Things To See In Brussels Belgium

Brussels, Belgium is one of the most charming and vibrant cities in Europe. Located in the heart of the continent, Brussels is a fascinating blend of old world and modern, with stunning architecture and amazing attractions. A long history as a major hub for trade and commerce has made Brussels a major tourist destination, and visitors will find plenty of things to do and see in this vibrant city. From art galleries, museums, and historical sites to trendy bars and restaurants, Brussels has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top attractions and activities in Brussels, including the best tours and activities to enjoy while you’re there.

An Introduction to Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the largest city in the country, home to more than 1.2 million people. Located in the center of Belgium, it is sometimes referred to as the “capital of Europe’ due to its historical importance and its hosting of European Union institutions. It’s a city steeped in history and culture, with a long list of monuments and attractions. Many of these have made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the Grand Place and its adjoining commercial area, as well as the city’s two main parks: Parc du Cinquantenaire and Parc de Bruxelles.

Brussels is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene and its famous beer culture. With its wide range of pubs and bars, it’s easy to find a great place to enjoy a few drinks and soak up the atmosphere. The city also has plenty of excellent restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine, from traditional Belgian dishes to ethnic food from around the world.

The Grand Place

One of the most iconic spots in Brussels is The Grand Place, a large square located in the heart of the city. The square dates back to Medieval Times and is surrounded by stunning architecture, which includes the City Hall, guild houses, and other historic buildings. The Grand Place is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, with its many cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s also a great place to see street performers, take a ride on an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this bustling square.

The Manneken Pis

The Manneken Pis is one of Brussels’ most recognizable landmarks. This small bronze statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain has become an iconic symbol of Brussels, and it’s thought to date back to 1619. The statue is now housed in a special building near the Grand Place. Every few weeks, there’s a special ceremony where the Manneken Pis is dressed up in different costume – often something linked to an upcoming event or celebration.

The Atomium

The Atomium is one of the most iconic buildings in Brussels. This huge steel structure was built for the 1958 World’s Fair, and it’s now a popular tourist attraction. The Atomium consists of nine steel spheres connected by walkways and escalators. Visitors can take an elevator up to the top sphere for spectacular views of Brussels, or explore the various other spheres which contain exhibits about the building’s history and design.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parc du Cinquantenaire is one of Brussels’ most beautiful parks. Located just east of The Grand Place, this park was built for Belgium’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1880. The park is filled with lush gardens, ponds, fountains, monuments, and sculptures – making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city. It’s also home to some important museums, including the Royal Museum of Armed Forces & Military History and the Autoworld car museum.

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is home to one of Europe’s finest collections of art. This impressive museum houses an array of works from some of Belgium’s most famous artists, such as Breughel, Rubens, Van Dyck, and many more. It’s also home to some impressive collections from other European countries – making it an ideal destination for art lovers.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks. This large palace was built in 1782 and has been home to Belgium’s monarchy since then. Visitors can explore the palace grounds, which include beautiful gardens and sculptures, as well as visit the state rooms inside the palace itself.

Tours & Activities in Brussels

In addition to exploring all that Brussels has to offer on your own, there are many great tours and activities available to make your trip even more memorable. Here are two popular tours that you can book while you’re in Brussels:

Grand Place History Tour

The Grand Place History Tour takes visitors on a journey through centuries of history in one of Brussels’ most iconic locations. On this tour, you’ll learn all about this historic square’s evolution over time – from its Medieval origins to its current role as a bustling modern day hub for tourism, commerce, and culture. As you explore this fascinating square with your guide, you’ll get an insight into its many layers of history – from its architecture to its many monuments and statues, as well as its many legends and stories. This tour will help you uncover all that The Grand Place has to offer – from its fascinating past to its vibrant present. Book a Grand Place History Tour here.

Atomium Tour & Skywalk Experience

The Atomium Tour & Skywalk Experience offers a unique way to experience one of Brussels’ most iconic attractions – The Atomium. On this tour, visitors will get an up close look at this towering structure as they explore its nine steel spheres connected by walkways and escalators. You’ll also get access to the top sphere for panoramic views of Brussels – as well as learn all about this amazing building’s design and history from your guide. Plus, you’ll get to experience the thrill of walking across the Atomium’s skybridge – suspended 157 feet above ground! Book an Atomium Tour & Skywalk Experience here.

Conclusion

Brussels is packed with amazing attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From historic monuments like The Grand Place and The Royal Palace to cultural attractions like The Royal Museum of Fine Arts and The Atomium – there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Plus, there are plenty of tours and activities available to make your trip even more memorable – such as The Grand Place History Tour or The Atomium Tour & Skywalk Experience. Whether you’re looking for history or culture, or just want to soak up some Belgian atmosphere – make sure you visit Brussels on your next vacation!