Old England

The Old England building is a highly revered building that has been around for much of its history in Brussels. It is one of the most characteristic Brussels attractions. It has stood tall among the streets of downtown Brussels, Belgium, since the 1800s.

It was formerly used to house a department store and large retailer but has since been moved to house other important shops and structures such as the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM). This building is extremely well known as it follows the Art Nouveau style of architecture and is a leader in its field.

By Hispalois, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Grand Place

The Grand Place is one of the most monumental things to do in Brussels. It is an important tourist destination and perhaps one of the most memorable landmarks in Brussels, Belgium. That is in large part due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. But what is this beautiful place all about?

Grand Place, also called Grand Square or Grote Markt, Brussels, Belgium finds its place among the city’s Town Hall and the King’s House with the Brussels City Museum with luxurious guildhalls along with two large edifices surrounding it by the sides.

By Wouter Hagens, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Krbuoi6ABZkFQ7Df7 | Phone Number: +3225138940

Fashion and Lace Museum

The Fashion and Lace Museum finds its place among a group of historical structures and buildings amidst the heart of Brussels. The Museum, by itself, is a monumental structure that is home to more than ten thousand pieces of lace, garments, and accessories. For that very reason, the Fashion and Lace Museum stands as a matter of pride among the heart of Brussels.

Address: Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zsdDfxMQNvKkBsV17 | Phone Number: +3222134450

Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon | Notre Dame Du Sablon

The Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon came to be in the year 1304. It was then that this building was commissioned to be constructed by the archers of the city. And ever since, it has stood as a remarkable Late Gothic church and a highly revered place of pilgrimage that is a very characteristic Brussels attraction.

It is also frequented by tourists and locals alike who come in to marvel at its Gothic style architecture and state of the art interiors. Some even say that it is one of the most beautiful sights the city of Brussels has to offer.

By Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Rue des Sablons, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SXTeMdmGoYtLFfZS6 | Phone Number: +3222130065

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

The Brussels Cathedral is one of the most important monuments in Belgium and perhaps one of the most breathtaking things to see in Brussels. After all, the Cathedral is one of the finest marks of Brabantine Gothic architecture.

And the history behind it is just as grand as the interiors. Its history is a significant one painted across the medieval Roman Catholic story. This Roman Catholic church is officially termed the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula as a tribute to both the revered saints of the City of Brussels.

By Donaldytong, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Place Sainte-Gudule, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Timing: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KJ9NfX5o43GJ3vWa8 | Phone Number: +3222178345

Botanique | Le Botanique

If you are wondering what to do in Brussels, this is it. Le Botanique is a leading concert hall and exhibition center located in the heart of Brussels Belgium. Le Botanique is one of the best things to do in Brussels owing to the acts it hosts.

These include esteemed musicians such as Bon Iver, Lou Reed, Band of Horses, Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines, MGMT, Editors, Oasis, Tame Impala, and Jeff Buckley. Along with that, Le Botanique also hosts a variety of other exhibitions and art galleries including those in the space of fine arts, photography, and more.

By Ben2., CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Rue Royale 236, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Belgium | Timing: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/botanique-bruxelles?share | Phone Number: +3222183732

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium | Musée Royaux Des Beaux Arts

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a royal museum of fine arts located in the heart of Brussels. It hosts a renowned collection that consists of more than twenty thousand artworks. Each one of them is more royal and more characteristic than the other. All of them come together to represent the core of the museum and the crux of Belgium.

After all, they are some of the most important works of royal virtual arts from across the time. They represent the history and traditions of Belgium from the 15th century to the 21st century through paintings, sculptures, and a variety of drawings.

By Michel wal, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium| Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nxMe7xuMT3JKhLKQ6 | Phone Number: +3225083211

Manneken Pis

This may take you by surprise. However, if you look at the Belgian sense of humor, it is not as shocking to realize that Brussels, Belgium, is home to Manneken Pis or Little Pissing Man. The Manneken Pis is a statue, public fountain, the protagonist of many interesting stories, and one of the most intriguing Brussels attractions. If you would like to steal a glimpse of the Manneken Pis statue, be sure to look out for the statue around the corner of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne.

By Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3DbXUSnfdYECnsqE6

Go on a Beer Tour

If there is one thing Belgians love more than anything in the world, it is this. Beer. The love of Belgians for beer and of course their own Belgian beer is known across the world. After all, they produce some of the finest beer found across the world. These beers come in a variety of different concoctions and brews.

To experience the finest Belgian beer in all of Belgium, be sure to check into leading breweries and experiment with their beer collections. The top beers include Westmalle Tripel, De Ranke XX Bitter, Duvel Tripel Hop Citra, and others.

Jubelpark | Parc du Cinquantenaire

The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a highly remarkable park in the heart of Brussels and one of the best places to visit in Brussels. Some even look at the Parc du Cinquantenaire as a national landmark that represents the crux of the Belgian culture. After all, the origins of this monumental structure lie amidst the region of Leopold II for that was when he built the Parc du Cinquantenaire to commemorate fifty years of Belgian independence.

Ever since it consistently receives visitors from across the world who come here to marvel at its beautiful interiors and take a walk through its monumental entrance. From the very entrance, you come across a giant arch that has two arms that extend towards the outside. These arms spread out and form the home for three museums i.e., an art museum, an army museum, and The Autoworld.

By Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0, Link

Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CFMhbyHLkKyJk45h8

Cafe Belga

Cafe Belga is one of the coolest spots in Brussels, Belgium. This cafe is a rite of passage for all the tourists as well as locals that pass through the city of Brussels. But what is Cafe Belga? Cafe Belga is a hip brasserie set amidst the corner of the art decor Flagey ‘liner’ building. According to visitors, Cafe Belga presents a different ambiance when visiting during the day and at night.

Address: Place Eugène Flagey 18, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium | Timing: 8:00 am to 1:00 am | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wVCZganH2w1uvECNA | Phone Number: +3226403508

Comics Art Museum

If you are a comic book person wondering what to do in Brussels, this is it. The Comics Art Museum stands as a dedication to the comic books that have come and gone and those that keep coming. After all, it houses some of the best comic books found across the world.

These comic books make up the heart and soul of the Comics Art Museum and go beyond just storing comic books. Instead, the Comics Art Museum takes it up a notch with honors for the creators and heroes of these comic books along with permanent exhibitions and a diverse range of temporary exhibitions.

Address: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JeXUy6tkBEVjvnSK6 | Phone Number: +3222191980

Devour some Waffles

The famed Belgian waffles have made it across countries and continents and earned a name for themselves. And what better way to mark the popularity of these waffles than by enjoying them in the country of their origin? If that did catch your fancy, you should look into checking into popular waffle shops such as Maison Dandoy, Chez Albert, Wafelhuis Van Hecke, Eight And Three, and others.

By Ralph Daily, CC BY 2.0, Link

Atomium

The Atomium, Brussels, originally came to be in the year 1958. The statue was built as a temporary event for Expo 58 as a place for the Brussels World Fair. The statue was never intended to become a permanent part of Brussels, but we guess the locals and tourists enjoyed it a little too much. And for good reason!

The Atomium is a monumental statue that has become an integral part of Brussels sightseeing. The statue features a gigantic iron crystal wrapped in shiny steel. The statue measures up to more than 335 feet and receives visitors who come into marvel at its monumental grandeur. And on that note, here is a fun fact for you. The Atomium, Brussels draws in more than 600, 000 visitors every year.

By o palsson, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday to Monday | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/atomium-brussels?share | Phone Number: +3224754775

Musical Instruments Museum

The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) finds its home among one of the most well-known Art Nouveau buildings in all of Brussels. It is used to store a collection of more than seven thousand musical instruments. Each of these has been collected through the ages and stands as a mark of the times that have passed.

Due to its colossal collection and monumental significance, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) has earned a place for itself among the top things to do in Brussels. That is what makes this a truly unmissable sight.

By Theedi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/brGQC2wp3aesGWzW6 | Phone Number: +3225450130

Law Courts of Brussels | Palais de Justice

Ever since the building finished construction in the year 1883, the Law Courts of Brussels has stood as the largest building in the entire world. Located among the high Town of Brussels, this monumental structure is a spectacular sight and one of the most significant places to visit in Brussels. And on that note, here is a fun fact for you – owing to its sheer size, the Law Court of Brussels also known as Palais de Justice, is visible from a majority of the part of the town.

By Karmakolle, CC0, Link

Address: Place Poelaert 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/t1E4TAKNz4TPFgSr5 | Phone Number: +3225086111

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert | Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Ever since its inception on June 20, 1847, the spectacular Galeries Royales has stood as a place for the fashionable and a crowd favorite for Brussels sightseeing. It has hence attracted a significant crowd who seek the gallery for its collection of shops, auditoriums, cafés, and restaurants.

By KoS, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussel, Belgium Timing: 24/7 | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kuyEY2sxkH3UB9LNA | Phone Number: +3225450990

Horta Museum

The Horta Museum finds its place among the private house and studio of Victor Horta. The Horta Museum came into being between the years of 1898 and 1901 as a place of fine architecture, inspirational tales, and traditional history. It boasts of similar designs that exist in the same realm of philosophy. These are largely inspired by Art Nouveau architecture and are home to the interior decoration that has been largely retained through the years that have passed.

By Jtesla16, CC BY-SA 1.0, Link

Address: Rue Américaine 25, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CENY2ptss4E9LLgG9 | Phone Number: +3225430490

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

The Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels is a place for the curious and the inquisitive. That is for it hosts a variety of scientific exhibits each that tell a story and encourage you to raise questions about the different things in life. One of the most famous exhibits the Museum of Natural Sciences hosts is the Bernissart Iguanodons. Highly revered across the world, the Bernissart Iguanodons has played a significant role in the development of the Museum of Natural Sciences as the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe.

By © Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/X8mmoT5fjU4WaoJQ7 | Phone Number: +3226274211

Buy some Tintin souvenir at La Boutique Tintin

La Boutique Tintin is a comic book come alive for all those who enjoy immersing themselves in the world of Tintin. That is because it features Hergé’s works including a collection of lovely memorabilia and merchandise that is now considered to be quite rare. Here, you will find a massive collection that consists of Tintin products such as toys, t-shirts, mugs, figurines, and more.

Address: Rue de la Colline 13, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vZWbAzGkVrB8qnqj6 | Phone Number: +3225145152

Train World

As exciting as the name suggests, Train World presents an intriguing rail experience that takes you through the history of trains almost like a story told in the times. Here, you will get a chance to experience this rich history from the very first steam locomotive to the modern-day high-speed trains. At Train World, all these experiences come together to present a universe that gives you a chance to immerse yourself in these interesting automobiles.

By NearEMPTiness, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/trainworldmuseum?share | Phone Number: +3222247437

And there you have it. We bring to you a holistic list that takes you on a journey through the many Brussel attractions and delicious waffles that this beautiful city has to offer. All these collectively come together to make up the core of this breathtaking city. That is true for the Notre Dame Du Sablon, Le Botanique, Horta Museum, or even Manneken Pis. So, make the best of what each of them has to offer. Bookmark your favorite Brussels attractions, add them to your Brussels things to do list, and make them happen

If you are planning on venturing into this city in Belgium for your next vacation, here are a few pointers on things to know and the best things to do in Brussels that can help you out in charting out your travel itinerary.

Top Things to Know about Brussels

Knowing the best things about the city you visit is always a good idea to make your vacation a hassle-free one. Here are a few things which you must be aware of when you plan a visit to Brussels, Belgium.

You don’t need to know French or Dutch

In central Belgium and Brussels, most of the local population converse in French, while the other residing in the Flanders region tend to communicate in Dutch. While planning a visit to Brussels, you may be worried about not knowing either of these two languages. However, you will be surprised to see that you can survive in this city without knowing French or Dutch. 

The English language is relatively common and widely accepted by locals in not just Brussels but also in the other cities of Belgium. Since Brussels, Belgium has evolved as an international city, the Belgians are more understanding of the fact that the visitors are not native speakers to communicate in French or Dutch.

City’s Cuisine

You might know that Belgium offers some of the most delectable beer variants, each with a distinct flavor and taste. When in Brussels, do not miss out on trying the several types and flavors of beers offered in the city. 

Brussels, Belgium, also offers a genuinely fascinating variety of Belgian specialties that can satisfy every gastronome’s taste buds. You will notice that with every Belgian dish you order, you will also get a portion of fries, which is another Belgian specialty. If you have a sweet tooth, do not forget to savor tasty waffles, mouth-watering macaroons, and the famous Belgian chocolates. 

Green Spaces in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium, is counted among the greenest cities in Europe. It houses vast spaces of lush greenery, which attracts visitors from different parts of the world. If you enjoy such green spaces, you must check out the Sonian Forest in the south-eastern part of Brussels. You can wander through this park with your loved one, and if you are lucky, you can witness the beautiful afternoon sunset over here as well. 

Some other famous parks in the city include Petit Salon Square, Bois de la Cambre, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and Mont Des Arts garden. These parks offer the best experience when you visit them during pleasant weather.

Shopping in Brussels

The fashion culture in the capital city of Belgium is strong. Belgian fashion can be surreal, explicit and avant-garde. This powerful sense of style in Brussels has given rise to the establishment of multiple shopping streets where you can indulge in retail therapy.

The most popular and iconic fashion street in Brussels, which every shopaholic in the city loves, is Avenue Louise. There is no dearth of local markets in Brussels where you can hunt for antique treasures. Some of the notable markets which are worth visiting include Chatelain, Jeu de Belle, Petit Sablon, and Flagey. 

Weather is not always favorable

The weather keeps changing throughout the year in Brussels, Belgium, and is not always ideal. The weather in this city can change suddenly from sunny to rainy and then back to sunny in a matter of thirty minutes. In fact, you may notice that the hottest topic of discussion in Belgium is the constant weather shifts in its capital city. However, the cultural and recreational offerings in the city make up for these sudden weather drifts. 

If you get stuck in the rain, you can explore some of the major art galleries and museums housed by this city. You can check out the Musical Instruments Museum located near Mont Des Arts, where you can listen to the different sounds made by a variety of musical instruments. Other galleries worth visiting are Autoworld and The Royal Museum of Armed Forces and Military History.

Best Things to Do in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium houses several landmarks and monuments of cultural and historic significance. Here is the list of the best things to do when you visit Brussels.

The Grand Place

One of the best things to do in Brussels is visiting The Grand Palace. It is in the central part of Brussels, and as soon as you set foot here, you will be left awestruck with the beauty and grandeur of this marvelous piece of architecture. The beautiful city hall of the fifteenth century lies at the center of the Grand Palace. You can also marvel at the architecture of the six guild halls which dot the circumference of the square. You can visit this square at any time of the day but for the best experience, visiting it during the night is highly recommended. On certain days, a flower market is hosted at this site, which is another delight, drawing visitors and locals alike.

The Old England Building

Built during the nineteenth century, the Old England Building in Brussels was developed initially as a department store. Now, the stunning facade and the vast and fascinating musical museum accommodated in this building make your visit to this place one of the best things to do in Brussels. The musical museum here houses more than 2000 types of musical instruments and the visitors even get a chance to listen to each of them. Once you are done exploring this building, head to the cafe located on the top of the roof where you can enjoy a cup of your favorite beverage while viewing the panoramic sights of the city.

Brussel’s Notre Dame Du Sablon

This gothic cathedral was built in the fourteenth century and initially served as a chapel run by Archer’s Guild. The supposed power of healing exuded by the statue of Madonna in this chapel increased its popularity in the next century and made the chapel as one of the most renowned places in Brussels. Although the statue was stolen long back and is no longer in the chapel, the popularity of this place remains undeterred to date. A visit here must be on your list of the best things to do in Brussels.

Costume Museum

You might have marveled at a piece of lace several times in your life. You may even have several costumes with lace. But do you know the origin of this marvelous piece of cloth? Well, the artisans in Brussels are known to be the masters at crafting needlepoint lace for several years. This artwork was first developed in Italy and was later picked up by the artisans in Brussels, Belgium. Add this to your list of best things to do in Brussels to check out the number of lace costume collections along with historical outfits made of lace. 

Le Botanique

Le Botanique was earlier established as the city’s botanical garden, and visiting this place is one of the best things to do when in Brussels. It accommodates the greenhouse built during the nineteenth century, where cultural events are regularly hosted, making Le Botanique more than just a botanical garden. If you are someone who loves venturing into lush green spaces, Le Botanique is the perfect place for you in Brussels.

The Palais Royal

Although the current residence of the Brussel’s royal family is in Laeken, Palais Royal is still their official residence. One of the best things you should do in summer is to visit this palace to catch a glimpse of its exquisite interiors. The artwork housed by the interiors of this palace is very grand as expected out of a royal residence. The architecture and the palatial complexes of this splendid landmark make it worth visiting by every historical buff. One of the most distinct and fascinating rooms in this building has beetle wings on the ceiling, mimicking a unique mosaic art. 

Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis is an odd statue that slowly gained popularity with the emerging modern age. The artist behind the design of this statue is Jeremy Duquesnoy, and its placement dates to the seventeenth century. Manneken Pis roughly translates to “little man pee,” which perfectly describes the outlook of the statue. Unless you are visiting Brussels as a part of a tour group, you may end up spending a little more time hunting down this unique piece of art. One of the best things to do to track down this statue would be to take the next lane at the right of the Town Hall. 

Musee Royaux des Beaux Arts

When you are in Europe, you would be craving for some top-notch art and creativity. If so, you must add Musee Royaux des Beaux Arts to your list of best things to do in Brussels. Here you can find a collection of ancient and modern art displayed in a multiple style ranges by various talented artists. Some of the famous artworks housed by this museum include the Fall of Icarus and the collection of paintings created by Peter Rubens, an Antwerpen painter. The artworks crafted by Hans Memling and Anthony Van Dyke are also worth appreciation. To get the best experience in this museum, dedicate an entire day to explore it.

Parc Du Cinquantenaire

Parc Du Cinquantenaire has been an iconic place since times when Leopold II reigned this place. If you want to have a leisure time relaxing amidst greenery, you can head to this place and plan a picnic in the vast gardens here. You could also marvel at the stunning architecture featured by the different parts of this place. You can even head to the multiple museums located here to appreciate the vast collection of over 35,000 artifacts made by some of the most talented artisans. There is something in here for every type of tourist, and hence a visit to Parc Du Cinquantenaire must be on every travel itinerary.

Cafe Belga

Cafe Belga is more of an institution in the Belgian capital and is hugely popular with expatriates, locals, and tourists. Place Flagey is filled with a host of Belgian cultural wonders, of which Cafe Belga is the most visited one. The buzzing atmosphere, great views, and the affordable range of Belgian delicacies served here, make Cafe Belga as one of the most frequented places in Brussels. During the summer season, you will see a noticeable crowd in the cafe, but once you set foot inside, you will realize that the visitors add to the charm of the place. While you are in the vicinity, do not forget to try a portion of delicious fries at Frit Flagey, which is not that far from Cafe Belga.

The Atomium

The Atomium is a 100 meters tall atom model, located in Heysel Park in the western part of Brussels. This structure was built in the year 1958 and depicted the welcoming of the Belgian atomic age. The Atomium represents the iron molecule perfectly except that it is about 165 billion times larger than an actual iron molecule. In just a matter of twenty seconds, you can reach the top of the atomic model and enjoy a variety of refreshments there before descending to the ground.

You can explore the most popular and significant tourist attractions in this city in just a couple of days. But, if you are planning a week-long vacation in Brussels, you can venture into the more obscure parts of the city with equally fascinating tourist spots. This city in Belgium is a perfect getaway to enjoy with your friends and family. Make the most of your holiday by heading to this magical wonderland for a memorable experience.