is surprisingly beautiful in the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grand Place<\/strong> is especially magical in the evening hours. The historic buildings are beautifully lit, and the wet cobblestones reflect the lights, creating a stunning effect. It is also much quieter than usual, which only adds to the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During our rainy walk, we made it our mission to complete the whole “family.” Everyone knows Manneken Pis<\/strong>, of course, but did you know there is also a female version? You can find Jeanneke Pis<\/strong> in a small alley near the Rue des Bouchers (Beenhouwersstraat).<\/p>\n\n\n\n To complete the set, there is also Zinneke Pis<\/strong>, the peeing dog. It turned into a fun scavenger hunt across the city. Since you are walking from statue to statue, you stay active despite the gloomy weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you “museum-ed out” and tired of just sitting in caf\u00e9s? Then this might be the best tip for a rainy afternoon: get hands-on! Belgium is famous for its chocolate, so why not learn how to make those iconic pralines yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several places in Brussels where you can take a chocolate-making workshop<\/a>. You stay nice and dry indoors, it smells amazing, and (best of all): you get to taste your own creations and take them home. It\u2019s a fun, interactive way to spend a gray afternoon. More of a waffle person? There are also workshops where you can learn to bake the perfect authentic Brussels waffle<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip: These workshops are popular, especially on weekends. I recommend booking via GetYourGuide<\/a><\/strong> in advance to secure your spot and guarantee a dry activity.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Is it raining in Brussels, but you still want to explore? The train station is never far away. We took a trip to Tournai<\/a><\/strong>. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t much better there, but Tournai has surprisingly great museums and plenty of cozy caf\u00e9s to warm up in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because Belgium is so compact and the rail network is excellent, you can easily reach cities like Antwerp<\/strong> or Leuven<\/a><\/strong>. It\u2019s ideal if, like us, you want to be flexible and just follow the weather radar to see where it\u2019s driest (or where the museums look the most fun!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n One last place I would like to share with you for a rainy day is the Wolf Food Market<\/strong>. I haven’t visited it yet myself, but next time I will definitely check it out. This is a relatively new hotspot housed in a former bank building on the Wolvengracht.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The concept is simple: in the middle of the huge hall you will find a bar, surrounded by all kinds of different food stalls. Think fresh pasta, Vietnamese street food, Syrian dishes, and of course, Belgian waffles. Grab whatever you’re craving and take a seat at one of the long communal tables. The atmosphere is always buzzing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The weather in Brussels is notoriously unpredictable. While there isn’t a specific rainy season, you are most likely to encounter showers during the fall and winter months (November through February).<\/p>\n\n\n\n But don’t let the forecast discourage you. The city is perfectly suited for indoor living, with cozy restaurants and world-class museums around every corner. Visiting Brussels in the rain is certainly not a punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t let the weather forecast stop you. Brussels is a fantastic destination all year round!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2708\ufe0f Flights<\/strong> – Brussels Airport (BRU) is a major hub with connections to cities worldwide. Check Skyscanner<\/a><\/strong> to find the best flight deals for your dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude86 By train<\/strong> – Already in Europe? Brussels is easily accessible by high-speed train from Paris, London, or Amsterdam. Book your tickets in advance via Rail Europe<\/a><\/strong> for the best prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udecf\ufe0f Where to stay<\/strong> – There are countless great hotels in the city. I recommend staying downtown so you can easily walk to restaurants in the evening, even if it\u2019s raining. Check Booking.com<\/a><\/strong> for the best rates and availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Tours & tickets<\/strong> – Fancy a chocolate workshop or want to visit a popular museum without waiting in line? You can find the best activities and skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfe5 Travel Insurance<\/strong> – Weather can be unpredictable, and so can travel. Ensure you\u2019re covered for any surprises or delays with a plan from Insubuy<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Looking for more tips on Brussels or planning to visit other places in Belgium? Grab one of these travel guides to plan your perfect trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcda Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent<\/a><\/strong> – The go-to guide for American travelers in Belgium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcda Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Perfect for finding hidden gems and practical info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also find plenty of Belgium tips<\/a> right here on the blog. Read more:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter<\/a><\/strong> for the best travel stories and tips straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdmire surrealist masterpieces at the Magritte Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMore indoor fun: comics and trains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The biggest surprise: House of European History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nGrab an umbrella and head into town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOn the hunt for the peeing statues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRoll up your sleeves: Join a Chocolate Workshop<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take a day trip by train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDelicious food at the Wolf Food Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When does the most rain fall in Brussels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plan your weekend in Brussels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Read more about Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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