What to see in Brussels

Planning a getaway for Europe? Well done! Of course, the old continent has a lot to offer to all kinds of tourists: charming towns, ski slopes, curious museums ... Of course, it also has a lot of cities worth visiting: Paris, Munich, Edinburgh ...

Today we want to propose that you visit one of the most important capitals on the continent due to the role it plays in the European Union. Yes, we are referring to Brussels, in Belgium, where some of the organization's most important bodies are located: the European Council, the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament ... But beyond these institutions, Brussels has many tourist attractions. Do you want to know them? Well join us!

Grand place

If you plan to travel to Brussels, a visit to the Grand Place will be a must. The square The most important of the entire city is home to buildings of all styles (Baroque, Gothic ...), so it is not surprising that it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the late 90s. Among the most important buildings in the place we find the Town Hall, which dates from 1455; the Maison du Roi, which today acts as a museum; the Maison des Ducs de Brabant, the Hotel de Ville and Le Pigeon, the house where Victor Hugo went into exile. One of the best times to visit this place is in August, when an impressive flower carpet is installed in the center of the square.

Manneken Pis

Of course, if you travel to Brussels you will have to visit one of the most famous of the world, besides being one of the symbols of the Belgian capital. Yes, we are referring to the Manneken Pis, a 15th century figure. The well-known statue only measures 50 centimeters and, as you know, it represents a boy urinating in a fountain. It is located in the oldest part of the capital, next to the Grand Place. Although the figure was stolen by one of the armies that has invaded the city throughout history, a copy was placed on the same site in the early 17th century. Sometimes the Brussels City Council disguises the statue. In fact, in the Museum of the city you can see some of the little boy's costumes.

Religious buildings

As in all European cities, in the Belgian capital there are also religious buildings that are worth visiting. One of them is the Brussels Cathedral, also known as Saint Michel et Gudule Cathedral. It is the main Catholic church in the country, a Gothic-style building built in the 13th century. Although admission is free, you will have to pay 1 euro to visit the Treasury of the Chapel, where some relics are found.

In addition, we recommend you visit the The Sacred Heart Basilica, an impressive building that stands out for its green dome and its Art Deco style. One of the best things about the church is that it has a viewpoint with spectacular views. And if you still want to visit more churches, you can go to Nôtre Dame du Sablon, a 15th-century Gothic-style building.

Atomium

If you visit Brussels you cannot miss Atomium, the symbol of the Brussels World Fair from 1958. As you can see in the photograph, it represents an atom, although it is increased 165,000 million times. It is located near the Mini-Europe park, where there are miniature models of some of the most important cities on the planet.

Other places to visit

If you have time, we also recommend that you visit some of the most important buildings in the city, such as the Palace of Justice, the Royal Palace or the Palace of the 50th Anniversary. In addition, you will love to know the Brussels Park, where the Belgian Parliament is located.

✅ TOP 10: Things To Do In Brussels Belgium (April 2024)