Experience the best sights in Brussels, Belgium with the help of photos and videos. Capture some of the most treasured memories in Brussels and let the city enchant you like no other. Brussels is a city that showcases the wonders of modern and middle-age architecture alike through its stunning structures.
Begin with the historical center of the city, which includes the famous Grand Place. The Historic Center brims with picturesque artistic elements, including the Town Hall and several guildhall structures that have dazzling decorations. Learn about the country’s deep culture at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and experience the taste of Belgian beer at the renowned Delirium Café.
No visit in Brussels is considered complete if you do not pay a visit to the Atomium. When visiting the Atomium, be sure to head to the top and appreciate the outstanding views of Brussels from the top. An absolute must for any art lover is the incredible Magritte Museum which pays tribute to Rene Magritte, who is one of the finest surrealist painters to come out of Belgium.
You could be a history lover or a fan of art and culture, or simply trying to relax in a big city; Brussels will offer something for every one of you to marvel at. Prepare to delve deeper into the cultural wealth that Brussels has to offer. Start from uncovering the hidden gems of the city.
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Grand Place: Brussels in a Nutshell
Let’s understand the place in Brussels first. Grand Place is one of the places with astonishing architecture. It is located in the historical portion of Brussels and like many old towns, there are squares around churches; it is famous for having one of the most fascinating squares all across Europe. When you first step on this square, there are plethora of things that will capture your attention starting from the stunning towering architecture surrounding you. My personal favorite is the Gothic-style Brussels Town Hall with its tall and intricate details and spires. Another beautiful aspect are the guildhalls. They have facades bordering on astonishing charm with each having different unique design to contribute.
Needless to say, history lovers would lolove this place as it visually offers so many history infused details. Like many other squares, this place was used until recently as the center for restaurants, shops and cafes.
Don’t forget to stop by the Maison du Roi, or the King’s House, on the Grand Place. This remarkable structure includes the Brussels City Museum, which focuses on the history and culture of Brussels. Don’t forget to unwind at one of the cafes located outdoors and enjoy the stunning views of this famous square.
You Can’t Miss the Atomium if You Are in Brussels
Brussels is famous for many things, and the Atomium is one of them. This building was designed for the World Expo in 1958 and is a representation of an Iron crystal blown 165 billion times, showing the peaceful use of atomic science technology and honoring the amazing scientific achievements of the era.
Brussels has some astonishing sites, and the Atomium is one of the most breathtaking places to visit. When you approach, you will be greeted by nine spheres joined together with amazing escalators and elevators. In order to get the best view of Brussels, you must travel to the top sphere, and when you do, your efforts will be rewarded. The views from the top are simply incredible, and on some lucky days you can even see Antwerp!
The history and significance of this extraordinary piece of architecture is on further display in exhibitions incorporated inside the Atomium. These exhibitions include everything from artifacts collected from the original Expo to contemporary art installations which will astound visitors of all ages. For an experience like no other, the Atomium’s panoramic restaurant serves food with stunning views.
Manneken Pis: The Most Unique Statue in Brussels
Whether you are a tourist or a local, there is no chance that you have not heard of the Manneken Pis. This statue is one of the most well-known symbols of Brussels, next to the Atomium. The bronze sculpture of a little boy peeing has gained international fame because of what it represents and because of how little it actually is.
The tale goes that a statue was built to honor a little boy who saved a city from destruction by putting out a fire using his pee. In modern times, the Manneken Pis gets his wardrobe changed according to the weather and events during the year. From traditional looks to weird costumes, this little statue never stops to amuse the tourists.
Despite the Manneken Pis’s small size, it holds large amounts of importance to the people of Brussels. It is an iconic figure that shows the loveable character of the city and how they can appreciate humor in the least expected things. When you visit Brussels, make sure to capture a picture with this statue.
Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece
Nestled in the middle of Brussels, the first thing to gaze at should be the holy cathedral Saint Michael and Saint Gudula, an exquisite illustration of gothic architecture. Built as a shrine for the pious guardians of Brussels, it stands from the 13th century and shows off the religous beauty the city has to behold.
The whole beauty of the city reveals from the cathedral’s huge stained glass windows and artistic vaulted ceilings. The cathedral has twin towers which are above fierce 64 meters! As you get nearer, you will notice the astounding details and the remarkable facade of the cathedral. And don’t forget to check out the breathtaking interior as well.
There is a lot of art to admire in the cathedral and every piece tells a unique story. The tall altarpieces, intricately carved choir stalls, and many more show the incredible skill and craftsmanship of the artists who treasured. During your visit, don’t forget your camera so you can capture the spectacular panoramic view from atop the towers.
The cathedral is famous for the yearly concerts and events that it hosts depicting the rich heritage of Brussels. This makes it not only a cultural landmark, but also a place of worship. Truly, Notre Dame is an architectural marvel that never fails to amaze the eye of a pilgrim.
Royal Palace of Brussels: Magnificently Majestic
Deep in the heart of Brussels lies the wealth of Belgium’s monarchical history, The Royal Palace. Serving as the primary residence for the King and Queen of Belgians, the palace also opens its doors in the summer for tourists to marvel at the exquisite constructions.
Starting from the facade, the Grand entrance mounted by huge columns to the stunning example of neoclassic architecture is a masterpiece in its own right. Once visitors step inside the palace, they are welcomed with lavish rooms complete with embroidery, paints, tapestries, and chandeliers. Spend some extra minutes in the Throne Room where the King and Queen hold formal ceremonies and receptions.
Parasols and fountains or flowers combined with trees, Brussels park brings together everything hidden in the breathtaking beauty of the Royal palace. The Parc de Bruxelles is in the middle of the city, offering people a serene space, making it the perfect spot to unwind in nature.
Mini-Europe: A Tiny World Inside Brussels
If you’ve wanted to visit Europe all at once, then Mini-Europe is the best place to be. This wonderful park is located at the foot of the Atomium and has a condensed version of the famous European landmarks and buildings like the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum in miniature form.
With a simple stroll through the park, you can see the detailing and craftsmanship that has been put into these park attractions. Each landmark is a miniature replica, capturing the situation and ambience of the original. Take time to appreciate the elegant architecture and understand the historical significance of each structure.
Mini-Europe is not just a feast to the eyes, but also an interactive and engaging experience. Simply by pressing a button, you can hear the sounds and watch the animations that bring the miniatures to life. Make sure to not miss one of the hourly events where notable incidents from European history have been reenacted in miniature form.
No matter if you are an architecture lover, a passionate historian, or someone who simply wants to enjoy something new, you will absolutely love what Mini-Europe has to offer inside Brussels.
Mont des Arts: It’s the Center of Culture and it Looks Incredible
Mont des Arts, or Hill of the Arts, located on top of a hill in Brussels, is the go-to site for culture lovers due to its wealth of attractions as well as scenic views. With its beautifully arasled landscapes, the gardens, museums and art galleries, and theaters, all make mont des Arts a cultural hub and these serves as attractions to art lovers from across the globe.
Start your art exploration at The Royal Library of Belgium where you can find multiple books and manuscripts. Step next to the Musical Instrument Museum where different musical instruments from varying cultures and times can be found. The museum has rooftop restaurant which serves lunch and coffee and provides staggering views of Brussels.
If you continue strolling through Mont des Arts, you will arrive at the Brussels City Museum, or Maison du Roi. You can learn a lot about Brussels history and culture by viewing the numerous exhibits and artworks in the museum. Visit the nearby BOZAR, Centre for Fine Arts, for various exhibitions, performances and events throughout the year.
Take your time to walk through the various gardens at the Mont des Arts and admire their flowerbeds as well as their spectacular sight. The Grand Place spires, Brussels’s rooftops, and the Atomium can all be viewed from this location. In short, it is an ideal spot for art and culture lovers to unwind amid the beauty of Brussels.
Comic Strip Route: Exploring Brussels’ Rich Comic Book Heritage
Brussels is known for its comic book culture, which is why the Comic Strip Route is an alluring tourist attraction in Brussels, Belgium. This particular route offers you the chance to explore the city while also displaying gigantic murals of popular comic book characters.
Begin your journey at the Belgian Comic Strip Center which provides insight into the development and history of Belgian comics. From there, try to spot the 15 comic character murals that are painted on walls throughout the city. Many famous figures such as Tintin, Lucky Luke, and even the Smurfs can be found, along with several lesser known but equally talented characters that truly represent Belgian comic book culture.
Besides showcasing the narrative and visual genius of Belgian comic authors, The Comic Strip Route takes you through different areas of Brussels. While you navigate throughout the city, you will be surprised by some hidden treasures, delightful bistros, and colorful graffiti. This is a different way to discover Brussels and appreciate the city’s cultural diversity.
You should also check out the MOOF Museum – the one for comic strips, manga, and animation. You will be further exposed to Belgian comics and their significance to global pop culture.
Discovering the Charm of Brussels’ Sights and Landmarks
As for Brussels, it boasts appealing architecture, culture and history. The Atomium is striking and in line with the modern futurism and is only complimented by the medieval beauty of the Grand Place. The stunning sights of the city are numerous and still waiting to be appreciated.
In Brussels, the main places to visit are the Grand Place and the Manneken Pis. The Mont des Arts exhibits beauty that compliments Mini-Europe. Grandeur is only added by the Royal Palace and the stunning views of the Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral.
Not only is the city of Brussels busy with breathtaking sights, but it also has an amazing comic book heritage showcased through its museums, the Comic Strip Route and numerous other art places.
Brussels is ready to cater for all the art lovers, history geeks, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy the stunning and multicultural place. Unravel the rich culture of the city alongside unknown treasures that Brussels is ready to show.
