Brussels Travel Guide – Tourist Attractions, Sights, Tips & Things to do

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. If you are planning to visit Brussels, here are some of the top attractions and sights that you should not miss.

1. Grand Place: The central square of Brussels, surrounded by magnificent buildings and monuments. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
2. Manneken Pis: The famous bronze statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. It is a symbol of Brussels and often dressed in different costumes according to the occasion.
3. Atomium: A futuristic structure that represents a magnified atom of iron. It was built for the 1958 World Expo and offers panoramic views of the city from its spheres and tubes.
4. Royal Palace: The official residence of the Belgian king and queen, open to the public during the summer months. It showcases the history and art of Belgium in its lavish rooms and gardens.
5. Mini-Europe: A miniature park that displays scale models of famous landmarks and scenes from across Europe. It is located next to the Atomium and features interactive exhibits and animations.
6. Mont des Arts: A hill that offers a stunning view of the city skyline and hosts several cultural institutions, such as museums, libraries, and galleries.
7. Cinquantenaire Park: A large park that contains several monuments and museums, such as the Triumphal Arch, the Royal Military Museum, and the Art and History Museum.
8. Belgian Comic Strip Center: A museum that celebrates the history and art of Belgian comics, such as Tintin, Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. It is housed in a former department store designed by Victor Horta, a famous Art Nouveau architect.
9. Magritte Museum: A museum that displays the works of René Magritte, one of the most influential surrealist painters of the 20th century. It is located in the house where he lived and worked for 24 years.
10. Notre Dame du Sablon: A Gothic church that dates back to the 15th century and features stained glass windows, sculptures, and paintings. It is also known for its annual procession of the Holy Sacrament of Miracle.
11. Royal Museums of Fine Arts: A complex of four museums that showcase the works of Belgian and foreign artists from various periods and styles. They are the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Magritte Museum, and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum.
12. European Parliament: The seat of the European Union’s legislative branch, where representatives from 27 member states debate and vote on various issues. Visitors can take guided tours or watch plenary sessions from the public gallery.
13. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: A shopping arcade that was built in 1847 and features elegant glass roofs and facades. It is home to many shops, cafes, restaurants, and theaters.
14. Bois de la Cambre: A large park that was once part of the Sonian Forest and offers various recreational activities, such as walking, cycling, boating, and picnicking.
15. Horta Museum: A museum that showcases the life and work of Victor Horta, one of the pioneers of Art Nouveau architecture. It is located in his former house and studio, which are decorated with his signature motifs and designs.
16. Basilica of the Sacred Heart: A Roman Catholic church that was built in 1935 and is one of the largest in the world. It has a distinctive green dome and two towers that offer panoramic views of Brussels and beyond.
17. Musical Instruments Museum: A museum that displays over 8,000 musical instruments from different cultures and eras. Visitors can listen to their sounds through headphones as they explore the exhibits.
18. Place du Grand Sablon: A square that is known for its antique shops, art galleries, chocolate shops, and cafes. It also hosts a weekly antique market on weekends.
19. Parc du Cinquantenaire: A park that was created in 1880 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. It contains several monuments and museums, such as the Triumphal Arch, the Royal Military Museum, and the Art and History Museum.
20. Place Royale: A square that was built in 1780 as part of a royal district project. It features several neoclassical buildings and monuments, such as the Church of Saint Jacques-sur-Coudenberg, the Royal Palace, and the equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon.
21. Cantillon Brewery: A family-run brewery that produces traditional lambic beers using spontaneous fermentation methods. Visitors can take guided tours or taste their products in their tasting room.