Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and also the European Union. Things to do in Brussels include;
- Grand Place and Brussels City Hall
- Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis
- Atomium and Mini Europe
- St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
- Botanical Garden
- Royal Gallery of St Hubert
- Royal Palace
- Arc De Triomphe and Cinquantenaire Park
- Saint Mary’s Royal Church
- Parlamentarium and EU Buildings
- Mont des Arts and Street Art
- Heysel Stadium
Hotels in Brussels are quite reasonably priced for this part of the world, for this reason, you can probably find a great hotel deal in central Brussels.
Grand Place and Brussels City Hall
In old town Brussels you’ll be overwhelmed by the amount of incredible architecture. As it’s the capital city of Belgium, there’s the highest number of typical Belgian buildings. The central square of Brussels is known as Grand Place, additionally, it’s a UNESCO site. The most famous building of Grand Place is the Town Hall. As a matter of fact, I would call this the iconic building of Brussels.
If you visit Grand Place at sunrise it’s likely you’ll have it to yourself. As a result, photographers can take some unobstructed Gothic architecture shots.
Belgian Waffles
Around the Grand Place and central Brussels you’ll pass many kiosks selling Belgian waffles. In fact, you’ll find Belgian waffle kiosks all over the country! What is your favorite Belgian waffle topping? Whichever topping you prefer, I’m sure they’ll have it here. In addition, there’ll be many toppings you didn’t even know existed!
Manneken Pis
A top spot to photograph close to the Grand Place is the Manneken Pis statue. It’s a bronze statue of a small boy peeing. This statue is often dressed up and it’s even been dressed up as Dracula. If you’re lucky it will be dressed up when you visit and you can take a unique Manneken Pis photo. Additionally, there’s are two other statues in Brussels which are inspired by this one. Firstly, Het Zinneke, which is in fact a dog urinating.
Jeanneke Pis
Once upon a time there was only a statue of a boy peeing in Brussels. In the interest of equality, the female equivalent was added in 1987.
Museum of the City of Brussels – King’s House
To learn all about Brussels from its very beginning up until today you must visit Brussels City Museum. What’s more, you can also the interior of this fine Gothic building. Lastly, did you know the Manneken Pis you see in the street is a copy? The original 400 year old statue is located inside this Museum of the City of Brussels.
Atomium and Mini Europe
The Atomium is probably the most popular destination in Brussels as well as one of the cities most important landmarks. It’s possible to go inside each of the atoms and once you’re in the atom at the top you can take a great panoramic shot of the surrounding area. Adjacent to the Atomium is Mini-Europe theme park where you’ll find a miniature version of Europe. Here you’ll find small scale and very detailed landmarks from European cities such as Big Ben, Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
Brussels is home to a huge Gothic church. For such an impressive building, the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral is in quite a peaceful location away from the historic center. I highly recommend you add this church to your Brussels itinerary. Finally, make sure you explore the majestic interior.
Inside St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
What caught my eye inside the cathedral was the detailed stained glass windows. In addition to these, the enormity of the whole structure is awe inspiring. For this reason, you must visit the cathedral whether you’re religious or not.
Botanical Garden
There are several reasons to visit the Botanical Garden of Brussels. Firstly, it’s located in the city center and therefore easy to get to. Secondly, it’s free to enter the gardens which make a good place to relax as well as take your Instagram photos. Finally, it’s a blend of English, Italian as well as French gardening and architecture.
Royal Gallery of St Hubert
Royal Gallery of st Hubert is the Brussels answer to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Visit to do some high end shopping or stop for a cafe. Alternatively, visit when it’s quiet to pose for Instagram pictures.
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a must see in Belgium. If not for the fact it is one of the largest churches in the world, visit because it’s visually stunning and therefore a top Instagram spot. This church can get very busy but if you visit at sunrise you should have the surroundings to yourself. For those who like to pose for elaborate Instagram photos, you should consider this a top Instagram spot in Brussels. Stand on the winding road in front of it for a memorable photo.
Arc de Triomphe and Cinquantenaire Park
Belgium has its own Arc de Triomphe known as Arc du Cinquantenaire. In fact, this triumphal arch is the centerpiece of Cinquantenaire park. Translated into English. Cinquantenaire park means park of the 50th anniversary. The park was created in 1880 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. Lastly, the arch was completed in 1905.
Did you know the largest Triumphal arch in the world is located in Pyongyang, North Korea? In addition, there’s a 1800 year old triumphal arch in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Saint Mary’s Royal Church
Saint Mary’s Royal Church is a worthwhile walk from the historic center of Brussels. Not many tourists know about this church therefore it’s likely to be empty when you visit. Moreover, it’s visually stunning which makes it perfect for Instagram photos. Additionally, professional photographers will enjoy capturing this church and can make use of the many tram lines around it to visually enhance it more.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a must visit in Brussels as it’s the home of the King and Queen of Belgium. In fact, a few months each year it’s possible to visit the palace, the rest of the year however, you must view it from the adjacent street. A visit here is the equivalent of visiting the famous London landmark, Buckingham Palace. Opposite the Palace is Brussels Park which is surrounded by beautiful Belgian architecture including the Center of Fine Arts and Chamber of Representatives.
Visit European Parliament – Parlamentarium
Belgium is the de facto capital of the European Union. For this reason, there are several European parliament buildings. One such building is the Parlamentarium which is the visitor center for the European Parliament. If you are interested in politics then you must take a tour of the building. It’s the largest parliamentary visitor center in Europe and on a tour you’ll visit the famous Hemicycle (above) which you’ve probably seen on TV. Check the schedule before arriving to confirm its opening times. Entrance is free but security is tight.
EU Buildings
There are many other significant European parliament buildings around the European parliament area of Brussels. As you explore, you’ll notice that security is tight and therefore also see military including tanks in this part of Brussels. I believe you’re allowed to photograph the tanks but do so discreetly.
Mont des Arts
Many visitors believe Mont des Arts is the most beautiful park in Brussels. Firstly, it’s surrounded by stunning buildings in every direction. Secondly, it features a well kept park in the center. In addition, it keeps a good degree of symmetry which makes it visually pleasing. I recommend you visit at sunrise or sunset when this park becomes majestic.
Mont des Arts at Night
The city center park is open 24 hours a day so it’s worth popping by at nighttime. Night photography can be magical at Mont des Arts.
Street Art
As you would imagine, the Belgian capital is full of street art. As you explore the city keep your eyes open for stunning artwork. The art photographed above is in the historic center, adjacent to Grand Place.
Heysel Football Stadium
The Heysel football stadium is where Liverpool infamously played Juventus in 1985 European Cup Final. An hour before kick off the Liverpool fans charged at the Juventus fans which led to a wall collapsing and lots of Juventus fans being killed. Subsequently English teams were banned from all European competition for several years. There’s now a plaque at the stadium in memory of those who died on this day. Heysel stadium is adjacent to the Atomium. I’m lucky enough to have taken both a Juventus stadium tour as well as an Anfield stadium tour. However, there is no Heysel Stadium tour available therefore you can only visit on a match day.
How to get from Brussels to Ghent
Trains leave Brussels for Ghent very regularly and take less than 40 minutes for around €7. You can take the train from any of the major Brussels train stations as they pass through all of them. Make sure you buy your ticket from a machine before boarding the train and enjoy the journey!
This is perfectly timed at my next trip this month is to Brussels (and then Ghent). I can’t wait to see it all and those waffles and chips sound fantastic. I’m probably going to see everything you mentioned here but I’m most excited about drinking the beer and eating the food. 🙂
One of the things I love European cities is how walkable everything seem to be. A quick walk from anywhere brings you to a touristic destination. Saves up money for more important things like, food. :p
Did you go inside the Atomium? It looks interesting and I’m curious how the view from up there looks like.
What a lovely article about Brussels and the highlights. Although I have been there a few times I never made it to the Atomium and the Mini-Europe theme park. Traveling by train seems pretty easy here. I hope you enjoyed some Belgium beers too.
I sure did enjoy a decent amount of Belgian beer!
The architecture is truly magnificent… and so much of it too!
I also agree with the above comment. The walkability (is that even a word?) makes it a must visit location.
Normally I’m not a sweets man, but I totally agree with your waffle analysis 🙂 Definitely can’t turn your nose up at one with lashings of strawberries and cream.
Great photos
I went to most of these places in Brussels! I was there during the Flower Carpet festival and it was one of the most breathtaking artworks I’ve ever seen!!!! Apart from Mannekin Pis there are 2 more similar sculptures too there. Unfortunately, the Cathedral was closed on the day I went! 🙁
Brussels is so near to us in the UK and we really need to visit! It looks like such a beautiful place to explore and plus, I wanna eat that chocolate! Thanks for sharing!
Oh wow, I want to go in those atoms haha it looks so cool! I have never been to Brussels but it looks like there are quite a few interesting places to visit! Thanks for all the info 🙂
I have been to Netherlands, but never to Belgium. I love the architecture in your pictures…looks so stunning. I guess I would also spend a lot of my time eating chocolates in Belgium…not good for the waist 😛
Buussela is an amazing city…if i am not wrong the atomium offers dining too?
A Belgian waffle with Nutella is the perfect snack. But I never turn down a waffle. 🙂 I don’t normally eat fries (chips) but sounds like they’re a must try. Your fisheye shots really make your photos pop.I’m definitely adding the Atomium to my must do list for Brussels.
Mmmhh the nutella waffles! I lived for 3 years in Brussels, and I definitely gained a lot of kilos thanks to the amazing waffles hahahaa. What I loved about Brussels was its cultural mix.
I love when you start your posts with “accommodations are reasonable in this part of the world!” Brussels looks like a great place to visit. We’ve been eating a lot of fish and chips here in England, so I would need to try them in Brussels to compare :). The Atomium looks super interesting. I think I’d want to go inside even if it is touristy.
I hadn’t realised there was so much to see in Brussels. It’s a destination that is increasing in popularity – which is great, and hopefully more people will be able to enjoy everything Brussels has to offer. As a fellow Brit I’m partial to some good old (northern) England fish and chips – but I’m intrigued about Belgian chips. I’d probably give the waffles a miss tho, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth.
Brussels in one of my fave European cities, its so close to the UK and I recently visited again for the day in February. I think my favourite place that you have mentioned is St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral. It’s one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and I think it helps that it is up a hill and looks over the city!
It was my very good fortunate to visit Brussels last year and the city really is a lot of fun. As the pictures would suggest, it is a truly beautiful city with some stunning architecture, not least the Cathedrals mentioned. And then of course, there’s Belgian beer which is amongst the best in the world. Great post and some awesome shots
Brussels actually is not too far to UK. hope I can visit it on my next trip in May. I think the places and things to do what you have mentioned would help me alot on my trip! Thanks for sharing! The city looks amazing with amazing architecture.
Hey,
I have said it before and again I am saying – I totally love your pictures. Your post reminded me of my time in Brussels. Now I am totally nostalgic. Thanks for sharing.