Brussels is a relatively small and compact city that is easy to explore on foot. Take a guided walking tour from Grand Place to Manneken Pis, then head on to the Musee des Beaux Arts and you’ll take in most of the old city centre.
The Musee Royeaux des Beaux Arts is one of the most impressive galleries in all of Europe. Art lovers from all over the world book flights to Brussels just to experience all that this museum has to offer. Arrive early in the morning, as you can easily spend an entire day browsing the various galleries.
Brussels is full of lovely parks, the most notable being the Cinquantenaire, which was designed in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence. The park’s entrance is a giant arch; you can walk up to the top or take the lift for amazing views of the city below.
Car buffs will appreciate Brussels’ Autoworld, a museum located in Cinquantenaire Park that’s entirely dedicated to cars. You can browse exhibits that feature some of the first-ever automobiles, as well as modern classics from Europe’s “golden age”.
Built during the 1958 World’s Fair, the gigantic Atomium has become a symbol of Brussels. The area surrounding the huge silver structure is a lovely park that includes miniature replicas of all the important buildings in the EU, including Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower.
The Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert is the world’s first shopping mall. Built in 1847, the shopping centre features a gorgeous glass ceiling, designer shops, gourmet grocers and cosy cafes. Take a stroll through the centre before leaving on flights from Brussels.