Brussels is the Belgian capital and headquarters of the European Union and NATO. So keep in mind that, on your visit to the city, you will surely see a lot of government buildings, practically all located in palaces. The city has more than 80 museums, the Royal Palace, an impressive cultural attraction and endless places to visit. You won't get bored, there are so many things to see and do in Brussels!
In this article I tell you the essential things to see and do in Brussels, some accommodation tips and tips to save money in the city.
I have traveled to Brussels twice, in spring and Christmas, so you will find pictures of both occasions. When is the best time to travel to Brussels? You ask me this kind of question a lot. And my answer is always the same; It doesn't matter if it's sunny, rainy, snowy... any time is perfect to travel anywhere. Find a cheap flight, pack a bag at the last minute and don't think about it too much! To travel!
25 MUST SEE AND DO IN BRUSSELS
1. Start getting to know Brussels with a free tour
It is always a good idea to book a guided tour when visiting a new city. These guided tours offer cultural and historical information, anecdotes... about the most emblematic places in the city. In Brussels you can book a free guided tour to learn a little more. They have several options, I leave you the links so you can book your free tour of Brussels:
2. Marvel at the Grand Place
The Grand Place in Brussels is impressive. In it are two of the most important buildings to see in Brussels: the town hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the Maison du Roi, which was the residence of the royal family and which you will currently find the City Museum.
In the museum you can see paintings and tapestries from the 16th century and also the many costumes in which the Manneken Pis has been dressed.
You should not only come here to visit the museum, the square itself is beautiful. The Plaza was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1998.
3. Don't miss the Brussels City Hall
The building that houses the Brussels City Hall is one of the most beautiful in the city and some consider that it is even in the world.
It was built in the 15th century and is in the Brabantine Gothic style. It is a sample of the Belgian and Dutch prosperity of the time. To demonstrate their power, both countries built large civil buildings, both town halls and commercial markets.
The tower is 96 meters high and at its end is a 5-meter golden statue of the Archangel Michael, patron saint of the city. For a brief period, at the start of World War I, the town hall was a makeshift hospital.
4. Find the guild houses
In the same square are the union houses. The commercial development of the city was linked to this square, so the guilds with their respective houses were established there.
In 1695, the entire square was destroyed by the cannons of the army of the King of France, Louis XIV. However, in about four years, the city was rebuilt and the guild houses were built again.
5. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula
This is the most representative and important religious building in Brussels.
Its construction lasted 3 centuries, it began to be built in the year 1226 with stone from Gobertange and it was finished in the year 1500.
It is in the Brabantine Gothic style and has been the scene of royal weddings and coronations.
It is located at the crossroads of two important routes, the one that goes from Flanders to Cologne and the one that goes from Antwerp to Mons passing through Brussels.
Admission is free and if you want access to see the treasure you must pay 2 euros.
6. Find the Manneken Pis
It is one of the main icons of the city. It is a famous statue of only 61 cm.
Its legend is not clear and you can find several versions depending on who you ask. Some will tell you that it symbolizes the Belgian attitude towards power and others will tell you that it honors a boy who wanted to put out a fire with his own resources.
7. And don't forget to look for the Jeanneke Pis
In your search to find the manneken Pis you cannot leave out its feminine version either. La Jeanneke Pis is located just off Rue des Bouchers. The sculpture dates from 1987 and was commissioned by the owner of a local restaurant.
8. And finally look for the Zinneke Pis
Well yes, there is a third statue that you must find. This statue is the representation in the form of a dog. You will find it on the corner of Rudy des Chartreux and Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains.
This statue is the most modern of the three since it was created in 1998 by Tom Fantzen during a marketing campaign.
9. Stroll through the Jardin du Petit Sablon
This garden is located in the Sablon neighborhood and is considered one of the most elegant in the city. You will be able to see several interesting statues and enjoy a quiet moment, disconnecting a bit from the hustle and bustle of Brussels.
10. Visit the Notre Dame du Sablon Cathedral
This beautiful Catholic church was built in the 15th century and you will find it located in the pretty Sablon neighborhood. It stands out for its late Brabantine Gothic style exterior and its exuberant interior decoration that includes two Baroque chapels.
Legend has it that the Virgin appeared to a young woman from Antwerp and asked her to transport her to Brussels.
He did so, took a boat and gave the image to the Archers Guild, who put it in their chapel. Since then this cathedral has been an important place of pilgrimage.
11. Enjoy eating Belgian chocolate
One of the best things to do in Brussels to burst eating chocolate. And it is that it is already known by all that Belgian chocolate is excellent. You will be able to find stores specifically only for chocolate and bonbons, bakeries where their sweets are filled with this delicious and even food trucks where you can taste a crepe filled with Belgian chocolate. It is a vice. I assure you that you will return home with a few extra kilos.
If you are thinking of buying chocolate to give to your relatives when you return or to be able to continue eating it at home, I advise you to buy it in the city and not wait at the airport. You can find the same tables twice as expensive if you expect to do your shopping at the last minute on the return flight.
12. Go shopping at the Royal Galleries of Sant Hubert
I'm not a big fan of shopping when I travel. And I usually leave shopping malls to one side, but in Brussels you have to make an exception.
The Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert were built in the mid-19th century at the request of the city's gentry. They wanted to have their own leisure space where they could protect themselves from the coldest and rainiest months.
The architecture of the galleries is impressive and beautiful. And even though the years go by, it gives you the feeling that time stops when you walk through its corridors.
13. Be impressed by the Brussels Stock Exchange building
The stock exchange building is a quick and essential stop to make in Brussels. This impressive building dates from the 19th century, and was built to meet the growing commercial needs of the city at that time. It is not possible to access its interior, although it is worth going here to see it. Sit on the stairs and take the opportunity to eat something and see the environment that surrounds you.
14. Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Square is one of the most elegant and impressive spaces in the city of Brussels. Here you will find the Belgian Parliament, the Palace of Justice and the Royal Palace, the seat of the Belgian monarchy. Inside these Palaces there are offices, some ministries and meeting rooms.
It is possible to visit it in summer, from July 22 to September 6. Visiting hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
At night they light up the building and it is beautiful.
15. You can't miss visiting the Palace of Justice either
The Palace of Justice in Brussels was built between 1866 and 1883, when Leopold II was the King of the country.
It is currently the seat of the Judiciary and the Belgian courts of justice. After the Second World War, major repair works had to be carried out because it was left in very poor condition. It is possible to visit it and it is not wasted. Open on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
16. Museum of Natural Sciences
Brussels has more than 80 museums, so if you have little time in the city and it's your first time, museums might take a backseat. One of the most lively and curious museums is the museum of natural sciences.
In this museum you can see dinosaur skeletons on a real scale and learn about our impact on the oceans, among many other curiosities.
The entrance costs about 7 euros.
17. Stroll through the Brussels Park
The park in Brussels is the largest park in the city and various events are held there throughout the year, especially in summer. It is the city's green lung, perfect for disconnecting, strolling unhurriedly and admiring the statues that are found there.
18. You can't miss the Fiftieth Anniversary Park either
It is one of the most essential places to see in Brussels. You will find it in the European quarter of the city. It has an area of 30 hectares.
The most photographed place in the park is the triumphal arch. This building was built in 1905 replacing a previous version by Gédéon Bordiau. It is called the Fiftieth Anniversary Park because it was built to house the World's Fair in 1880, which commemorated 50 years of Belgian independence.
19. Visit the Parlamentarium
You cannot come to Brussels and not make this visit.
The visitor center is located in the European Parliament building. It is a bit far from the city center, but it is worth visiting. Here you will learn about the history of Europe and the formation of the European Union in a very modern and well-assembled exhibition based on interactive elements.
At the entrance they give you a multimedia guide that you follow the exhibition. You can also visit the hemicycle, although you must bear in mind that there are limited hours and with a maximum capacity of 80 people per visit. And there is usually a queue.
20. Do not miss the Magritte Museum
If you like art, and especially the famous surrealist painter René Magritte, here you can enjoy many of his works. Although several of his most popular works are in other popular museums around the world. It is an interesting visit. Admission costs €8.
21. Marvel at the Royal Castle of Laeken and its greenhouses
The Royal Castle of Laeken is the residence of the Belgian Royal Family. It is located on the outskirts of Brussels, in Laeken.
It was built in 1782 as the residence of the Governors of the Netherlands (then Belgium was under their rule).
Napoleon Bonaparte also resided there in 1804 during his campaigns to expand his empire. However, since the country's independence in 1830, it has been the residence of the Belgian monarchy.
The most beautiful and special place to see in the castle are its royal greenhouses. They were built in 1873 under the orders of Leopoldo II.
They can only be visited inside for two weeks a year, the last of April and the first of May.
22. Visit the Atomium
This giant atom, 102 meters high, was built in 1958 for the Universal Exhibition held in Brussels. It is located far from the city, but it is worth going here to visit it.
The building is huge and impressive. It is surrounded by gardens where you can walk and enjoy a while away from the city.
You can take the elevator to the highest sphere. Upstairs there is a viewpoint with views of the city and inside the other spheres there is an exhibition on the history of the monument and other temporary exhibitions.
23. Take a trip to Bruges
If you only visit Brussels for a couple of days, you won't have time to visit nearby cities. However, if your intention is to spend several days in the country, it is recommended that you add to your itinerary some of the most beautiful towns and cities in the country.
Bruges is a small, best-preserved medieval city in Europe, with a lot of charm full of legends that is worth visiting and even staying in.
Since it is only about an hour from Brussels, you can take a day trip and then return to Brussels.
There are several options for an organized excursion to Bruges, I leave you the links so you can see all the information and book:
24. Visit Ghent
Ghent is a beautiful city, with cobbled streets and alleys, small restaurants where you will eat great and with several interesting places to visit.
Ghent is halfway between Bruges and Brussels, which is why there is a tour that includes both cities on the same day.
25. Visit Antwerp
Last but not least, one of the interesting visits to do from Brussels is to get to know the city of Antwerp. It is only about 50 minutes by car from Brussels.
If you don't want to go on your own, you can take an organized excursion:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Brussels and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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