{"id":11408,"date":"2021-07-14T19:00:53","date_gmt":"2021-07-14T18:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/?p=11408"},"modified":"2023-06-15T14:07:11","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T13:07:11","slug":"12-attractions-in-brussels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/12-attractions-in-brussels\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Top Attractions in Brussels, Belgium – A Complete Guide to the City"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Brussels, the capital of Belgium<\/a>, is one of the most popular and culture-rich vacation destinations in the entire Europe. In case you\u2019re planning a visit there soon, scroll down to find my complete list of unmissable attractions in Brussels, as well as the top places to stay, what to eat (and where to eat it!) and information about public transportation in the city as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brussels is well-known for its historical buildings, incredible gastronomy (think about chocolate, waffles and beer) and beautiful museums. It\u2019s a capital city full of history, that caters for all types of visitors. Regardless if you\u2019re interested in architecture, exploring the historic centre, going on day trips or you just want to spend some quality time relaxing and tasting some incredible dishes, get ready for one of your best vacations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Okay, enough talking, let\u2019s get down to business! Get ready to make some real travel plans!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>12 Top things to do in Brussels, Belgium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are so many interesting attractions in the city of Brussels that it was really hard to make a shortlist! Regardless if you want to visit the Grand Place or a UNESCO World Heritage site or simply indulge in traditional gastronomy, the list below has it all:<\/p>\n\n\n

1 – Grand Place<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Grand Place (also known as Grote Markt<\/a>) is the main square in Brussels\u2019 historic centre. Famous for its jaw-dropping architecture (including a 15th-century town hall!), the stunning buildings that surround the cobbled plaza offer an insight into Brussels through the eras. Most of the buildings in the Grand Place are full of history, dating from the late 17th century, but the earliest date all the way back to the 12th century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their golden exteriors have been preserved to retain their original Gothic and Baroque style, but inside they are now filled with restaurants, cafes and shops. The Grand Place is pretty impressive, I promise! <\/p>\n\n\n

2 – The Atomium<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Atomium<\/a> is one of the most well-known landmarks in Belgium and a symbol of Brussels! It was initially built for the first post-war Brussels World Expo in 1957. Nowadays it holds a museum devoted to the historical exhibition inside its spheres along with a restaurant and viewing platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Atomium entrance fee: 16\u20ac\/person. You can buy your tickets online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED READ<\/strong>: Travel Guide: How To Visit the Atomium in Brussels, Belgium<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

3 – Mini Europe<\/h3>\n\n\n
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If you want to travel around the world (okay, just Europe, but still!) while you\u2019re in Brussels, this is THE place to go. With over 350 miniature buildings including all the major European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Venice canals, Mini Europe<\/a> is a great attraction for families to learn about European history in an interactive way. 100% a great place to go with little ones!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mini Europe entrance fee: 12\u20ac\/person. Children under 1.15m can enter free of charge! You can buy your tickets online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP<\/strong>: You can buy a combined ticket for the Atomium + Mini Europe + Brussels Design Museum for 18.40\u20ac here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

4 – Eat Waffles<\/h3>\n\n\n
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You can\u2019t come to Belgium and miss out on waffles! Luckily, Brussels is the perfect place to sample the real deal. There are two different types to choose from; the Brussels waffle (rectangular and flaky, often coated in icing sugar) or the Liege waffle (sweeter, with rounded corners and a crystalized surgery coating). The most famous spot for this Belgian delicacy is Maison Dandoy<\/a>, and I can confirm it is well worth a visit to get one there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP<\/strong>: If you LOVE waffles, you might be interested in joining a waffle making workshop<\/a>, why not?<\/p>\n\n\n

5 – Palais Royal \/ Royal Palace of Brussels<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Although the palace is no longer home to the King and Queen of Belgium, the stunning building still acts as the monarchy\u2019s headquarters in the centre of the capital. Aside from its stately importance, the building and its surrounding parks and grounds are beautiful and easy to explore during a trip to the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP<\/strong>: During summer (late July to late August), visitors can even go inside and see the rooms of the palace free of charge. You can check out more details about this event when the palace is open to the public here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

6 – Palais de Justice<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Law Courts of Brussels<\/a> is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys European architecture. The Palais De Justice is an impressive building both inside and out and with visits being absolutely free of charge, it\u2019s one of Brussels must-visits – especially if you\u2019re into photography!<\/p>\n\n\n

7 – Parc du Cinquantenaire<\/h3>\n\n\n
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A park, really?! I know, but trust me, it\u2019s worth a visit! Not only is this park super photogenic, but its surrounding buildings house museums on either side. By the way, Parc du Cinquantenaire hosts a beautiful Triumphal Arch as well – a must see!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP<\/strong>: I recommend visiting the Cinquantenaire Park during spring when the park is full of flowers and you can enjoy the sunshine.<\/p>\n\n\n

8 – Manneken Pis<\/h3>\n\n\n
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This little landmark is a bit of an odd one, but tourists crowd around the fountain to see the sculpture called \u201cManneken Pis\u201d – a 61cm bronze statue of a… peeing little boy. Some may find it altogether unimpressive but it seems here in Brussels that size does not matter, haha! And as odd as it may sound, Manneken Pis is actually a symbol of Brussels. You\u2019ll see replicas all over the city; painted on walls, stencilled onto your waffle in icing sugar, decorating the chocolate shops you visit \u2013 he seems to be everywhere! You can even take him home as a magnet, bottle opener or keychain \u2013 lucky you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FUN FACT:<\/strong> Except for Manneken Pis, there are two other \u201cmembers\u201d of this odd family: Jeanneke Pis (a girl) and Zinneke Pis (a dog).<\/p>\n\n\n

9 – Eat mussels and fries<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Mussels in Brussels! It rhymes, so you know it\u2019s good! This delicacy can be served in a variety of ways; steamed in white wine sauce, garlic and lemon or with some spicy tomato sauce \u2013 but they always come with fries on the side. Eating mussels in Brussels is a real art, so make sure you don\u2019t miss this from your bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP<\/strong>: <\/b>We had a particularly great experience at Chez Leon<\/a> where they serve generous portions and the flavours are on point. I also heard Le Zinneke<\/a> and In\u2019t Spinnekopke<\/a> are popular spots.<\/p>\n\n\n

10 – The Tintin Street Art Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Take a self-guided walking tour of Brussels by following the Tin Tin Comic Strip Trail<\/a>! Wear comfy shoes as it\u2019s a 3-mile route that takes you on the hunt for 30 wall murals inspired by the comic strip throughout the city. Herg\u00e9, the cartoonist behind the Tin Tin comic was Belgian, so you\u2019ll notice TinTin and snowy pop up a lot around the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP<\/strong>: If you don\u2019t fancy so much walking, you can cheat a bit by using the hop-on \/ hop-off bus – for this I’d recommend getting a bus pass<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

11 – Taste some Belgian beer<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Belgium is possibly the most celebrated beer brewing nation in the world today, so it makes sense to try some of the finest artisanal beer in the world while you are in Brussels. Join a beer tasting tour<\/a> or visit a brewery<\/a> to learn the latest wave of brewing innovation. Whether you\u2019re into classic beer or modern brewing techniques, everyone loves to sample the goods!<\/p>\n\n\n

12 – Eat Belgian chocolate<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Belgium is famous for its incredible chocolate, so you\u2019ll find no shortage of amazing chocolatiers all over Brussels. There are so many treats to sample, from chocolate-covered strawberries to caramelised pralines to truffle liquors. The most famous and my personal favourite are the handmade Belgian chocolate bars. They are the yummiest but also the priciest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP<\/strong>: If you want to truly enjoy Belgian chocolate, I recommend visiting the Choco-Story Museum<\/a>, followed by a workshop with a professional chocolatier during which you\u2019ll make your own chocolate bars. Alternatively, you can opt for a Chocolate Tasting<\/a> from 5 renowned confectioneries in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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BONUS: Extra Brussels attractions if you have more time<\/h2>\n\n\n

In case you still have some days left to explore Brussels or if you\u2019re not visiting for the first time and you\u2019ve already seen the Grand Place or Manneken Pis, I have a BONUS list of fun things to do for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MORE THINGS TO DO IN BRUSSELS:<\/h3>\n\n\n