Brussels Tourist Attractions

Brussels, the capital and largest city of Belgium, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis. Located in the heart of Europe, Brussels is home to the European Union and a number of international organizations. It is also the political and administrative center of Belgium, and one of the most important cities in Europe.

It’s no surprise that Brussels is a popular city for tourists. The city has something to offer everyone, from history buffs to art lovers to foodies. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an educational visit, or simply a place to explore, Brussels has it all.

History of Brussels

The recorded history of Brussels dates back to around 979, when it was first mentioned as a small fishing village. Over the centuries, Brussels grew and developed into an important trade and financial center for the Low Countries. By the 17th century, Brussels was a major international center for art, culture, and commerce.

In the 19th century, Brussels experienced an economic boom due to its strategic location in the heart of Europe. This period saw the construction of many of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Grand Place, the Royal Palace, and the Cinquantenaire Park.

Today, Brussels is home to a number of international organizations, such as the European Union, NATO, and the Benelux Economic Union. It is also a major tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors each year.

Population and Demographics

As of 2021, the population of Brussels is estimated to be 1.2 million people. Around 85% of the population is of Belgian origin, while the remainder are immigrants from other countries. The city is divided into 19 municipalities, or communes, which are further divided into neighborhoods. Brussels is both a French-speaking and Dutch-speaking city, with French being the majority language.

Most Popular Sights

Brussels is full of interesting sights that offer something for everyone. Some of the most popular sights include:

Grand Place:

Grand Place is one of the most iconic sights in Brussels. Located in the heart of the city, this historic square is surrounded by beautiful guildhalls and 18th-century buildings. The square is also home to an impressive daily flower market and a number of cafés and restaurants.

Manneken Pis:

The Manneken Pis is one of the most iconic symbols of Brussels. The statue depicts a small boy urinating into a fountain and has become an important part of Brussels’ culture and history. The statue is located near Grand Place and is often dressed in costumes to celebrate special occasions.

Royal Palace:

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Belgium. Located in the center of Brussels, this magnificent palace has been home to Belgian monarchs since 1831. Visitors can explore the palace’s impressive collection of art and artifacts as well as its beautiful gardens.

Cinquantenaire Park:

The Cinquantenaire Park is a large public park located at one end of Avenue de la Reine in Brussels. Built in 1880 to celebrate Belgium’s 50th anniversary of independence, this expansive park features a number of monuments and sculptures as well as plenty of green space for recreation and relaxation.

Atomium:

The Atomium is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks. This huge steel structure was built for Expo 58, the World’s Fair held in Brussels in 1958. The structure consists of nine steel spheres connected by escalators and elevators and stands at an impressive 102 meters tall. At the top sphere, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Brussels from the viewing platform.

Unique Experiences

In addition to these popular sights, Brussels also offers some unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. One such experience is the Comedy Walking Tour, which takes visitors through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods while providing hilarious commentary along the way. Other unique experiences include beer tasting tours, chocolate making classes, and guided cycling tours through Brussels’ picturesque parks and gardens.

Popular Activities

Brussels has something for everyone when it comes to activities and attractions. Visitors can explore the city’s fascinating history by visiting its many museums or take a leisurely stroll through its beautiful parks and gardens. Foodies will love exploring Brussels’ bustling markets and sampling its famous Belgian beers and waffles. Art lovers will appreciate Brussels’ world-class galleries and performance venues, while shoppers can find everything from vintage clothing stores to designer boutiques in its lively neighborhoods.

Example Tour #1: Discovering Brussels by Bike

Explore Brussels on two wheels with this two-hour bike tour! This guided tour takes visitors through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods as well as some hidden gems off the beaten path. Along the way, you’ll get to stop at landmarks such as Manneken Pis, Grand Place, and even cross the border into neighboring Netherlands! This tour is perfect for visitors looking to get a unique perspective on Brussels’ history and culture while getting some exercise! Book Discovering Brussels by Bike Tour here.

Example Tour #2: Grand Place Walking Tour

Discover one of Europe’s greatest squares on this guided walking tour! This two-hour tour takes visitors through centuries of history as they explore Grand Place and its surrounding areas. Along the way, you’ll get to learn about famous landmarks such as City Hall, Town Hall, and St Michael’s Cathedral as well as some lesser-known spots like La Maison des Petits Enfants and Mont des Arts. This tour is perfect for visitors looking for an intimate experience with local history! Book Grand Place Walking Tour here.

Example Tour #3: Belgian Beer Tasting Tour

Explore Belgium’s rich brewing tradition on this beer tasting tour! This two-hour tour takes visitors through some of Brussels’ most popular breweries where they’ll learn about traditional brewing techniques while sampling some delicious Belgian beers. The tour also includes stops at some of Belgium’s most iconic beer bars where you can chat with local beer experts while sampling some more beers! Book Belgian Beer Tasting Tour here.

Conclusion

Brussels is an exciting and vibrant city with something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, there’s something for you in this charming European capital. From exploring its iconic landmarks to sampling its famous beers to discovering its hidden gems, there’s no shortage of things to do in Brussels!