A Guide to Touring Brussels

Brussels is a city full of history, culture, and architecture. It’s a city that has seen a lot of change over the years, but still holds onto its unique identity. There are many great tourist attractions in Brussels, from historic monuments to vibrant nightlife and plenty of great food. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to visit in Brussels and some of the best tours available.

History of Brussels

Brussels has been inhabited since at least the 9th century. The city was first mentioned in a document as “Bruxellae” in 979. It was an important trading center and the birthplace of the Low Countries Union in 1477. In 1585, Brussels was made the capital of the Spanish Netherlands and it has been the capital of Belgium since 1830.

Today, Brussels is a bustling cosmopolitan city with a population of 1.2 million and a thriving economy. It is home to the headquarters of the European Union, as well as a number of international organizations, such as NATO. It is also a major hub for culture and the arts, with many museums, galleries, and theaters.

Top Attractions in Brussels

Brussels is full of attractions for visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the top attractions in Brussels.

Grand Place

Grand Place is one of the most visited sites in Brussels and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Located in the heart of Brussels, it is surrounded by opulent buildings such as the City Hall and the Breadhouse. It is also home to many festivals, such as the Flower Carpet which takes place every two years.

Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is one of the most iconic figures in Brussels and a must-visit for anyone visiting the city. It is a small bronze statue of a boy urinating, located in the heart of Brussels. The original statue dates back to 1619 and there are now many replicas located all over the world.

Atomium

Atomium is an iconic structure located in northern Brussels. It was built in 1958 for the World’s Fair and stands 102 meters tall. It is made up of nine steel spheres connected by tubes and contains an observation deck, a restaurant, and exhibitions about the history of Brussels.

Cinquantenaire Park

Cinquantenaire Park is located in eastern Brussels and is one of the largest parks in the city. It was built for the celebration of Belgium’s 50th anniversary in 1880 and features a number of monuments and museums, including the Royal Museums of Art and History. It is also home to many events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and food festivals.

Popular Activities in Brussels

Brussels has plenty to offer visitors looking for an exciting experience. Here are some of the popular activities in Brussels that you should try out:

Food Tours

Brussels is well known for its amazing food scene. From classic Belgian dishes to more international flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A food tour is a great way to experience some of the best dishes that Brussels has to offer. Book a Brussels food tour and explore some of the city’s best restaurants and eateries with a knowledgeable guide.

Beer Tours

Belgium is world-famous for its beer, so why not sample some of the best local brews on a beer tour? Book a Brussels beer tour and visit some of the city’s best breweries and pubs to learn about traditional Belgian beer-making techniques and sample some delicious local brews.

Chocolate Tours

Brussels is known for its delicious chocolate, so why not take a chocolate tour? Book a Brussels chocolate tour to experience some of the city’s best confectioneries and learn all about Belgian chocolate-making techniques. You’ll also get to sample some delicious handmade chocolates along the way!

Graffiti Tours

Brussels is home to some incredible street art, with murals adorning walls all over the city. Take a graffiti tour of Brussels to explore some of the city’s most impressive street art with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll learn about local art scenes, different styles of graffiti, and see some incredible works of art along the way!

Conclusion

Brussels is an amazing city full of history, culture, and attractions for visitors from all over the world. From Grand Place to Atomium, from Manneken Pis to Cinquantenaire Park, there are plenty of places to visit in Brussels. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from food tours to beer tours, graffiti tours to chocolate tours! Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or just want to have some fun, there’s something for everyone in Brussels!