There is more to Brussels than just the European Union. Stepping into the city center feels like a Royal affair with the imposing Grand Palace, the surrounding streets are filled with Art Nouveau buildings, and there are countless lively and charming neighborhoods that you must explore.
This vegan travel guide to Brussels will help you find spectacular vegan restaurants, bakeries, chocolate, waffles, things to do, and so much more! You should have everything you need to plan your entire veggie adventure.
One last thing, if you like beer, don’t leave without trying their popular lambic beer — it is brewed in the Pajottenland region southwest of Brussels.
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Vegan Restaurants in Brussels
You’ll find everything you could want in Brussels from their famous waffles to fries (make sure you check out the two vegan-friendly spots) and everything in between!
Le Botaniste
Rue du Bailli 10, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium – 2 locations in Brussels
This beautiful vegan café and natural wine bar is perfect for enjoying something delicious and healthy. Their menu features a unique selection of globally-inspired bowls and dishes from red beet caviar to a Tibetan Mama bowl (coconut peanut butter curry with steamed greens, kimchi, and rice) — I promise, nothing on this menu is boring!
The Judgy Vegan
Rue des Capucins 55, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
With a name like that, how could you not want to check it out!? Their comfort food-focused menu features a nonstop lineup of creative eats — vegan lobster on a toasted hoagie, croquettes de fromage (cheese sticks), seitan bourguignon, and so much more.
VeganWaf
Galerie Agora 48, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
You can’t go to Belgium without trying their world-famous waffle—right!? Luckily for you and me, vegan waffles in Brussels exist! Head here to enjoy a variety of decadent vegan waffles, along with gluten-free waffle options — hooray!
Bouchery
Chau. d’Alsemberg 812/A, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgium
For a chic and unique dining experience, you’ll want to check out this upscale French vegan restaurant. They offer a 3, 4, or 5-course set menu that features seasonal Belgian ingredients. Diners are delighted with gorgeous and creative dishes like duck leg burgers with pointed cabbage and black currant, house-made cheeses, white guinea fowl pudding, and more.
Lucifer Lives
Rue Haute 120, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
This unique vegan cafe was named one of Brussels’s best vegan lunch spots! The eclectic menu features beautiful house-made sandwiches, giant quiches, curries, and mouthwatering baked goods! You really can’t leave without a slice of cake or a flaky croissant.
Humus x Hortense
Rue de Vergnies 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
If you’re looking for something special, head here for a world-class fine dining experience (their cuisine has won multiple awards). The veggie-forward menu is available for lunch or dinner tasting with various courses and optional wine pairing. It is seasonal and consistently changing by what is harvested at the farm Le Monde des Mille Couleurs.
Liu Lin
Rue Haute 20, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
This Taiwanese vegan street food bar was started by two sisters who wanted to celebrate their passion for food and the plant-based lifestyle. The menu features a fantastic selection of traditional veganized dishes, from faux prawn tempura to a Chinese herbal soup served with rice noodles, dumplings, and more.
Les 4 Jeudis
Rue du Marteau 36/A, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Belgium
If you’re vegan and gluten-free, you’ve got to come here! Their globally-inspired, plant-forward menu focuses on making veggies shine!
Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Brussels
Just incase you didn’t find what you were looking for, here are a few more options to check out!
Maha
Rue de Flandre 13, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
This vegetarian falafel bar is well-known for its flavorful and crispy falafel, the tastiest pita wraps, and bowls! Most of the menu is vegan and offers a vegan tahini sauce, which you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something delicious and affordable, this is the spot for you.
Pois Chiche
Pl. de la Chapelle 15, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Another fantastic vegetarian Middle Eastern spot in Brussels! This restaurant prides itself on being environmentally conscious by composting all of its waste, using local ingredients as much as possible, reducing waste, and only using one roll of plastic a year in the kitchen. Their menu features traditional favorites made in veggie-friendly ways, like cauliflower shawarma, and of course, falafel.
Chicago Trattoria
Rue de Flandre 45, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
If you’re craving a slice of cheesy vegan pizza, come to this vegan-friendly trattoria! There are two options for vegan pies — rossa (red) and bianca (white) — loaded with a fantastic assortment of tantalizing toppings. Mushroom lovers shouldn’t miss the vegan bianca or funghi with added vegan salami for an additional flavor punch!
Yummy Bowl
Rue des Eperonniers 49, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
These colorful bowls are a delight for your eyes and taste buds! This vegetarian café focuses on Asian and Middle Eastern-inspired bowls, from comforting pho to falafel.
Vegan Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Brussels
Start your day off with an order of golden pancakes, berry-filled bowls, and more at these awesome vegan restaurants!
Tich
Rue de Namur 25, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
This sweet little vegetarian café features an all-day breakfast menu with golden maple pancakes, berry-filled acai bowls, loaded avocado toast, and more.
l’Alchimiste
Rue de Savoie 59, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium
If you’re a fan of coffee and breakfast, you’ll love this vegan café! Start with a dirty chai or flat white, then dive into the massive lineup of breakfast favorites! Their breakfast lineup has a little bit of everything — fluffy buckwheat pancakes, quinoa Bircher, scrambled tofu, toast, and more.
The Sister Brussels Café
Rue Chair et Pain 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Every day until 1 pm, you can enjoy fried “vegg” toast, sweet golden waffles, power bowls, and more! On top of an epic vegan breakfast lineup, this vegetarian restaurant also serves sandwiches, Buddha bowls, falafel, and more all day long.
The Judgy Vegan
Rue des Capucins 55, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
This popular vegan spot adds to its comfort food lineup on Saturday and Sunday with breakfast favorites like veggie omelets, French toast, and more.
Les 4 Jeudis
Rue du Marteau 36/A, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Belgium
On Saturday, this vegan and gluten-free restaurant offers multiple brunch specials featuring house-made waffles, granola, and baked goods.
Vegan Bakeries, Chocolate, Ice Cream & Donuts in Brussels
If you’re craving something sweet, have no fear, there is a vegan option in Brussels!
Be Nuts
Rue de la Victoire 232, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium
This artisanal vegan patisserie is right in the heart of Brussels and has a fantastic lineup of cakes and chocolates that are not only delicious but drop-dead gorgeous! The flavors range from floral and citrusy to decadent chocolate.
Buddy Buddy
Rue des Drapiers 10, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
This modern vegan cafe is focused on all things nuts — it’s actually Europe’s first nut butter café and atelier (sounds fancy, doesn’t it?). Buddy Buddy created a line of nut butters and then incorporated the butters in a variety of drinks, treats, and pastries available in the café. Don’t skip their almond butter chai!
Lucifer Lives
Rue Haute 120, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
This scary movie-themed vegan café has an incredible lineup of decadent and moist cakes, cinnamon rolls, croissants, and more to delight your taste buds.
Coco Donuts
Rue Joseph Stevens 30, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
They say, “a donut a day keeps the doctor away!” When you’re in Brussels, you need to heed that warning! This beautiful vegan-friendly donut shop always has a lineup of traditional and creative options from cinnamon and sugar to chocolate bombs (brioche donuts filled with chocolate).
Laurent Gerbaud Chocolatier
Rue Ravenstein 2D, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Look no further for delicious vegan chocolate. This vegan-friendly chocolate shop has terrific options, including ice cream, that you won’t want to miss!
Succulente
Pl. de la Liberté 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
If you fancy a drive outside the city center (about 20 minutes), then there is no better place to go than this lovely vegan patisserie! Their lineup includes perfectly golden and flaky pastries, tarts, cakes, and much more.
Where to Find Vegan Fries in Brussels
Did you know that most of Brussels’ popular pommes frites (French fries) aren’t vegan? Many are fried in animal fat! To avoid that, check out these two vegan-friendly spots!
Patatak
Two locations in Brussels
This vegan-friendly shop has two options for its pommes frites — one fried in vegetable oil (vegan) and the other in beef fat (super gross, I know). The menu is well-marked for vegan-friendly options.
Frites Atelier
Rue Sainte-Catherine 32, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Come here if you’re interested in just plain ole crispy fries with ketchup! This artisanal fry shop and restaurant only use vegetable oil for frying. There are multiple variations of pommes frites, but the only vegan option is to eat them plain.
Vegan Market in Brussels
Vegasme
Chau. de Waterloo 367, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
This vegan market has everything you could want and need! Its shelves are stocked with seasonal fruits and veggies, cosmetics, wine, and they even have delicious baked goods and prepared foods. Even if you don’t need to shop, you still need to pop in and check it out.
Where to Stay in Brussels
Citadines Toison d’Or Hotel
61-63, Avenue de la Toison d’Or, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium
The hotel is in a great location — close to the Louise tram and metro stop and around the corner from the Palace of Justice and the Sablon neighborhood. Don’t skip wandering through the neighborhood, its full of great shops and cafes. Our room also had a mini kitchen which was helpful!
Vegan Hotel Near Brussels
While there isn’t a vegan hotel in Brussels, there is one in Bruges which is only an hour train ride from Brussels!
Vegan B & B AM/PM
Singel 10, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
Compare prices on Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com
What To Do in Brussels
#1 Visit the gorgeous Grand Palace (Grote Markt)
No trip to Brussels is complete without a trip to this beautiful square. A UNESCO World Heritage site, that is known for its beautiful Gothic and Baroque-style architecture and is also conveniently located to other tourist sites like St. Michael, St. Gudula Cathedral, and the beloved Manneken Pis (note, this is the only time I am mentioning the peeing statue—I don’t understand the draw but you will literally see it on every “what to see in Brussels guide”).
At Christmas time, the square is lit up with beautiful lights and hosts a wonderful market with a towering pine and an ice skating rink. In August, the center of the square is taken over with a beautiful carpet of flowers. The market square is also dog-friendly! If you happen to be traveling with a furry friend, check out more things to do with them in Brussels.
#2 Explore the Chasseurs Ardenais Market
There are many great markets throughout Brussels. This one is particularly fun because it’s on Fridays from 1 – 8 pm — a great way to kick off your weekend! It’s a great place to grab some groceries or hang out and have a beer. In the winter, there are heated tents for your drinking comfort.
#3 Visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
Each spring, these beautiful gardens are open for three weeks in late April – May to the public. The gardens were created in the late 1800s by King Leopold II who would bring back plants during his many travels. Many of the original plants still exist. The greenhouse complex contains 30 pavilions and a massive winter garden full of tropical plants.
#4 Check out comic strip murals + The Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art
Many associate Belgium with chocolate and beer but it is also the birthplace of many well-known comics like The Smurfs and Tintin. Throughout the city, you will see many of these characters have come to life on the sides of buildings. To make sure you don’t miss any, you can take a guided tour or just wander to find them. You should also visit The Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art for a full history of European comics from the very beginning to today.
#5 Take a day trip to Bruges
Even if you only have a few days in Brussels, I really think you must plan a day to visit Bruges. This city, whose historic center is a UNESCO world heritage site, will capture your heart with its charm. It is like stepping into a fairytale — Gothic architecture, historic canals, cobblestone streets, and a beautiful market square. I really wish I would’ve had more than a day to soak it in, but you take what you can get, right!? Check out my Bruges guide before you go. If you have more time, there are also some gorgeous castles and gardens to explore that are perfect for a day trip from Brussels.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Bruges is by train, the trip is about an hour. There are multiple trains that leave daily from Brussel-Centraal and you can buy a ticket at the station. There are also multiple tour options if you’d rather not do it on your own.
More Things to do in Brussels
- Learn the history of over 8,000 instruments at the Musical Instruments Museum
- Relax in the Parc du Cinquantenaire
- Shop in the Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert)
- Check out 30 fossilized Iguanodon skeletons at the Museum of Natural Sciences
- Enjoy the gardens and other historical sites in the Mont des Artes
- Find a bargain at Jeu de Balle flea market
- Inspired by Sacre Couer in Paris, the beautiful basilica is a great place for a view of the city Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur (National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg)
How to Get Around the City
From the Brussels airport, it is easy to get to the city center. There are up to eight trains every hour (five per hour on the weekend) to the city center and it only takes about 20 minutes. To find the train station, head directly below the arrivals halls to level one. Trains leave from the airport and stop at Brussels North, Brussels Central, and Brussels Midi. A one-way ticket is €9.30 and you can purchase the ticket at the train station in the airport or online.
To get to the city center (Brussels North station) by bus, take lines 272, 471. The bus station is located on level zero of the arrivals hall. Tickets are €3 and can be purchased from the driver (with exact change) or at the ticket machine outside the bus station (you can also download the De Lijn app to buy transit tickets) . The bus takes 30 – 40 minutes.
Lastly, a cab will cost you about €50.
While you’re in the city, it is easy to get around with public transportation. A one hour paper ticket is €2.40 — it is valid for 60 minutes once you validate it. Make sure to validate your ticket to avoid a fine. During that hour, you can change lines or modes of transport. Another option is to pay via contactless payment, it is easier (in my opinion) and a little cheaper. Just scan your chip enabled credit card or smart phone app on the gray validator until you hear it beep. The contactless ticket is €2.10 and there is a daily cap of €7.50 — which is helpful if you’re using transit a lot.
One last option for visitors is to purchase a 10 journey pass which is €15.60.
The Brussels Card
A good option for tourists is a Brussels Card which is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours and gives you free entry to 49 museums and discounts to other attractions. The base Brussels Card does not include free public transportation, but there is a second Brussels Card with public transit included.
