Discover the Top 7 Things to Do in Brussels!
Have you ever thought about what makes Brussels special? It’s the heart of the European Union. This city is full of history, culture, and lots of things to see. It has amazing buildings and fun statues.
Brussels has a travel guide that shows off its unique character and importance worldwide. Let’s explore the best things to do in Brussels. We’ll find out what makes this city so great.
Key Takeaways
- Brussels houses iconic sites like the Grand Place and Atomium.
- Experience over 2,000 unique beers at Delirium Cafe, a world record holder.
- Visit the original Manneken Pis statue at the Brussels City Museum.
- Explore 50 stunning cartoon murals along the Comic Strip Walk.
- The Royal Palace opens for visitors during summer for a glimpse into royal life.
Explore the Iconic Grand Place
The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels. It’s known for its beautiful buildings and lively feel. This square is full of history and charm, welcoming you to the city’s culture.
History and Significance
The Grand Place goes back to the 1400s. It was the main market square in Brussels. The Hôtel de Ville, with its Gothic style, still amazes people today.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. This shows the city’s art and history. The guildhalls around the square tell stories of success and culture over the years.
Cafés and Restaurants
There are many cafés near the Grand Place. They invite you to relax and try local foods. Enjoy mussels in different ways or have a Belgian waffle.
Enjoying a coffee or waffle lets you soak in the busy scene. Eating in Brussels is a treat. It mixes flavors from many cultures, pleasing everyone.
Top things to do in Brussels: Visit the Atomium
The Atomium is a symbol of modern creativity and innovation. It captures the hearts of locals and tourists. Built for the 1958 World’s Fair, it looks like an atom blown up 165 billion times.
People come to see its cool design and enjoy the view. It’s known as a symbol of Brussels.
A Symbol of Modern Architecture
This amazing building mixes art and engineering. It shows off the cool architecture of its time. Going up the Atomium gives you amazing Atomium views of the city.
On clear days, you can even see cities like Antwerp. This makes the Atomium even more special.
Dining Experience
Eating at the Atomium makes any meal special. The Atomium restaurant lets you enjoy tasty food with great views. They offer local and international dishes to make your meal better.
You should book ahead because it’s very popular. This way, you won’t wait too long and can enjoy both the food and the view.
Must-See: Manneken Pis and the Surroundings
The Manneken Pis statue is more than a small bronze figure. It shows the fun side of Brussels. This statue is only 61 cm tall and shows a little boy peeing. It’s a symbol of fun in the city.
People often see the statue in different outfits, over 1,000 of them. The oldest outfit is from the 17th century. This makes the statue a hit for photos, letting visitors take home a piece of Brussels.
Famous Bronze Statue
Some visitors think the Manneken Pis statue is a letdown. But, those who look closer enjoy its fun stories and traditions. It’s in a lively area, making it easy to see other cool places.
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a highlight nearby. It’s one of Europe’s oldest shopping places, built in 1847. This arcade has beautiful shops and cafés, adding to the area’s charm.
Nearby Attractions
There are many cool places near the Manneken Pis. Just a short walk, you’ll find:
- The Delirium Café, known for its huge beer list with 2,004 brands from over 60 countries.
- The Jardin du Mont des Arts, offering great views of Brussels.
- The Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, with its stunning Baroque inside from the 15th century.
Seeing these places adds to your visit to the Manneken Pis statue. It makes your trip to Brussels even better. The mix of humor and history makes it a top spot for visitors.
Conclusion
Brussels is a special place in Belgium and the heart of European politics. It has lots of things to see for every traveler. We looked at the Grand Place, a UNESCO site with amazing buildings.
There’s also the Atomium and the Manneken Pis, showing off Brussels’ history and culture. These places make Brussels a city you must visit.
Don’t miss trying the famous chocolates or going on a beer tour. Brussels is great for food lovers. You can also visit beautiful parks and museums to learn something new.
When you plan your trip to Brussels, dive into the local culture. Let the beautiful sights and tastes take your heart. There’s so much to do, you’ll want to come back for more in this European treasure.
