What are the must-see sights in Brussels?

When it comes to sights of Europe, few cities can match the majesty of Brussels. Bursting with rich culture, character and history, this city combines unique attractions and sightseeing activities that make your trip to Belgium truly special. As the country’s capital, Brussels is home to iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods from the beautiful Grand Place to the cobbled streets of the Marolles. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a week, we’ve put together a list of the absolute must-see sights in Brussels.

Grand Place

High up on the list of “things to do in Brussels” is visiting the Grand Place, an awe-inspiring medieval square that is often referred to as one of Europe’s most beautiful city squares. Dating back to the 13th century, the Grand Place has long been a hub of activity with merchants, markets, festivals and much more. Now, the square is primarily used by locals and visitors alike, who enjoy surveying the baroque architecture and unique buildings like Hôtel de Ville, which serves as City Hall. Thanks to its stunning pastel-colored facades and gold embellishments, it’s no wonder that the square is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On certain days, you can explore its nearby flower market and street performers.

Atomium

Another iconic landmark in Brussels is none other than the Atomium – an over-sized modern art structure designed for the 1958 World Fair. Made up of nine large spheres connected by tubes, the powerful steel structure stands at an impressive 102 meters tall, making it the tallest structure in Brussels. The inside of Atomium is now a museum where you can discover highlights from the World Fair such as sculptures, photography, movies and more. After your visit, don’t forget to take in the stunning views of Brussels from its observation deck!

Manneken Pis

Of all the sights in Brussels, Manneken Pis may be some of the most famous – and most mischievous! This iconic bronze statue depicts a young boy urinating into a fountain and is one of Brussels’ most beloved legends. The statue was first created in 1618 and was later restored in honor of its 300th anniversary. Although it’s relatively small in size compared to other attractions in Brussels, this famous sculpture is always bustling with camera-happy tourists. To add to the intrigue, Manneken Pis can also be dressed up in a variety of costumes like police officer, pirate and Santa Claus – giving locals and visitors alike something to laugh about!

Marolles

Take a journey back in time when visiting Marolles – a quintessential Brussels neighborhood filled with charm and character. This colorful area is comprised of winding cobblestone streets lined with cafes, shops and galleries – all painted with bright colors that reflect its vibrant energy. As you explore Marolles’ nooks and alleyways, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some hidden treasures like polka dotted manholes, mosaic tiled pavements or even quirky street art! When walking through this bustling area, you may encounter some savvy street vendors selling their latest finds or handcrafted items.

Brussels Park

After a day of sightseeing in Brussels, take some time to relax and unwind in one of the city’s most treasured parks. Brussels Park is located right in front of Palais Royal and is one of Belgium’s oldest parks dating back to 1776. Among its countless trees, romantic bridges and winding paths, here you can find beautiful gardens where you can admire tranquil views while sipping your coffee. In addition to its unique landscaping, this park also features several historical monuments such as a Fountain of Apollo and The Chinese Pavilion – making it one of the most beautiful attractions in Brussels.

Belgian Beer Tasting Tour

Belgium is known for having a very special kind of beer – which is why it would be a huge shame to leave Brussels without experiencing some of its local brews! Through Belgian Beer Tasting Tour with Get Your Guide, you can participate in a guided beer tasting where you get to sample ten different beers while learning about Belgian beer culture. The tour starts off with light beers such as pilsners and ends with unique specialties like kriek lambics or cherry beers. What makes this experience even sweeter is discovering the stories behind each beer from your knowledgeable guide – making it an unforgettable experience for any beer-lover!  For more information about Get Your Guide’s Belgian Beer Tasting Tour, please visit this link.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has given you some ideas on what sights must be seen when visiting Brussels! From touring around its cobbled streets, iconic landmarks and World Heritage sites to discovering new histories during Belgian Beer Tasting Tours – there’s something for everyone in this remarkable city. No matter what you decide to do while spending time here, you can be sure that your visit to Brussels will be one-of-a-kind. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your getaway today!