What is Brussels best known for?

Brussels is a vibrant multicultural destination known for its historic and historic sites, diverse cuisine, and its many art galleries, theaters and museums. The city has a long and fascinating history and is considered by many to be the capital of the European Union. Located in the heart of the Low Countries, Brussels has been a major cultural, political, and diplomatic center for centuries.

A great place to start your exploration of Brussels is the ‘Heart of Brussels’ – the old city’s ancient cobbled streets and its many buildings, monuments, churches, and parks. Grand Place or Grote Markt is the main square in Brussels and is surrounded by buildings with incredible architecture. Some of the most notable landmarks here are the old Royal Theater, the City Hall and the Town Hall. This area is also home to many restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and attractions.

The Atomium is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks – representing an iron crystal structure that was built in 1958 for the World’s Fair. It has since become one of the city’s most famous symbols, representing science and society. You can visit the atomium’s nine iron spheres from the top or take a scenic lift to take in the wonderful views across Brussels from the top.

Belgian chocolate is known throughout the world and is a very popular treat in Brussels. The city has several chocolatiers with wonderful window displays. This makes it very difficult to choose just one to visit! However, a visit to Mary Artisan Chocolatier will not let you down – they have a wide selection of chocolate available, with something for everyone.

The style of art that is most associated with Brussels is surrealism which originated in the city in the early 20th century. It was popularized by artists such as Rene Magritte and Salvador Dali. Several of their works can be found in Brussels’ galleries such as Museum Magritte, Palais des Beaux-Arts (BOZAR), and Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique.

Brussels is also known as one of Europe’s liveliest beer cities, with world-famous beers such as Delirium Tremens from La Brasserie De La Senne. There are dozens of cafes throughout Brussel that serve up a variety of different Belgian-style beers. The Delirium Café, for example, has a rotating selection of 2,000 different types of beer from all over the world, with 64 beers on tap at any given time.

Generally speaking, Brussels is an exciting city to explore and you won’t have to look hard at all to find something to do. From its iconic architecture, must-visit landmarks, artisanal shops, delicious restaurants, art galleries and beer cafes, there’s something in Brussels that will make everyone happy! For more details on what the city has to offer and what the best places to visit are, you can find more information on Global Grasshopper destination guide about Brussels.

Insider’s Guide to Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is an elegant city filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine. From its medieval buildings to its world-renowned chocolate, Belgium’s capital city is full of surprises.

Local Attractions

1. Grand Palace: The Grand Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most iconic buildings in Brussels. The stunning architecture and the surrounding cafes make it an ideal spot for tourists to spend an afternoon. Come in the evening to see the Palace lit up and marvel at the true beauty of its architecture.

2. Atomium: The Atomium is another iconic structure in the city. It’s a 9-balled museum that looks like an iron atom magnified 165 billion times. The Atomium offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings, along with a unique look into the studies and works of the natural sciences.

3. Museums: Brussels is home to several museums that showcase the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Some of the most notable ones include the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Belgian Comic Strip Center, and the Magritte Museum.

Dining Spots

1. Chez Leon: Looking for some authentic Belgian food? Try Chez Leon. This popular local spot serves some of the best moules-frites (mussels and fries) in all of Brussels. Locals and tourists alike love Chez Leon for its casual, homely atmosphere and fantastic food.

2. Café Delirium: With over 2400 types of beer, Café Delirium is undoubtedly the best place in Brussels to experience the world of Belgian beer. This lively pub will keep you entertained throughout the night, with excellent music and a lively crowd.

3. Maison Dandoy: Maison Dandoy is a local bakery that specializes in the famous Belgian waffles. Their waffles are a must-try – crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, with a sprinkle of sugar to top it off.

Cultural Experiences

1. Belgian Chocolate Factory: Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and there’s no better place to experience it than at a chocolate factory. Head to the International Exposition of Chocolate and Cocoa Museum to explore the history and process of traditional Belgian chocolate-making.

2. Mini Europe: Get a taste of all the best European countries in one stop at Mini Europe. This miniature park features more than 350 models of famous European landmarks, some are built to scale, allowing you to marvel at Europe’s diversity in a single afternoon.

3. Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: Stroll through the lively shopping mall at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful glass-roofed arcade in central Brussels. The shops here are higher-end than elsewhere in town but the grandeur of the place makes it worth it.

Local History

1. Manneken Pis: The Manneken Pis is a bronze sculpture in Brussels that depicts a little boy peeing into a fountain. An odd phenomenon, Brussels has made it an archive of their whole history about their humor, folklore, and tradition.

2. Horta Museum: The Horta Museum is dedicated to the famous Belgian architect Victor Horta. This museum exhibits his works and explains his architectural style, which was highly influential in the Art Nouveau movement.

3. Palace of Justice: The Palace of Justice is one of the largest courthouses in the world. Constructed between 1866 and 1883 in the eclectic style, it was once home to the groundbreaking trials of Nazis and Fascist collaborators.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Sonian Forest: Located just outside the city, the Sonian Forest is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a long walk, have a picnic and enjoy nature.

2. Le Cercle des voyageurs: This unique establishment is part café, part library, part cultural center. Pop in during the day to read a book while sipping coffee, or come back at night for live music, concerts, and other events.

3. Belvue Museum: The Belvue Museum offers an in-depth look into Belgian history. The museum is located inside a beautiful brick building and has plenty of interactive exhibits that explore the history of Belgium.

In conclusion, Brussels is a city that has something for everyone. From the beautiful architecture to the delicious Belgian cuisine, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.