Visit Brussels: what are the best things to see and do in the Belgian capital?
Beautiful, old, elegant, beautiful, pleasant, galante, grandiose... Visit Brussels is necessarily done alongside a long list of superlatives. And again, no one is enough to describe Brussels and its splendor. The capital of Belgium and Europe has some of the most beautiful sites in Europe, but it is difficult to imbue with all culture and history in a single weekend. So here's a list of best things to do in Brussels during a short stay.
1. The Manneken-Pis
It is difficult not to admit that most sights of travellers are turned towards Manneken Pis , that one translates Brussels by “the peeling kid”. It is both a humorous and historical monument. This fountain, in its current form, was erected in 1619 and since then, the tradition of dressing the “child” has been maintained by the local community. Thus, on fixed dates, the statue will be dressed differently. The 883 costumes of the guard dress of the little one are displayed at the Museum of the City of Brussels. There is a female version of the Manneken-pis, the Jeanneke Pis , located in the dead end of the Fidelité near Rue des Bouchers. Discover these two statues as well as a third , even less known.
Flickr – Francisco Antunes
2. The Royal Palace
During the six weeks each year, the Royal Palace opens its doors to visitors. This is an official residence of King Philip of Belgium and the royal family, where international meetings, official receptions and state ceremonies take place. During the visit to the Royal Palace, it is very interesting to discover the Throne Hall, the Blue Salon, the Mirrors Hall and the Goya Salon.
3. The Grand Place
The Grand Place is the best place to do in Brussels you can’t miss it. Victor Hugo once said that it was Europe’s most beautiful place, and it seems that it still remains. The Grand-Place is bordered by buildings of the 17th century, which are the houses of the corporations (Bakers, Peintres, Abbéists, Brasseurs, etc... there are 39 different ones), the City Hall and the King House ( Broodhuis ).
4. Royal Museums of Fine Arts
Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Belgium are for all fans of historical visits. They are constituted by the Musée d’Art Ancien, the Musée d’Art Moderne, the Musée Antoine Wiertz, and the Musée Constantin-Meunier. Recently, the museum has made available a Treasury Room with all the most famous pieces.
5. The Parc Mini-Europe
If you have not yet had time to see the whole of Europe, then visit the Parc Mini-Europe . As its name suggests, you can see all the great monuments of Europe at the same time: the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben , the Berlin Wall, the arenas of Seville, the Acropolis, the Pisa Tower, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and the list is long...
6. The Atomium
L’ Atomium was built on the occasion of the 1958 Universal Exhibition. This structure reflects an idea of modern architecture among the old city of Brussels. It is the symbol of the new that meets the old. The Atomium is the expansion of an atom to 165 billion times. 
Flickr – Cayetano
7. The Beer Museums
Beer is a cultural brand of Belgium. Many breweries and beer museums are located across the country, and Brussels is no exception. The Brussels Museum of Gueuze , for example, presents a large exhibition showing various old beers and recipes. You can even test a few drinks. Know that it is also possible for you to make a beer tasting circuit through the capital.
8. The Parc du Fiftynaire
The commemorative ark (a bow of triumph to three arches that the Brussels call the Arcades du Cinquantenaire ) is a popular place in the city, and usually crowded with locals and curious tourists. It was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence.
9. Saint-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral
The history of Cathedral of Saints Michel dates back to the 12th century, when its construction began with a Romane architecture. Today, the building is made of Gothic style, Renaissance and, therefore, Romanesque. A perfect place for a moment in peace and quiet.
10. Chocolate
Visit the chocolate shop and museums looking for flavor. Taste the best Belgian chocolates that are a specialty as well as beer.
How to get to Brussels?
There is a multitude low-cost flights from France to Brussels. Find it Cheapest flight to Brussels on our partner's website Ulysses .
Where to stay in Brussels?
Brussels is the capital of Belgium but can be found on foot if you stay in the center. To help you choose your neighbourhood, we invite you to read our article to find out where to stay in Brussels . To find a cheap hotel in Brussels, search this Compare hotels .
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