Chocolate, fashion, architecture and shopping, what’s not to love in a vacation? Brussels is one of the Europe’s best cities if you want to find plenty going on. To prove it, here’s our pick of the top 10 things to do and see while you’re there:
1. Brussels Grand-Place
This is the city’s central square and the location of its most grand and opulent architecture. It’s truly beautiful and as such, is one of the most popular things to do in Brussels by a long way. The most imposing buildings on the square are the Town Hall, which dates back to around 1455, the King’s House, and the incredible Houses of Grand Place which sit on each side of the old market square. It’s always popular with tourists but is especially busy during the Ommegang, a huge historical re-enactment which takes place every July, usually in the first few days.
Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium
2. Gorge on Gaufre waffles
Okay, don’t gorge, but make sure you treat yourself at least once or twice! You’ll see – and smell – the iconic yellow Belgian waffle trucks dotted around the city and it takes a strong will to resist. Belgian waffles are traditionally lighter than most other versions, and served with powdered sugar, chocolate, banana, cream or strawberries. Mmmmmmm.
Address: Various
3. Museum of Fashion and Lace (Musée du Costume et de la Dentelle)
One of the most famous exports to come out of Brussels is its lace, which, at one time, was considered to be some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. It was at its peak in the 17th century and predominantly made by unmarried women who worked in béguinages (a sort of commune) and dedicated their life to their craft. The Fashion and Lace Museum tells you everything you should know about the history of lace in Brussels, as well as fashions through the centuries and temporary exhibitions with designers and artists.
Address: Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Opening times: Tuesday through Sunday 10am – 5pm, closed Monday
Entry: Tickets cost €8 (Dh34) for adults, under 18s go free
4. Place du Châtelain Market
Held every Wednesday afternoon, the food market of Châtelain is the place to go to taste the finest foods and drinks the region has to offer. The neighborhood is very popular with trendy Brussel-ites who like to grab a fancy drink (known as an apéro) and bite to eat after work. You’ll find everything from fresh oysters to organic vegetables, and of course the famous Belgian waffles.
Address: Place du Chatelain, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
5. Shop at the Place de Jeu de Balle Flea Market
Nowhere does flea markets quite like Europe, in our opinion. Those who know what they’re looking for – and at – often stumble across genuine antiques and one-offs that couldn’t be found anywhere else in the world. To see the best of what Brussels has to offer, head to the Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market where you’ll find hundreds of boxes and stalls filled with trash and treasure, depending on your taste. Make sure you haggle.
Address: Place du Jeu de Balle, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Opening times: Daily, but best to go early if you’re looking for a bargain
6. Manneken Pis
The name of this cheeky statue rather gives it away – it is a young boy peeing into a fountain, and by far one of Brussels most popular places to visit! It dates back to around 1619 but has been stolen and returned a number of times, forcing authorities to replace the original with a replica in 1965. The original is now housed in the Brussels City Museum. During celebrations he wears a costume from his extensive wardrobe, and there’s around 130 celebrations every year so that’s a lot of costumes! In fact, a museum was opened was in 2017 just to house and display almost 1,000 outfits he has been gifted from across the world – and each has a strategically placed hole to make it practical!
Address: Corner of Rue du Chene and Rue de l’Etuve, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
7. Atomium
This landmark structure in Brussels couldn’t look more different from the gothic architecture of Grand-Place. It’s all stainless steel spheres and bars, not a column or buttress in sight! To be accurate, it’s actually the shape of a cell of an iron crystal magnified more than 150 billion times. It was built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Far (Expo 58) and now contains temporary exhibition spaces, a shop, a permanent exhibition about the building itself, and a Belgian restaurant with panoramic views of the city. Buy tickets online here.
Address: Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
IMAGE https://www.instagram.com/p/Baqgb9UjWNw/?taken-by=atomium.official
8. Old England Building
Architecture lovers will be in awe of this former department store that dates back to the late 19th century. It has an imposing black facade with lots of widows and wrought iron and a beautiful and traditional ‘Old England’ sign. Inside the building is the Brussels Musical Instrument Museum which has some fantastic interactive exhibits. There’s also a rooftop cafe with wonderful panoramic views of Brussels.
Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, Brussels, Belgium
9. Cinquantenaire Park
This huge park is more than just a park. It houses three museums, the Temple of Human Passions, the Grand Mosque of Brussels, and a lucky green dog statue! The gardens were built in 1880 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. Its most famous sight is the grand triumphal arch designed by Frenchman Charles Girault which is flanked by buildings housing the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and the Art & History Museum. It’s a lovely park to wander around, especially on a summer’s day, with plenty going on to interest all ages.
Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
10. Hunt out the best Belgian chocolate
One of the legend’s of the Belgian chocolate world is Pierre Marcolini whose stores are dotted around Brussels. His chocolate is beautiful as well as delicious; don’t visit Brussels without tasting it! Galler Chocolatier is another favorite in the city, and because it’s individually wrapped it’s great for taking home for yourself or as gifts. If you want to do more than just eat the chocolate, head to the Brussels Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate where you can learn about the history of chocolate, watch praline making demonstrations and, as if that wasn’t enough, taste the chocolate!
Address: Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate Rue de la Tête d’or 9, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Opening times: Monday through Sunday 10am – 5pm
Entry: Tickets cost €6 (Dh26) for adults and €3.50 (Dh15) for children over 6, children under 6 are free
*Content first written/published in June 2018. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
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