What to see in brussels?
Updated: July 9, 2024The Grand Place
The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its opulent architecture, the square is surrounded by guildhalls, the Town Hall, and the King's House. The Grand Place is particularly stunning at night when the buildings are beautifully illuminated.
Visitors can explore various shops, cafes, and restaurants around the square. Don't miss the Flower Carpet event, held every two years in August, when the square is adorned with a breathtaking floral display.
Atomium
The Atomium is an iconic structure originally built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58). It represents a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The Atomium consists of nine interconnected spheres, with exhibitions inside that explore science, design, and the history of the structure itself.
Visitors can take an elevator to the top sphere for panoramic views of Brussels. The surrounding Laeken Park offers a pleasant green space for strolling and picnicking.
Manneken Pis
The Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a boy urinating into a fountain. Despite its small size, it is one of Brussels' most famous landmarks. The statue is often dressed in various costumes, and there are over 900 different outfits in its wardrobe.
Nearby, you'll find the Jeanneke Pis and Zinneke Pis, which are similar statues depicting a girl and a dog, respectively.
Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the Belgian king, although the royal family does not reside here. The palace is open to the public during the summer months, offering a glimpse into the opulent state rooms and impressive art collections.
The palace is situated in front of the Brussels Park, which is perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing break amidst nature.
Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts is a historic site that offers a stunning view over the city. It is home to several cultural institutions, including the Royal Library of Belgium and the Musical Instrument Museum. The area is known for its beautiful gardens, which provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets.
The Mont des Arts is also a great place to start a walking tour of Brussels, as it is centrally located and close to many other attractions.
Magritte Museum
The Magritte Museum is dedicated to the works of René Magritte, one of Belgium's most famous surrealist artists. The museum houses over 200 original Magritte paintings, drawings, and sculptures, offering a comprehensive overview of his career.
Located in the Place Royale, the museum is part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
European Quarter
The European Quarter is the administrative heart of the European Union. Here, you can visit the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union. The Parlamentarium, the European Parliament's visitor center, offers interactive exhibits about the EU's history and workings.
The Leopold Park and the Cinquantenaire Park are nearby green spaces perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Chocolate and Beer Tours
Brussels is famous for its chocolate and beer. Numerous tours offer tastings and insights into the production processes of these Belgian specialties. Chocolate tours often include visits to renowned chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini.
Beer tours take you to some of the city's best breweries and pubs, where you can sample a variety of Belgian beers. Don't miss trying a Trappist beer or a traditional lambic brew.
Comic Strip Route
Brussels is the birthplace of many famous comic strip characters, including Tintin and the Smurfs. The Comic Strip Route features over 50 murals depicting scenes from beloved comic books. These murals are scattered throughout the city, making for a fun and unique way to explore Brussels.
The Belgian Comic Strip Center is also worth a visit, offering exhibitions on the history and art of comic strips.
Sablon District
The Sablon District is known for its antique shops, art galleries, and the beautiful Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon. This Gothic church is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture.
On weekends, the Sablon Antiques Market attracts collectors and enthusiasts with its wide array of antiques and curiosities.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a large public park that was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. The park is home to several museums, including the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History and the Autoworld museum, which showcases a vast collection of vintage cars.
The park's triumphal arch offers a lovely backdrop for photos and is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.
Train World
Train World is an engaging museum dedicated to the history of railways in Belgium. Located in the Schaerbeek Railway Station, the museum features an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia.
Interactive exhibits and a well-designed layout make Train World an exciting visit for both train enthusiasts and families.
Place Sainte-Catherine
The Place Sainte-Catherine area is known for its vibrant seafood restaurants and lively atmosphere. The square is home to the Church of Saint Catherine, a beautiful Gothic church with a striking facade.
During the winter months, the square hosts a charming Christmas market, complete with festive stalls, ice skating, and holiday lights.
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are a collection of monumental glass structures set within the grounds of the Royal Castle of Laeken. Open to the public for just a few weeks each spring, the greenhouses house an extraordinary array of exotic plants and flowers.
Designed by architect Alphonse Balat, the greenhouses are a marvel of 19th-century engineering and offer a unique glimpse into royal horticulture.
Mini-Europe
Mini-Europe is an engaging miniature park located at the foot of the Atomium. The park features detailed scale models of famous European landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Colosseum. Each model is crafted with impressive attention to detail, capturing the essence of its real-life counterpart.
Interactive displays and informative plaques provide context and interesting facts about each landmark, making Mini-Europe both educational and entertaining.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a historic shopping arcade that dates back to 1847. The elegant glass-roofed galleries are home to a variety of high-end shops, cafes, and theaters. The architecture itself is worth admiring, with its ornate facades and intricate details.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the galleries, stopping to browse luxury boutiques or savoring a pastry at one of the charming cafes.
Palais de Justice
The Palais de Justice is a monumental courthouse that dominates the skyline of Brussels. Its grandiose architecture and massive size make it one of the largest courthouses in the world. The building is currently undergoing extensive renovations, but its imposing presence and panoramic views over the city remain impressive.
Nearby, the Place Poelaert offers a great vantage point for photos and sightseeing.
Botanic Garden Meise
The Botanic Garden Meise is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, located just outside Brussels. The garden spans over 92 hectares and is home to a diverse collection of plants from around the globe. Highlights include the tropical greenhouses, the medicinal garden, and the beautiful castle that sits within the grounds.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful day exploring the various themed gardens, each offering a unique glimpse into different ecosystems and plant species.
Art Nouveau Architecture
Brussels is renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, with many buildings designed by famous architects such as Victor Horta. Notable examples include the Horta Museum, the former home and studio of Victor Horta, and the Maison Cauchie, known for its stunning facade and intricate interior details.
Walking tours are available that focus on Art Nouveau architecture, allowing visitors to discover the city's architectural gems and learn about this influential design movement.
Flagey
Flagey is a cultural hub located in the Ixelles district. The building, originally a broadcasting house, now hosts a variety of concerts, film screenings, and cultural events. The surrounding area, known as the Ponds of Ixelles, offers a picturesque setting with its tranquil ponds and charming streets.
Flagey is also known for its lively food market, held on weekends, where visitors can sample local delicacies and fresh produce.
While Brussels offers an array of attractions, its true charm lies in the unexpected discoveries and hidden gems waiting to be found around every corner. Allow yourself to wander, and you may find that the most memorable experiences are those that were unplanned.
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