The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is a fascinating place with stunning architecture and fascinating history packed into every street and alleyway. The vibe of the city is hard to put your finger on. Sometimes it seems very business and bureaucracy-focused, it is after all the administerial centre of the EU, but at other times it feels laid back and does not take itself too seriously: think Manneken Pis and The Comic Strip Centre. It is this multi-layered atmosphere that makes Brussels such a great city to visit. It truly has something for everyone and offers European staples such as art and architecture alongside more unusual attractions. Don’t visit Brussels if you are on a diet as the fries, mussels and beer will soon have you indulging. Spending just a couple of days in the city will allow you to see all of the major and most popular sights but if you are here for a week, you will be able to visit some more obscure, but equally fascinating attractions. Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Brussels:
Contents
Atomium
Built in the 1950’s, the Atomium is a little outside the city centre but a great spot to see something a little different. Over 100 metres (330ft) tall, it’s a great place to see some views of the city.
If you’re feeling extra flush, pop into the Atomium Restaurant that’s situated in one of the spheres. Prices are a little more expensive than other restaurants but worth it if you want a unique dining experience. It’s one of the unique things to do in Brussels.
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum, known locally as MIM, just might be our favourite museum in Brussels, and it’s certainly one we always recommend to our visiting friends. The architecture is a stunning mix of steel and glass with musical notes blended into the facade. Once a grand department store called Old England, it’s one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in Brussels.
Admission to this museum, dedicated to all things musical, includes an audio guide that starts automatically as you move through the 8000 instruments in the collection. Instead of a boring commentary, you hear a song played by the instrument you are viewing. There’s no messing around with French vs. Flemish here, as the language of music is universal. On the top floor is a lovely café with a stunning view of central Brussels. It’s well worth a visit even if you don’t have time for the whole museum.
Brussels City Museum
The Brussels City Museum lives in the beautiful Maison du Roi (House of the King) in Grand Place. The collection consists of paintings, drawings, maps, tapestries and household objects in silver, ceramic and porcelain, all telling the story of Brussels.
The most popular part of the museum, however, is located on the second floor. Brussels most famous dressing room is filled with costumes from around the world. But this attire is not from one of Belgium’s noble families. The owner is even more famous – Manneken-Pis, the tiny fountain of a peeing boy known around the world as the symbol of Brussels.
Cinquantenaire Museum
The Cinquantenaire Museum is part of the Royal Museums of Art and History and is a museum of civilisations, grouped loosely by region. It covers social history, cultural heritage, and decorative arts. The permanent collection includes a national ‘pre-history’ collection, Gallo-Roman archaeological finds, European decorative arts, antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Iran and Rome and vast collections of Non-European civilisations from America, Oceania, and Asia. The museum allows you to travel the world without leaving Brussels and serves as a great inspiration for exploring other cultures.
Find peace at the Abbey de la Cambre
The former Cistercian abbey, Abbey de la Cambre, founded in the late 1100s, is now the headquarters of the Belgian National Geographic Institute and the visual arts school, La Cambre. You can freely visit the beautiful grounds and gardens as well as Notre Dame de la Cambre, the small abbey church.
See a different side of Brussels in Schaerbeek
Brussels has many different city districts and each has a face of its own. Schaerbeek is perhaps one of the most interesting and colourful. As you wander its streets you’ll probably forget you’re in Brussels altogether. It’s a wonderful and unique mix of different cultures, home to a variety of shops, eateries (some serving kosher food) and vibrant streets.