Brussels Travel Guide

1. Home of the European Union: Brussels is a key center for the European Union, hosting the European Commission and one of the main seats of the European Parliament.
2. Manneken Pis: One of Brussels’ most famous landmarks is the Manneken Pis statue – a small bronze sculpture of a boy urinating into a fountain. It’s a quirky and iconic symbol of the city’s sense of humor.
3. Comic Book Capital: Brussels is known for its strong comic book culture, being home to famous cartoonists like Hergé, the creator of Tintin. There’s even a Comic Strip Trail with murals dedicated to famous characters.
4. Waffles and Chocolate: Brussels waffles are light with a crisp exterior, usually served with powdered sugar. Toppings like whipped cream and strawberries are common. Belgian chocolate is a must-try, with many renowned chocolatiers in the city.
5. Grand Place: Brussels’ Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its breathtaking architecture. The square is surrounded by ornate guild halls, the Town Hall, and the King’s House. Additionally, every two years, it hosts the famous Flower Carpet event.
6. Atomium: Built for the 1958 World Expo, it is a futuristic structure that represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It’s one of Brussels’ most unique and memorable landmarks.
7. Belgian Beer: Brussels is a great place to sample Belgian beer. The city is home to many traditional cafes and bars that serve a variety of local brews.
8. Bilingual City: Brussels is officially bilingual, with both French and Dutch spoken.
9. Delirium Café: Delirium Café once held a world record for offering over 2,000 types of beer.
10. Home of French Fries: Despite being called “French fries,” they were invented in Belgium.
11. Brussels Sprouts: The vegetable is named after Brussels, where it’s believed to have been cultivated.
12. The Royal Greenhouses: These stunning greenhouses are open to the public once a year for about a few weeks and they showcase beautiful plants and flowers.
13. Famous for Lace: Brussels is known for its delicate and intricate lacework, with a rich tradition dating back centuries.
14. Cultural Festivals: The city hosts many festivals throughout the year, including music, food, and cultural events.
15. Belgian Fries with Mayonnaise: It’s common to eat fries served with mayonnaise.
16. Mini-Europe: A miniature park where you can see detailed replicas of Europe’s most famous landmarks.

1. Grand Place: Capture a shot of the breathtaking architecture surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage square. The guildhalls and Town Hall make for a stunning backdrop, especially at night when they’re lit up.
2. Atomium: For a truly unique shot, position yourself in front of this futuristic structure that looks like an atom magnified 165 billion times. The views from the top provide panoramic photos of the city, perfect for a memorable shot.
3. Manneken Pis: Don’t miss capturing a quirky photo with this small but iconic statue of a boy urinating into a fountain. It’s one of Brussels’ most photographed landmarks.
4. Mont des Arts: Snap a photo with the stunning views of the city from this elevated spot. The gardens, along with the Palais Royal in the distance, offer an elegant backdrop for a wide-angle shot.
5. Royal Palace of Brussels: Take a shot in front of this grand palace, where the stunning architecture and the beautiful park nearby make for the perfect backdrop.
6. Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral: Capture the intricate details of this Gothic cathedral, both outside and in. The tall spires make for a dramatic shot, while the interior’s stained glass windows add a rich, colorful element to your photos.
7. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: Wander through this elegant covered arcade and capture the classic architecture, glass ceilings, and high-end boutiques. It’s a stylish spot for photos, day or night.
8. Cinquantenaire Park: Position yourself in front of the grand triumphal arch and capture the expansive park around it. The architecture and green space make for an impressive wide shot.
9. Comic Strip Murals: Brussels is a city of comics, and the murals of Tintin and other beloved characters are a fun and colorful way to capture a playful moment in the city.
10. Sablon Square: Take a moment to capture the charm of this picturesque square, surrounded by antique shops and chocolate boutiques.

Belgium has always been a country I pictured as elegant and charming in Europe. We stayed at the Radisson Collection, which we loved for its convenient walking distance to the Grand Place.

The Atomium was a fascinating structure to visit. It is an iconic symbol of Brussels and a marvel of engineering. Its futuristic design represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Exploring its interconnected shiny spheres felt like stepping into a sci-fi movie. Inside, we enjoyed interactive exhibits and breathtaking panoramic views of Brussels and the surrounding countryside from the top sphere.

We also loved visiting Mini-Europe, a delightful park that showcases Europe’s most famous landmarks in miniature form. Walking through it felt like taking a whirlwind tour across the continent in just a couple of hours. The detailed models were incredibly realistic, capturing everything from the Eiffel Tower to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. My daughter had a blast with the interactive displays—she eagerly spun tiny windmills in the Netherlands, cheered “Olé” for Spain, and skillfully maneuvered a little sailboat, making the experience both fun and educational for the whole family.

As someone who loves beer and waffles, I couldn’t wait to try their many special varieties. I enjoyed spending time at Delirium Café and exploring the nearby streets—we even tried a beer flight to sample a range of flavors. I was eager to try Belgian fries at Friterie Tabora, which came with delicious, unique dipping sauces that pair perfectly with the fries. The waffles truly lived up to all the hype. Belgian waffles had a crisp exterior and deep pockets that were perfect for holding toppings like powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or rich chocolate sauce.

We also visited Cinquantenaire Park, where we saw historic aircraft and military vehicles on display. The spring flowers were in full bloom, and our daughter loved playing on the playground slides. We also strolled through the elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, shopped for Belgian chocolates, and checked off another item on our Belgium bucket list.

We wrapped up our Brussels adventure snapping candid photos near Mont des Arts, enjoying the beautiful city views around us.