Brussels, the capital of Belgium is certainly one of the most impressive cities in the world.

The architecture of this city alone is enough reason to visit. Every street and corner is packed with beautiful buildings; all perfect photo opportunities. This is why you should go to Brussels.

Let’s look at a few places you must see and things you must do when visiting Brussels.

It is possible to do a lot on the list below all in one day, but it all depends on how much time you want to spend here. Sometimes it is nice to book an extra day, just so you don’t feel as if you’re in a hurry the whole time. (Oh and if you want to book accommodation – the easy links at the bottom of this page will help you get the best price on everything.)

The Place

First of all, you have to go to The Place. Yes, it is “the place” to be. LOL. This beautiful cobblestone square is also home to the 15th-century city hall and museum. You have to stop at the museum to see the tapestries and art on display.

Brussels’ Flower Carpet

And speaking of tapestries: During August the city square has a huge flower carpet display, made of real flowers. This is a spectacular sight and definitely a huge Instagram attraction.

The Atonium

You simply cannot miss the gigantic Atonium, which is a 102 m tall sparkling silver monument in the shape of a “unit cell of an α-iron (ferrite) crystal magnified 165 billion times”. It is made up of 9 silver “spheres” and you can visit 5 of them.

A wonderful dining experience

The Atomium’s highest sphere is home to the Atomium Restaurant , where you can have dinner with beautiful views of Brussels.

More stops along the way

The Jubel Park, The Le Botanique gardens and the Royal Palace are also beautiful stops you can make along the way.

The Royal Palace of Brussels is accessible to the public. There is a tradition in which, every summer, the Royal Palace opens its doors to the public. From 23 July to 25 August, the palace can be visited free of charge, except on Mondays. (Always check their website – link above – for updated information and timelines before you go.)

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Take a tour through the city

Take a bus tour through the city. This is always the best way to see any city while getting the inside info and tourist information. Information you often cannot find on the internet. The city also has a hop-on-hop-off bus with free audio guides. This is a convenient option should you wish to explore at your own pace. (You can easily book tours online from the link at the top of the page.)

Travel Tip(s)

The subway is a safe option for transport in the city: Clean and efficient.

Best time to visit Brussels

In my opinion, it would definitely be August as you will then have the opportunity to experience both the flower carpet as well as the Royal Palace.

Chocolate and more chocolate

While in Belgium you have to do a chocolate tasting. After all, Belgium is famous for its chocolate.

The Comic Books

In the city, you will find houses all painted with scenes from comic books. There is even a Comic Arts Museum: The Belgian Comic Strip Center.

Manneken Pis

One of the “biggest tourist attractions” as advertised by many, is actually not a big attraction and simply a statue of a little naked boy…which is apparently sometimes dressed… This is definitely not something I would recommend as a “must-see”, as it was a bit disappointing, to say the least. (That is after you’ve been told that you simply must see this. Hmmmm no, not so wow.)

However, the story behind this 61 cm bronze statue is that it plays a huge part in the city’s calendar. The people of Brussels even have outfits for him for every occasion, like Santa Clause during Christmas time. So, I guess if you want to see everything that is dear to Brussels, then you need to stop here as well. There is also a girl and a dog statue doing the same thing, should you wish to look for them.

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

If you’re looking for a stylish and exclusive shopping experience, you need to visit the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert.

Obviously, this is also the place to have that famous Instagram selfie photo taken.

Mini-Europe

This fun theme park with scaled replicas of Europe’s most famous sites and buildings takes you on a world tour in only a few hours. It is really a very nice place to stop for the whole family.

Food & Drink – Experience Belgium

Maison Antoine might have a very long line of people waiting for food, but you just have to stop here.

The Waffle Factory is a must-stop for an authentic Brussels waffle. You can choose from almost any topping you can think of.

You simply must do a Beer Tasting in Belgium (See tours below)

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these culinary delights at local eateries, street food stalls, and traditional brasseries scattered throughout the city. Be sure to try some authentic Belgian specialties like moules frites (mussels with fries) and carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in beer).

Discover Beer in Brussels

Brussels Midi Market

We always recommend stopping at the local market, for some fresh fruit and/or veg and more. This is the perfect place to experience any city or town’s local cuisine. Often it is also the place to shop for affordable food options.

The Midi market is open every Sunday from 6 am to 2 pm. Parking is not always available so it will be best to use public transport. You can easily reach it by tram, bus or train. With more than 400 vendors, you will find almost anything here, not just food. It is one of Europe’s biggest markets.

Visit the Museums

Brussels is home to a wealth of museums showcasing art, history, and culture. Take some time to visit renowned institutions such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, which houses an impressive collection of works by Flemish masters like Rubens and Bruegel, and the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the famous surrealist artist René Magritte. Many museums offer discounted admission or free entry on certain days, so plan your visit accordingly.

The Royal Museum for Central Africa in Brussels, Belgium is a Centre for knowledge and resources on Africa, in particular Central Africa. The museum exhibits unique collections.

By, Jo-Anne Naude

Your Go-To Guide for Seamless Travel

Jo-Anne believes that a well-prepared traveler is a happy traveler. With a focus on providing practical, detailed guides, Jo-Anne’s articles are packed with all the essential information you need before embarking on your next adventure, making your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, her insights will help you make the most of every trip.

Brussels map and helpful hints and tips

Where is Brussels? Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, a country located in Western Europe. It is situated in the central part of Belgium, roughly halfway between the cities of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Paris in France.

Can you explore on Foot? Brussels is a compact city with many attractions located within walking distance of each other. Lace up your comfortable shoes and explore the city’s charming streets, beautiful squares, and iconic landmarks like the Grand Place and the Atomium on foot to fully immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.

Brussels is a multicultural city where multiple languages are spoken due to its status as the capital of Belgium and the administrative center of the European Union. The primary languages spoken in Brussels include German, English, French, and Dutch (Flemish).

Plan for the Seasons: Brussels experiences distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. Spring and summer are popular times to visit, with pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. However, these seasons also tend to be more crowded, so book accommodations and attractions in advance if you’re visiting during peak times. Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, while winter transforms the city into a magical wonderland with festive Christmas markets and decorations adorning the streets.