Brussels Must See Places – A Comprehensive Guide

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the largest city in the country. It is a vibrant, multicultural city, with a rich history and culture, and is considered to be one of the most important cities in Europe. Located in the center of the country, Brussels is a major international hub, with many of the world’s largest corporations and organizations having their headquarters in the city. With its numerous attractions, great restaurants, and world-class museums, Brussels is a destination that should not be missed for any traveler to Belgium.

History and Culture of Brussels

Brussels is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its first recorded settlement taking place in the 4th century BCE. Over the centuries, the city has been ruled by the Franks, the Burgundians, the Spanish, the Austrians, and the French. In 1830, Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands, and Brussels was made its capital. The city has since grown rapidly, becoming one of the most important cities in Europe.

Today, Brussels is home to a diverse population of over 1.2 million people. The city is known for its art and culture and is home to many of the world’s most renowned museums, galleries, and theaters. Brussels is also a major financial center, with many international banks and organizations having their headquarters in the city. The city is also well known for its cuisine and is home to over 2,000 restaurants.

Popular Sites to Visit in Brussels

Brussels is full of interesting attractions that are sure to captivate every traveler. Here are some of the most popular sites to visit:

Grand Place

Grand Place is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and a must-see when visiting Brussels. It is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by stunning 17th century buildings. The square is home to the City Hall and other important monuments, such as the King’s House and the City Museum. On weekends, the square comes alive with street performers and vendors selling traditional Belgian food and souvenirs.

Atomium

The Atomium is a landmark symbol of Brussels and a must-see for any traveler. It was built for Expo 58 and is an iconic structure that consists of nine connected spheres representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The Atomium is 102 meters tall and is located in Heysel Park. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of one of the spheres for amazing views of Brussels.

Manneken Pis

The Manneken Pis is a popular tourist attraction in Brussels, located in front of City Hall on Grand Place. It is a small bronze statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain, and it has been around since 1619. The statue has become a symbol of Brussels, with many legends behind its origin. There are also many replicas of the statue located around Brussels, including one dressed as Superman!

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the most impressive buildings in Brussels. It was built in the 18th century on Place des Palais and served as the home of Belgium’s royal family until 2019. Today, it is open for guided tours that allow visitors to explore its beautiful interiors. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning gardens surrounding the palace or take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the nearby Sablon district.

Mini Europe

Mini Europe is a miniature park located near Atomium that features models of some of Europe’s most famous landmarks. There are over 200 models from 35 different countries spread across 6 hectares of parkland. Visitors can marvel at Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Brandenburg Gate and many other famous sights from across Europe.

Tours in Brussels

There are many great tours available in Brussels that can help visitors explore some of its most iconic sights with ease. Here are two popular tours that are worth considering:

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is an ideal way to explore Brussels at your own pace. The tour offers an easy and convenient way to see some of the city’s most popular attractions without having to worry about getting lost or missing out on anything. The tour includes stops at Grand Place, Atomium, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace, Sablon District and other key sights in Brussels. Passengers can hop on and off at any stop along the route or stay on board for an entire loop around all sights. Tickets are available for 1, 2 or 3 days and can be booked here.

Food Tour

Brussels is renowned for its delicious food scene and a food tour is a great way to explore it. On this tour, guests will be able to sample some of Brussels’ best dishes while learning about its history and culture along the way. The tour will take guests to some of the city’s most popular markets and restaurants where they can sample traditional Belgian dishes such as waffles, mussels, fries, beer and chocolate. Tickets are available for 1 or 2 days and can be booked here.

Conclusion

Brussels is an exciting city with plenty to offer travelers from all over the world. From its rich history and culture to its numerous attractions, restaurants and nightlife, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an action-packed adventure, Brussels has it all!