Exploring Brussels

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Have you ever dreamed of exploring a vibrant European city with majestic architecture, breath-taking parks and fascinating history? If so, then Brussels is the city for you! Brussels is the capital of both Belgium and Europe and it is a great destination for those looking to explore the culture and history of Europe. It is renowned for its delicious seafood, moules-frites, waffles, stoemp and distinctive beer. Brussels also produces some of the finest chocolate in the world, which can be found in every corner of the city. This blog post will help you get acquainted with all the sights in Brussels, as well as some of the lesser-known gems that will make your trip extra special. I’ll also provide helpful tips on how to get around what not to miss while visiting the city. So, let’s dive in and discover all that Brussels has to offer!

Brussel photography photoshoot

Why not start your trip by finding your bearings with a talented local photographer. Ievgeniia Pavlenko is the professional photographer behind all my portrait photos featured in this blog post. Ievgeniia has worked with reputable publications around Europe and has a portfolio that also includes work from street style, portrait and family photoshoots. Her style is natural and relaxed, allowing her to capture the true personality of her subjects. She’s works with a variety of clients, from corporate executives to models and everyday people. Seize the chance to document your unforgettable moments in Brussels. Ievgeniia captures the distinct personality and character of each subject, whether it’s a family portrait, pictures for your social media presence or a senior photo. Her portrait photography is a work of art that produces stunning and poignant pictures that will endure a lifetime. Visit Ievgeniia’s website at https://ievgeniiapavlenko.mypixieset.com to schedule a photo shoot to produce timeless images that will be cherished for years to come. You can also get inspired by looking at her stunning photography by following her on Instagram at @ipvllkl

The Grand Place

Situated in the heart of Brussels’ historic city centre, the Grand Place is a stunningly beautiful square lined with gothic, baroque and neoclassical buildings. Since 1998, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally constructed in the 11th century the Grand Place has been a major public square ever since. Throughout the centuries, the square has been used for a variety of events, including markets, ceremonies, and festivals. Today the Grand Place is the hub of the city’s culture and events. The Grand Place is surrounded by some of Brussels’ most historic buildings. One of the most recognizable is the Town Hall, which stands at the centre of the square and was built in the 15th century. The King’s House commonly known as Bread House is another noteworthy structure. The square is also home to a number of monuments including the Statue of Everard ‘t Cerclages which is regarded as lucky by the natives. It is thought that rubbing and touching the statue, particularly the arm, will bestow good fortune, grant wishes and predict future visits to Brussels.

Tip: Visit the square in winter for the Sound and light show, mask festivals and in the summer for The Flower Carpet and Ommegang which was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on the 11th December 2019.

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert in Brussels is a beautiful and historic shopping arcade that has been in operation since 1847. The iconic shopping arcade celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2022. It is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe and is older than Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. The gallery is a series of three covered passages – the Galleries du Roi, the Gallerie de la Reine and the Galerie du Prince. The arcade’s design was inspired by the Palais Royal in Paris and includes elegant ironwork and glass roofs. It was Belgium’s first arcade of its kind and it quickly became a popular destination for the wealthy and fashionable. Today the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is still a popular spot for visitors to Brussels. The galleries are lined with luxury stores, chocolatiers and chic cafés.

Toot bus

If you’re looking for a fun and convenient way to get around Brussels, while enjoying stunning views and capturing amazing snaps from above then Toot Bus is the perfect option for you! Toot Bus is a network of hop-on hop -off buses that operates in Brussels with two main lines – the Blue Line and the Red Line. Both lines offer a great way to explore Brussels and they are frequent. The Blue Line runs from the Gare Centrale/Centraal Station to the Manneken Pis, passing through the city centre. It is a great way to get to the main attractions in Brussels, such as the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Atomium and many more. The Blue Line also passes through some of the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods such as the trendy Marolles. The Red Line runs from the Gare Centrale/Centraal Station to the Royal Palace and tours via the picturesque Sablon district. Toot Bus is a great way to get to the Atomium, Museums of the Far East, Royal Park, Brussels street art and comic murals, Basilica of Koekelberg and other attractions. Toot Bus is the perfect way to get around Brussels without spending too much money.

Mont des arts

This beautiful square offers stunning views of the city in the summer. Mont des Arts is an elegant park square filled with lush greenery, fountains and monuments. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll, as well as taking in some of the city’s most iconic sights. At the top of the hill, you’ll find a magnificent fountain which is surrounded by a number of statues. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city and its magnificent buildings. The park square is also home to the Royal Library of Belgium, which holds a wealth of information about the country’s history and culture. The library is open to the public, so you can explore its vast collection and learn more about the country. The Mont des Arts is also home to a number of other attractions including the Musical Instruments Museum. The museum showcases various instruments and music from different cultures, as well as displays of traditional costumes and instruments from around the world. Mont des Arts is a fantastic alternative central spot compared to The Grand Place. You can walk to all of the major city landmarks mentioned in this blog from here. The Palace of Justice, Royal Palace, Tintin Mural, Manneken Pis, The View and other popular attractions are all within five to ten minutes’ walk of Mont des Arts.

Museums of the Far East

Planning to travel the Far East without leaving Brussels? Look no further than the Museums of the Far East! These museums are home to an incredible collection of art, artifacts and cultural artifacts from China, Japan and other countries in the Far East. You can explore the history and culture of the Far East through paintings, sculptures, religious artifacts and more. The museums house the Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Tower and the Museum of Japanese Art. From samurai armour to ancient Chinese pottery, dive into the past and discover the unique culture of the Far East!

The Pis Family

This family includes the beloved Manneken Pis, a bronze statue of a little boy urinating, Jeanneke Pis and Zinneke Pis. All three statues are free to visit and Manneken Pis is the most famous of the three and serves as the emblem of the city. It has been a symbol of the city for centuries and is often dressed in different costumes. Jeanneke Pis which depicts a young girl peeing is situated just across from the renowned Delirium Café. Finally Zinneke Pis is a dog urinating but it’s the only statue out of the family which is not a water foundation. This statue was created in the 1998 and is the newest addition to the Pis Family. So, if you’re ever in Brussels, don’t forget to visit this iconic family!

Palace of Justice and The View

The Palace of Justice, usually referred to as The Law Courts of Brussels, stands out amid the bustling skyline of the Belgian capital. The Palace of Justice is the biggest courthouse in all of Europe and is situated in the centre of the city. The structure which also houses the Court of Cassation has appeared in a number of television shows and books including “Poirot” The Chocolate Box. The View is a ferris wheel located near the The Palace of Justice and offers spectacular views of the city. During the winter festive season, The View’s wheel moves to another part of the city to join the Christmas markets. Visitors can take in the sights of the markets and the city from the top of the wheel during the Christmas period. Whether you’re visiting the courts or taking a ride on the wheel, you’ll be able to experience a unique part of the city.

The Atomium

The Atomium is a unique and iconic structure of an iron molecule. The structure is open to the public with a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. For breath-taking views of Brussels and the surroundings, take a lift to the top sphere. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibitions inside the spheres and there are also a number of on-site restaurants, cafes and stores. The distinctive landmark is certain to leave a lasting impression if you have an interest in history, architecture and design.

Street art murals

The city is full of vibrant murals depicting famous comic book characters like Tintin, The Smurfs, Lucky Luke and even public figures like George Floyd. The murals are scattered all across the city, so it’s easy to find them wherever you are. The murals are a great way to explore the city since it gives you the opportunity to hunt down these pieces of art and admire them. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the city’s history, culture and people. From the whimsical to the political, these murals are sure to leave you in awe. And if you’re lucky, you might even find a few comic book stores along the way! No matter what your taste in comics and mural artwork, you’re sure to find something you’ll love in Brussels. So, if you’re in the city, be sure to take some time to explore the murals and learn more about the city’s vibrant culture.

Royal Palace of Brussels

Located near Brussels park this grand palace is the official residence of the Belgian monarchs. The palace grounds are open to the public during the summer months. The Royal Palace of Brussels is one of the city’s most important landmarks and a great place to visit for a unique experience.

La Boutique Tintin

La Boutique Tintin is a must-stop for any fan of the classic comic book series and is a great place to look for the perfect souvenir to take home from Brussels. Located in Brussels city centre, this store is dedicated to all things Tintin and is a must-see for any fan of the classic comic book series. Inside you’ll find an array of Tintin merchandise from t-shirts and mugs to books and posters. You can also pick up official Tintin figurines and other collectibles. No matter what you’re looking for you’ll find something to suit your taste here.

Brussels is home to many incredible landmarks and attractions that I was unable to include them all in this piece. Other landmarks worth visiting are Parc du Cinquantenaire was established in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Belgium. The Church of Saint Catherine is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Inside visitors can admire the beautiful stained–glass windows, intricate carvings and ornate frescoes. Finally, the Parlamentarium free interactive visitor centre provides a unique way to discover the history and workings of the European Parliament.