The home of the European Union might get overlooked by its shinier neighbors, such as Paris or Amsterdam. Still, when business takes you to Brussels, the Belgian capital is worth an extra day or two of your time.

The global hub converges French and Flemish cultures as well as those beyond its borders, offering a rich tapestry of intimacy and access. Dust off your rusty high school French (the city’s official language), practice newly learned Dutch, or sit back and settle into English in the city where your tongue may have trouble finding its preferred language but the tastes of the region will surely fill in the gaps.

Parc du Cinquantenaire © Jorisvo | Dreamstime.com

Although Brussels is home of the European Commission, European Parliament and NATO, it lacks the stuffy reputation these entities might suggest. Brussels weaves together the formality of Continental business and governance with the humble character of a centuries-old European town, blending art, history and architecture with modern, refined touches that appeal to world travelers.

When you’re not tied up in meetings, Brussels’ opportunities for escapism do not disappoint. Despite its bureaucratic stronghold, its bohemian pockets and culinary corners present a pleasing combination of contradictions, making it the ideal place to lean into your cultural curiosity.

When the working partner is stuck in meetings, the companion’s most pressing task is to choose how to spend their time from the almost overwhelming number of options. While taxis and ride shares are easy to catch, Brussels is also extremely walkable; and any place you deem too far to reach on foot can be accessed by its extensive public transit system.

Square du Petit Sablon © Serhii Liakhevych | Dreamstime.com

Art fiends might spend a slow morning at one (or all) of the six Royal Museums of Fine Arts, home to more than 20,000 works. Founded by Napoleon in 1801, the complex includes Magritte Museum, holding the world’s largest collection of paintings by surrealist René Magritte.

Continue an artsy morning by wandering through Sablon (also known as Zavel), Brussels’ gallery district, where high-end designers and dealers set up shop. On weekends the Place du Grand Sablon plays host to an antiques market. On weekdays satisfy the shopping bug with a visit to Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of Europe’s oldest shopping centers. But unlike the malls you may be used to, this ornate arcade, dating to the 1840s, draws you in with its light pink facades, intricate columns and arched entryways, offering an opulent environment in which to browse European fashions.

Catching yourself in Brussels on a sunny day calls for a stroll through Parc de Cinquantenaire, a behemoth urban paradise in the European district. Accessible via the city’s metro system and replete with walking paths and playgrounds, this park’s majestic arches border the southeast end. Topped with a bronze chariot sculpture, these are flanked by the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History on one side and the Art and History Museum on the other.

By the time your partner emerges from a day of meetings, you’ll likely be seeking a p.m. pick-me-up. Grab a coffee from one of the ubiquitous cafés and spend the afternoon sampling chocolates from the city’s more refined chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini, Laurent Gerbaud or Wittamer, all of which boast outposts in Sablon.

As the sun sets, head to Grand Place (or Grote Markt in Dutch) for prime people-watching over a Belgian ale. The central square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features a stunning display of Baroque and Neo-Gothic facades, from the towering Town Hall to Brussels City Museum.

For dinner, advanced reservations are highly encouraged. Why? Because Brussels is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than other gastronomic heavyweights like Paris. Although Brussels teems with activities and areas of interest, its central location makes it a prime base for exploring the rest of the country. With two major train stations (Brussels-Central and Brussels-Midi), day or weekend trips can send you deep into the heart of Flanders in less than an hour. Hop a train to medieval Ghent (30 minutes), artsy Antwerp (45 minutes) or breathtaking Bruges (one hour).

If you’re seeking something slower, take a 90-minute car ride east to Spa, the town that gave the idea of a relaxing refuge its name. On the site of natural mineral springs sits the Thermes de Spa, tucked away in the hills of Ardennes. Book a half or full day at the indoor and outdoor pools and choose from a delicious menu of luxurious treatments.

Two hours in the opposite direction, near the French border, lies Saint Sixtus Abbey, the main producer of one of the world’s consistently top-rated beers, Westvleteren 12. Since the monks produce only enough for the abbey and it can only be consumed at the on-site café, tasting the beer is a privilege few get to experience. Make reservations by phone in advance.

If you’re keen to stay closer to Brussels, explore Senne Valley, the origin of lambic beer producers such as Cantillon and Boon. Walk through the fermentation and craft process that gives this acquired taste its flavor. Or head east to Leuven to sample a tamer, more neutral Belgian quaff at the Stella Artois brewery.

LODGING
HOTEL AMIGO
Dinner at a top Italian restaurant, live jazz and drinks at Bar Magritte, and a suite honoring Belgium’s own Diane von Furstenberg make this Rocco Forte hotel a unique option.
Rue de l’Amigo 1/3, Brussels
$$$$$

JULIANA HOTEL BRUSSELS
Stay like Belgian royalty at this 5-star hotel that infuses elements of Belgian history into luxe surroundings, from courtyard dining to velvet upholstered armchairs and tufted headboards.
Place des Martyrs 1/4, Brussels

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STEIGENBERGER ICON WILTCHER’S
Situated in one of Brussels’ poshest neighborhoods, Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s offers a 5-star experience. Use conference rooms for business matters, and after work unplug at the on-site Aspria Spa.
Av. Louise 71, Brussels
$$$$

© Bozar Restaurant

DINING
BOZAR RESTAURANT

This sophisticated Franco-Belgian menu sings with dishes like pot-au-feu or homard bleu (Breton blue lobster), the plating of which just may appear too stunning to eat.
Rue Baron Horta 3, Brussels
$$$$$

COMME CHEZ SOI

With three Michelin stars, reservations are imperative, especially for a seat at the chef’s table to watch the elegant preparation of five-, six- or seven-course menus.
Place Rouppe 23, Brusels
$$$$$

KLINE
Kline turns simplicity on its head with dishes like barbecued bell pepper with goat labneh and crispy chili, and slow-cooked pork belly topped with kimchi and shrimp crumble.
Vlaamseseteenweg 162, Brussels

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INFO TO GO
Brussels Airport sits 30 minutes from city center by car and is also accessible by bus (lines 12 and 21) or train to the city’s three main train stations (North, Central and Midi, 17 to 25 minutes). Brussels South Charleroi Airport also serves Brussels; it hosts budget carriers such as Ryanair but sits farther from the city (approximately one hour). Long-distance rail connections operate from all three train stations. Eurostar trains travel from Brussels to London, Paris’ Gare du Nord and Amsterdam Centraal. Within city limits, travelers can use the well-connected metro and bus system as well as above-ground trams.