As the capital city of Belgium and the seat of the European Union, Bruxelles combines history and modernity all at once. I must admit it is not the city I liked the most in Belgium since I consider Bruges the real pearl of this country. However, this is just my opinion, and I still consider it a nice destination for a one-day trip. Also, because the Grand Place is truly unmissable!
10 Things to Do in Bruxelles
Ready to walk? Bruxelles’ main attractions can be visited in one day only!
#1 Start your tour visiting the Grand Place
Beautiful! This place, so unique and so recognizable, is the center of the city. The magnificent buildings dedicated to the corporations date back to the 15th – 16th and 18th centuries. Be sure to admire this place both in the morning with the daylight, but also at night, when all the artificial lights create a spectacular show. Plus, if you happen to visit when the flower carpet is scheduled, it will truly be unforgettable!
#2 Take a picture of Manneken Pis and friends
Probably one of the most recognized symbols of Bruxelles, the Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue, located at a narrow crossroads not far from the Grand Place. As a very popular destination for tourists, it represents a boy in the act of peeing, symbolizing Bruxelles people’s sense of humor and their independence of mind. Moreover, he is not alone! The Jeanneke Pis is considered to be Manneken’s sister, a young lady represented in the act of peeing as well. And there is more! The Zinneke Pis is a dog… guess what? It is represented in the act of peeing! To my personal opinion, the three of them are not such masterpieces. But when visiting Bruxelles they are a must-visit, at least the Manneken.
#3 Have a quick look at the Palais Royal
Open to the public only in the summertime, the Palais Royal is the official residence of the royal family. Enjoy some time under the trees at the Parc de Bruxelles and reach the Palais for a quick look at the majestic building.
#4 Go for a walk in the Quartier Royal – Koningswijk
Rather than stopping at the Palais Royal, go check out the other attractions you shouldn’t miss in this area:
- Old England – a beautiful art nouveau building, once a mall, today it hosts the museum of music; a look from the outside could be enough;
- Magritte Museum
- Mont des Arts – take a sit on the staircase and admire the nice view and the park below.
#5 Take a moment to admire beautiful churches
- St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral – vaguely similar to Notre-Dame in Paris;
- Béguinage Church – such a peaceful area;
- Saint Nicholas Church – its peculiarity is being invisible, as it has been “incorporated” in the surrounding buildings.
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