Waffles, Wonders and Whimsy: 12 Best Attractions in Brussels Making it a European Gem

You have heard of Brussels, but have you really met the city? Beyond the usual mentions of waffles and chocolates lies a capital bursting with stunning architecture, art gems and kinds of cafés that locals guard like secrets. The blog post ahead is not your average Brussels’ top attractions in Belgium, but a deeper dive into the soul of the city. We have mapped out the twelve best attractions that blend the iconic with the unexpected, merged with insider tips to help you experience the city up close and personal. If you are planning a visit and browsing for the perfect tourist attractions in Brussels, the virtual tour starts right here.

When you think of Belgium, the first thing that comes to mind is scrumptious waffles, decadent chocolates and a pint of frothy Belgian beer. And rightly so, Belgium’s culinary treasures are legendary. But nestled in the heart of Europe is its vibrant capital, Brussels, which is probably not the first city that comes to mind when you think of a vacation destination in Belgium. And that is precisely what makes this city magical.

Brussels is where fairy-tale charm meets modern dynamism. Among the various sites to see in Brussels, one moment you will find yourself taking a stroll through the Gothic towers and the next moment, you are snapping selfies with quirky comic murals, like Tintin and Smurfs (which originated in Brussels, by the way!).  The capital city of Belgium is also the administrative hub of the European Union and a cultural landscape filled with stunning architecture, lush parks, world-class museums and a laidback lifestyle that effortlessly blends French finesse with Flemish flair. And after exploring the tourist attractions in Brussels, you can rest easy knowing that a perfect stay awaits you. Hotel Brussels offers a stylish stay that combines modern comfort with easy access to top attractions like the Grand Place and Avenue Louise.

So, are you ready to explore attractions in Brussels, Belgium, that are beyond the chocolate shops? Ahead is a list of 12 spectacular places to see in Brussels that will make you fall head over heels for this stunning European gem.

Top Attractions in Brussels, Belgium

• Grand Palace
• Atomium
• Royal Palace of Brussels
• Manneken Pis
• Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
• Parc du Cinquantenaire (Cinquantenaire Park)
• Magritte Museum
• Comic Book Route
• Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
• Mont des Arts (Hill of the Arts)
• Place du Grand Sablon
• Delirium Café

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the best places to see in Brussels, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the cultural heart of the city. Surrounded by ornate 17th-century guild halls and the Town Hall, the Grand Place square reflects the city’s rich architectural heritage.

Insider Tip: Visit during August, when the Flower Carpet Festival is held. During the festival, the entire square is decorated with colourful flowers, with the floral carpet as the main attraction. During the visit, be sure to explore the hidden cafes around the Grand Place for a quiet glimpse of the grandeur.

Atomium

Initially built for Expo 58, the Atomium is another top place to visit in Brussels, a one-of-a-kind building and a museum shaped like an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. This iconic place in Brussels houses a museum, an exhibition space and a panoramic restaurant to keep you engaged during your visit to the Atomium. You can explore multiple spheres through escalators and enjoy exhibitions ranging from design to science and pop culture.

Insider Tip: Book your tickets online to skip the queue and time your visit just before sunset to catch the stunning skyline views.

Royal Palace of Brussels

Although the royal family no longer resides at the Royal Palace of Brussels, it remains a grand symbol of Belgium’s constitutional monarchy. The palace stays open to the public during the summer months. It lets you walk through the majestic halls filled with historical artefacts, portraits and elegant decor from the bygone era. The most intriguing room in this place to visit in Brussels is the Mirror Room, which features a ceiling decorated with shimmering green beetle wings, an artistic delight to watch.

Insider Tip: Book your ticket between July and September, as the palace is then open to the public free of charge. Combine your stop with a stroll through Brussels Park, located just opposite the palace.

Manneken Pis

This tiny statue of a little boy urinating might seem unassuming, but it is one of the most important places of interest in Brussels. Installed in the 17th century, the statue has become a cultural icon. What makes this attraction extraordinary is his extensive wardrobe. The statue has over a thousand costumes that change depending on the occasion.

Insider Tip: Do not miss the statue’s female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis and the dog version, Zinneke Pis, both hidden gems situated just a short distance away from Manneken Pis.

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

St. Michael and St. Gudula is a stunning cathedral standing tall in central Brussels, which is dedicated to the city’s patron saints. With twin towers and soaring arches, it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle, featuring stained-glass windows and a beautifully preserved crypt. This is one of the sites to see in Brussels, which has seen many royal events. The grandeur of the cathedral is comparable to some of Europe’s finest cathedrals.

Insider Tip: Check the schedule before visiting the cathedral, as free organ concerts are often held in the evenings and provide an unforgettable audio experience.

Parc du Cinquantenaire (Cinquantenaire Park)

Created to commemorate Belgium’s 50th anniversary of Independence, this expansive urban park is home to manicured lawns, fountains and three museums. At the park’s centre is the Triumphal Arch, which offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. If you are looking for places to visit in Brussels for a picnic, museum hopping or for a peaceful walk, the Parc du Cinquantenaire is the place for you.

Insider Tip: Plan to visit the park on a Sunday when locals gather for yoga, jogging, or just relaxing. The park is a great place to watch people engaged in their activities or just for a casual bike ride.

Magritte Museum

For art lovers, there can be no better place of interest in Brussels than the Magritte Museum. Housing over 200 works by Belgian artist René Magritte, the museum walks you through the painter’s philosophical and whimsical universe. From iconic pieces, such as “The Lovers,” to lesser-known letters and sketches, the experience at the Magritte Museum is truly immersive and educational.

Insider Tip: Download the museum’s app for a self-guided tour, as it enhances your experience and is worth the small fee.

Comic Book Route

Beyond Tintin and the Smurfs, Brussels is home to a rich comic culture, with beloved characters like Lucky Luke and Spirou, all of which hail from the capital city of Belgium. The Comic Book Route celebrates this legacy through creative displays, original sketches and life-sized illustrations.

Insider Tip: You can purchase a combined ticket to visit this iconic attraction in Brussels, Belgium, if you plan to visit the nearby museums as well. This often helps you save money and time.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

This elegant, glass-roofed shopping arcade is another notable tourist attraction in Brussels, dating back to 1847 and ranking among the oldest in Europe. Inside the tourist site, you will find luxury boutiques, cafés, chocolate shops and restaurants that transport you to the bygone era. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a great place to pick up souvenirs, such as Belgian chocolates or designer finds, or simply enjoy a coffee while watching people pass by.

Insider Tip: Head to the shopping arcade around mid-morning to avoid crowds and snag a table at one of the indoor cafés.

Mont des Arts (Hill of the Arts)

If you wish to add places to visit in Brussels that offer one of the best views, then Mont des Arts deserves to be on your list. With its elevated gardens, grand staircases, and open view of the skyline, Mont des Arts is one of the best places, situated in a prime location surrounded by major cultural attractions, including the Royal Library and the Fine Arts Museum. As the sun sets, the view becomes even more serene and magical.

Insider Tip: Come during the golden hour with your camera. The result? You will go back with several Instagram-worthy photos of Brussels that you will cherish forever.

Sablon District

This upscale neighbourhood, next on your list of places to visit in Brussels, Belgium, is known for its antique shops, fine chocolates, historical churches and art galleries. It is a great place to explore on foot, especially on weekends when the markets are lined up side by side, selling vintage collectables and gourmet chocolates. The beautiful church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon adds a spiritual charm to the district.

Insider Tip: Take a pit stop at one of the chocolatiers, such as Pierre Marcolini or Neuhaus, for artisanal treats that make great souvenirs.

Delirium Café

If beer tasting is on your bucket list before visiting Belgium, Delirium Café is a must-visit. This world-famous attraction in Brussels holds a Guinness World Record for offering over 2,000 varieties of beers. The ambience at the café is simply amazing, lively and rustic. You will find everything from fruity Belgian beers to rare international brews, which makes it a must on your list of places to visit in Brussels, Belgium.

While Belgian chocolates and waffles are the first thing that pops into your mind, Brussels as a city has so much more to offer than just that. With its grand architecture, thriving art scene, quirky corners and green spaces, it is a destination that is sure to surprise you at every turn. And now that you have a ready guide to Brussels' attractions in Belgium, all that is left is to pack your bags and experience it yourself. Let Veena World help you discover the best of this European gem with carefully crafted Brussels trip packages that let you enjoy all these attractions without any sweat.

So, are you ready to turn your dream into an itinerary? Then you are in good hands if you book your package with Veena World. Explore the various Brussels trip packages to learn more!