For all its importance, Brussels, the capital of Belgium, the major seat of the Belgian Royal Family, and the capital of the European Union, is a wonderfully tiny, easygoing, and human-sized city.
Unlike gorgeous Bruges and Ghent, which attract thousands of tourists, Brussels is Belgium’s main commercial and educational hub, giving the city a more workaday atmosphere. You get a real sense of Belgian life here, notably its wonderful restaurant and café culture.
Despite lacking the star tourist attractions of other Belgian towns, Brussels has more than enough to keep visitors occupied for a couple of days, with a slew of world-class museums and art galleries, as well as quirkier sightseeing highlights like the Atomism and some wonderful remnants of old architecture in the old town quarter.
Stroll through Grand Place (Grote Market)
Grand Place, located in Brussels’ Old Town, is a popular tourist attraction with its charming Gildehuizen (guild homes) and Flemish influences. The Baroque style, with a short construction period between 1696 and 1700, contributes to the coherence of the square’s architecture. Founded in the 11th century, the Place has a long history and has become a significant tourist attraction.
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Mannekin Pis
The Manneken Pis, located on Rue de l’Etuve, is a popular tourist attraction with a rich history dating back to 1388. The fountain is surrounded by legends, including a brave new-born who prevented a conflagration and the son of a count who succumbed to a strong desire. Sculpted by Jerome Duquesne the Elder in 1619, the statue has been stolen multiple times but is always found during important events and festivals.
Saint-Michel Cathedral
The front of the church is spectacular, with towers capped by Jan van Ruysbroeck’s twins. The inside is beautifully adorned, including stained glass windows by Bernard van Orley. The transepts showcase the Portuguese royal couple Charles V and Isabella and the Hungarian royal couple Louis II and Mary. The Chapel of the Holy Sacrament features the Miracle of the Host.
Tour the Place Royale (Koningsplein)
The Royal Palace, the official residence of the Belgian royal family, is a popular photo opportunity. The palace features a Belgian flag and a daily Changing of the Guard. Free guided tours are available from late July to late August. The square is surrounded by neoclassical buildings, including the Royal Academy of Sciences, former palace of the Crown Prince of Orange, and Pala is des Beaux-Arts.
Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Belgium’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts (1875-81) is one of the world’s largest and best art galleries, merging four different museums. It originated from a collection in 1797 and was entrusted to Musées Royaux in 1846. The Musée Old Masters houses Flemish and Dutch Old Masters works, including Gerard David’s Adoration of the Magi and Rogier van der Weyden’s The Mourning of Christ. The Musée Modern showcases artwork from the late nineteenth century to the present.
Enter the Atomium
The Atomium, a 102-meter-high steel and aluminium structure designed by architect André Watermen for the 1958 Brussels World Exhibition, is the city’s most surreal sight. It is a 165 million-fold enlarged iron molecule with futuristic interiors, a permanent display on the bottom spheres, and breath-taking views of the city.
Explore Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site
Explore the 1980s-discovered archaeological site of Coudenberg Palace in Brussels, uncovering dungeons, tunnels, and lost alleys. The museum offers free audio tours and interactive activities for children, including the “Underground Treasure Hunt,” which includes a flashlight, treasure map, costume parts, and a riddle. Visitors can explore the medieval palace’s foundations and enjoy the city’s rich history.
Mont des Arts
Mont des Arts, built 1956-58, elevated site between Place Royale and Albertine. The Bibliothèque Albert I, as well as the stunningly modern Palais de la Dynastie and Palais Congrès, are part of the aesthetically magnificent complex of enormous buildings. A beautiful view of the lower central city can be had from the square between them. The Bibliothèque Albert I was founded under the reign of Burgundy and houses over three million books, a significant collection of manuscripts, and several noteworthy museums.
Explore Notre-Dame du Sablon’s stained glass art.
Notre-Dame du Sablon, a stunning Late Gothic church in Belgium, was built in the 15th to 16th centuries as a replacement for a modest chapel. The church’s interior features magnificent stained glass, and the Thurn und Taxis family burial chapel, designed by Luc Fayd’herbe, is noteworthy. The sacrarium houses a Virgin figure, believed to be a duplicate of a Madonna given to the chapel in 1348 by Baet Soetens, who had appeared to the Virgin.
Museums of Parc du Cinquantenaire
The Parc du Cinquantenaire, built in 1880, features the Palais du Cinquantenaire, two museums, and a triumphal arch. It houses Belgium’s national archaeology collections and extensive tapestry collections. The Royal Art and History Museum showcases the country’s military technological development and key conflicts.
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Stroll the Parkland Surrounding Château Royal
The Château Royal, the Belgian Royal Family’s residence, is not open to the public, but the surrounding park offers beautiful walks and attractions. The Leopold I monument, Japanese Tower, and hothouses, built during Leopold II’s reign, are the centrepiece of the gardens, open to the public during April and May when many plants bloom.
Basilique Nationale du Sacre Coeur
The Basilique Nationale du Sacré Coeur, the fifth-largest church in the world, was completed in 1970 and is the brainchild of Leopold II. Its sheer size of 141 meters by 107 meters showcases a stunning collection of art and an ongoing exhibition about the basilica’s history. The cupola offers a stunning view of the city and Antwerp, and binoculars are available for rent on-site.
Abbaye de la Cambre
The abbey, built in the 14th century, was once a Cistercian nuns’ abbey. Today, it houses the National Geographical Institute and an art institution, surrounded by French grounds.
