Travel Insights

Home to waffles, brilliant Flemish architecture, comic murals, and the oddly adorable Manneken Pis, Brussels is a good mix of opposites. On one hand, you see modern skyscrapers as you pull out of the airport, but the views shift significantly as you move towards the historic city center. A couple of days in Brussels are good enough to check out all the major attractions and get your fill of macaroons and creamy dark Belgian chocolate.
But if you want to dive deep with a beer in hand, keep reading till the end.

1. Grand Place

The first place you should head over to after landing in Brussels is Grand Place, or the historic city center. You can take a city transport, bike, or walk for the full experience as you approach it. The square is huge and flanked by historic buildings (like the fifteenth century city hall), a Gothic Church, and numerous alfresco eateries. Admire the beautiful Flemish architecture (notice the gilded statues in the sunlight), delight at the street performances, and then duck into a cobbled lane to explore the area.

2. Manneken Pis

Built in 1619, this historic statue of a cherubic peeing boy puzzles everyone. But that doesn’t stop folks from visiting it and taking lots of selfies with it in the background. You’ll find it dressed in quirky costumes, which are eventually exhibited in the City Museum. This two-feet-tall statue is such an iconic landmark of Brussels that you’ll even find edible life-size versions of it in the nearby chocolateries!
Also watch out for the female counterpart of this statue – the Jeanneke Pis near the Impasse de la Fidélité alley.

3. Old England Building

Visit the Old England Building to admire the stunning architecture, especially the façade. And, if you’re a fan of music or historical artifacts, it’s worth spending some time inside the museum. You’ll find over 2000 musical instruments exhibited, each with their own history and cultural undercurrents. Some of the exhibits are also interactive.

4. Brussels Museum of Costume and Lace

Exquisite lace and fabric were the primary import products of Belgium and this museum has collections dating back to the 1800s. If you’re a history buff, then the Brussels Museum of Costume and Lace is a must visit. Most of the exhibits were collected over the years by the museum authorities while some were donated by private collectors. The museum also has several temporary exhibits throughout the year that reveal the history and culture of textile trade in Belgium.

5. Notre Dame Du Sablon

If you love Gothic architecture, make your way over to this 14th century cathedral in Brussels. Many devotees believe that the Madonna of this cathedral has healing powers, which was in fact stolen by a woman from Antwerp in 1348, after she had a dream. The cathedral also has two beautiful baroque chapels.

6. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

This is the main church of Brussels and it was also built in the Gothic style. Originally, the cathedral was only named after St. Michael till St. Gudula’s relics were brought here in 1047. The cathedral took over 300 years to be built and underwent a massive restoration in the late ‘80s. The interiors are beautifully baroque, with opulent original oak confessionals and colorful stained glass windows.

7. Le Botanique

The patrons of this Botanical Garden were the rich and famous of Belgium. There’s still a whole lot of greenery in the Botanical Garden, but the greenhouse is mostly in use as a cultural center. It’s a gorgeous place to visit if you need a breather from exploring the city.

8. Parc Du Cinquantenaire

This late 19th century park set up by Belgian monarch Leopold II is still a favorite with both tourists and locals. The park is beautifully landscaped and has magnificent fountains and sculptures. It is also flanked by two museums (War museum and Autoworld museum) and has some stunning arches as well.

Many cultural and sporting events also take place in the park throughout the year.

9. Palais Royal

Although the Palais Royal is the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium, they currently reside at the Royal Palace of Laeken. The current façade was built when Leopold II came to power and the palace stands at the site of a medieval palatial complex. Royal possessions and portraits constitute the bulk of the exhibits in the palace. But the main attraction is the beautiful room whose ceiling is covered with the wing cases of over a million Thai jewel beetles. How about that!

10. Atomium

This accurate model of an atom (magnified 165 billion times) was built in 1958 to welcome the new atomic age in Belgium and is now one of the most iconic landmarks of Brussels. It’s 100 meters tall and a superfast lift can take you right to the top where you can enjoy the views of the city with a glass of beer.

11. Mini Europe

Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini Europe is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Brussels. Here you’ll find miniature versions of the most well-known landmarks of Europe replicated to the smallest detail and with interactive animations. From the Big Ben to the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, all the best European tourist destinations are represented in Mini Europe.

12. Beer tour of Brussels

Belgians love their beer and if you’re a fan of the hops to, make sure you sign up for a guided Beer tour of Brussels. Typically, these tours last about 4-5 hours and you go on a pub crawl to taste some of the finest Belgian brews as well as learn about the history of beer in Belgium. Appetizers and other tidbits are also included. What a way to spend a day!

13. Comic book museum

Did you know Brussels is home to the Smurfs and Herge’s Tintin? The comic book museum is housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building and is a must visit. Here you’ll find some of your favourite comic book characters and objects as well as learn all about the intricacies of creating a wholesome and engaging comic strip. The permanent exhibits of the museum are constantly being updated and a number of temporary exhibitions are also organized often.

14. Comic book mural hunting tour

Take your love for comic strips further by going on a guided tour of the comic book murals route. From Tintin and Captain Haddock to Spike and Suzy, you’ll find all your favorite characters frozen in action on the walls of Brussels.

15. Eat around Brussels

Waffles (with the most decadent toppings) and frites (double-fried “french” fries served with a generous helping of mayo) are among the top things to snack on when you visit Brussels. Here are some other authentic Belgian delicacies you shouldn’t miss:

• Mussels (steamed in white wine with shallots and butter)
  Meatballs (meat coated in cherry sauce and deep fried – yum!)
  Flemish stew (beef slowly cooked in Belgian beer)
  Eel in the green (Eel cooked in a mild but flavorful basil sauce)
  Vol-au-vent (a hollowed dough pastry filled with creamy chicken and mushroom sauce)
  Rabbit with prunes (a delicious rustic affair)

16. Christmas Market

Grand Place comes alive in the weeks leading up to Christmas with the Winter Wonders event and Christmas Market. Here you’ll find all kinds of stalls selling decorations, knickknacks, yummy hot beverages and food. A skating rink is also set up along with a huge Christmas tree and festive parades.

17. Day trip to Bruges or Ghent

If you’re visiting Bruges for about a week, plan a couple of day trips to Bruges and Ghent.

Bruges: Bruges is a historic fairytale town easily accessible from Brussels (about an hour and a half by train). You’ll love the old world feel with the horse drawn carriages, quaint chocolate shops, swans, and the darling cottages leading up to the beautiful town center. Bruges was also known for its contribution to lace making in Belgium.

Ghent: Ghent is about 45 minutes by train from Brussels and one of the largest cities in the Flanders region of Belgium (after Antwerp). Have a gala time in this charming city exploring castles, admiring impressive Gothic architecture and getting your fill of fruity beers and frites.