In its heyday, during the reign of Leopold II in the 19th century, Belgium was one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. Brussels inherited its past splendor in the form of grand avenues, boulevards, parks and magnificent buildings, some of which were among the most spectacular in Europe at the time.
What to see in Brussels
A must on any visit to Brussels is the Grand Place, with its trade union buildings and spectacular City Hall, making it one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe. Its surroundings are the old town of Brussels.
Strolling through its streets, you can visit Manneken Pis, a small statue that embodies the awe of a child and which has become one of the symbols of Brussels, the elegant St. Hubert galleries, probably the first covered shopping arcades in Europe, and the Brussels Cathedral. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Guduli.
Very close to this area is the Mont des Arts with the museums of ancient and modern art, the MIM (Museum of Musical Instruments), a beautiful Art Nouveau facade and the Royal Palace next to the Royal Park.
A little further away is the Palace of Justice, which has long been the largest building in the world, and is still one of the largest today. At Polaert Square, at the foot of the Brussels Palace of Justice, you can admire one of the best views of Brussels.
A lift from Place Polaert takes you to the popular area of Les Marolles, home to a weekend flea market. There are many alternative art galleries in this neighborhood, many of them specializing in African art.
Adjacent to the Les Marolles neighborhood is Sablon, a neighborhood known for its markets and antique shops, elite art galleries, chocolate shops and Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Brussels.
The European Quarter is another must-see area in Brussels. In this neighborhood there are European institutions and numerous organizations, embassies and lobbies. In addition to visiting spectacular buildings such as the European Parliament, there are organized tours, within a short distance you can visit Pais Ambiorix and Av. The Palmestron area with some very interesting Art Nouveau buildings and Cinquantenaire Park in its grandeur. Arch of Triumph.
A little further from the center is the Atomium, a 102-meter-tall structure that represents an iron molecule magnified 165,000 times. The Atomium area is home to several tourist attractions, such as Mini Europe, a park with Europe’s most famous monuments in miniature, the Brussels Expo, Laeken Palace, home to the royal family, and the Japanese Tower and Pagoda China, both built. Like the Atomium, because of the Universal Expo in ’58.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is another of Brussels’ most important tourist attractions. It is one of the six largest churches in the world and from its dome platform you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Brussels.
If time allows, it’s worth strolling through neighborhoods such as Ixelles or Saint-Gillis to appreciate Brussels’ rich Art Nouveau architectural heritage, or visit the city’s many museums.