Visit Brussels: from the Grand Place to the Atomium, the must-see attractions
The Grand Place, a world heritage gem
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the Grand Place in Brussels is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Its Gothic and Baroque facades, adorned with gilding and sculptures, form a breathtaking architectural ensemble. The Town Hall, a 15th-century masterpiece topped by a 96-metre spire, dominates the square. Opposite, the Maison du Roi houses the City Museum. Every two years in August, a vast flower carpet covers the square, drawing thousands of visitors.
The Atomium and the Heysel plateau
Built for the 1958 World Expo, the Atomium remains the most popular tourist attraction in Brussels. This 102-metre structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Inside, permanent and temporary exhibitions occupy the spheres, while the panorama from the top sphere offers a sweeping view of the city. Right next door, Mini-Europe brings together the continent's iconic monuments in miniature, with interactive models that delight visitors of all ages.
The royal quarter and its museums
The royal quarter is home to several major cultural institutions. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts house collections ranging from the Flemish Primitives to contemporary art, including the famous Magritte Museum dedicated to the Belgian Surrealist painter. The Royal Palace, which will reopen to the public in summer 2026 after renovation, is worth visiting for its state rooms. Nearby, the Musical Instruments Museum, set in a superb Art Nouveau building, displays over 1,200 instruments from around the world.
Manneken Pis and the historic centre
The Manneken Pis, a small bronze fountain dating from 1619, is the most endearing symbol of Brussels. This 55-centimetre statuette has a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes, displayed at the GardeRobe Museum. Strolling through the historic centre, you will also discover the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, one of the oldest covered arcades in Europe opened in 1847, and the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, an imposing Gothic edifice with magnificent stained glass windows.