72 Hours in Brussels: A Collision of Chocolate, Surrealism, and Cobbled Streets

If there’s one thing Brussels does better than politics, it’s chocolate. And if you're staying in the heart of the Old Town—where medieval alleys open into grand squares and waffle carts are never far—you're in the perfect spot to taste your way through the city's finest confections.

I spent most of my (way too short) trip right in this historic core back in April of 2025, wandering from one chocolatier to the next like it was my personal chocolate pilgrimage. And I’ll tell you this upfront: you don’t need to go far. Some of the best chocolate in the world is crammed within walking distance of the Grand Place.

Four incredible Chocolatiers to Try in Brussels:

1. Elizabeth Chocolatier: The Sweetheart of Old Town

Let’s start with Elizabeth. This shop completely stole my heart. It’s adorable and tucked just off the Grand Place, with a warm, inviting storefront and interiors that feel more like a cozy bakery than a luxury boutique. Their florentines—thin caramelized cookies dipped in chocolate—were addictive. I bought one "for later" and then ate it two minutes after stepping out the door. Their speculoos-dusted truffles are everything you want in Belgian chocolate: creamy, spiced, and rich without being overwhelming.

They also offer samples, which is dangerous, because after trying the limited edition Matcha Praline egg for Easter, I almost left with a full bag. This is the kind of place that balances high quality with charm—it doesn't feel like a tourist trap, even though it's central.

2. Pierre Marcolini: High Fashion in Chocolate Form

Just a short stroll from Elizabeth, still in the Old Town radius, is Pierre Marcolini. This is the couture version of chocolate—seriously, the shop looks like it should be selling perfumes, not pralines. But it’s not just style; it’s substance too.

Marcolini sources his own beans and makes chocolate from scratch, which is rare in Belgium. You can taste it. I tried a dark chocolate bonbon filled with passionfruit ganache, and it was intense, balanced, and unlike anything I’d had before. Their bars are also great for gifting, with minimalist packaging that looks straight out of a design magazine.

It’s a good spot if you want to try chocolate as art—clean, curated, and complex.

3. Neuhaus: Where the Praline Was Born

You can’t write about Belgian chocolate without mentioning Neuhaus. They literally invented the praline here in 1912. The flagship store on Galerie de la Reine feels part-museum, part-sweet shop, and it’s worth the visit just to stand in the same place where chocolate history was made.

Their “Irrésistibles” line—satin-finished pralines with nutty, creamy fillings—are exactly what you'd expect from the originators: refined, not overly sweet, and deeply satisfying. They’re also one of the most accessible brands in Belgium, but the Old Town location gives it more character than the airport outposts.

Pro tip: They offer pre-packed assortments and custom boxes. Build your own and get exactly what you want.

4. Laurent Gerbaud: Modern and Bold

Still within easy walking distance in the city center, Laurent Gerbaud’s shop brings a completely different flavor—literally. He skips preservatives and artificial flavors entirely, so everything tastes incredibly pure.

What sets this spot apart is the use of spices and unexpected ingredients: Sichuan pepper, matcha, figs, even curry. I tried a dark chocolate piece with crystallized ginger and fleur de sel, and it hit every note—sweet, spicy, salty, sharp. The shop itself is small, calm, and welcoming, with a table in the back where you can sit and enjoy your chocolate with a cup of tea.

If you’re the kind of person who wants to try something a little adventurous but still high quality, this is your spot.

Between Chocolate Shops: The Magritte Museum

Of course, you can't survive on chocolate alone—though I gave it an honest try. Between tastings, I needed a break that didn’t involve food, and the Magritte Museum delivered. It’s housed in a stunning neoclassical building just a short walk from the Old Town.

René Magritte was one of the most influential surrealists, and seeing his work in his home country adds a whole new layer to the experience. You probably know The Treachery of Images (“This is not a pipe”), but the museum dives much deeper. From his early impressionist works to his darker, more philosophical pieces, the layout walks you through his evolution as an artist.

What I loved most was how personal it felt. There are letters, photographs, and even films that give you a peek into his thought process. One room focuses on the recurring symbols in his work—bowler hats, apples, clouds—and seeing them together makes you realize just how deliberate his visual language was. You leave feeling like you’ve had a conversation with someone deeply strange and deeply brilliant.

And yes, the gift shop has umbrellas with raining men printed on them.

Food, Flea Markets, and a Side of French Flair

Old Town Brussels isn’t just about chocolate and art. It’s also a food-lover’s playground. I had a croque monsieur one afternoon that made me pause mid-bite just to appreciate it—melty cheese, crisp bread, and ham with actual flavor. The French influence is everywhere, from flaky morning pastries to rich sauces poured over steak at dinner.

But the best surprise might’ve been the Jeu de Balle flea market. Set in the Marolles neighborhood, just a short tram ride from the Grand Place, it’s been running daily since 1873. It's not polished. Tables are cluttered with vintage cameras, chipped porcelain, military gear, and dusty books. Some vendors lay their wares out on blankets.

And yet, it has soul. I picked up an old tin box with faded Art Nouveau patterns and a worn French novel I’ll probably never read—but it felt like a slice of the city I could take home. More than any souvenir shop ever could.

Final Thoughts: Why Old Town Brussels Wins

I came for the chocolate, stayed for the surrealism, and left with a suitcase full of edible memories and a couple of quirky flea market finds. Old Town Brussels is a compact experience—but it doesn’t feel small. It’s layered. From the Gothic spires of the Grand Place to the scent of melted sugar drifting from a waffle cart, it’s a place that rewards wandering, curiosity, and the occasional sugar high.

If you're planning a trip, skip the big chain stores and spend your time getting lost in the cobblestone streets. Taste everything. Visit the museums. Linger in the cafes. And most importantly—don’t skip the chocolate.

Connect with me if you need an itinerary--I'm here to help.