What to See in Brussels
Visiting Brussels for the first time? It can be hard to decide what to see! But don’t worry – there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the city’s best attractions.
Check out the famous Grand Place and Manneken Pis, or explore hidden gems like the Horta Museum and the Marolles. Don’t miss out on Brussels’ top sites – you won’t regret it!
Grand Place, the heart of Brussels
Grand Place is the center of Brussels! It’s one of the most majestic city squares in Europe and a must-see spot. Here are some of the top sites and attractions you should visit:
- Atomium – a futuristic building with nine shiny spheres connected by stairs and escalators. Plus, it has a wonderful panoramic view of the city!
- Mini Europe – a place with miniature replicas of famous landmarks from all over Europe. You’ll find Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa here.
- Manneken Pis – an iconic statue of a peeing boy. It’s a popular tourist attraction and a great spot for selfies.
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium – this museum has an incredible collection of European art, including works by Rubens, Bruegel, Magritte, and Ensor.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to try Belgian waffles and chocolate while in Brussels! They’re the city’s specialties.
Atomium, the symbol of the city
Are you a travel enthusiast who has visited Brussels? Then, you must check out the Atomium! It’s one of the city’s top attractions. This 102 meter tall structure symbolizes Brussels’ spirit and EU integration. It was built for the 1958 World Fair and shows an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Explore its nine interconnected spheres featuring exhibitions, panoramic views and a restaurant.
Other cool sites in Brussels are:
- Manneken Pis
- The Grand Palace with its beautiful architecture
- The Belgian Comic Strip Center
- The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium with an impressive 20k+ collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to try Belgian chocolate and beer while you’re there!
Manneken Pis, the iconic statue
If you’re headed to Brussels, you can’t miss the Manneken Pis – the iconic statue of a small boy relieving himself. It’s only 61 cm tall, but it’s a must-see! Tourists flock to this site to take photos and soak in the city’s unique spirit.
Don’t limit yourself to the Manneken Pis. Brussels is full of other amazing places to explore, like:
- The stunning Grand Place
- The Atomium
- The Museum of Fine Arts
Pro Tip: For more info on the Manneken Pis, check out the Museum of the City of Brussels!
Sites to Visit in Brussels
Brussels is a stunning city! Grand Place is definitely a must-see. Plus, there are lots of museums and art galleries to explore. Here’s why you should visit the top attractions in Brussels. Don’t miss out!
Mini-Europe, a miniature park showcasing Europe’s best monuments
On my recent trip to Brussels, I had to check out Mini-Europe. It’s a park showing Europe’s most famous monuments at 1:25 scale. There’s the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Plus, there are displays giving background info on each monument.
The Grand Place is a must-see too. It has 17th-century guildhalls and a stunning Town Hall. Atomium has amazing futuristic architecture. The Manneken Pis is a bronze statue of a peeing boy – a symbol of the city’s rebel spirit. Lastly, visit Chocolate Nation – a large museum of Belgium’s chocolates.
Brussels has it all – incredible sights, yummy food, quaint architecture, and friendly locals. It’s one of the best places to visit in Europe!
Comic Strip Museum, celebrating the art of comic books
Are you into comic books and Brussels is your next destination? Then you must check out the Comic Strip Museum! It’s a great way to experience the art and history of comic books. You’ll see over 3000 original drawings and cartoons.
Plus, there are other awesome sites to explore in Brussels. Grand Place is a must-see! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning medieval architecture and outdoor markets. Atomium is another iconic spot with a 360-degree view of the city from its top sphere. Or, you can visit Mini-Europe to check out small-scale models of famous European landmarks.
Don’t forget to sample the Belgian chocolate! It’s some of the best in the world. Enjoy!
Royal Palace of Brussels, the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium
Visiting the Royal Palace of Brussels is a must if you’re in Belgium! It’s the official residence of the King and Queen and is full of history and stunning architecture.
Here are some things to check out:
- The Mirror Room – Mirrors, chandeliers, and decorations adorn it. Plus, Albert Gobert’s ceiling paintings are amazing.
- The Throne Room – Admire the red and gold colors and the impressive throne. It’s used for official events.
- The Grand Staircase – Marvel at Jean-Pierre Cortot’s ceiling painting.
- The Royal Park – Stroll through the gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
The Royal Palace of Brussels is one of the most popular sites in the city. Don’t miss out on experiencing the grandeur of Belgian royalty!
Most Visited Sites in Brussels
Head to Brussels, Belgium! It’s one of Europe’s most popular cities – and for good reason! There’s so much to discover. From museums to monuments and churches, there’s no shortage of sites to explore. In this article, we’ll take a look at the city’s must-see attractions and why you shouldn’t miss them!
Brussels’ Chocolate Museum, indulging in Belgium’s finest chocolate
I was lucky enough to explore the fascinating places in Brussels. One of my top picks was the Brussels Chocolate Museum. It takes you on a thrilling adventure through the background of chocolates in Belgium plus how they are produced.
The museum has some great features. Like the chocolate fountain, where you can sample fresh chocolate. Plus, workshops where you can make your own chocolate. Not to mention the chocolate museum shop with a ton of Belgian chocolates to take home.
If you’re into chocolates, the Brussels Chocolate Museum is a must-see attraction!
Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece
Travellers, don’t miss the grand Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral when in Brussels! It’s a 11th century Gothic masterpiece. Marvel at its intricate details, pointy spires and stained glass windows. Explore its holy artifacts and artwork from different eras. Don’t forget to adhere to the dress code and respect the grounds. Also, guided tours and organ concerts are available. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Brussels.
Plus, explore its crypt to uncover Belgian royalty tombs and exciting artifacts. All in all, the cathedral is a must-visit site when in Brussels!
Belgian Comic Strip Center, exploring the rich history of Belgian comics
Belgium has a legacy with comics. A visit to the Belgian Comic Strip Center in Brussels is a must. Located in the city centre, it displays the nation’s admiration for comic books and graphic novels.
From Hergé’s Tintin to Brecht Evens’ modern works, the center offers an overview of the evolution of Belgian comics and their global influence. You can observe unique artwork, learn the creative process and grasp the distinctive style of Belgian comics.
The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a great spot for art and comic lovers. It has interactive displays and a large collection. Don’t miss this museum when exploring Brussels’ best attractions.
Pro Tip: Take a guided tour to gain deeper knowledge about the exhibits.
Interesting Sites to See in Brussels
Ready to tour Brussels? Don’t miss the top attractions! From the Grand Place to the Atomium, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of the most popular and exciting sights. With this guide, your trip to Brussels will be full of fun activities. Enjoy!
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, displaying Flemish art from the 15th to the 21st century
Need a top-notch Flemish art collection spanning six centuries? Visit The Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels! You’ll find one of the most extensive collections in the world. It includes works from greats like Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck.
The museum is split into sections. Each focuses on a different time period or style. Don’t miss the 15th century Flemish primitives or works from the 19th and 20th centuries by James Ensor and Rik Wouters.
Pro tip: Check the museum’s website before going. You might find special exhibitions or events worth seeing!
The Musical Instruments Museum, housing an impressive collection of over 8,000 instruments
When in Brussels, the Musical Instruments Museum is a definite must-see. It houses 8,000 musical instruments, making it one of the world’s greatest collections.
The museum is divided into four sections. Each features instruments from various periods and cultures.
Guided tours and workshops are available to learn more about music and instrument creation. You’ll spot unique finds such as Stradivarius violins and rare serpents. Music lovers, history fanatics, and travelers alike can’t miss this one.
Pro tip: Coordinate your visit with one of the museum’s live concerts for a truly immersive experience.
The Magritte Museum, home to the largest collection of the surrealist artist’s work
If you’re in Brussels and want to experience something unique, the Magritte Museum is a must-see! It has the largest collection of the surrealist artist René Magritte’s art. The museum contains over 200 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and sketches. You can find some of his most famous works like “The Son of Man” and “The Treachery of Images” here. Additionally, the museum displays lesser-known pieces and gives you insight about Magritte’s surreal style.
The Magritte Museum is one of the most popular sites, so it’s recommended to book your ticket in advance. Pro tip: Take a stroll through the nearby Royal Museums of Fine Arts and Place Royale after your visit!
Best Attractions in Brussels
You’re a first-time visitor to Brussels – and wondering what to see and do? Don’t worry. This historically beautiful city has lots of attractions. From visiting famous sites to experiencing local culture, here’s the best of Brussels! These attractions are must-sees.
Cantillon Brewery, brewing traditional Lambic beers since 1900
Cantillon Brewery is a must-see in Brussels. Since 1900, it’s made delicious Lambic beers with traditional techniques. Don’t miss these other attractions either:
- The Atomium: An iconic structure of interconnected steel spheres, with amazing views of Brussels.
- Grand Place: A central square with gorgeous Gothic and Baroque architecture, plus chic cafes and restaurants.
- Manneken Pis: A bronze sculpture of a little boy peeing. It’s one of the most popular spots in Brussels.
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: A beautiful museum that displays art from different time periods, like Bruegel the Elder’s and Rubens’.
Brussels has so much to offer – a visit here will be unforgettable!
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a 19th-century covered shopping arcade
If you’re in Brussels, don’t miss the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. This 19th-century shopping arcade is one of Europe’s oldest. It has a mix of history, architecture, and shopping.
Check out the glass roof and ironwork. Browse stores and boutiques for chocolates, pastries, fashion, and jewelry. Admire the art nouveau fronts. Cinéma Galeries shows movies inside the arcade. Visit the Museum of Letters and Manuscripts to see Voltaire and Napoleon’s handwritten letters. Sample Belgian chocolates from the chocolatiers.
Pro Tip: Avoid the crowds by visiting off-hours or on weekdays.
Parc du Cinquantenaire, a beautiful park with a triumphal arch and museums.
Head to Parc du Cinquantenaire when in Brussels! It’s situated in the European Quarter and offers plenty of things to see and do. Here are just a few reasons to visit:
- The Triumphal Arch – a 1905 monument celebrating 50 years of Belgian independence.
- Museums – three of them in the park. Autoworld, Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, and the Cinquantenaire Art Museum.
- Events and Activities – food festivals, outdoor film screenings, and markets take place here throughout the year.
So, Parc du Cinquantenaire is worth a visit – to relax, take a walk and explore Brussels’ culture and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a seasoned traveler who has visited Brussels multiple times, I am often asked about the must-see attractions in this cosmopolitan city. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about what you should not miss in Brussels.
1. What are the top sites to visit in Brussels?
There are a number of iconic attractions in Brussels that you should not miss. The Grand Place, the Atomium, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Manneken Pis statue are all worth a visit.
2. What are the most visited sites in Brussels?
Without a doubt, the Grand Place, also known as the Grote Markt, is the most visited site in Brussels. This stunning square, with its ornate buildings and famous Town Hall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and should not be missed.
3. What interesting sites should I see in Brussels?
If you’re looking for something a bit off the beaten path, check out the comic book mural trail or the Museum of the Belgian Brewers. The Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade, is also a unique and interesting place to visit.
4. What are the best attractions in Brussels for families?
If you’re traveling with kids, they will love the Atomium, a giant structure that looks like an atom and houses a museum and exhibition space. Mini Europe, a park with miniature versions of famous European landmarks, is also a hit with families.
5. What should I not miss in Brussels if I only have one day?
If you only have a short amount of time in Brussels, make sure you visit the Grand Place and the Atomium. You can also take a stroll through the Mont des Arts, a beautiful park with stunning views of the city.
6. Can I see Brussels on foot?
Absolutely! Brussels is a very walkable city and many of the main attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do some walking to fully explore the city.