What to See in Brussels: From Grand Place to the Royal Palace

If stereotypes are often an easy way to get to know a place, then those about Brussels, capital of Belgium and headquarters of the European Union, are definitely welcome. The city is shaped like a pentagon and divided into an upper and lower town; the lower town is where you’ll find Grand Place. Here are some tips for visiting Brussels.

1 Brussels Today

Brussels is well-known for its lace, Brussels sprouts, the Smurfs, Tintin, expert chocolatiers, Jacques Brel’s warm vocals, and Magritte’s masterpieces. All true, and all things you can discover, admire, taste, or enjoy during a stay or a short city break in Brussels. These quick city breaks are the best way to get a feel for its welcoming and culturally diverse character. After all, its history as a crossroads between Northern and Southern Europe helped shape Brussels into the city it is today. Its region, Flanders, is among the richest and most picturesque in Europe, surrounded by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and major cities like Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam. It’s no wonder Brussels (Brussels) absorbed the best of all these influences.

At Christmas time, like many northern cities, Brussels lights up with colors. This is one of the best periods to visit Brussels, capital of Belgium and queen of the country.

What to See in Brussels

2 Brussels: Points of Interest

A classic starting point to explore Brussels in one day is the Grand Place, a stunning square with an original 15th-century design and a row of ornate buildings that are sure to impress. The most striking building is the Town Hall, with its spectacular Gothic lines.

Also not to be missed is the centuries-old Cathedral with a facade reflecting the spirit of the 15th century, especially its towers that nearly touch the blue sky on sunny days. The Royal Palace, home to the current monarchy, and the city’s iconic Art Nouveau mansions—many designed by master architect Victor Horta—are also must-sees; his former house is now a museum.

Other highlights include the lively Galeries St. Hubert with bookstores, boutiques, cafes, and the legendary Belgian chocolate shops. The Sablon area, a haven for antique lovers and trendy shops, along with charming markets, and shopping districts like Rue de Namur, Avenue Louise, Boulevard de Waterloo, or Galerie de la Toison.

3 Grand Place Brussels

The Grand Place is certainly one of Brussels’ main attractions. It’s a vast square, rich with landmarks and historic buildings. The Brussels Town Hall, in Gothic style, faces the square, while the Guild Houses feature Baroque architecture. The Grand Place suffered great damage in 1695 during the reign of Louis XIV, when artillery fire destroyed most of the buildings. Nevertheless, residents rebuilt it in just four years, and today crowds gather to admire the square’s architectural beauty.

4 Ilot Sacré

Radiating from Grand Place are many small, picturesque streets that cross and run parallel. This area is called the Ilot Sacré, with streets named Butchers’ Street, Herring Street, and Blacksmiths’ Street, testifying to the city’s commercial past. Here you’ll find a large number of shops, restaurants, bistros and various activities. This is a favourite area for shopping—although not the least expensive in the city. The Galeries St. Hubert in this neighborhood is a historic shopping centre, hosting a cafe, cinema, restaurants, and a theatre.

5 Mannekes Pis

Let’s say it out loud: no tour of the Belgian capital is complete without stopping at Brussels’ most famous monument, the Mannekes Pis. This tiny statue of a boy peeing might seem quirky, but the Mannekes Pis is among the city’s top attractions. Located on a side street off the Grand Place, it’s also one of Brussels’ most photographed sites. If you don’t mind a bit of kitsch, a selfie here is a must.

6 Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is still used today for official ceremonies, though the royal family’s official home is the Castle of Laeken on the city outskirts. The current palace dates from the late 18th century and was designed in the style of Louis XVI, commissioned by Leopold II, though it has been expanded and restored over time. The palace can be visited by reservation and is bordered by a large park with several points of interest. It opens to the public during Belgium’s national holiday and remains open for about two months in summer.

7 Museum of Fine Arts and Modern Art

Within Place Royale, you’ll find two of Brussels’ cultural gems: the Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Modern Art. In the Museum of Fine Arts, you’ll see paintings by Rubens and early Flemish masters. The Modern Art Museum features a collection of René Magritte, works by Dalí, Picasso, Matisse, Bacon, and local artists. These museums are open every day except Monday from 10am to 5pm, and ticket prices are reasonable.

What to Do in Brussels

8 Brussels Comic Strip Museum

Among the must-sees in Brussels is the Comic Strip Museum, a true delight for fans. Located at Rue des Sables 20, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Housed in an old warehouse, this is where you can explore the origins of the Smurfs and the adventures of Tintin.

9 Museum of Musical Instruments

Still wondering what to see in Brussels? Another highlight is the Museum of Musical Instruments, home to a fascinating collection of both classic pianos and unusual folk instruments. On the top floor, there’s a restaurant offering spectacular panoramic views of Brussels—ideal for lunch or dinner. The museum is located at Rue Montagne de la Cour 2 and is open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays). Admission is affordable and includes an audio guide.

10 Brussels Flea Market

The Brussels Flea Market takes place in Place du Jeu de Balle, open daily from 7am until early afternoon (2pm). Here you can find almost anything—sometimes you need luck to discover rare or unique objects.

11 European Quarter

The European Quarter in Brussels is home to the European Commission and European Parliament, as well as numerous other European bodies and lobbying offices. Its architecture is a blend of modern and classic lines. During workdays, the area is lively and busy, while it gets much quieter when the offices are closed. The district isn’t renowned for architectural beauty but is highly functional.

12 How to Get to Brussels and Get Around

The Belgian capital is well connected by international trains (Eurostar). Brussels can be reached from London in just over two hours and just as quickly from other major European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne. The main airport (Brussels International) has an efficient rail link, with four trains connecting the airport to four different train stations in the city in 20 minutes to an hour. Brussels South station serves budget airlines. Taxis are moderately priced, but the city is best explored on foot. We recommend getting around Brussels with the Brussels City Card, available at info points, hotels, and museums.

13 Where to Eat in Brussels

Let’s start with what to drink in Brussels: the answer is easy—Belgian beer. The variety of local craft beers is a highlight, rivaling German and Czech brews. Choose pubs and bars in the Old Town for an authentic experience, while the European District is more popular among locals. Around the Grand Place, you’ll find plenty of venues to enjoy great Belgian beer and local specialties. You can’t go wrong with a beer at Chez Moeder Lambic in St. Gilles, open until late. For a good meal, try a traditional brasserie; for a light lunch or dinner, cafes offer decent portions at fair prices.

14 Where to Stay in Brussels

Brussels hosts many business travelers. This means that on weekends, hotels tend to be less busy and offer better deals. Hotels in Brussels come in all categories with a wide range of options, and B&Bs are generally of good quality.