Explore the Best Tourist Destinations in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers a blend of historic and modern attractions. From its stunning architecture to its world-renowned chocolate shops and beer halls, Brussels is a destination that has something for everyone. Here are some of the top tourist destinations in Brussels:

1. Grand Place

The Grand Place is the most famous tourist destination in Brussels. Located in the heart of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features stunning architecture, including the Gothic-style Town Hall and the opulent guildhalls that surround the square. The Grand Place is also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can indulge in Belgian cuisine and shopping.

2. Atomium

The Atomium is a unique and iconic monument in Brussels that was built for the 1958 World Exhibition. This impressive structure is comprised of nine spheres that are connected by tubes, and it offers visitors panoramic views of the city. The Atomium also houses a museum that explores the history of the World Exhibition and the scientific discoveries of the 20th century.

3. Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a boy urinating into a fountain. Though it may seem like an odd tourist attraction, it is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels. The statue has been a symbol of the city since the 15th century, and it is dressed in a variety of costumes throughout the year for various celebrations.

4. Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official residence of the Belgian royal family. While the palace is not open to the public, visitors can explore the gardens and admire the stunning neoclassical architecture of the building. During the summer months, the palace hosts an annual flower carpet event where the garden is covered in a colorful display of flowers.

5. Belgian Chocolate Shops

Belgium is renowned for its chocolate, and Brussels is home to some of the world’s best chocolate shops. From traditional pralines to modern chocolate creations, you’ll find a variety of flavors and styles to suit your taste. Some of the most famous chocolate shops in Brussels include Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas.

6. Saint-Michel Cathedral

The Saint-Michel Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic-style church that dates back to the 15th century. The church is located in the heart of the city and features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and a magnificent organ. Visitors can also climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.

7. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a collection of six museums that showcase a variety of art styles from the Flemish Primitives to modern art. The museums feature works by famous artists such as Rubens, Magritte, and Bruegel. Visitors can explore the museums on their own or take a guided tour.

8. Mini-Europe

Mini-Europe is a miniature park that features replicas of famous European landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Colosseum. Visitors can walk through the park and admire the intricate details of the models. The park also features interactive exhibits that explore the history and culture of Europe.

9. Belgian Beer Halls

Belgium is known for its beer, and Brussels is home to numerous beer halls where you can sample a variety of brews. From Trappist beers to lambics, you’ll find a wide range of flavors to suit your palate. Some of the most famous beer halls in Brussels include Delirium Cafe, A La Mort Subite, and Moeder Lambic.

10. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are a stunning collection of greenhouses that are only open to the public for a few weeks each year. The greenhouses feature a variety of exotic plants and flowers, and the stunning architecture of the buildings is worth the visit alone. Visitors can explore the greenhouses on their own or take a guided tour.

11. Place du Grand Sablon

Place du Grand Sablon is a charming square that is lined with antique shops, art galleries, and cafes. The square also features a beautiful fountain and a weekly antiques market. Visitors can stroll through the square and discover unique treasures or sit at a cafe and enjoy the ambiance.

12. Mont des Arts

Mont des Arts is a cultural hub in Brussels that features a variety of museums, galleries, and performance spaces. The square is also home to a beautiful garden and offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can explore the area on their own or take a guided tour.

13. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a beautiful shopping arcade that dates back to the 19th century. The arcade features a glass ceiling and ornate architecture, and it is home to numerous high-end shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can stroll through the arcade and admire the historic ambiance.

14. European Parliament

The European Parliament is located in Brussels and is the legislative body of the European Union. Visitors can take a guided tour of the parliament building and learn about the history and function of the EU. The tour also includes a visit to the Hemicycle, where lawmakers meet to discuss and vote on legislation.

15. Magritte Museum

The Magritte Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the Belgian surrealist painter, Rene Magritte. The museum features a collection of his paintings, sculptures, and photographs, as well as interactive exhibits that explore his creative process. Visitors can also learn about the history of surrealism and its influence on modern art.

16. Cinquantenaire Park

Cinquantenaire Park is a beautiful green space in Brussels that features a variety of monuments, museums, and gardens. The park is home to the Royal Military Museum, the Autoworld Museum, and the Art and History Museum. Visitors can also stroll through the park and admire the fountains and statues.

17. Sablon Antique Market

The Sablon Antique Market is held every weekend in the Place du Grand Sablon. The market features a variety of antiques, including furniture, jewelry, and artwork. Visitors can browse through the stalls and discover unique treasures.

18. Royal Theatre of La Monnaie

The Royal Theatre of La Monnaie is a historic opera house that dates back to the 18th century. The theater features stunning architecture and hosts a variety of operas, ballets, and concerts throughout the year. Visitors can attend a performance or take a guided tour of the theater.

19. Saint-Gilles Town Hall

The Saint-Gilles Town Hall is a beautiful Art Nouveau building that dates back to the early 20th century. The building features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and a magnificent clock tower. Visitors can admire the architecture of the building or attend a cultural event held in the town hall.

20. Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parc du Cinquantenaire is a beautiful park in Brussels that features a variety of monuments, museums, and gardens. The park is home to the Royal Military Museum, the Autoworld Museum, and the Art and History Museum. Visitors can also stroll through the park and admire the fountains and statues.

21. Cantillon Brewery

The Cantillon Brewery is a family-run brewery that specializes in traditional lambic beers. Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery and learn about the brewing process and the history of lambic beers. The tour also includes a tasting of the brewery’s beers.

22. Place Royale

Place Royale is a beautiful square in Brussels that is home to the Royal Palace of Brussels and the Brussels Park. The square features stunning neoclassical architecture and a statue of King Leopold I. Visitors can stroll through the square and admire the historic buildings.

23. Belgian Comic Strip Center

The Belgian Comic Strip Center is dedicated to the history and art of comic books in Belgium. The museum features a collection of original comic book art, as well as interactive exhibits that explore the creative process. Visitors can also learn about the history of comic books in Belgium and their influence on modern culture.

24. Royal Museums of Art and History

The Royal Museums of Art and History is a collection of museums that showcase the history and culture of Belgium and other parts of the world. The museums feature exhibits on ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, as well as collections of decorative arts and musical instruments. Visitors can explore the museums on their own or take a guided tour.

25. Horta Museum

The Horta Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the Belgian Art Nouveau architect, Victor Horta. The museum is located in Horta’s former home and features a collection of his furniture, decorative arts, and architectural drawings. Visitors can also learn about the history of Art Nouveau and its influence on modern architecture and design.

26. Royal Palace of Laeken

The Royal Palace of Laeken is the official residence of the Belgian royal family. While the palace is not open to the public, visitors can explore the gardens and admire the stunning neoclassical architecture of the building. During the summer months, the palace hosts an annual flower carpet event where the garden is covered in a colorful display of flowers.

27. Place Sainte-Catherine

Place Sainte-Catherine is a charming square in Brussels that is home to a variety of seafood restaurants and cafes. The square also features a beautiful fountain and a weekly fish market. Visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or explore the market.

28. Porte de Hal

Porte de Hal is a medieval gate that was once part of the city’s defensive walls. The gate dates back to the 14th century and features stunning Gothic-style architecture. Visitors can explore the gate and learn about the history of Brussels.

29. Musée des Instruments de Musique

The Musée des Instruments de Musique is dedicated to the history and art of musical instruments. The museum features a collection of over 8,000 instruments from around the world, as well as interactive exhibits that explore the science of sound. Visitors can also attend concerts and workshops held at the museum.

30. Museum of Natural Sciences

The Museum of Natural Sciences is a collection of museums that showcase the natural world. The museums feature exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, and the evolution of life, as well as collections of plants and animals from around the world. Visitors can explore the museums on their own or take a guided tour.

Conclusion

Brussels is a city that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. From its stunning architecture to its world-renowned chocolate shops and beer halls, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s museums and art galleries or indulging in Belgian cuisine, Brussels is a destination that will leave you with lasting memories.