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Brussels, the Belgian capital, is a city like no other – a perfect blend of historic charm, cultural richness and modern vibrancy. From stunning architecture and countless museums, art galleries to diverse dining options and a buzzing nightlife, it’s a dream for every traveler.
Imagine soaring above Brussels from the Atomium or strolling the Grand-Place, the world’s most beautiful square or saying hi to the adorable Manneken-Pis – the charming little guy with a thousand costumes! Whether you’re drawn to craft breweries, the comic book revolution, exquisite architecture, or simply have a sweet tooth, Brussels is all set to captivate you with its irresistible allure.
While listing just a few reasons feels insufficient, here are the top 5 that make Brussels a must go for your next international destination.
1. The ‘It’ place for Lovers of architecture and heritage sites
Brussels, with its melding of different periods, offers an eclectic and visually stunning experience for those passionate about architecture and heritage.The city boasts iconic monuments and sites that showcase a rich tapestry of history and design.
No visit to Brussels is complete without experiencing the Grand Place, where the town hall and the Maison du Roi showcase stunning architecture from the 17th century.
This UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to Brussels’ architectural splendor.
The City of Brussels Town Hall, the Museum of the City of Brussels, the Koekelberg Basilica, and the Palace of Justice are all worth exploring offering visitors a glimpse into Brussels’ storied past and present The Cinquantenaire, built in 1880 to commemorate Belgium’s 50th birthday, captivates with its formal gardens and houses attractions like the Art & History Museum and Autoworld.
The city becomes a time travel tour guide, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Middle Ages, the romantic 19th century, and even glimpse into the future with the Europa building.
A landmark modernist building in Brussels, The Atomium was originally constructed as the centrepiece of the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. With its emblematic structure and nine spheres, it offers a futuristic glimpse into design, magnifying an iron crystal 165 billion times.
The Royal Galleries, located nearby, add to the allure with their timeless beauty. Even the beloved Manneken Pis, a symbol of Brussels’ unique temperament, has been charming locals and visitors alike since the 15th century.
2. Gourmet Experiences
Celebrating its 11th year, the uniquely innovative “Tram Experience” in Brussels offers a one-of-a-kind culinary journey aboard a tram, where you can savour gourmet delights while traversing the charming streets of the Belgian capital.
Throughout the season, six distinguished chefs take you on a voyage through their gastronomic universes, showcasing diverse flavors and culinary horizons.
The carefully crafted menus, synchronised with the changing seasons, provide a fresh and exciting reinterpretation of Belgian cuisine, promising to delight your taste buds.
Plus there’s a vibrant street food scene in Brussels, where a whole world of flavors is at your fingertips. The city’s culinary landscape comes alive at the Wolf Food Market, nestled between the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula and the Monnaie.
Once a haven for financial wolves, this former General Savings and Pensions headquarters has now transformed into a bustling marketplace featuring nineteen restaurants and two bars.
Among the standout establishments in this gastronomic haven, Panam stands tall with its exceptional kebabs. Renowned for serving traditional Turkish delights, they source their bread from the esteemed Renard bakery and complement their dishes with hand-cut, delectable chips.
Meanwhile, for burger aficionados, Rambo takes the spotlight, hailed as the go-to spot for the best burgers in Brussels.
3. Political Heart of Europe
In Brussels, you can dive right into the world of European cooperation at the European Parliament, the largest transnational parliament globally. Explore its history and contemporary debates, from the debating chamber (Hemicycle) to the interactive Parlamentarium exhibits.
This political hub also houses remnants of the Berlin Wall, a powerful symbol that once divided Europe into the capitalist West and the communist East for nearly three decades.
These sections, displayed near the Parliament, stand as a reminder of the continent’s past and the artistic expression that emerged after its fall, with one piece even commemorating Usain Bolt’s record-breaking 100-meter sprint in Berlin.
4. Rich Brewing Culture of Brussels with a Focus on Authentic Breweries
Belgian beers have always been a source of pride, and in the last ten years, Brussels has truly embraced the craft beer revolution with passion.
The city is buzzing with uncountable microbreweries, and they’re not just brewing beer; they’re creating, experimenting, and giving a contemporary twist to Brussels’ rich brewing heritage.
This destination also boasts of the Belgian Beer World, the largest interactive experience center about beer in the world where you can unfold interesting stories and the secrets of beer brewing.
Wander along the canal, explore Tour & Taxis, or stroll through Saint-Gilles and Anderlecht to discover the brewing gems of the city.
Among them, the iconic Brasserie Cantillon holds its historical charm, while newcomers like La Source Beer Co, Brasserie de la Senne, No Science, Cantillon, Beerstorming, and CoHop are reshaping the beer landscape with inventive and diverse artisanal brews.
With this dynamic brewing scene, Brussels beckons both locals and visitors to join in the excitement, raising a glass to the innovative flavors that define the city’s ever-evolving craft beer culture.
5. Art and Culture Like No Other
Brussels, truly the cultural heartbeat of Europe, invites you to dive into a world of artistic wonders with more cultural events per capita than New York.
Modesty aside, the sheer abundance of cultural offerings is nothing short of astounding.
The city’s cultural scene includes over a hundred museums, concert halls, theaters, cultural centers, and art galleries, each competing for a spot in your plans
The Mont des Arts, situated at the crossroads between uptown and downtown Brussels, provides a picturesque view in every season. Just below, its sumptuous gardens lead to the majestic statue of Albert I.
This cultural hub is home to the KBR, the country’s main library, and the KBR Museum, housing the library of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Archives & Museum of Literature (AML).
You can witness Europe in action at this dynamic melting pot where 183 nationalities coexist, speaking a staggering 104 languages. And as the undisputed capital of comics, Brussels also proudly places the ninth art at the forefront.
The city celebrates this art form with museums, galleries, markets, festivals, and shops with beloved characters like Tintin, Astérix, and Lucky Luke becoming the A-list celebrities of the streets over the years.
Brussels has your every need covered, with abundant parks and green spaces, charming cafes, and vibrant bars and nightclubs coming together to create lively hubs for cultural interaction throughout the city.