20 Must-Visit Attractions in Brussels
Vibrant Brussels is known for being many things at once, and that versatility extends to its attractions. Peeing statues, parks and hills with specific cultural missions, resplendent Art Nouveau and Art Deco villas, and even Europe in miniature – Brussels has it all. Here, you’ll find 20 essential attractions to visit when in the heart of Europe.
1. Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis and Zinneke
Historical Landmark
2. Grand Place
Building, Memorial
3. Atomium
Building, Memorial, Historical Landmark
4. Victor Horta's major town houses
Museum, Architectural Landmark
Brussels is a treasure trove of Art Nouveau architecture, and shining examples of the revolutionary pre-war movement are Victor Horta’s town houses. The Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde and Maison & Atelier Horta clearly show their architect as a pioneer of the elegant curves, decorative ironwork and spacious floor plans so essential to the style.
5. Villa Empain
Museum
6. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Shop, Architectural Landmark
7. MIMA
Museum
8. Mont des Arts
Museum
9. Musical Instruments Museum
Building, Concert Hall, Museum, Shop, Store
10. Mini-Europe
Park
11. Magritte Museum and Magritte House Museum
Museum
12. St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
Cathedral
13. L’Archiduc
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Beer, Cocktails
If you only frequent one legendary bar while in Brussels, let it be L’Archiduc. Sitting in the authentic wooden booths with a strong cocktail in hand, while listening to the mellow tunes from the jazz piano, it’s easy to see why Miles Davis would pop in for a jam session at this soulful Art Deco establishment. Ring the bell to be let through the magnificent cast-iron door.
14. Van Buuren Museum and Gardens
Museum
15. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
Memorial
16. Train World and Schaerbeek Station
Museum
17. Brussels's Winter Wonders
Building, Memorial
18. Place du Jeu de Balle
Market
19. Cinquantenaire Park
Museum, Park
20. Bois de la Cambre
Park
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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