The Ultimate Guide to Brussels Main Attractions

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, is a vibrant city with a long history as a center of culture, commerce, and government. The city is home to countless attractions, from world-famous museums to eclectic markets and ancient monuments. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, there’s something for everyone in Brussels. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the city’s many highlights and provide plenty of helpful tips to help you make the most of your stay in the Belgian capital.

History of Brussels

The city of Brussels has a long and varied history. It was first inhabited by the Celtic people in the 5th Century BC and later became part of Roman Gaul in the 1st Century AD. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was ruled by the Franks, then later became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 15th Century, Brussels became the seat of power for the Dukes of Brabant, and the city soon prospered as a center for trade and commerce. It was even home to the court of Emperor Charles V from 1515 to 1556.

From the 16th to 18th centuries, Brussels was ruled by the Spanish, French and Austrians. The city gained its independence in 1830 when the United Kingdom of Belgium was formed. During this time, Brussels began to develop into a modern city with many cultural attractions and landmarks. In 1958, it became the official capital of the European Union and is now home to many international organizations and businesses.

Population & Language

Today, Brussels is home to over 1.2 million people, making it the largest city in Belgium. It is also one of the most diverse cities in Europe, with a population that is composed of over 180 nationalities. The official language in Brussels is French, although Dutch is also widely spoken. English is also used in many international business settings.

Famous Attractions

Brussels is home to many famous attractions that have become iconic symbols of the city. These include the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Atomium, and Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule.

Grand Place

The Grand Place is the main square in Brussels and one of its most recognizable landmarks. Located in the heart of the city, it is surrounded by beautiful Baroque-style guild houses with ornate facades and gilded statues. The square is also home to several cafes and restaurants, as well as a daily flower market. It is often used for events such as concerts and festivals, making it a great place to experience the vibrant culture of Brussels.

Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is one of the most iconic symbols of Brussels and a favorite stop for visitors. This small bronze statue of a little boy urinating was first erected in 1619 as a tribute to the people of Brussels for their courage during an attack by Spanish troops. Today, Manneken Pis is dressed up in over 700 costumes for special occasions throughout the year.

Atomium

The Atomium is another famous attraction in Brussels that cannot be missed. This iconic structure was built for Expo “58, a world’s fair that was held in Brussels in 1958. It’s a giant model of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and consists of nine stainless steel spheres connected by tubes. The Atomium offers stunning views of Brussels from its observation platform and houses a museum inside one of its spheres that tells the story of Expo “58.

Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule

The Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule is another important landmark in Brussels. This stunning Gothic cathedral was built between 1225 and 1527 and has been home to many significant religious ceremonies throughout its history. Inside you’ll find impressive stained glass windows, carved stone altars and ornate sculptures. The crypt beneath the cathedral houses several tombs of important figures from Belgian history including King Baudouin I and Queen Fabiola de Mora y Aragon.

Popular Activities

In addition to its many famous attractions, Brussels offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. From outdoor activities such as biking and kayaking to indoor activities such as shopping and visiting galleries, there’s something for everyone in Brussels. Here are some popular activities in Brussels:

Shopping

Brussels is home to many stylish boutiques, designer stores, and markets where visitors can find unique items to take home as souvenirs. The Grand Place and Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert offer an array of luxury stores while the Marche aux Puces flea market offers an eclectic mix of second-hand goods and antiques. For food lovers, there’s always Les Halles de Laeken which offers an incredible array of cheeses, meats, chocolates and other culinary delights.

Galleries & Museums

For a deeper look into Brussels’ past and present culture, there are plenty of galleries and museums to explore. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium offer an impressive collection of works from Flemish masters such as Bruegel and Rubens while more modern galleries like Wiels showcase contemporary art from around the world. For those interested in history, there are several museums dedicated to Belgian history such as Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles and Musee Magritte which explore the life and works of surrealist artist Rene Magritte.

Outdoor Activities

For those who prefer outdoor activities, there’s plenty to do in Brussels as well. Visitors can take a stroll through one of Brussels’ many parks such as Parc du Cinquantenaire or Parc Royal or rent a bike to explore further afield. For more adventurous activities, there’s also kayaking on Lake Genval or rock climbing at Rochers de Freyr.

Popular Tours in Brussels

Christmas Markets Tour

Experience the festive atmosphere of Brussels’ Christmas markets on this guided tour that takes you through the city’s picturesque streets and squares. You’ll get to explore some of the city’s best Christmas markets including Place Saint-Catherine, Place du Jeu de Balle, Place Sainte-Gudule, Place du Sablon and more. Along the way you’ll sample delicious traditional Belgian treats such as waffles, chocolate truffles and mulled wine while admiring colorful decorations and carolers singing festive songs. Book your Christmas Markets Tour here Christmas Markets Tour.

Chocolate & Waffle Tasting Tour

Sample some of Belgium’s most famous culinary delights on this chocolate & waffle tasting tour through downtown Brussels. You’ll visit some of the best chocolate shops in the city and learn about Belgium’s long history with chocolate-making before sampling some delicious truffles and drinking hot chocolate from one of Belgium’s oldest chocolatiers. You’ll also get to try some freshly made waffles from one of Brussels’ oldest waffle makers while learning about traditional Belgian cuisine. Book your Chocolate & Waffle Tasting Tour here Chocolate & Waffle Tasting Tour.

Street Art Tour

Explore Brussels’ vibrant street art scene on this guided tour through some of the city’s most creative neighborhoods. You’ll visit some of Brussels’ most iconic street art pieces while learning about their origins and meanings behind them from your expert guide. You’ll also get to visit some lesser-known street art spots in back alleys and other hidden corners of Brussels that only locals know about! Book your Street Art Tour here Street Art Tour.

Conclusion

Brussels is an exciting city with lots to explore! From its iconic landmarks such as Grand Place and Manneken Pis to its vibrant street art scene and delicious culinary delights, there’s something for everyone in this historic Belgian capital. We hope you enjoyed this guide to some of Brussels’ main attractions!