Take a look at the top 20 best things to do in Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and has always had a history of varied international relationships with other countries. This became especially true after World War II, since the city can be considered the capital of the European Union due to many major EU institutions being located here. It’s also an important location for both the Benelux union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Having seen these, it is only natural that Brussels has become a popular city for tourists, as they can not only visit the historical buildings and locations of Brussels, but the ones related to these organizations as well. If you are wondering what to see in the city, here is a list of the top 20 best things to do in Brussels.
- Manneken Pis
What better way to start such a list than with a statue of a small boy with everything visible? Actually, as funny as it sounds, the Manneken Pis is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Brussels. This small statue is seemingly heeding nature’s call and urinating into a fountain. It has been put there about 400 years ago, and has become quite popular among tourists and citizens alike. On several internation occasions, it is dressed up in different kinds of clothes and costumes. It became so popular that many other cities and countries replicated the Manneken Pis.
2. Jeanneke Pis
While we are at it, there is another statue built due to the popularity of the Manneken Pis. The Jeanneke Pis is the female counterpart of the statue, and it works in very much the same way, except it’s crouching, like girls would do. This statue is now as well known as the Manneken Pis, and it’s located in a little alley, but it’s still quite popular. Unfortunately, it had to been barred away due to vandalism.
3. Het Zinneke
The Het Zinneke, or sometimes called the Zinneke Pis, is the final part of this strange trio of statues. This statue is of a dog doing the same thing as the other two, next to a road on a little pole (although without any water or fountains). This is definitely the least known of the three, but it’s still very popular, especially for those who want to “complete” this little fun tour of statues.
4. Grand Place
The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels, and has been a major location socially and for tourists. Many important buildings surround the square, and the guildhalls of the old times were built here as well. If you can manage it, coming here in August is even better, as the square is the locaton of a little event called the Flower Carpet. The square is definitely a must-see on the list of things to do in Brussels.
5. Flower Carpet
The Flower Carpet is an even held every two years in August at the Grand Place. The square is filled with colorful begonias in a carpet-like way, with beautiful patterns. There are around a million flowers set up in a 1,800 square meter carpet by volunteers. The theme and pattern is always different, usually honoring something, like the European Union, the Turkish Immigrants and Africa itself. The carpet is a spectacle that can’t be missed, so if you can do so, come here during one of these.
6. Town Hall
The Town Hall of Brussels is located at the Grand Place square. It’s a beautiful and old gothic building, that stood there for almost 600 years. Some of it has been damaged and destoryed during the end of the 17th century, but have been rebuilt. It even served as a makeshift hospital during World War I.
7. Museum of the City of Brussels
The Museum of the City of Brussels is located at the Grand Place, and is a museum dedicated to the history and folklore of the city of Brussels. Paintings, tapestries, sculptures, engravings, models and many other artifacts await the visitors to learn about the history of this beautiful city. One of the most notable and interesting sections is the one where around 750 of the costumes used on the Manneken Pis are put on a display.
8. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Brussels, and has been the most important of them. Royals held weddings and funerals here ever since its contruction in the 13th century. This beautiful gothic cathedral is definitely worth seeing for both religious and non-religious people.
9. Cinquantenaire
The Cinquantenaire is a large urban park located in Brussels, and is the location of some famous buildings. The park itself is beautiful, and it’s a popular place for recreational purposes. Taking a nap, or going on a stroll between the trees is a nice way to take a break from the bustling city streets. Festivals and exhibitions are also sometimes held here.
10. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is, just like its name suggests, a museum dedicated to the military history of Brussels and the world. It’s located at the Cinquantenaire park, and they have a very large collection of military weaponry, equipment, armor and vehicles, among others. One of the most popular parts of it is the Aviation Hall, where at least 80 different aircrafts can be found in a large hangar, but the other exhibits are just as exciting and interesting for those who want to learn about this.
11. Cinquantenaire Museum
The Cinquantenaire Museum is an art museum located at the Cinquantenaire park. It’s part of the Royal Museums for Art and History, and has four large sections, each dedicated to something. These are the Nation Archaeology, the Ancient Near East, the Non-European Civilisations, and the European Decorative Arts.
12. Arcade du Cinquantenaire
The final notable part of the Cinquantenaire park is the spectacular Arcade du Cinquantenaire, the triumphal arch that connects the two buildings of the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History and the Cinquantenaire Museum. This tripe arch is decorated with statues and sidewalls that represent the personifications of the Belgian provinces, and the arch itself is crowned with a bronze quadriga with a woman charioteer, representing Brabant, the central province, and raising a Belgian flag.
13. Avenue de Tervueren
The Avenue de Tervueren is a long avenue going through the city. Part of it even goes under the Cinquantenaire park in a tunnel, and emerges on the other side. It was once one road, but has been split into three roadways with rows of trees between them. It is sometimes closed down for traffic, and flea markets and food stalls are set up with many other entertainment services during a festival. The avenue is beautiful and should be visited at least once while you are in Brussels.
14. Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum is a great place for those who love music, as it has a collection of around 8000 instruments from all around the world, including instruments like bagpipes and African drums. Visitors can listen to them through headphones and learn of their history. The museum is part of the Royal Museums for Art and History.
15. Cantillon Brewery
The Cantillon Brewery has been around since 1900, and very popular for its beers. The brewery itself offers a guided tour with tastings, and shows the history of the brewery, as well as showing the behind the scenes parts of the process for brewing.
16. Horta Museum
The Horta Museum is dedicated to the Art Nouveau architect, Victor Horta, and his wonderful works of art. He developed and used steel and iron in ways that were never seen before, and this influence can be seen throughout the house, such as the wing-like skylights and the overhead lights.
17. Belgian Comic Strip Center
As the home of many famous comics, the Belgian Comic Strip Center is dedicated to the popular Belgian comics. These include comics and cartoons like the Smurfs, Lucky Luke and Tintin, among many others. Around 7000 drawings and comic strips are displayed here, and statues of the characters can also be seen. It’s a must-see on the list of things to do in Brussels for those who love these old comics and cartoons.
18. Palais de Justice
The Palais de Justice is the most important court of Brussels, and the largest one in the world. It’s actually bigger than the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The building itself is quite beautiful, although it’s not in the best condition nowadays, but it is constantly renovated.
19. Mini-Europe
The Mini-Europe is a miniature park which represents Europe and its countries. The park is on a 1:25 scale, and has about 350 buildings, including famous ones like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Leaning Tower. If you don’t have time to travel the whole of Europe, then this is the best way to see what they would look like.
20. Atomium
The Atomium is perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks of Brussels and Belgium as a whole. Originally built for the 1958 World’s Fair, this molecule-shaped stainless steel structure is a popular tourist attraction because of its beautiful and distinct look. The spheres hold different exhibitions for both adults and kids. Definitely see this if you come to Brussels.
