Brussels is often an overlooked city in Europe though it has so much to offer tourists. A splendid mix of historic and modern, there's always something new to see or things to do. Brussels is that destination you'd want to visit again.
Here’s a look at the best things to do in Brussels.
1. Visit Grand Palace
Worthy of the top option, the Grand Palace in Brussels is the heart of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the grand palace dates back to the 17th century and is surrounded by ornate guild halls, the towering town hall, and the Museum of Brussels. The location is one that instantly fills you with the overwhelming beauty of such a grand building.
It is a tourist attraction so of course it will be filled with other tourists like yourself but don't let it deter you from taking photos to your heart's content. A worthy destination like this needs to have memories.
2. See the Royal Palace of Brussels
The royal palace, Palais Royal is the King's admin residence and main office in Brussels although the royal family live in the northern area of the city.
The palace is open to the public for free from late July to late August. As a visitor, you can see grand decorations and reception rooms including the throne room, and the Goya room, featuring tapestries based on masterpiece paintings.
3. Step inside the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
A chapel dedicated to St. Michael has been on this spot since at least the 9th century. Although the current version of this stunning building honouring the male and female patron saints of Brussels opened in 1519, it was under construction for 300 years before. At nearly 600 years old, it must be one of the oldest and prettiest things to see in Brussels.
The cathedral’s two towers are typical of the French Gothic style (hence the similarity to Notre Dame), and the south tower contains a whopping 49-bell carillon. Inside are gorgeous Gothic and Baroque chapels and plenty of elaborate stained glass windows to lose yourself in, even if you’re not much into churches.
4. Atomium
The Atomium Brussels is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city and not visiting this landmark would be a hard miss. The Atomium is a modernist building in Brussels, Belgium which was originally built as the centrepiece of the 1958 Brussels World's Fair.
From the Atomium, you can view the beautiful city of Brussels and also explore the astounding interior spaces and volumes. Nearby the Atomium is the Design Museum of Brussels and your ticket for the Atomium automatically grants you entrance.
5. Auto-world museum
In the heart of Brussels is the Autoworld National Car Museum located in Cinquantenaire Park. A visit to the Autoworld museum unlocks the chance to explore over 300 vehicles ranging from cars, and trucks, to motorcycles that are on permanent display from early models to modern models.
The Auto World Museum is an impressive historic building linked with Belgian automobile history.
There are special sections in the museum to explore. From the sports and competition area to the section of cars owned by the Belgian royal family, micro and bubble cars, and car designs.
The Belgian Autoworld Museum is dedicated to the roots and history of the Belgian car industry and is a memorable place to visit.
6. Palace of Justice
In search of the best views of Brussels? Then you need to visit the Palace of Justice. It is one of the most important and largest buildings in Europe. Currently, the Palace of Justice is the most important court building in Belgium.
The exterior of the Palace of Justice would blow you away and the interior would make your jaw drop with its stunning beauty. The grandeur of the palace is startling with the tall open foyer, courtrooms and basement which are accessible to visitors.
7. Parc du Bruxelles
Previously known as the Royal Park, Brussels Park (Parc du Bruxelles) is the oldest park in the region. The park is designed in a neoclassical style that opens onto a lathe pond with wide alleys, symmetrical alignments and stunning views.
The park was built on the ruins of the Duke of Burgundy and the governor of the Spanish Netherlands park. This iconic landmark was once the site of fierce battles in Brussels during the revolution in 1830 and stands between the federal parliament and the royal palace of Brussels. Exploring this spot is like a visit to history and adds balance to your itinerary as you view the statues of Greco-Roman mythology and the Vauxhall.
8. Visit the Comics Art Museum
Something on the list to spark your interest. What is it like to visit a comic art museum? In the comic art museum in Brussels, you can learn about the vast history of comics from how they're made.
Brussels, Belgium is home to over 700 outstanding comic books, one of the most famous comic creations being The Smurfs. Detailed exhibits are held in the museum and there is a reading room as well with over 40 languages translations.
9. Visit the Bourse
The bourse is Belgium's stock exchange that has been in existence since 1873 and is right off the Grand Palace. On the exterior of the building you'll find large columns and sculptures but the real beauty of the bourse lies inside. The bourse holds special exhibits on photography retrospectives to immersive experiences about the ancient history of the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii.
10. The Parlamentarium
The European Parliament is an international spot of importance and you don't have to be deeply involved in politics to enjoy this location. The planetarium is certainly worth your time as there are multimedia and engaging exits that show you the history of world wars, a glimpse into what life was like during the war period in Europe and a background in why the European Union was established.
You can also watch some documentaries on the European Union being a huge part and benefits to the citizens. Visits in the planetarium last about an hour and within the given time, you can get close to some European parliament members and even strike up a conversation.
11. Cinquantenaire Park
Although Brussels is a busy and big city, there are plenty of green spaces like in Cinquantenaire Park. The weather in Brussels is known to be unpredictable so make sure you know what the weather is going to be like before stepping out and on a sunny day, don't be surprised to see people frolicking to the park.
In the park, you'll see cyclists, family and friends having a nice picnic, and visitors lounging in the open spaces and fountains. Come prepared and put yourself where the shoes fit. Have a picnic if you're travelling with a partner or you can just stroll around the park and take nice pictures. In Cinquantenaire Park, you'll find the royal museum of the armed forces and military history. A bonus to this location is that you get to do something interesting and have a fun-filled day
12. Black Tower
This medieval tower is a popular tourist attraction and if not on your radar, hurry and add it to the list. Just behind the Sainte-Catherine is a building with rounded walls and a black turret. The black tower has been in existence since the 13th century and was a part of the original fortification in the city centre.
The black tower has survived plenty of waves of redevelopment in the city for over 800 years and has now become an inland port. Located in the historic city centre, the location and existence make it outstanding.
13. The royal museum of fine arts of Belgium
Many people might not have the desire for art or even understand them but visiting museums might just spark your interest in you.
The museums in Brussels are unbelievably stunning and many are in the same district so you can easily pop in and out from the museums. You'll find Renaissance paintings, surrealism, and pop art. Check out museums like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, which includes the Modern Museum, old masters museum and others.
14. Try Belgian food
Belgium is commonly associated with chocolate, waffles and beer and for good reason. Belgian foods are an absolute delight and it is an authentic way to get the real feel of the city. Beyond Belgian snacks and sips are some amazing specialities that expose your tongue to delicious food. You can try out the seafood, or Belgian staple blend of mashed potatoes with vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts which is usually served as a side dish. Get acquainted with delicious Belgian foods and enjoy.
A visit to Brussels is a big smash and you are guaranteed to have the best time of your life. Which of these options would you be adding to your itinerary? Check out the best travel service apps that will help you organize your next trip.
