The Best Things To See In Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. It is home to some of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. It is known for its art, culture and history, and is one of the most visited cities in Europe. With its rich history and vibrant culture, there are many things to see in Brussels. From its world-famous chocolate shops to its iconic buildings and monuments, Brussels has something for everyone. Here is a guide to the best things to see in Brussels.

History of Brussels

Brussels has a long and storied history, dating back to the 10th century. It was first mentioned as a small village in a document written in 890 AD, and was soon inhabited by the Franks. The city was heavily influenced by the French monarchy in the 13th century, and later served as the capital of the Spanish Netherlands. In the 18th century, Brussels was part of the Austrian Netherlands, and then in the 19th century, it became part of the newly created Kingdom of Belgium. During this period, the city underwent a major transformation and became one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

Famous Sights

Brussels is home to many famous sights, including Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Atomium, Mont des Arts and Palais de Justice. Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval squares in Europe. Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a boy urinating into a fountain, which has become one of Brussels’ most recognizable symbols. Atomium is a 102-meter tall structure designed for the 1958 World’s Fair that has become an iconic landmark of Brussels. Mont des Arts is a hilltop park with stunning views of Brussels’ old city center. Palais de Justice is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture and is one of Brussels’ most imposing buildings.

Chocolate Shops

Brussels has long been known as one of the best cities in Europe for chocolate. There are numerous chocolate shops throughout the city, selling everything from traditional Belgian chocolate to exotic flavors from around the world. Many of these shops also offer classes on how to make your own chocolate, which can be an enjoyable and educational experience.

Museums

Brussels is home to many excellent museums, offering an insight into the city’s history and culture. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts are some of the finest art galleries in Europe, containing works from some of the world’s most renowned artists. The Magritte Museum showcases the work of Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte, while the Oldmasters Museum houses an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art. The Musical Instruments Museum is another popular attraction, with its vast collection of musical instruments from around the world.

Restaurants

Brussels has a vibrant food scene, with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. A visit to Brussels wouldn’t be complete without trying some Belgian specialties such as waffles with chocolate, mussels with fries, or the traditional Belgian dish of carbonnade flamande (beef stew). For those looking for something more exotic, there are plenty of international restaurants to choose from, offering everything from Italian to Indian cuisine.

Nightlife

Brussels is home to many lively bars and clubs, offering something for everyone. The city has a thriving jazz scene with numerous jazz clubs offering live music every night. There are also plenty of clubs playing electronic music and hosting DJ sets. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, there are plenty of cozy bars and pubs in the city serving a wide selection of Belgian beers.

Unique Experiences

Brussels has many unique experiences to offer visitors. One popular activity is a visit to one of the city’s many comic book stores, where you can pick up some classic Belgian comic books or original artwork from local artists. Another popular activity is visiting one of Brussels’ many flea markets, which can be found all over the city on weekends. Finally, no visit to Brussels would be complete without trying some traditional Belgian street food such as frites (fries) or waffles served with fruit or chocolate sauce.

Tours

There are many excellent tours available in Brussels that offer an insight into the city’s history and culture. One popular tour is a guided walking tour through Brussels’ old city center, taking in sights such as Grand Place and Manneken Pis. Another popular tour is an audio-guided tour around some of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks such as Atomium and Palais de Justice. For those interested in the city’s food scene, there are also food tours available that take visitors to some of Brussels’ best restaurants and bars. Book a guided walking tour here, or book an audio-guided tour here.

For those wanting to explore beyond Brussels’ city center, there are many day trips available from Brussels to some of Belgium’s most beautiful towns and villages such as Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. These day trips typically include guided tours around some of these towns’ historic landmarks and attractions, as well as plenty of time to explore on your own. Book a day trip here.

Finally, for those looking for something more adventurous, there are also bike tours available around Brussels’ old city center and its surrounding parks and countryside. These tours typically include stops at some of Brussels’ most iconic sights such as Grand Place and Manneken Pis, as well as plenty of time to explore on your own. Book a bike tour here.

Conclusion

Brussels offers something for everyone: from its iconic landmarks and monuments to its vibrant nightlife and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a guided tour or something more adventurous, Brussels has something for everyone. With its rich history and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why so many people visit Brussels every year.