Brussels // Belgium
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and, in practice, of the EU, so a good share of the people you meet are from somewhere else. It manages to be grand and unfussy at once: the Grand Place is about as ornate as a square gets, and four streets away someone is handing you fries in a paper cone. The Atomium, built for the 1958 World’s Fair, is a model of an iron crystal blown up 165 billion times. Nobody expected it to still be standing. Brussels’ intricate lacework of history and modernity is on display throughout the city. Delirium, the legendary beer emporium, stocks over 2000 Belgian beers of beer available. Brussels stands as a city where art, history, and global influences converge around every corner. Its long history and international feel sit side by side without much fuss.
Here is a list of classic things to do in Brussels:
- Grand Place: The Grand Place is the central square in Brussels, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The square is surrounded by beautiful guildhalls, the city hall, and the Breadhouse. The Grand Place is a popular tourist destination, and it is often used for festivals and events.
- Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert: The Royal Saint Hubert Galleries are a covered shopping arcade that was built in the 19th century. The galleries are home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Royal Saint Hubert Galleries are a popular place to shop and dine, and they are also a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture.
- Manneken Pis: The Manneken Pis is a small bronze fountain statue of a naked little boy urinating into the fountain’s basin. The statue is a popular tourist attraction, and it is often dressed in different costumes.The Manneken Pis is a symbol of Brussels, and it is said to bring good luck to those who rub its head.
- Atomium: The Atomium is a model of an iron crystal cell that is 165 billion times larger than the real thing.The Atomium is one of the best known landmarks in Brussels, and it offers wide views of the city from its top sphere. The Atomium is a popular tourist attraction, and it is also a popular place for conferences and events.
- Cinquantenaire Park: Cinquantenaire Park is a large park that was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. The park is home to a variety of attractions, including the Autoworld Museum, the Royal Military Museum, and the Cinquantenaire Museum. Cinquantenaire Park is a popular place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and it is also a popular place for families with children.
- Belgian Comic Strip Center: The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a museum dedicated to Belgian comic strips. The museum houses a collection of over 20,000 original comic strips, and it tells the story of Belgian comic strips from their origins to the present day. The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a popular tourist attraction, and it is also a popular place for schools and other groups.
- Notre Dame du Sablon: Notre Dame du Sablon is a Gothic church that was built in the 15th century. The church is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and its elaborate stone carvings. Notre Dame du Sablon is a popular tourist attraction, and it is also a popular place for weddings and other religious ceremonies.
Brussels is a cosmopolitan city with a long history and culture. It is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and historical monuments. Brussels is also the official seat of the European Union, and it is home to a number of international organizations, including NATO and the Benelux.
Hopefully this article gives you some extra inspiration for your time in Brussels!