8 Things You Absolutely cannot miss in Brussels, Belgium

Bussels is an amazing city with so much to do. As soon as I stepped out of the train station, I noticed the picturesque historical city center, it welcomed me like open arms. and I liked the cobble stone and various shops, eateries and charming city streets where everything is accessible by foot.

Facts of Brussels

Brussels was established as a city in the 13th century

138 restaurants are found per square mile

Brussels is a major trader of Beer, waffles and chocolate. There are more than 800 brands of beer on sale in Brussels

The Galleries St Hubert in Brussels are the oldest shopping arcades in Europe

Here is my list of the top 7 things you absolutely cannot miss:

1) Grand Palace: The Grand-Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Construction on it began in the 15th century. Stop by here during the day and night. I have seen a lot of squares but I feel this is one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe!

2) Manneken Pis: The symbol of Brussels. A bronze statue of a small boy, who has been a peeing fountain since the early 17th century. All over Brussels, shops sell replicas in the form of statues, key chains, chocolates, fridge magnets… you name it, they have it. It only takes a few minutes to stop by to take a pic but beware of the swamp of tourists here.
Side note- Janneke Pis is about the little girl and she ishidden in a small street surrounded by bars. A dog sculpture Zinneke have been doing his business on the streets of Brussels since the ’90s.

4) Eat chocolate: Make is a mission to tour the shops, taste the delicacies along the way and admire the amazing displays that are not only carefully crafted to engage all your senses but looked so tempting.

4) Must have Belgian waffle and fries: I was excited to try the waffle and fries and I wasn’t disappointed. They’re easy to find at one of the many shops and food trucks along the city streets and in the squares, where you can snack or make a meal out of one at a cafe or restaurant. You have a choice of various topping choices which include fresh whipped cream, caramel, chocolate sauce, ice cream and fresh fruit.

5) See the sights via a tour: I like Hop-on Hop- off Tours. They are the best way to see a new city as they give you a good history and overview.

6) The Atomium: located in Heysel Park in the West of the city, is an amazing jaw dropping model of an atom which is 100 metres tall. The sculpture was made in 1958 to welcome a new and atomic age to Belgium and is an accurate depiction of an iron molecule but surprisingy it is about 165 billion times larger! You can take an elevator up to the restaurant and enjoy a beer and snack before descending.

7) Comic Strip Murals: Belgium is the land of Tintin, and you will find numerous paintings covering the entire walls around the city. You can stop into tourist information for a map of the colourful and quirky outdoor art trail.

8) the Mont des Arts: means “hill/mount of the arts”, is an urban complex and historic site in the city centre and includes the Royal Library of Belgium, the National Archives of Belgium, the Square – Brussels Meeting Centre, and a public garden.