Brussels surprised me in the best possible way. Everyone told me it was just EU offices and business suits, but wow, were they wrong. The moment I stepped into Grand Place at sunset, watching those golden baroque buildings glow like they were lit from within, I had to pick my jaw up off the ground. Walking through the glass-roofed Galeries Royales felt like stepping into a movie set.
From stunning Art Nouveau mansions to the beautiful places in Brussels that mix French and Flemish vibes in the coolest way, here are 12 spots that showed me what this city is really about. Trust me, there’s way more to Brussels than just chocolate and waffles (though those are pretty amazing too!)
Top Must-See Places in Brussels
Looking for the coolest things to do in Brussels? Visit the iconic Atomium, explore the lush Botanical Garden of Meise, and admire the stunning Castle of Groot Bijgaarden. Take a trip to the elegant Château de la Hulpe and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, culture, and architectural beauty. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, nature, or history, here are the top attractions to visit in Brussels.
1. Atomium
- 📍 Location: Brussels, northern area of the city, easily accessible by metro
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏗️, science lovers 🔬, panoramic view seekers 🔭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the spheres, enjoying the panoramic view of Brussels, interactive exhibitions
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (indoor attraction), but spring and fall for smaller crowds 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pullman Brussels Centre Midi – Modern hotel with easy access to public transport
Standing tall at 335 feet, the gleaming Atomium represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. This iconic Belgian symbol features nine interconnected stainless steel spheres that visitors can explore from within. The super-fast elevator whisked me to the top sphere, where Brussels unfolds in a spectacular 360° panorama.
Work your way down through spheres housing exhibitions about science, architecture, and the structure’s fascinating history. The connecting tubes contain escalators and walkways, offering unique perspectives. After dark, a spectacular light show transforms the Atomium into a glittering landmark visible across the city. Plan for at least 2 hours to experience everything, and consider visiting nearby Mini-Europe to complete your day trip.
2. Botanical Garden of Meise
- 📍 Location: Just north of Brussels, 12km from the city center
- 🏆 Best For: Plant lovers 🌿, photography enthusiasts 📸, peaceful retreat seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Plant Palace, wandering through themed gardens, visiting the historic castle
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October for outdoor gardens, year-round for the Plant Palace greenhouse 🌷
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel De Fierlant – Charming accommodations with garden views and convenient access to the Botanical Garden
Sprawling across 92 hectares, the magnificent Botanical Garden of Meise houses an incredible collection of over 18,000 plant species. This living museum combines manicured formal gardens with wild woodland areas and specialized collections that change with the seasons.
The massive Plant Palace greenhouse complex became my favorite spot to journey through different climate zones. Tropical rainforests transition to arid deserts all under glass. The historic Bouchout Castle provides a fairy-tale backdrop for plant explorations. Themed sections like the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden offer camera-worthy views throughout the year. Bring comfortable walking shoes and allow at least half a day to properly explore the extensive grounds.
3. Castle of Groot Bijgaarden
- 📍 Location: Flemish Brabant, approximately 7km west of Brussels city center
- 🏆 Best For: Garden enthusiasts 🌷, castle lovers 🏰, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Annual spring flower festival, exploring the medieval castle, walking through formal gardens
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May for the spectacular Floralia Brussels flower show 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: B&B La Ferme de Bertinchamps – Charming farmhouse accommodation with garden views just minutes from the castle grounds
Picture-perfect and surrounded by water, the medieval Castle of Groot-Bijgaarden dates back to the 12th century. This fairy-tale setting combines historical architecture with spectacular garden displays that change with the seasons.
The castle grounds truly shine during the annual Floralia Brussels flower show when over one million bulbs burst into bloom. Walking among endless tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths remains one of my most colorful Belgian memories. Visitors can explore ancient towers and halls before strolling through the 14-hectare park with centuries-old trees. The elegant Chapel of Saint Wivina and impressive drawbridge create perfect photo opportunities. Time your visit for the flower festival, but the grounds are worth seeing year-round.
4. Château de la Hulpe
- 📍 Location: Southeast of Brussels in Walloon Brabant, nestled in the Sonian Forest
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌳, art enthusiasts 🎨, romantic strollers 💑
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Folon Foundation museum, walking through French formal gardens, hiking forest trails
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooming rhododendrons, fall for autumn colors 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dolce by Wyndham La Hulpe Brussels – Luxury hotel surrounded by forest views
Elegant and serene, Château de la Hulpe sits amid 227 hectares of pristine parkland once belonging to the Solvay family. The harmonious blend of architecture and nature creates one of Belgium’s most romantic destinations just a short drive from Brussels.
The spectacular landscaped park balances French formal gardens near the château with natural English-style landscapes extending into the forest. Art lovers should visit the Folon Foundation in the former farm buildings showcasing whimsical works by Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. I spent hours wandering the 40km of marked trails without seeing everything these grounds offer. Pack a picnic to enjoy beside the beautiful Great Lake for the complete experience.
5. Chinese Pavilion
- 📍 Location: Brussels, in the royal domain of Laeken
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏯, East Asian art collectors 🎎, history buffs 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring the exotic architecture, viewing the porcelain collection, visiting the nearby Japanese Tower
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall when the surrounding gardens are in bloom 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Indigo Brussels City – Stylish accommodation with good access to royal attractions
Fantastical and colorful, the Chinese Pavilion exemplifies early 20th-century exotic architecture commissioned by King Leopold II. Red columns, curved roofs, and golden dragons transport visitors to the Far East while remaining firmly in Brussels.
Inside awaits an impressive collection of Chinese export porcelain, lacquerware, and furniture showcasing European royal fascination with Asian aesthetics. The spectacular dining room appears set for a royal banquet, giving glimpses into lavish royal entertaining. Nearby stands the complementary Japanese Tower, built in the same period. Together with surrounding gardens, these unique buildings create a fascinating architectural journey through Belgian royal history. Allow 2 hours to fully appreciate both structures and their collections.
6. Gaasbeek Castle
- 📍 Location: Flemish Brabant, approximately 10km southwest of Brussels
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, art lovers 🖼️, garden wanderers 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the castle’s lavish interiors, strolling through the museum garden, visiting the brasserie
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-October when gardens are in full bloom 🌺
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Martin’s Château du Lac – Luxury lakeside hotel in a castle-like setting with elegant rooms and spa facilities near Gaasbeek
Dramatic and storied, Gaasbeek Castle evolved from a 13th-century fortress to a romantic château filled with art treasures. This storybook setting offers a journey through Belgian history just outside Brussels in beautiful countryside surroundings.
The castle’s sumptuous interiors showcase impressive collections of furniture, tapestries, and artwork spanning centuries. Each room tells stories of former residents, including the influential Marquise Arconati Visconti. Outside, the Museum Garden recreates a perfect Renaissance layout with geometric patterns and historic fruit varieties. Wandering through these manicured grounds made me feel transported back through time. The surrounding park features ancient trees and picturesque paths leading to the welcoming castle brasserie for post-exploration refreshments.
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7. Grand Place
- 📍 Location: Historic center of Brussels, Belgium’s capital city
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, history lovers 🕰️, photography buffs 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring the ornate guild houses, witnessing the biennial Flower Carpet, enjoying café culture at the square
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but especially magical during December for the Christmas market and light show ✨
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Amigo – Luxurious accommodation just steps away from the square
The Grand Place dazzles visitors with its ornate guild houses and stunning Gothic town hall, earning its reputation as one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. The UNESCO World Heritage site comes alive each evening with a mesmerizing light show highlighting the intricate facades. I still remember gasping when I first stepped into this architectural wonderland surrounded by chocolate shops and cafés.
For a truly special experience, visit during mid-August in even-numbered years when the entire square transforms into the famous Flower Carpet. Created with over 500,000 begonias, this living masterpiece draws crowds from around the world. Come both during daylight to appreciate the details and after dark when the illuminated buildings create pure magic.
8. Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
- 📍 Location: Just a short walk from Grand Place in central Brussels
- 🏆 Best For: Shoppers 🛍️, chocolate lovers 🍫, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Browsing luxury shops, visiting historic chocolate boutiques, spotting the vintage theater
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but especially cozy during rainy days or winter months ☔
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel des Galeries – Stylish boutique hotel located within the galleries complex
Step into a more refined era at Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of Europe’s oldest covered shopping passages, dating back to 1847. The stunning glass-roofed gallery houses luxury boutiques, jewelers, and legendary chocolate shops like Neuhaus, birthplace of the original praline. Walking through these elegant arcades feels like traveling back to the golden age of European shopping culture.
Beyond shopping, the galleries contain cultural gems like the historic Théâtre Royal des Galeries, still hosting performances today. Even if your budget allows only window shopping, the magnificent architecture makes this a must-visit Brussels attraction. The perfect refuge on rainy days, these galleries connect you to Belgian heritage through craftsmanship and culinary delights.
9. Mini-Europe
- 📍 Location: At the foot of the Atomium in northern Brussels
- 🏆 Best For: Families with children 👨👩👧👦, photographers 📸, European history buffs 🏰
- 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing famous European landmarks in miniature, interactive exhibits, visiting the neighboring Atomium
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April through September for the best weather and full operations 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pullman Brussels Centre Midi – Convenient modern hotel with easy metro access to the attraction
Tour all of Europe in just a few hours at Mini-Europe, where 350 perfectly crafted miniature models recreate the continent’s most iconic landmarks at 1:25 scale. Press buttons to make Mount Vesuvius erupt, watch the Berlin Wall fall, or see tiny trains zip through meticulously detailed landscapes. The sound effects and animations bring these miniature worlds to life in ways that captivate visitors of all ages.
Combine your visit with the neighboring Atomium, Brussels’ iconic 335-foot-tall stainless steel structure for a full day of unique sightseeing. The park also features a “Spirit of Europe” exhibition explaining the European Union in engaging ways. Getting there takes 30 minutes from central Brussels via metro, making this educational attraction easily accessible for families.
10. Parc du Cinquantenaire
- 📍 Location: Eastern Brussels in the European Quarter
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, outdoor lovers 🌳, museum hoppers 🖼️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through the triumphal arch, exploring the three museums, picnicking on the expansive lawns
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms, summer for outdoor concerts, National Day (July 21) for celebrations 🎆
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sofitel Brussels Europe – Upscale hotel near the park with excellent access to the European Quarter
The magnificent triumphal arch of Parc du Cinquantenaire stands as a monument to Belgian independence in this sprawling 74-acre urban oasis. Created in 1880 for Belgium’s 50th anniversary, the park offers one of Brussels’ most iconic photo spots and houses three excellent museums under one roof. The grounds feature manicured gardens, flowing fountains, and wide pathways perfect for jogging or cycling.
Visit during National Day celebrations to witness impressive military parades and fireworks illuminating the night sky. The park contains the Royal Museum of Armed Forces with its aircraft collection, Autoworld displaying vintage cars, and the Art & History Museum showcasing archaeological treasures. Locals flock here on sunny days with picnics, making this green space both a cultural and recreational hub in eastern Brussels.
11. Parc Josaphat
- 📍 Location: Schaerbeek district, 3 miles northeast of central Brussels
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌳, families 👨👩👧, locals-only experience seekers 🧳
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the mini-farm with animals, boating on the lake, enjoying the diverse landscapes
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for perfect park weather and blooming gardens 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: B&B La Cascade – Charming accommodation in a restored townhouse near the park
Escape the tourist crowds at Parc Josaphat, a beloved English-style park where Brussels locals gather to enjoy nature within the city. Designed to mimic a natural valley, this 20-hectare gem features rolling hills, winding paths, and a serene lake that transport you away from urban life. Families love the mini-farm where children can meet farm animals and the vintage wooden playground structures.
The diverse landscapes include formal gardens, expansive lawns, and densely wooded areas to explore. Sports enthusiasts can use tennis courts and jogging trails while others relax near bubbling streams and cascading waterfalls. Visit on weekends to see locals picnicking and socializing in this authentic slice of Brussels life that few tourists discover. The park lies just 15 minutes by tram from the city center.
- Read Next: Weekend in Belgium: Brussels, Bruges & Ghent
12. Royal Palace
- 📍 Location: Central Brussels, facing Brussels Park
- 🏆 Best For: Royal history buffs 👑, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, luxury lovers ✨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the opulent state rooms, viewing the unique mirror hall, exploring the royal art collection
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late July through August when the palace opens to the public for annual tours 🔓
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Le Plaza Brussels – Classic luxury hotel with royal-inspired decor near the palace
The Royal Palace of Brussels dominates the skyline with its neoclassical façade stretching over 100 meters across the heart of the capital. Though not the king’s residence, this impressive building serves as the Belgian monarch’s official workplace, where state duties are performed and distinguished guests are received. The palace symbolizes Belgium’s constitutional monarchy in both function and architectural grandeur.
For just a few weeks each summer after July 21st, the palace opens its doors for free public tours of the magnificent state rooms. Marvel at the spectacular “Heaven of Delight” ceiling in the Mirror Room, created with over 1.6 million jewel beetle wing cases. Even when closed to visitors, the palace’s exterior and the manicured Brussels Park across the street offer perfect photo opportunities and a pleasant place to relax after sightseeing.
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