Brussels: Europe's museum hub
Brussels can be traced back to the Roman era. It has been a strategic location throughout history due to its position as a crossroads between northern and southern Europe. From the stunning architecture of the Grand Place to the quirky Atomium, Brussels is magnificent. Today, the city has several important institutions, including NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization) along with the European Union headquarters. Its rich history can be seen in its architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks.
The narrow streets of Brussels are dotted with quaint cafes and restaurants that offer a comfortable and inviting atmosphere to enjoy a meal or drink. Belgian waffles, often served with toppings like chocolate or strawberries, are a must-try treat. Belgian chocolates are also quite famous, and you can explore numerous chocolatiers in the city. For savoury options, enjoy mussels, frites (fries), and hearty stews like carbonnade flamande.
There are diverse shopping places in the city. The historic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is home to luxury boutiques and artisan shops, while Rue Neuve is a bustling retail street housing popular brands. For antiques and vintage items, you can visit the Sablon district.
Places to visit in Brussels
Brussels is known for its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. To help travellers plan a better trip to Brussels, here is a list of places to add to the itinerary.
- Atomium: The Atomium is an iconic architectural marvel in Brussels. Constructed for the 1958 Brussels World Expo, the building's unique design resembles an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, consisting of nine interconnected spheres. Visitors can explore several spheres, including exhibition spaces and a panoramic view from the top sphere. The Atomium has become a symbol of Belgium's capital and a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the fusion of art, science, and modernity.
- Royal Palace of Brussels: The official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium, this impressive neoclassical building is open for public tours during the summer months. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, grand halls, and lavish furnishings. Visitors can explore the opulent rooms, view royal collections, and witness the changing of the guard. The Royal Palace represents Belgium's rich history and the enduring monarchy's cultural significance.
- Mini-Europe: Mini-Europe is a miniature park featuring scaled-down replicas of 350 famous European landmarks and monuments, showcasing the continent's cultural diversity and architectural heritage. Visitors can explore detailed models, including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Acropolis. Mini-Europe provides an educational and entertaining experience, allowing guests to learn about European history and culture in a fun and interactive way.
- Belgian Comic Strip Center: The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a cultural institution celebrating the country's rich comic book heritage. Housed in an Art Nouveau building, it showcases the significant impact of Belgian comics on global culture, focusing on iconic characters like Tintin, The Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. The centre offers an extensive collection of original artwork, manuscripts, and exhibits on the history and art of comics. Visitors can explore the world of Belgian comics through interactive displays.
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: Home to over 20,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is undoubtedly a must-visit for art lovers. The collection spans from the 15th to the 21st century, with notable works by Flemish and Belgian artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Magritte.
- Jubelpark: Jubelpark was created in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence, hence its name "Jubelpark" or "Parc du Cinquantenaire". It covers an area of 30 hectares. This large park features a triumphal arch, numerous museums, and beautiful gardens. It is an excellent place for a picnic or a stroll, offering a great view of the city skyline.
- Grand Place: Grand Place is an iconic square and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, including the Gothic-style Town Hall and the ornate guild halls dating back to the 17th century. The Grand Place is also home to the famous Flower Carpet event, where thousands of flowers are arranged into a beautiful carpet design.
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport, also known as Brussels Airport Zaventem (BRU), is the primary international airport serving Brussels. It is situated about 12 km northeast of the city centre and is one of the busiest airports in Europe, with flights to Brussels arriving worldwide.
The airport has two Terminals: Terminal A for Schengen flights and Terminal B for Non-Schengen. Passengers can easily access the airport by train, bus, or cab, and plenty of facilities are available, including shops, restaurants, and lounges. Whether you're arriving or departing from Brussels, the airport provides a convenient and efficient travel experience.