Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a vibrant and charming city with a rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and a lively atmosphere. The city is located in the central part of the country and has a population of over 1.2 million people in its metropolitan area. It is also the administrative center of the European Union, hosting the headquarters of major institutions such as the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament. Brussels is known for its beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, world-famous chocolate, and diverse culture.
Getting there:
Brussels is well connected by air, rail, and road. The city has two airports, Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. The Brussels Airport is the main airport that serves many international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to the city center. Brussels is also well-connected by rail with the rest of Europe. The Eurostar train connects Brussels with London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Accommodation:
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Brussels, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. If you’re looking for a central location, consider staying in the Grand Place area, which is close to many of the city’s top attractions. For a quieter and more residential feel, check out the neighbourhoods of Ixelles or Saint-Gilles.
What to Do:
The Grand Place or Grote Markt in Brussels is a magnificent square located in the heart of the city. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and historic squares in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
The square is surrounded by magnificent guildhalls, the town hall, and the King’s House, which now serves as the Museum of the City of Brussels. The buildings are a stunning display of Baroque and Gothic architecture, with ornate facades, gables, and sculptures. The Town Hall is particularly impressive, with its tower soaring above the square.
The Grand Place is also the starting point for many guided walking tours of Brussels, as well as the departure point for the famous Brussels Beer Tasting Tour. (More Details)
The Atomium is a striking landmark located in Brussels, Belgium. It was built for the 1958 World Fair and has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. The Atomium consists of nine interconnected spheres, which are made of steel and aluminum and are held together by tubes.
Visitors to the Atomium can take a lift to the top sphere, which is 92 meters high and offers stunning panoramic views of Brussels and the surrounding area. There is also a restaurant located in the top sphere, where visitors can enjoy a meal with a view. (More Details)
Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a naked little boy urinating into a fountain in the center of Brussels. It is a popular tourist attraction and has become one of the most famous symbols of the city.
The statue stands only 61 cm tall and is believed to have been sculpted by Jerome Duquesnoy in the early 17th century. The statue has been stolen, damaged, and replaced several times throughout history, but it remains an important cultural icon for the people of Brussels. (More Details)
The official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium is open to the public during the summer months. Visitors can tour the palace and its gardens.
The Royal Palace of Brussels is one of the most significant historical buildings in Belgium and features a magnificent neoclassical architecture. The palace is open to the public during the summer months (July-September) when the royal family is on vacation, and visitors can explore the grand ceremonial rooms and admire the impressive collections of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. (More Details)
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium:
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a group of art museums located in Brussels, Belgium. The museum complex consists of four museums, each with its own collection of artworks from various periods, genres, and regions. (More Details)
The Belgian Comic Strip Center, located in Brussels, is a museum dedicated to comic strips, cartoons, and graphic novels. The center is housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, designed by Victor Horta, a famous Belgian architect.
The Belgian Comic Strip Center is dedicated to promoting and showcasing the rich history and artistry of Belgian comic strips, which have a long and celebrated tradition dating back to the early 20th century. The museum features exhibitions on famous Belgian comic strip characters such as Tintin, Lucky Luke, and the Smurfs, as well as works by renowned Belgian cartoonists such as Hergé, Peyo, and Franquin. (More Details)
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral:
The St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. The cathedral is dedicated to two patron saints of Brussels, St. Michael and St. Gudula.
The cathedral was built in the 13th century, although it underwent several renovations and additions over the centuries, including the addition of a Baroque façade in the 17th century. The cathedral features an impressive collection of stained glass windows, many of which date back to the 16th century, as well as intricate stone carvings and sculptures. (More Details)
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are a complex of greenhouses located on the grounds of the Royal Palace of Laeken in Brussels, Belgium. The greenhouses were built in the late 19th century at the request of King Leopold II, who was a passionate horticulturist and wanted to create a botanical garden for the royal family.
The Sablon is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. It is known for its picturesque streets, charming squares, and beautiful architecture, making it one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Sablon is divided into two parts: the Upper Sablon and the Lower Sablon. The Upper Sablon is home to many of the city’s most exclusive antique dealers, art galleries, and luxury shops, while the Lower Sablon is a public square that is home to several notable landmarks and attractions, including the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon and the Egmont Palace.
The Mont des Arts (or “Hill of the Arts”) is a historic site and public park in the center of Brussels, Belgium. It is located between the famous Grand Place and the Royal Palace of Brussels, and offers stunning views of the city.
The Mont des Arts was created for the 1910 World Exhibition and was designed as a public space to showcase the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. Today, it is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with its beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
Food and drink:
Brussels is a food lover’s paradise, with plenty of delicious options to choose from.
- Belgian Waffles: Belgian waffles are a must-try when visiting Brussels. They’re thick, fluffy, and usually served with toppings such as whipped cream, strawberries, and chocolate sauce.
- Belgian Chocolate: Belgium is known for its chocolate, and Brussels has many chocolate shops where you can taste and buy some of the world’s finest chocolates.
- Frites: French fries are a Belgian specialty, and Brussels is the best place to try them. They’re usually served with mayonnaise, and some of the best places to try them are Fritland, Maison Antoine, and Friterie de la Barrière.
- Moules-frites: Moules-frites is a classic Belgian dish that consists of mussels cooked in white wine and served with French fries. You can find this dish in many restaurants in Brussels.
- Belgian Beer: Belgium is famous for its beer, and Brussels has many bars and breweries where you can taste some of the country’s best beers, including Trappist beers, Lambics, and Saisons.
Conclusion:
Brussels is a beautiful city with a rich culture, history, and cuisine. From the stunning Grand Place to the unique Atomium, there’s plenty to see and do in Brussels. And don’t forget to try the delicious Belgian waffles, chocolate, frites, moules-frites, and beer!
