Top things to do in Brussels

Being the capital of both Belgium and European Union, this place has quite a lot to offer from modern day avenues to historic places. This place is so diverse that you can get the best mug of beer or best piece of chocolate across the globe from the same city. Trying waffles is another great perk of visiting this city, thanks to the café culture it has. This place has lots of places that will give you a glimpse of both Gothic and Baroque style of architecture, especially the old district. This place has a long tryst with history and can quench the thirst of most hard core travelers. So here we are with some of the best things to do in Brussels that will keep this city alive in your memories.

Grand Place – This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the heart of Brussels. It is one of the best preserved Plaza in the entire Europe. The baroque and Gothic style of architecture buildings surrounding the plaza on cobblestoned streets are a delight to watch. Most of the buildings date back to 17^th Century, and some of the prominent enclosures are guild halls, Bread House, Town hall and a Museum.

Mannekin Pis – It translates into little boy pee in Dutch. IT is a bronze statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. Its history dates back to 17^th Century, and the statue has many a times been stolen. The present one is a replica. On special occasions the statue is dressed with clothes, and the wardrobe of this statue have had more than 500 costumes. It is also known as Oldest Citizen of Brussels.

Saint Michel and Saint Gudula Cathedral – Its history dates back to 11^th Century and it took 300 years to be built. IT is popular for its stained glass windows created by Bernard Van Orley. It has statues, paintings, and Grenzing Organ that has fascinated the tourists over the years. It is also favorite spot for the Belgian royals, for marriages, coronation and funeral. This Gothic styled church is must visit.

Comic Strip Centre – Belgium has given the worlds the comic icons like Tintin and Smurfs, and this museum honors the same, including 500 plus comic artists that belonged to Belgium. The in house library has more than 50,000 works of Belgian comics, along with a rotating exhibit of 200 comics created by Belgians and French artists. It also houses original manuscripts of old classic comics.

Atomium – It is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city Brussels which was made for the World Fair 1958, to reflect Brussels commitment towards Science. It consists of nine balls of steel balanced on each other with sticks, which resembles Iron Crystal zoomed 100 Billion times. It houses Sci-Fi interiors, some scientific exhibition, a restaurant, and it also offers breath taking views of the city from the top.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium – IT is a group of five different museums, named Meunier Museum, Old Masters Museum, Magritte Museum, Modern Museum, and Wiertz Museum, whicg collectively makes them Largest and Best art galleries of world. They house more than 15,000 artworks, with prominent ones including Judgement of the Emperor Otto, and Adoration of the Magi.

Musical Instruments Museum – It started as a departmental store, and now is home to more than 4000 musical instruments from around the world spread across four galleries, which are not only displayed but can also be played to feel the instruments. It also houses a rooftop patio which offers great views of the surroundings. It also has an in house restaurant, which you can enjoy a hearty meal.

Cantillon Brewery – A trip to Brussels is incomplete without having a tryst with beer. Cantillon was established in the start of the 20^th century, and is a place where you can see the Belgian beer brewery process. It is known for variety of beers like Lambic, Kriek, and Faro. With a tour of this place you can see eye to eye fermentation process, and bottling of beers. Plus you can also test sample fresh beers.

Cinquantenaire Park – It was built in 1880 to commemorate the 50 years of independence of Belgium as a country. This open lush green space is surrounded by museums, gardens, and triumph arch. It also houses the Belgium Military Museum which is another must see. The park hosts variety of events, festivals, and concerts across the year. It also a picnic spot for the locals on sunny days.

Royal Palace – It was built in 1900’s by the request of King Leopold II. It is the official residence of the Belgian Royal Family, with flag on its top depicting sovereign presence. The official changing of guard is also one thing to must see when you are visiting the palace. Guided tours are available in the palace that covers art decorations, many halls and rooms of palace including Throne Room and Goya Room.

As sweet as a chocolate, as strong as a beer!