Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the political heart of the European Union, is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and an eclectic mix of modern and traditional attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, food lover, art enthusiast, or simply looking to explore one of Europe’s most dynamic cities, Brussels offers a variety of experiences to suit every type of traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the top things to do in Brussels, ensuring you don’t miss any of the must-see sights and activities.
Explore the Grand Place (Grote Markt)
No trip to Brussels is complete without a visit to its most iconic landmark, the Grand Place (known as Grote Markt in Dutch). This UNESCO World Heritage site is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Surrounded by ornate guildhalls, the square is the heart of the city’s historical center.
Key Highlights:
Town Hall: With its stunning Gothic architecture, the Brussels Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) is one of the most impressive buildings in the Grand Place.
Maison du Roi: This striking building, formerly a royal residence, now houses the Museum of the City of Brussels.
Flower Carpet: Every two years in August, the Grand Place hosts the famous Flower Carpet Festival, where thousands of begonias are arranged to create an intricate floral display.
Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets or visiting during one of its many events, the Grand Place offers an unforgettable introduction to the city’s rich heritage.
Admire the Atomium
One of Brussels’ most famous and quirky landmarks, the Atomium is a giant iron molecule, originally constructed for the 1958 World Expo. Standing 102 meters tall, this futuristic structure represents an atom magnified 165 billion times. Today, it’s a museum and a popular tourist attraction, offering spectacular views of the city from the top spheres.
Key Highlights:
Exhibitions: The Atomium houses several temporary and permanent exhibitions on science, design, and history.
Panoramic Views: Take an elevator ride up to the top sphere for 360-degree views of Brussels and its surrounding areas.
Light Shows: At night, the Atomium is beautifully illuminated, offering a striking visual spectacle.
Located in the Heysel district, the Atomium is a must-visit for those interested in modern architecture and science.
Visit the Royal Palace and Park
While the Royal Palace of Brussels is not the official residence of the Belgian royal family (which is in Laeken), it is their administrative home and an important symbol of Belgium’s monarchy. The palace is located in the heart of the city, right next to the Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles), a beautiful green space perfect for a leisurely walk.
Key Highlights:
Palace Tours: In the summer months, the Royal Palace opens its doors to the public. Visitors can explore its grand rooms, decorated with tapestries, chandeliers, and historical furniture.
Brussels Park: Surrounding the palace, the park is a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a picnic, or observe local life.
If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the Royal Castle of Laeken, located on the outskirts of Brussels, which is the actual residence of the Belgian royal family.
Wander Around the Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts (Hill of Arts) is one of the most culturally rich areas in Brussels. From here, you can enjoy not only stunning views of the city but also access some of the city’s best museums.
Key Highlights:
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: This museum complex consists of several museums, including the Old Masters Museum, the Modern Art Museum, and the Magritte Museum (dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte).
Mont des Arts Garden: This well-maintained garden offers a peaceful escape with great views of the city and is perfect for a quiet afternoon stroll.
The Mont des Arts is also home to the Music Palace (Palais des Beaux-Arts), an elegant venue for classical music concerts and theater performances.
Indulge in Belgian Chocolate and Waffles
No visit to Brussels would be complete without indulging in some of Belgium’s most famous treats: Belgian chocolate and waffles.
Key Highlights:
Chocolate Shops: Brussels is home to some of the world’s finest chocolatiers. Famous brands like Pierre Marcolini, Godiva, and Neuhaus have stores throughout the city. Don’t miss a visit to Chocolaterie Dominique Persoone or Côte d’Or for handcrafted chocolates.
Belgian Waffles: You’ll find waffle stands throughout the city offering two types of waffles: the crispy, sugar-coated Brussels waffle and the thicker, denser Liège waffle. Grab one with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate.
Take a food tour through Brussels to discover the city’s best chocolate shops and waffle stands!
Tour the European Quarter
As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is home to some of the most important political institutions in the world. The European Quarter is a hub of international politics and boasts several fascinating buildings and landmarks related to the EU.
Key Highlights:
European Parliament: Visit the European Parliament Hemicycle, where EU debates and decisions are made. You can also explore the Parliamentarium, an interactive museum that offers insights into the workings of the European Parliament.
Berlaymont Building: The iconic headquarters of the European Commission, located in the European Quarter, is an impressive example of modern architecture.
European Commission Building: Take a walk around the Schuman Square and discover the architecture that houses the key decision-making bodies of the European Union.
The European Quarter also has several parks, cafes, and squares where you can relax and people-watch while surrounded by the symbols of European cooperation.
Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Center
Belgium has a long tradition of comic books, and Brussels is a vibrant hub for the comic book scene. The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a tribute to the country’s rich history of comics, home to famous characters like Tintin, Lucky Luke, and The Smurfs.
Key Highlights:
Tintin: Discover the works of Hergé, the creator of Tintin, one of Belgium’s most beloved characters.
Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing the works of local and international comic book artists.
Murals and Street Art: Wander around the city to find colorful comic murals adorning buildings, particularly in the Saint-Gilles and Molenbeek neighborhoods.
Comic book fans will love the chance to explore this quirky, cultural aspect of Brussels.
Relax in the Brussels’ Beer Cafés
Belgium is famous for its beer, and Brussels is the best place to sample a wide variety of brews. The city is home to traditional beer cafés and brasseries, where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of Belgian ale in a cozy setting.
Key Highlights:
Delirium Café: Known for its massive selection of over 2,000 beers, Delirium Café is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.
Cantillon Brewery: Take a guided tour of this traditional brewery, known for its Gueuze and Kriek (fruit beer).
Beer Tastings: Many bars and shops in Brussels offer beer-tasting sessions where you can try different styles of beer, from fruity Lambics to strong Trappist ales.
Belgian beer is a key part of the country’s culture, and enjoying it in one of Brussels’ historic cafés adds an authentic touch to your visit.
Take a Day Trip to Bruges or Ghent
While Brussels is full of exciting things to do, it’s also conveniently located for day trips to nearby cities like Bruges and Ghent. Both cities are easily accessible by train, and offer a taste of medieval Belgium, complete with canals, cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture.
Bruges: Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a picturesque city famous for its canals, cobblestone streets, and historic squares.
Ghent: A vibrant student city, Ghent boasts stunning medieval architecture, lively canals, and a thriving arts scene.
Both cities offer a more relaxed pace compared to Brussels, and they are well worth a visit for a change of scenery.
Final Thoughts
Brussels is a city that offers something for everyone, from its iconic landmarks like the Grand Place.
FAQs
What are the must-see landmarks in Brussels?
Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning square is known for its ornate architecture and lively atmosphere.
Manneken Pis: A quirky symbol of Brussels, this statue of a peeing boy is a classic photo spot.
Atomium: Originally built for the 1958 World’s Fair, it’s an iconic structure with great views and exhibits.
Royal Palace: While you can’t go inside, it’s a beautiful building and the gardens are great for a stroll.
What are the best museums to visit in Brussels?
Royal Museums of Fine Arts: This museum offers a variety of artworks from Flemish painters to modern art.
Comic Strip Museum: A celebration of Belgium’s rich comic heritage, featuring Tintin, The Smurfs, and more.
Magritte Museum: Dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte, showcasing his famous surrealistic works.
Bellevue Museum: Learn about the history of Belgium with interactive exhibits.
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