Brussels is a beautiful city known for its rich history, impressive architecture, cultural diversity, and attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or simply looking for fun activities for the whole family, there are Brussels attractions for everyone!
Must-see Brussels attractions
These Brussels attractions are not to be missed. As the capital of Belgium, this is a delightful destination for a city trip. If you’re unsure about what there is to see, read on. We’ll show you the best attractions in and around the center of Brussels.
We’ll also give you tips on where to get your tickets for Brussels attractions in advance, and at the end of the blog, you’ll find a map where you can see at a glance where the attractions in Brussels are located.
Tip: Discover the most impressive attractions of Brussels in just 3.5 hours with the Brussels Highlights Bike Tour!
Manneken Pis
Perhaps the most famous attraction is Manneken Pis. This statue of a peeing boy attracts thousands of visitors every year. Not everyone is pleased with this statue, as over time, it has been removed several times. Some opponents have even thrown the statue away, but the boy with the enormous bladder has always found his way back. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, head to the corner of Eikstraat and Stoofstraat in the center of Brussels to see it for yourself.
The iconic Atomium in Brussels
Besides Manneken Pis, Brussels has another iconic landmark. Designed by André Waterkeyn for the 1958 World Expo, the Atomium is a 102-meter-high structure representing the crystal structure of iron. It consists of 9 spheres, each with a diameter of 18 meters. The top sphere houses a restaurant offering views of the King Baudouin Stadium, Ossegem Park, and even the city center from a distance.
This is an attraction you absolutely must see in Brussels, especially from above. You can purchase tickets to access it, which also grants you entry to the design museum!
The Grand Place of Brussels
After viewing the city center from a distance in the top sphere of the Atomium, it’s time to explore the most beautiful spots in the old city. The Grand Place is the perfect place for this. There’s no more central square than this. Since the early Middle Ages, locals have gathered here to trade, protest, or simply watch someone being hanged.
Today, it’s a great place to try one of the many Belgian beers. Surrounded by beautiful, old buildings, the beer tastes excellent here.
The Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels, where the Belgian king has resided since independence, is conveniently located in the capital. Within cycling distance from the Grand Place, past the Palace of Fine Arts, you’ll find the Royal Palace. The Warande Park, located in front of the building, is a great place to relax after such an enjoyable bike tour.
The palace itself is an impressive building that you’ll definitely want to photograph. It was built in neo-styles favored by King Leopold, who commissioned the enormous, symmetrical facade and colonnade, fit for a king.
The palace is currently undergoing renovations, so unfortunately, it is closed to the public. The goal is to complete the renovations by the summer of 2024, allowing visitors to once again explore the interior of this magnificent palace.
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
Are you a fan of Brabantine Gothic? Who isn’t! St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a 13th-century church built in this Gothic style. The twin towers at the front are 64 meters high, and the nave of the church is an impressive 124 meters long. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the beauty of such a stunning attraction.
You won’t find a more beautiful church in Brussels. Be sure to take a look inside. The light interior is due to the light-colored Gobertange stone, making St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral much less somber than most cathedrals.
Jubelpark and the triumphal arch of Brussels
Jubelpark is one of the most striking parks in Brussels. Designed in the late 19th century, it was the site for the 1880 World Exhibition. Covering over 30 hectares, it offers a stunning view of the city. The park also houses several museums, including the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art and History Museum, and the Autoworld Museum.
One of the most impressive features of Jubelpark is the triumphal arch. Built to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Belgium’s independence, it stands at the end of the wide, stately Rue de la Loi. The arch is inspired by the famous triumphal arches of Rome and reaches a height of almost 50 meters. Visitors can climb the arch for a spectacular view of the city.
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is one of the largest art museums in Belgium. The museum boasts an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other artifacts from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Bruegel, Rubens, van Dyck, Magritte, and Delvaux.
The museum is spread over two locations – the Oldmasters Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. The Oldmasters Museum showcases art from the 15th to the 18th century, while the Museum of Modern Art focuses on works from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The European Quarter
The European Quarter in Brussels is the political heart of the European Union and home to numerous European institutions, including the European Commission and the European Council. The area also hosts many diplomatic missions and embassies.
The European Quarter is a vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhood, with a range of restaurants, bars, and shops. It has a unique atmosphere due to the mix of European cultures and nationalities that live and work there.
The district is easily accessible by public transport and there are many parks and green spaces to enjoy, such as the beautiful Jubelpark. It’s a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in European politics and culture.
The Belgian Comic Strip Center
Nothing is what it seems… Belgium has a rich history when it comes to comics and the Belgian Comic Strip Center is the perfect place to explore this history. Housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, the center offers an extensive collection of Belgian comics and comic characters, including Tintin, Lucky Luke, and The Smurfs.
The museum also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the comic book process and features a special section dedicated to the history of comic books in Belgium. There are also special exhibitions and events held throughout the year, such as lectures, workshops, and signing sessions with comic artists.
The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a must-see attraction for all comic fans and offers a unique and engaging insight into the history of Belgian comics.
The Town Hall of Brussels
The Town Hall of Brussels is an impressive Gothic landmark dating back to the 15th century. It is located on the Grand Place, which is itself one of the most iconic attractions in Brussels. The Town Hall is one of the city’s most beautiful and striking buildings, built in the Brabantine Gothic style.
The interior of the Town Hall is as impressive as the exterior, with stunning halls, paintings, and artifacts. The Town Hall is still in use as the administrative center of the city, and visitors can book guided tours to explore the inside of the building.
The European Parliament in Brussels
The European Parliament is the legislative body of the European Union and is based in Brussels. It is one of the EU’s key institutions and plays a crucial role in decision-making and legislation affecting the EU.
Visitors can book a tour of the European Parliament and explore the plenary chamber, various committee rooms, and the visitors’ center. There are also interactive exhibitions and information panels that inform visitors about the history, functioning, and impact of the European Parliament.
The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts, also known as BOZAR, is a cultural institution located in the heart of Brussels. The building was constructed in the 1920s and is designed in the Art Deco style. The palace houses various art collections and hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the year.
BOZAR boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. The palace also features a concert hall that regularly hosts performances by internationally renowned musicians and orchestras. A must-see Brussels attraction.
Brussels Chocolatier
Brussels is famous for its delicious chocolate, making it one of the best places in the world to indulge in this treat. The city is home to numerous chocolatiers, each with their own specialties.
One of the most renowned chocolatiers in Brussels is Neuhaus, considered the inventor of the praline. Their store at the prestigious Grand Place offers a range of chocolate delights, including the famous ballotins filled with pralines.
Another well-known chocolatier is Leonidas, offering a wide assortment of chocolates and truffles. Their chocolate is affordable and of high quality.
Additionally, there are many other chocolatiers in the city worth exploring, such as Wittamer, Mary, and Godiva. A stroll through the city provides plenty of opportunities to taste and enjoy the art of chocolate making.
Visiting chocolatiers in Brussels is not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. The beautifully crafted chocolates and refined presentations are a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone special or simply want to savor the taste of exquisite chocolate, the chocolatiers in Brussels offer something for everyone.
The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries
The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries are one of the oldest and most famous covered shopping arcades in Europe and a popular tourist attraction in Brussels. Opened in 1847, the galleries are named after the patron saint of hunters and feature stunning neoclassical architecture.
Within the galleries, you’ll find a wide range of shops, from luxury boutiques to chocolatiers and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to shop for exclusive brands or enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful surroundings.
The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries are not only a great place for shopping but also an important cultural heritage site. The Royal Theatre Toone, dating back to the 18th century and famous for its puppet theatre, is located at the end of the galleries. There are also regular exhibitions and cultural events held in the galleries.
A visit to this attraction is a must for any visitor to Brussels, whether you’re looking for shopping, culture, or simply want to enjoy the stunning architecture.
The Royal Museum for Central Africa
The Royal Museum for Central Africa is located in Tervuren, on the outskirts of Brussels. The museum was established during the Belgian colonial period and offers an extensive collection of ethnographic and natural history objects from Central Africa.
The museum houses over 10 million objects, ranging from archaeological artifacts and traditional crafts to minerals and insects. Visitors can also participate in educational programs and guided tours to learn more about the culture and history of the region.
If you find this interesting and would like to visit, you can purchase tickets in advance using the button below!
Tickets for The Royal Museum for Central Africa: Buy online
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are located in the north of Brussels and are open to the public for only two weeks each year. The complex consists of various greenhouses, pavilions, and galleries designed in the Art Nouveau style.
The greenhouses are home to an extensive collection of exotic plants, flowers, and trees, gathered by the Royal Family during their travels around the world. The complex is a beautiful location to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Art Nouveau architecture
Brussels is renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and is a popular destination for enthusiasts of this style. The city boasts some of the finest examples of Art Nouveau buildings in the world, designed by famous architects such as Victor Horta and Paul Hankar.
The Art Nouveau attractions in Brussels are easily recognizable by their distinctive curved lines, organic shapes, and decorative details. Many of these buildings are open to the public, including the Horta Museum, housed in the former home and studio of Victor Horta.
A walk through the streets of Brussels is a great way to experience the beauty of this architecture. The Art Nouveau buildings add a unique charm and elegance to the city.
La Monnaie
La Monnaie is an iconic opera house in the heart of Brussels. Built in 1818 on the site of a former mint, it has since grown into one of the city’s most important cultural institutions.
The opera house boasts a rich history and has welcomed many famous artists and musicians, including Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, and Maria Callas. It offers a wide range of opera and ballet performances, as well as concerts and other events.
The architecture of La Monnaie is impressive, and the interior is beautifully decorated. The opera house is also equipped with modern facilities to ensure that visitors have an optimal experience during performances.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty and elegance of opera. If you’re a fan of opera or ballet, then La Monnaie is a must-visit!
The Museum of the City of Brussels
The Maison du Roi, is a museum housed in a historic building on the Grand Place of Brussels. This attraction hosts an extensive collection of art, crafts, and archaeological artifacts from the history of Brussels.
Now that you know what to see in Brussels, the fun can begin. Book your bike tour along the highlights, and your city trip will be unforgettable! If you’re traveling in Belgium and visiting other cities, be sure to check out our other tours.
Save and experience with the Brussels City Pass
Discover Brussels hassle-free with the Brussels City Pass!
Skip the lines; with this pass, you gain access to some of the city’s most iconic attractions, all in one convenient deal.
Enjoy an adventure at the Atomium, enrich your mind at the Design Museum Brussels, and immerse yourself in the art and culture of Mini-Europe. The Brussels City Pass not only offers access to permanent and temporary exhibitions at both locations but also includes an app with an audio guide for your smartphone. Learn the fascinating stories behind each attraction as you discover the charm of Brussels with the audio guide in the background.
So, save not only money but also time with the Brussels City Pass. Explore the city at your own pace and make the most of your stay. Purchase your pass today for your next visit to Brussels.
Buy tickets for Brussels attractions online and avoid queues
Make the most of your visit to Brussels by exploring the main attractions. For various attractions like the Atomium, Mini-Europe, and Autoworld, it’s necessary to purchase (online) tickets. It’s recommended to do this in advance, as it saves you a lot of time standing in line. Below, we’ve listed the highlights for which you need to purchase access tickets:
- Access ticket for the Atomium
- Access ticket for Mini-Europe
- Access ticket for Choco-Story Brussels
- Access ticket for Autoworld
- Access ticket for the Banksy Museum
With the Brussels City Card, you have access to 49 of the best museums in Brussels and enjoy discounts on tourist attractions, tours, shops, restaurants, and bars.
Map of attractions in Brussels
Here you will find an overview of all the Brussels attractions mentioned above. This gives you an idea of where to find what, so click it open and start your Brussels adventure quickly!