Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and one of the most important political, cultural, and economic centres of the European Union. It has a rich history and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and the Atomium. Brussels's history dates back to the Roman era, and its strategic location as a crossroads between northern and southern Europe has played an important role throughout history. Visitors can witness the stunning architecture of the Grand Place and explore the quirky Atomium, making Brussels a truly magnificent destination.
The city is well-connected with an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro trains. The main train station, Brussels Midi/Zuid, is one of the busiest and most efficient railway stations in Europe, providing high-speed train connections to major destinations across the continent. Brussels cuisine is a journey for the taste buds, renowned for its mouthwatering waffles, decadent chocolates, and flavorful Belgian fries. The city's culinary landscape also delights with sumptuous seafood like heavenly pralines. Regarding shopping, Brussels offers stalls at the Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market or retail therapy at the stylish boutiques around Avenue Louise.
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, IndiGo, in a codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, has curated a list of must-visit places.
- Belgian Comic Strip Center: The Belgian Comic Strip Center is located in a unique and historic Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, a famous Belgian architect. The building is attractive, having a beautiful glass roof and intricate ironwork. It is dedicated to the history and art of comic strips, which have a rich tradition in Belgium and are celebrated as a significant cultural setup. The centre features exhibitions showcasing famous Belgian comic strip characters, including Tintin, the Smurfs, and Spirou. Visitors can learn about this centre's fascinating history and evolution of comic strips and the art and techniques used to create them.
- Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a famous shopping arcade. It is a historic landmark that dates back to the mid-19th century and has stunning architecture and several high-end shops and restaurants. The arcade is beautifully covered by a glass roof and divided into three sections, with two smaller galleries on either side and a larger central gallery. Visitors can wander and admire the ornate ironwork, grand arches, and elegant storefronts.
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a group of museums. They showcase a vast collection of artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings, from the 15th century to the present. The collection is divided into several different museums. The Old Masters Museum has paintings from the Flemish and Dutch schools, including works by Bruegel, Rubens, and Rembrandt. The Modern Museum showcases art from the 19th and 20th centuries. It includes works by artists like Magritte, Ensor, and Spilliaert. The Wiertz Museum is dedicated to the works of Belgian painter Antoine Wiertz, and the Meunier Museum features sculptures and drawings by Belgian artist Constantin Meunier.
- Atomium: The Atomium, a modern symbol of Brussels, was constructed for the 1958 World Expo and is designed to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It is a must-see destination and offers stunning panoramic city views from its highest sphere. It also features a range of fascinating exhibitions.
- Royal Palace of Brussels: The Royal Palace of Brussels is a grand and historic landmark in the city's heart. Initially constructed in the late 18th century, the palace is the abode of the Queen and King of the Belgians. It is used for various state functions and events. The castle features opulent interiors, including the Mirror Room, the Throne Room, and the Grand Staircase. Visitors can also explore the palace gardens, home to various sculptures.
- Mini-Europe: Mini-Europe is a miniature park with scaled-down models of famous European landmarks, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum, and the Eiffel Tower, among many others. Visitors to Mini Europe can stroll through the park and admire the impressive and detailed models designed to be as accurate as possible. The park also features interactive exhibits and displays, providing visitors a fun and educational experience. Mini Europe is an excellent destination for families, as children can learn about the landmarks and cultures of different European countries while enjoying the miniature models.
- Jubelpark: Jubelpark is an essential landmark in Brussels and a testament to Belgium's rich history and culture. It was created in the late 19th century to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence. It offers an escape from the city arena and a chance to experience some of the country's most iconic landmarks. It hosts various cultural events, including music festivals, fireworks displays, and outdoor exhibitions. The park is accessible by public transportation and is a popular destination for tourists and locals.
- Grand Place: The Grand Place, also referred to as the Grote Markt, is the central square of Brussels and one of the most iconic landmarks in Belgium. Today, the Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by beautiful architecture, including the Gothic-style Town Hall and the ornate guild halls that line the square. The Grand Place has a long history dating back to the 11th century when it was a marketplace for traders. Over the centuries, it became a hub for political and cultural events and a popular gathering place.
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport, also referred to as Brussels Airport Zaventem (BRU), is the leading international airport serving the city of Brussels, where flights to Brussels from Delhi regularly arrive. Located almost 12 km northeast of the city centre, it is among the busiest airports in Europe.
The airport has two terminals: Terminal A caters to Schengen flights, while Terminal B is designated for non-Schengen flights. Passengers can easily reach the airport using various transportation mediums such as trains, buses, taxis, or private cars. The airport also provides many convenient facilities, including restaurants, shops, and lounges, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience for passengers arriving or departing from Brussels.
