Top 7 Things to See and Do in Brussels
Do you need a European city that can be the object of a trip with full fledged historically significant sites, artworks, and delicious cuisine? Are you searching for an area where you can appreciate architectural brilliance and great buildings, taste good food and drinks, and tour different attractions? If that is the case then Brussels is the ideal place for you!
It is a dream destination for history lovers, art lovers and even food lovers. Whether you are walking down its medieval alleys, or admiring its famous attractions, or simply enjoying chocolates or waffles, this city has something for everyone.
What is special for Brussels in terms of the image of the European city?
As the political and economic center of Belgium and the entire Europe called “The Heart of Europe, Brussels is famous for the rich culture, architecture, and the atmospheric old town together with updated tempo of the new generation. This lively city is teeming with great history, great artworks, and great food.
In this guide, we’ll reveal 7 stunning places that are a must-visit in Brussels and should be on your list for your next trip. Let’s begin exploring!
1. Grand Place (Grote Markt)
Brussels, Grand PlaceGrand Place is undoubtedly the gem of Brussels and a historic square, which features incredible architecture of buildings surrounding the area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by beautiful Baroque buildings, which hosts the Town hall with the spectacular seventy meter high octagonal spire, and the Maison du Roi which houses the Brussels City museum today.
Ultimately, the Grand Place has seen a long history of European history, from celebrations to Phenomenal political events. For tourists, the guildhalls which few have cafés and shops inside them are ideal to visit.
The Grand Place organizes a famous flower Carpet each two years, during which the whole square is carpeted with flowers, thus turning into a great sightseeing.
The guests can also walk around the adjacent streets with stunning cafes; you can try a Belgian waffle or drink a beer and enjoy the atmosphere. During the night the Square is one of the most beautiful places in the city because it is illuminated by lights.
It’s a perfect place to admire architecture, attend cultural events or just walk around to meet new people. Grand Place is an important place to visit in Brussels.
- Location: Grand Place, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Hours: Open 24/7, but shops and restaurants have varying hours
- Admission: Free to visit the square, but some buildings charge admission for entry
- Best For: History lovers, photographers
Pro Tip: Visit the Grand Place early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best views for photos.
2. Atomium
Atomium at nightThe Atomium is one of the most futuristic and unique buildings in Brussels, however it was built for the World exhibition in 1958. This giant figure was designed for the 1958 World Expo: it symbolizes an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. These nine spheres made of stainless steel are linked with tubes; the upper spheres give marvelous views of the city to the guests.
Inside, there are exhibitions, which focus on the area of science, technology, and design, so it is the best place for those who want to learn more about what awaits society in the future.
Perhaps, the most enjoyable option is that you are free to go inside each sphere and learn about it and the top sphere also provides a fantastic observation deck with a 360-degree view of Brussels.
The Atomium is also housing a museum about the history of the building which is by now a symbol of Brussels.
If the goal is to take a picture, do it in the evening when the light bounces off the metal balls and looks quite pleasing to the eyes. Because of the parks and gardens, the closest one is situated near the Atomium as well as the Mini-Europe theme park. It is very appropriate for strolling.
- Location: Atomium Square, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
- Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Admission: Adults €16, Children (6-18 years) €8
- Best For: Architecture enthusiasts, science lovers, and families looking for a fun and educational experience.
Pro Tip: Take the elevator to the top sphere for the best panoramic views of the city, especially during golden hour.
3. Manneken Pis
Manneken PisAnother symbol of Brussels as enchanting and playful as can be is the sculpture of a small boy peeing. This small but world-famous sculpture of a little boy peeing in a fountain is considered the symbol of the impudence of this city.
Manneken Pis is only 61 cm high, he is not very big, but the role and recognition are significant. Sculpted at the back end of Grand Place, the statue is just round a corner and a rather amusing one at that for tourists who are sightseeing in the region.
The statue was set up in the year 1619 and is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Brussels now. There are more than one thousand costumes for Manneken Pis, and the statue wears them frequently, although for various occasions.
These costumes, which include Belgian traditional wear, sports wear among others bring an extra flavor and humor to this statue.
People are also free to go to the statue to watch it, get photographs and also have a good laugh at the essential copyrighted heritage of Brussels. Still, it is quite small and it is rather amusing and quirky, which is exactly what Brussels and its people are like.
- Location: Rue de l'Étuve 46, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Admission: Free
- Best For: Travelers looking to experience a bit of Brussels' quirky and fun culture.
Pro Tip: Look for the nearby Manneken Pis souvenir shop to find quirky gifts and keepsakes featuring the statue.
4. Royal Palace of Brussels
Royal Palace of BrusselsThe Royal Palace of Brussels is an astonishing neoclassical construction which is occupied by the Belgian monarchs. Located right in the middle of the city, the place is one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of Belgium; the palace is imposing, the façade is made of marble, the gardens are magnificent.
Although the royalty of Belgium does not reside in this palace permanently, the palace is used for official purposes and functions to be held. During summer the palace is accessible to the public and the visitors can visit all the luxurious quarters in order to familiarize themselves with the lives of the Belgian monarchs.
Besides the palace, there are fascinating grounds to visit known as Brussels Park which is good for a stroll. The gardens comprise a large number of trees and plants and a comparatively serene environment of a garden is an ideal place to relax after getting tired of running around the city.
When you are in Brussels on holidays you can also see the various Royal processions or ceremonies in front of the palace.
- Location: Place du Palais, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Hours: Summer: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Admission: Free to visit the surrounding park, but admission for the palace interior is €8 (adults)
- Best For: History buffs, royal family enthusiasts, and those looking to explore grand architecture.
Pro Tip: Visit during the summer months to tour the palace and gardens when it's open to the public.
5. Mont des Arts (Hill of Arts)
Brussels, Mont des ArtsFrom the Mont des Arts one has a magnificent view of Brussels and in one way or another, it houses art, history and architecture. About this district which is on the hill, there are several famous museums such as the Royal Museums of Fine.
Arts of Belgium, a museum which has a contact with a large number of the paintings of the renaissance period to modern art. The environments include lovely gardens, fountains, and architectural delights nestled around the site.
Mont des Arts has so much culture as seen in the Musical Instruments Museum where visitors are able to view so many instruments found from different parts of the world as well as the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts which is an exhibition, concert as well as performance space.
The place also has lovely scenery where one can admire various terrains to get different views of the city. To the art enthusiast, or even the tourist passing through Brussels, Mont des Arts is worth a visit.
- Location: Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Hours: Museums open from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, with variations depending on the museum
- Admission: Varies by museum; for example, Royal Museums of Fine Arts: €10 (adults)
- Best For: Art lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those who want a scenic spot to relax.
Pro Tip: Visit the Mont des Arts in the late afternoon to catch both the sunset and the evening lights over the city.
6. Delirium Café
Delirium CaféDelirium Café is a truly famous bar in Brussels that offers more than 2000 different types of beers. This fun and casual beer bar is situated in the vicinity of the much-photographed Grand Place.
The list of beers on the menu is very broad, from the most popular brands like Chimay or Duvel to the rarest kinds of Belgian beers. In Delirium Café with its lively atmosphere people can taste some of the best beers of the world.
The walls are stacked with shelves containing beer bottles and the multi storey café is usually crowded with both local and international patrons enjoying their beer.
Whether you’re sitting in the little bar inside or the terrace during the summer, Delirium Café is a place that every beer lover has to visit when in Belgium.
- Location: Impasse de la Fidélité 4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Hours: Daily, 10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
- Admission: Free entry, but drinks are priced individually
- Best For: Beer lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and those looking to experience Brussels’ vibrant drinking culture.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to try a Belgian Trappist beer, which is brewed by monks and offers a distinct flavor.
7. Belgian Comic Strip Museum
Belgian Comic Strip MuseumBelgium has a long and storied history of comics and the museum dedicated to the comic strip is located in Brussels. Located in a brand new art-deco building, this museum is dedicated to Belgian comic books and heroes such as Tintin, the Smurfs or Lucky Luke.
The exhibitions also feature paintings, drawings and evolution of Belgium’s comic book culture. There are also temporary exhibitions that talk about comic art from the local level up to the international level.
For those who are fans of Tintin and The Smurfs, the museum presents fantastic opportunities to deepen the understanding of creating those characters, starting from detailed descriptions of illustrations up to the buttons and gadgets that were used in the show. The museum is enjoyable if you are a comic book geek but also educational as it presents a side of Belgian culture and artistry.
- Location: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Admission: €10 (adults), €2 (children)
- Best For: Comic book fans, families with children, and those interested in Belgian pop culture.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the special Tintin exhibit, which often showcases rare pieces of original artwork.
Conclusion:
Brussels can be described as the city with outstanding history and unique cultural atmosphere, as well as the modern spirit. Be it grand architectural structures, the artistic setting, or delicious food this city has it all for everyone to find something in it.
No matter whether it is a famous sightseeing or something unusual, it is possible to find it in the city, you will never get bored. For a single traveler, with friends, or with the family, Brussels offers a warm and engaging experience suitable for the individual and the group.
Therefore, if you are interested in a place that would unite tradition with modernity, Brussels is ready to unveil a great number of surprises for tourists. Don’t wait any longer, it's high time for an incredible journey to begin.
