One of the most universally appreciated aspects of Brussels is its central location in regards to major European cities--Paris takes about a 4 hour bus ride, Amsterdam is a 2 hour drive (You're going to want to rent a Blabla car for this), and Ghent and Brugges are about an hour by train away.
Travel Trips for Paris—BRING YOUR STUDENT ID. I repeat, you must have your student ID! This will give you discounts from everything ranging from your metro card to museums, and even the occasional bar and restaurant. Paris is one of the most fun and beautiful cities in the world. For the nightlife, Parisian nightclubs are absolutely amazing. L’arc has a strict “dress to impress” code, with a luxurious interior design. Flaming champagne, celebrity appearances, and trend-setting fashion marks a regular L’arc night. If you’re looking for something more casual, I would recommend the Latin Quarter or the Bastille. Both areas have a range of bars ranging from cozy and casual to upscale and artistic. I don’t think I need to mention how amazing the food is, right? It simply goes without saying. The only advice I can offer though is to avoid eating in restaurants around major tourists spots. They’re expensive and usually have lower quality food. Now for the beauty of the city, once again that simply goes without saying. The museums, landmarks--no need for me to tell you any of that.
Instead what I’ll do is recommend fun ways to experience the city that are not in the typical guide book! The Eiffel Tower has sweeping parks on either side, which is perfect for a picnic! It sparkles at night, every hour on the hour, so I recommend getting your friends and having a picnic on the park while watching it glitter in the dark sky. Make sure to bring a bottle of wine or rose! The same goes for the bank of the Seine River, next to the Notre Dame. Picnics here are common for the local Parisian, just make sure to bring a blanket unless you want to sit on the dirty, rocky sidewalk. The Champs-Élysée's daytime beauty and cultural importance finds itself dully noted in most tour books and maps, but I recommend going at night! Here, you see the oddest things! Many bachelor parties come stumbling down the street in odd-costumes, and the most eclectic pedestrians file down the avenue. The Sacré-Cœur is an absolute must-do, but do not take the main street leading up to it from the metro—its a tourist trap! This street is full of nothing but tacky tourist shops, selling poor quality goods and souvenirs. Instead, stroll the long way, taking the side streets. Here, you’ll find swanky boutiques and top-tier restaurants most tourists will never know exists! Another important note--do not underestimate the Louvre! A couple hours is not enough, it is a full time activity. Also, fun fact, your student ID will get you into the Louvre for free!
The cities of Brugges and Liege are amazing as well. Both are Flemish Belgian cities north of Brussels. They both boast unbelievably beautiful gothic architecture, and they have amazing boat tours that weave through dynamic waterways. Brugges is known as the “Venice of Belgium” (which I personally feel is a bit excessive). The train tickets to these magical and unique cities are both under 15 euros and so close to Brussels, it would definitely be in your best interest to go! Brugges is perfect for a small, fairytale like town. The food I had here is the best I had while in Belgium. Brugges boasts cathedrals, Belfries, and Medieval-themed museums--definitely a place to go if you're interested in the Medieval ages or religion. Brugges neighbors Oostend, a weird beach town. Feel free to skip this place--the beach is dismal, the residents are elderly and snooty, and the casino is nothing special. Ghent on the other hand is a trendy, youthful and large city. Here, the past meets the cutting-edge present. Fantastic light festivals, social events, and famous bars line the streets. Also, Ghent has a castle that was taken over by students in the 1940s to protest a tax on beer—an event they commemorate every year to this day. If that’s not cultural enough for you, I don’t know what is.
A nice picnic in Paris, including wine! Street venders will walk around selling wine, but I recommend bringing your own with you from a market.
The homes in the center of Brugges.
The Castle of Ghent. Nice cafes and boutiques surround it. Ghent hosts many universities, so the populace is young and trendy.
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