Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and also once home to the Royal Family. Traveling in Belgium brings forth images of medieval rooftops, lovely canals, tasty beer, and even more indulgent chocolates. From boasting designer shops and glamorous galleries to cobblestone streets laden with museums and native indulgences, the best places to visit in Belgium have something for everyone to enjoy on a vacation.
PLACES TO VISIT
1.GROTE MARKT / GRAND-PLACE
With its beautiful wide open cobbled medieval and is Brussels main market square and tourist attraction. Between March and October you can visit the daily flower market with often concerts and light shows in the evening.
2.HOTEL DE VILLE – TOWN HALL
With arched windows, towers and adorned with sculptures including St Michael slaying a she-devil. If you are feeling energetic, climb the 96 metre high Brabantine Gothic tower and enjoy the amazing views over the city.
3.CENTRE BELGE DE LA BAND DESSINEE – BELGIAN COMIC STRIP CENTRE
Devoted to the history of cartoons and comic strips (Smurfs and Tintin) with a rotating exhibition of 200 original comic strips drawings by Belgian and French comic artists. A collection of original manuscripts, draft sketches and imaginatively reconstructed sets are also on exhibit in the museum.
4.BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART (KOEKELBERG BASILICA)
Located in Koekelberg municipality this Art Deco church is the fifth largest church in the world. The cupola platform gives an excellent view over Brussels and the surrounding area.
5.PLACE ROYALE – KONINGSPLEIN
The Royal Palace used by the Belgian royal family as an official residence is the most important building on the square. The Changing of the Guard takes place every day at about 2.30pm. Surrounding the palace are an ensemble of cultural buildings such as the Palais des Académies and the Palais des Beaux-Arts.
6.NOTRE-DAME DU SABLON
Considered as one of the loveliest Late Gothic churches in Belgium, the interior of the church is breathtaking, in particular because of its exquisite stained glass windows.
7.PARC DU CINQUANTENAIRE
The centerpiece in the park is the monumental Palais du Cinquantenaire. The two wings house The Royal Art and History museum with the most extensive tapestry collection in the world. The Belgian Army Museum and Museum of Military History provides a overview of the development of military technology and of the major campaigns fought on Belgian soil.
8.MINI-EUROPE
The theme park you can see more thank 300 of the continents best sights with scale models of Europe's biggest and best, from the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Seville's renowned bullfighting ring to London's Big Ben and many of Paris' biggest landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacre-Coeur. Naples' Mount Vesuvius and the Berlin Wall are some of the parks mini-attractions for kids.
OTHER PLACE TO VISIT
- Manneken-Pis “Pissing Boy’ aka Petit Julien
- City Museum – Maison de Roi – Broodhuis
- Heysel Park and the Atomium
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts
- Place du Grand Sablon
- Jeu de Balle Flea Market
- Saint-Michel Cathedral
- Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts
- Church of Sainte-Catherine
- Mont des Arts
- Chateau Royal
- Basilique Nationale du Sacre Coeur
- Abbaye de la Cambre
- Le Phare du Kanaal
- Palais de Justice
- Cantillon Brewery
- Horta Museum
- Musical Instruments Museum
The best way to getting around in Brussels is by train, tram, taxi or bus.
The best time to visit Brussels is late spring to autumn. The weather is generally warm and friendly and is ideal for outdoor dining, especially near the Grand Place. Some attractions may be closed in winter, although most are open all year.
