Top 10 things to do in Brussels
1. Royal Palace
Built in 1731, the Royal Palace is one of the top 10 things to see in Brussels. It is located on top of a small hill, in Brussels Park, and has a strategic location that was very attractive to monarchs for centuries. It is easy to understand when King Albert is in the country, as the Belgian flag is raised over the Palace.
2. Manneken Pis
This bronze statue of a small boy urinating into the fountain is perhaps one of the most recognised Belgian attractions. Built in the beginning of the 17th century, there are many stories about its origin. Occasionally the boy is dressed in various costumes and garments, all of which are preserved in the Museum of Brussels.
3. Grand Place
The most central and important square of the city, Grand Place was built in a strict gothic style. Starting from the 13th century it was where street vendors offered their produce, all the festivities, carnivals and various tournaments took place. It is conveniently located nearby all other attractions and landmarks of Brussels. At daytime the square is where the flower market is situated, whereas at night the illumination and evening lights turn it into a spectacular sight.
4. Atomium
One other famous symbol of Brussels is the Atomium – a monument symbolising the endless possibilities of atoms and nuclear energy, of harmony and peace between countries, as well as of scientific progress. All its spheres contain something – restaurants, observation deck, and even coloured cells where parents with children can stay overnight to observe the city at night.
5. Galerie du Roi
Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert are a marvellous combination of cultural heritage and commercial spirit. It was opened in 1847 and is a spacious passage 212m long with various shops, restaurants and theatres, covered by a glass roof. It consists of three parts, each built in a different style, is always busy and has a vibrant ambiance.
6. Mini-Europe park
This park of miniature attractions of European cities is a great way to visit all of Europe in 1 day and one of the top 10 things to do in Brussels. It consists of 350 monuments and important historical events from 80 cities. Here visitors can find famous landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Acropolis and Big Ben.
7. Cathedral of St Michael
St. Michael’s Cathedral, construction of which started back in the 13th century, is located on the Trorenburg Hill and is considered to be the main cathedral in Brussels. The interiors are a combination of the Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles, explained by the fact that the Cathedral was built on top of St. Michael’s Church. This is the Cathedral where the Royal Family’s weddings and other ceremonies take place.
8. Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique
This is a whole complex of Royal Museums of Fine Arts, consisting in a total of 6 museums – Museums of Ancient and Modern Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, Antoine Wiertzmuseum, Constantin Meuniermuseum and the Museum of Military History and Technology. The Museum complex occupies a large area, so depending on the preferences, visitors can spend more than a day in all six museums.
9. Basilique Nationale du Sacre-Coeur
This Church holds the 5th place among the largest churches of the world and initially was intended to resemble the Sacre-Coeur located in Paris. As the construction progressed this idea was changed, and as a result we see a remarkable combination of Neo-Gothic and Art Deco styles in its façade. The observation deck at the very top offers a breath-taking view of Brussels.
10. Maison J. Dandoy
This pastry store is one of the oldest in the whole of Belgium, which is famous worldwide for its chocolate. Located in the building of the 17th century, it did not stop creating delicious sweets and pastries even during the Second World War. Their secret recipes have been passed down the family for many generations and are used to bake the most exquisite creations even today.