What To See And Do In Brussels

To many people, Brussels is no more than the hub of European politics. It is a place where leading politicians meet to discuss the political future of Europe and the Eurozone, and where recently, the various discussions involving Greece have taken place.

But the Belgian capital is far more than just a political centre, it is also somewhere that offers its visitors culture and a variety of things to see and do. Brussels is home to art nouveau architecture, fantastic restaurants and lively bars, and it is an ideal place for a short break.

If you happen to be visiting, or perhaps just looking for some inspiration, stay right where you are and read on to find out what to see and do in Brussels.

* * *

Grand Place

Probably the first thing that springs to my mind [when Brussels is mentioned] is the delightful square situated in the heart of the city’s historic old town. Boasting an eclectic mix of architecture, Grand Place displays well-preserved guild-houses built in Baroque, Gothic and Louis XIV designs, with lashings of gold, intricate sculpting and #. With such divine quality, it is no surprise that the impressive square has earned itself a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list.

Not only is Grand Place a haven for architecture fiends, but the lively square offers a selection of bars, restaurants and the odd shop, selling upmarket souvenirs. Additionally it also hosts a number of festivities throughout the year including the Flower Carpet on Assumption Day (every 2 years), a Christmas Market and Lights Show, the Ommegang commemoration and the daily flower market.

Manneken Pis

No trip to Brussels should be without paying the Manneken Pis a visit. The small bronze landmark sculpture (and I mean small – a mere 61cm), on the corner of Rue de l’Etuve and Rue du Chêne, dates back to the seventeenth century and depicts a naked little boy peeing into a fountain’s basin.

Despite being a rather odd thing to attract tourists, the people of Brussels have so many stories and ways of celebrating their various festivals with the small statute that even the toughest critic will leave with a certain fondness for the little figure.

Stop For Speculaas Or A Waffle At Maison Dandoy

A short walk from the Manneken Pis in the direction of the Grand Place, you will find one of the city’s most treasured institutions – the age-old biscuit shop Maison Dandoy.

Set up by a young baker craftsman in 1829, Maison Dandoy bakes and sells delicious spiced speculaas biscuits and also has a tea room where guests can enjoy light, fluffy waffles served with an assortment of decadent toppings.

Les Galeries Saint Hubert

The beautiful shopping arcade just steps away from the Grand Place, is a strong competitor to Milan’s 19th-century shopping arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Built in 1846, the grand arcade houses shops, clockmakers, chocolatiers, restaurants and even a cinema under its arched, glass-paned roof and is made up of two major sections, each stretching over 100 metres in length, as well as a smaller side arcade.

Stroll Through Rue des Bouchers

These narrow, yet animated, cobbled streets are perfect for a stroll and a place to indulge the senses. Jam-packed with restaurants, with pavement tables laid with traditional red-and-white check cloths, pyramids of sea food chilling on beds of ice, and smartly dressed waiters looking for business, the Rue de Bouchers is the gateway to the Brussel’s food scene.

Just off the main thoroughfare you will also find the Petite Rue des Bouchers, Rue de la Fourche Petite and Rue Gretry, which together are home to over seventy restaurants and are situated in the traditional brick and timber buildings in what is one of the city’s oldest areas.

Sample Some Belgian Beers At Delirium Café

Before my recent trip to Brussels, I had no idea this place even existed – but thanks to some friends over on Instagram, they pointed me in the direction of this cool bar located in the small alley Impasse de la Fidélité.

Delirium has a beer list of over three thousand different brands and has been featured in The Guinness Book of Records with this impressive figure. Even though beers from over sixty countries are on offer, take the opportunity to sample some of the Belgian beers or if you are feeling adventurous, perhaps a more unusual flavour such as chocolate, banana or coconut beer?

Another great alternative is À la Mort Subite on Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères.

Climb The Atomium

Built for the 1958 Brussels World Fair, the rather curious Atomium stands 102 metres tall and is made up of nine huge connected stainless steel spheres which creates a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

The # is in fact a museum containing exhibit halls and several public spaces but it is not for these that I suggest you visit. In its uppermost sphere you will find a restaurant with a panoramic view of Brussels.

Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels

Much like any capital city, Brussels also has a Royal Palace – the official palace for Belgian Royalty. Despite this, the palace does not act as a residence for the King as he and his family live in the Royal Palace of Laeken, on the outskirts of Brussels.

Start your visit with an amble though Brussels Park, separated from the Palace by a long square called the Place des Palais. At the centre of the park you will be able to see the central gallery of the palace and the middle of the grand building on the far side of the park, the Palace of the Nation which is also the Belgian Federal Parliament.

The Royal Palace is open every day between 1030 and 1630 except Monday.

Enjoy the Fresh Air in Cinquantenaire

If you have had enough of the hustle and bustle of the inner city, I would highly recommend a trip out to the vast Parc du Cinquantenaire for some fresh air and some moments of calm.

The park, which is over 30 hectares in size, is scattered with plenty of impressive structures including the triumphal arch centrepiece which was erected in 1905 to symbolise the economic and industrial performance of Belgium. You will also find tranquil gardens, ponds and even the odd waterfall.

Comic Strip Centre

Last but not least on my list is the Comic Strip Centre – a great place for inviting nostalgia and reliving your youth through countless images of childhood heroes such as Tintin and of course, the Smurfs.

The Museum has been running for more than twenty five years and has a range of regularly renewed permanent as well as temporary exhibitions.

* * *

These ten picks of mine are by no means all that Brussels has to offer, but are instead some of my favourite things to see and do when I am visiting.

If you have any suggestions for adding to my list – from sights, museums, trendy boutiques or places to eat tasty food – do let me know!