Things To See In Brussels

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. Located on the Senne River, Brussels is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and character. It is home to a number of prominent institutions, such as the European Union, NATO, and the European Commission, making it an important political center. It is also known for its art and architecture, its vibrant nightlife and restaurants, and its vibrant music and nightlife scene.

One of the most visited cities in Europe, Brussels is a cultural melting pot. Its population is diverse, with people from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The city also has a large number of expats from various countries. This makes it an exciting place to explore and experience new cultures.

History of Brussels

The city of Brussels has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the Roman era, it was an important site for trade and commerce. By the 12th century, it had become an important political center and was made a duchy in 1190 by Emperor Charles V. In 1477, Brussels became a part of the Burgundian Netherlands and remained a part of this empire until 1794. The city became an independent state in 1830 and was declared the capital of Belgium in 1831.

Since then, Brussels has grown in size and importance. It is now home to over one million people and is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. It is also home to numerous international organizations, such as the European Union, NATO, and the European Commission, making it a major political center.

Famous Sights

When visiting Brussels for the first time, there are many famous sights to see. The most iconic of these is the Grand Place, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a large square surrounded by ornate 17th-century buildings and is one of the most beautiful places in Brussels. Other impressive sights include Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a boy peeing; the Atomium, a giant structure designed for the 1958 World’s Fair; and the Royal Palace of Brussels, which is the official residence of the King of Belgium.

The city also has many museums to explore, such as the Royal Museum for Central Africa, which displays artifacts from African tribes, and BELvue Museum, which focuses on Belgian history. Other popular attractions include St. Michael and Gudul Cathedral, which is a Gothic cathedral from the 13th century; Comic Strip Center, which celebrates Belgium’s vibrant comic book industry; and Notre-Dame du Sablon Church, which is known for its intricate stained-glass windows.

Food & Nightlife

Brussels also has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to explore. It is also known for its delicious cuisine, with many restaurants serving traditional Belgian dishes such as Belgian waffles, mussels with fries, and Moules Frites (mussels and fries). Some of the most famous dishes in Brussels include Stoemp (mashed potatoes and vegetables) and Carbonade Flamande (beef stew).

The city is also home to a vibrant music scene with plenty of live music venues. From jazz clubs to rock clubs to classical music halls, there are plenty of places to experience live music in Brussels. There are also plenty of cultural events taking place throughout the year, such as the Brussels Summer Festival and the World Music Festival.

Tours & Activities

When visiting Brussels for the first time, there are plenty of tours and activities to experience. One popular option is a walking tour of the city’s most famous sights. This tour will take you through the Grand Place and other iconic locations around Brussels as well as provide you with information about the city’s history and culture. Another popular option is a bike tour of Brussels which will take you through some of the city’s lesser-known locations as well as some of its more famous sights.

One of the best ways to experience Brussels is on a food tour. A food tour will take you through some of Brussels’ most iconic restaurants while providing you with information about traditional Belgian cuisine. You will also get to sample some local delicacies such as Stoemp and Carbonade Flamande.

Outdoor Adventure Tour

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure in Brussels, consider taking an outdoor adventure tour. This tour will take you to some of Brussels’ best outdoor spots such as Lake Genval or Forest Park where you can enjoy activities like kayaking or fishing. This tour will also provide you with information about local wildlife and plants as well as give you an opportunity to explore some of Brussels’ natural beauty.

Art Tours

Another great way to experience Brussels is on an art tour. This tour will take you through some of the city’s best art galleries such as Bozar or Wiels where you can view works by Belgian artists as well as international ones. This tour will also provide you with information about local art history as well as give you an opportunity to learn more about Belgian culture.

If you are looking to book an outdoor adventure tour or an art tour in Brussels, consider booking one through Viator online. Here you can find a wide selection of tours that cater to all types of interests and budgets. Viator offers tours that range from half-day trips to full-day ones so that you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. By booking your tour through Viator online, you can be sure that your tour will be safe and secure so that you can enjoy your trip without any worries.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

One of the best ways to explore Brussels is on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. These tours are great for those who want to experience all that Brussels has to offer without walking around all day. These buses will take you through all of the major sights in Brussels such as Manneken Pis and Atomium as well as some lesser-known locations like Koekelberg Basilica or Parc Cinquantenaire where you can learn more about local history and culture.

If you are looking to book a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Brussels, consider booking one through GetYourGuide online. Here you can find a wide selection of tours that cater to all types of interests and budgets so that you can find one that fits your needs perfectly. By booking your tour through GetYourGuide online, you can be sure that your tour will be safe and secure so that you can enjoy your trip without any worries.

Conclusion

Brussels is an exciting city full of history and culture with plenty to see and do for tourists visiting for the first time. From iconic sights such as the Grand Place to delicious cuisine to vibrant nightlife and music scenes, there are plenty of experiences to be had in Brussels. There are also plenty of tours and activities available for those looking to explore all that this great city has to offer. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures or art tours or something else entirely, there’s something for everyone in Brussels!