It is not easy to summarise the Belgian capital, as it is so lively and full of places, some traditional, some trendy. However, there are a few must-sees, good places to eat and tourist sites that are worthy representatives of the local culture, which it would be a shame to miss during a trip to Brussels, whether it’s an express trip or a lengthier one. Sure, Let’s find out together what the things to see in Brussels are!
Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Centre
Brussels is world famous for its comic strip authors! It is therefore impossible not to spend a few hours at the Belgian Comic Strip Centre. Not only for its Art Nouveau building, whose architecture is well worth a detour, but also for the richness of its collections and the educational quality of its facilities, which allow everyone to understand the process of creating a comic strip, such as Tintin!
Tip: for more than 30 years, the comics specialist Le Dépot has been selling new and old books and comics-related merchandise. Browse the shelves in search of that rare gem, or ask the sales staff for advice; they know their catalogues like the back of their hands.
What is the number one thing to see in the city of Brussels? The Grand-Place!
At the heart of the Belgian capital, the Grand-Place will transport you to a setting worthy of a medieval tale. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this architectural marvel reveals its majestic Gothic facades and golden ornaments glistening in the sun.
The Town Hall and its 96-metre-high spire dominate the square, while the Maison du Roi houses the Town Museum.
Tip: In August, don’t miss the spectacular flower carpet that covers the cobblestones with thousands of multicoloured begonias, creating extraordinary patterns visible from the balcony of the City Hall.
Shopping in the Galeries Saint-Hubert
The first shopping mall in Europe, the covered passage of the Galeries Saint-Hubert is as fascinating for its architecture as for its refined boutiques. Its majestic glass roof illuminates the windows of the famous chocolatiers, traditional cafés and luxury shops that have made this place famous since 1847.
Stroll between the Galerie de la Reine and the Galerie du Roi de Belgique, where the elegant facades of Delvaux and Neuhaus stand alongside historic bookshops. For a gourmet break, the traditional tearooms welcome you in a setting worthy of the Belle Époque.
Our advice? Visit in the late afternoon when the sun shines through the glass roof, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for taking photographs.
Admire the Atomium — one of Belgium’s top tourist attractions
An iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, this futuristic structure, 102 metres high, has dominated the Brussels landscape since the 1958 Universal Exhibition. Its nine gleaming spheres, connected by tubes, transport you into a retro vision of the future.
The panorama from the top sphere of the Atomium offers a spectacular view of Brussels and its surroundings. In the other spheres, exhibitions retrace the fascinating history of this unique monument and its role in the development of the city.
Visit the Magritte Museum
Located near the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, this cultural gem houses over 230 masterpieces by Belgium’s most celebrated surrealist artist. The museum showcases Magritte’s enigmatic works across three fascinating floors, from his early paintings to his most iconic pieces.
Visitors can marvel at famous works like “The Return” and “Empire of Light” while discovering the artist’s creative process through original photographs, films, and personal documents.
Take time to explore the museum shop, where you’ll find unique reproductions and art books perfect for bringing home a piece of surrealist magic. Yes, it’s a popular tourist attraction, but art enthusiasts will enjoy it nonetheless.
Discover Saint-Gilles
With its Art Nouveau facades and lively cafés, Saint-Gilles has a village atmosphere in the heart of the Belgian capital. There are cute, eco-friendly shops, artists’ studios and a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere.
Le Parvis, the nerve centre of the neighbourhood, comes alive every morning around its colourful market, where locals come to shop on the terraces.
The surrounding streets are full of architectural treasures, including the majestic Town Hall and its 41-metre-high bell tower. For a cultural break, the Jacques Franck Cultural Centre offers contemporary exhibitions in an unusual setting… just a short walk from the centre of Brussels by public transport!
Book a beer tasting at Bar Moeder Lambic
Forget Delirium Café — we love the young and relaxed atmosphere of Bar Moeder Lambic, where the staff knows the products they offer inside out. This is one of the best places in Brussels for beer tasting! All you have to do is tell the waiter what you like (bitter or sweet, strong or light, etc.) and he will serve you the perfect beer.
This is also an opportunity to discover the charming Saint-Gilles district with its village atmosphere, perfect for a night out in Brussels.
Explore the Palais du Cinquantenaire
An iconic monument of the Belgian capital, the Palais du Cinquantenaire alone tells the story of 50 years of national history. Its three majestic arches overlook a 30-hectare park, a green lung in the heart of the European district.
This architectural complex now houses three fascinating museums: the Art & History Museum with its ancient treasures, Autoworld for car enthusiasts and the Royal Army Museum, which traces the evolution of conflicts over the centuries.
Tip: for a unique experience, climb to the top of the arcades via the Military Museum—a well-kept secret that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, at dusk, the illumination of the monument creates a magical atmosphere.
What is Brussels best known for? Try these Belgian specialities!
- Waffles: Le Funambule is working overtime to bring you the Brussels waffle (recognisable by its rectangular shape and soft texture). And it’s impossible not to indulge, because the choice of toppings is impressive, including powdered sugar, melted chocolate or whipped cream/fresh fruit. ….
- Fin du Siècle: This is a small, unpretentious place where you can eat typical Belgian food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Sit down at one of the large tables to enjoy a sausage stew or a generous carbonnade. An unforgettable experience!
- Speculoos: A stone’s throw from the Grand-Place, the small shop of Dandoy offers sweet specialities such as small shortbread biscuits, crispy or melt-in-the-mouth, with the aroma of spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, typical of this Flemish pastry.
- French fries: Place Eugène Flagey comes alive on Sunday mornings with its local market. It’s the perfect time to stroll through the neighbourhood, around the Ixelles pond and finally taste the famous Belgian fries! You’ll have to be patient in the queue for the Frit’Flagey fritkot (it’s so popular!), but it’s worth it to taste the best fries in Brussels, isn’t it?
Cover photo credit: © visit.brussels – Jean-Paul Remy
