Tourist Attractions in Brussels

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Brussels

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Brussels

The busy streets of Brussels are always crowded. Tourists are magnetically drawn to the pompous and coveted capital of the European Union. In summer, the Grand Place and the surrounding streets are full of cafes and even the pavement (especially when the square is covered with a magnificent flower carpet of begonias), museums and picturesque palaces are stuffy from the large number of visitors.

Perhaps the first things that come to mind at the mention of Brussels are the figure of the Pissing Boy and the famous Belgian chocolate. But there are other, no less “iconic” places in the city: Gothic, Baroque and Empire palaces, historic shopping galleries, museums full of priceless works of art, as well as pretentious modern buildings of the administrative bodies of the European Union.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Brussels

Grand Place

According to the master Victor Hugo, the Grand Place surpasses in beauty all the central squares of European capitals. This picturesque place has existed since the 12th century. It was the place where markets bustled, important public meetings were held, and the fate of the city was decided. Active building of the square began in the XV century. Over several centuries, the Grand Place was surrounded by real architectural masterpieces: the Town Hall, the Bread House, fountains, and the houses of trade guilds.

Atomium

 4.4/5

87040 reviews

The modern monument is a model of a molecule enlarged several billion times. The height of the structure is more than 100 metres, the diameter of atoms is 18 metres. Giant atoms are connected by pipes, inside which there are corridors and passages. Tourists can climb to the Atomium’s observation deck or visit the restaurant located inside the molecule. The monument was erected in 1958 for the opening of the next World Exposition of Achievements.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Brussels Town Hall

 4.7/5

1199 reviews

An elegant, “airy” and ornate late Gothic structure that adorns the Belgian capital. The Town Hall was begun in the early 15th century. According to the idea of the authors of the project, the future house of the city council was to symbolise the power and importance of Brussels as an important trading capital. The architects succeeded in realising their vision, and now the Town Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in Brussels.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Bread-House

 3.9/5

47 reviews

This 13th century Gothic structure is another jewel of the central Grand Place. The building seems to be woven in lace, its graceful arches and spans creating a sense of flight and aspiration. The Bread House was originally used as a warehouse for bread, then as a prison and then as a customs house. Eventually the family of the Duke of Brabant moved here. Nowadays, the building houses the Brussels Museum, famous for its paintings by famous artists.

Place is closed permanently

Mont des Arts

 4.5/5

14236 reviews

An urban neighbourhood that appeared on the map of Brussels in the middle of the 20th century. It used to be an uninhabited wasteland. Over time, the district turned into the cultural centre of the Belgian capital. There are many buildings built in neoclassical and postmodernist manner. The neighbourhood is home to many famous museums, picturesque parks and convenient observation decks.

Open time

Royal Palace of Brussels

 4.4/5

12482 reviews

The current residence of the Belgian kings, open to the public during the absence of the royal family (in fact, they hardly ever visit the place). The palace is located in the city centre near the historic squares and the city park. The modern building appeared at the end of the 18th century, the facade was modernised in 1904.

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Royal Palace of Brussels

 4.4/5

12482 reviews

This mansion in the north of Brussels is actually home to the royal family, while the Royal Palace is merely a formal residence. The Laken Palace was built at the end of the 18th century. It is surrounded by a landscaped park with greenhouses, which is always full of tourists. The place became the monarch’s residence only at the beginning of the 20th century.

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Royal Palace of Brussels

 4.4/5

12482 reviews

An unusual early 20th century palace built for railway engineer A. Stokle. The building was designed by J. Hofmann, a representative of the Viennese Secession school. This architectural style stands at the crossroads of modernism, Art Deco and Art Nouveau. The palace is a UNESCO monument, but it is closed to the public because it belongs to the descendants of Stöckle.

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Palais de Justice

 4.2/5

787 reviews

A monumental structure the size of a city block. The locals nicknamed it “the mammoth” for its incredible size. The pompous Greco-Roman architecture and gilded statues adorning the facade look a little ridiculous and even frightening. The palace covers an area of 30.6 thousand m² and is 122 metres high. In the huge halls and numerous passages, the visitor can even get lost.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Brussels Stock Exchange

 4.3/5

568 reviews

A late 19th century building located on the site of a former Franciscan monastery. The architecture is dominated by Neo-Renaissance and Empire. The interior space of the stock exchange is characterised by opulence, and the decoration was done by famous Belgian masters. The Brussels Stock Exchange was established in the early 19th century by Napoleon Bonaparte and is now a pan-European stock exchange.

Open time

European Parliament

 4.4/5

2031 reviews

An imposing structure of modern architecture made of glass and steel. The architects intended it to look “unfinished”, as not all the countries of geographical Europe have united in the EU yet. The European Parliament, the main supranational legislative body of the European Union, sits inside. You can go inside the building on a guided tour or individually and watch the MEPs meeting.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Pissing boy

A small fountain that has adorned the Belgian capital for several centuries. Over the years, it has become the most recognisable symbol of Brussels. Unfortunately, there is no exact documentary evidence where this fountain came from, but researchers agree that it was created at the end of the 14th century. The figure of the Pissing Boy symbolises the humorous and freedom-loving spirit of the Belgians.

Pissing girl

The sculpture “Pissing Girl” is also a fountain. It is a modern composition from 1987. According to one version, the figure of the girl appeared thanks to the local restaurateur Debuvri, who was offended for women. The injustice was that there was a “Pissing Boy” and no girl. With the appearance of the fountain, both sexes were equalised in their rights.

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels

 4.6/5

18218 reviews

A 13th century cathedral reminiscent of the French Notre Dame de Paris. The writer V. Hugo considered it the only true Gothic cathedral. The architecture shows the influence of three styles: Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. The cathedral was built on the site of a church of the XI century (its ruins can be seen through openings in the floor). The interior was created over several centuries and bears the marks of different epochs.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg

 4.5/5

4868 reviews

The temple was erected in honour of the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence. The construction took 60 years and was completed by 1969. The Basilica is built in the Art Deco style and is one of the ten largest Christian churches in the world. The building is not only used for church services. On its territory there is a museum, an auditorium for lectures, an exhibition gallery, and a concert venue.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Église Notre-Dame de Laeken

 4.5/5

1228 reviews

A neo-Gothic Catholic church located near the Palace of Laken. It was designed by the talented master J. Poulart. Inside there is a tomb of Belgian monarchs. The church building was erected in the middle of XIX – early XX century in memory of the wife of King Leopold I – Maria of Orleans. While still alive, the queen wished her body to be buried in Laken.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon

 4.6/5

4542 reviews

A Gothic church of the 15th and early 16th centuries, built at the expense of the military guilds on Sablon Square. In the Middle Ages, crossbow competitions were held here. The church was rebuilt from a small chapel of the XIV century. Inside the church are altars belonging to the military guilds and dedicated to the patron saints of these professional societies.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

 4.5/5

7975 reviews

A museum complex housed in four buildings. It includes the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Constantin Meunier Museum, the Antoine Wirtz Museum, the Margritte Museum and the Fin de siècle Museum. The collection comprises more than 20,000 paintings and sculptures. It houses an outstanding collection of Dutch, Italian, French and Flemish paintings.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Musée Magritte Museum

 4.3/5

6034 reviews

A museum consisting of works by the famous Belgian surrealist painter R. Margritte. It was opened in 2009. More than 200 works by the author are exhibited here – drawings, paintings, advertising posters and photographs. The museum claims to be a full-fledged centre for research of the artist’s work and heritage. You can learn about R. Margritte’s life from films shown in the museum cinema.

Open time

Choco-Story Brussels

 4.4/5

6499 reviews

Belgium is considered the European leader in chocolate production. It was Belgian masters who invented chocolate candies with fillings and pralines. A museum dedicated to this delicacy appeared in Brussels in the second half of the 18th century. On its territory you can taste exquisite varieties of chocolate and delicious fillings. The museum is also a shop where you can buy a tasty souvenir to remember your trip to Brussels.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Musical Instruments Museum

 4.4/5

5110 reviews

A museum where musical instruments from different countries of the world are collected. The exposition has about 7,000 pieces. The museum was established in the late 19th century on the basis of the private collection of King Leopold II. At first, the exhibits were located in the premises of the Brussels Conservatory, but in 2000 they were moved to the historic building of 1899, built in the Art Nouveau style.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

 4.5/5

4942 reviews

There is hardly a military conflict in which Belgium played a key role. However, this fact does not prevent the country from having one of the largest collections of weapons and military paraphernalia in Europe. The museum’s exposition consists of sabres, swords, rapiers, modern assault rifles, pistols, as well as numerous military equipment collected from all over Europe.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Autoworld

 4.6/5

9172 reviews

There are several hundred vintage cars and motorbikes in the museum’s collection. There are sports cars, public transport, environmentally friendly cars and even cars that belonged to celebrities and politicians. The museum exhibits unique models of Bentley, Rolls Royce and Bugatti from the 30s, and you can also look at the car of J. Kennedy and T. Roosevelt.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Horta Museum

 4.4/5

2721 reviews

The museum’s collection is dedicated to the work of architect W. Horta, who is considered the founder of the original Art Nouveau style. This master had a great influence on the architecture of the Belgian capital. The exposition is located in the house where W. Hort lived. The building was erected especially for him, and many interior elements were personally designed by the master.

Open time

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

 4.5/5

37008 reviews

Three shopping galleries united by a glass dome. They were opened in the middle of the 19th century and have since become a place of pilgrimage for shoppers. In addition to shops, there are cafes, cinemas, art salons and a theatre stage. The Royal Galleries are a valuable architectural monument of Brussels and a real decoration of the city centre.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Nemo 33

 4.2/5

1545 reviews

A swimming complex with one of the deepest swimming pools in the world. The lowest point is located at a depth of 34.5 metres. Inside the pool there are several underwater artificial caves, through special portholes you can watch the visitors of the local bar. People come to Nemo 33 for diving and just for recreational diving.

Open time

Porte de Hal

 4.3/5

2868 reviews

Medieval gate from the 14th century, once part of the city’s fortification system. The structure survived the demolition of the city wall. In the 19th century, the majority of Brussels residents voted in favour of destroying the gate, but it survived and was recognised as a historical treasure. The Halle Gate was restored to the design of architect Beyart, and a museum of arms history is housed inside.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mini-Europe

 4.3/5

9857 reviews

A park that houses all the major European landmarks in a scaled-down version. There is Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, numerous palaces from various European capitals and much more. The area of the miniature park is 24 thousand m² and it will take several hours to see the exhibits in detail.

Open time

Parc du Cinquantenaire

 4.6/5

34375 reviews

The attraction is located in the eastern part of the Belgian capital. The park was founded in the late 19th century and its opening was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence from the Netherlands. The park is decorated with monumental patriotic sculptures, pavilions, frescoes, marble bas-reliefs and luxurious alleys. One of the architectural dominants is the Arc de Triomphe with antique figures symbolising the Belgian provinces.

Open time

Forest

 0/5

A wooded area on the southern edge of Brussels. Up until the 19th century, it was considered difficult to traverse and wooded, but its area has since been significantly reduced. The forest is located in the provinces of Wallonia and Flanders, as well as in the Brussels region. Wild animals such as wild boars, moose, forest rodents and various bird species can be found here. There are fish in the forest lake.