Parc Du Cinquantenaire at night
If you’re looking for a European city with a unique flair and plenty of things to do, Brussels is a great option! The city is full of culture, history, and activities that are sure to keep you entertained. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is one of the most internationally diverse cities in the world. It sits centrally in the country between the two other distinctive regions of Belgium – the Flemish (Flanders)/(Dutch speaking) and Walloon (Wallonia)/(French speaking). English, French, and Dutch are all spoken in Brussels.
Not only is it the capital of Belgium, but it is also the capital of the EU. Many people refer to it as the capital of Europe for that reason. It also houses the headquarters for NATO. A bustling city, to be sure!
Brussels is not just known for these things but for some of the BEST things – waffles, chocolate, beer, and fries. You can find all of these treats in abundance in Brussels. There are also many traditional Belgian restaurants that serve dishes such as steak tartare, mussels, and French fries.
A few delicious Belgian beers to choose from
A Liege Waffle
Fun fact – what we Americans refer to as French fries actually originated in Belgium. So we should be calling them BELGIAN fries…. although that doesn’t have the same ring as French fries, does it?
Brussels has something to offer to everyone! Here are some of the top things to do in the city.
Visit the Grand Place: It is one of the most iconic attractions in Brussels. This large public square is surrounded by stunning baroque buildings filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Grand Place is also home to the daily flower market, which is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs.
The Grand Place during the day
The Grand Place at night
Walk the Parc Du Cinquantenaire: this stunning park has a U-shaped complex made up of two museums – the Auto World Vintage Car Museum and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History. This structure was built in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Belgian Independence
The Parc Du Cinquantenaire with my parents at night
Tour the Atomium and Mini-Europe: The Atomium is a giant model of an iron crystal that was built for the 1958 World’s Fair. It stands 102 meters high and is a popular attraction in Brussels. You can take an elevator to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. It was one of my favorite sites! And you can also tour Mini-Europe, which is right next to the Atomium. You get a tour of reproductions of the most famous monuments of each country in the EU.
The Atomium
The view from above
A shot of Mini-Europe
Explore the Cathedrals: Brussels is home to several beautiful cathedrals, including the Notre Dame du Sablon, Saint Michel, Notre Dame du Finistère, and the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg. These churches offer a stunning display of Gothic architecture and are a must-see for any visitor.
The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg with my sister Rachel
One of the things I love about Brussels is the train/bus/tram system. It feels similar to the underground in London or the subway in NYC. It’s so easy to get around the city with public transportation!
These are just a few of the top things to do in Brussels. With so much to explore, you’re sure to find something that will make your trip to Brussels an unforgettable one.
A quick moment in a botanical garden
