Things to do in Brussels

Brussels is full of magnificent architecture and superb museums, not to mention some great theme parks. The city is roughly divided into the Lower Town and Upper Town. The Lower Town was historically more of a working class region, filled with lively squares and mazes of narrow cobblestone lanes, while the Upper Town was the home of the wealthy and aristocratic communities. To this day, there is a stark contrast in atmospheres between the two main city districts.

Grand Place

A magical old city square, the Grand Place is a treasure trove of magnificent buildings and entertaining performing arts. Lined by ancient guild houses, this ancient square is considered one of Europe’s finest in terms of decorative façades and a variety of architectural styles. Most of the buildings date from the 17th century, when the square was rebuilt after being devastated by war. Highlights include Le Roy d’Espagne, Le Sac, Le Cornet, Le Renard and Le Cygne, all of which were famous guild houses in their time.

Place Ste Catherine

Much more down to earth than the glittering Grand Place, Place Ste Catherine is none-the-less very popular for its more authentic atmosphere and less crowded square and lanes. This district still has traditional markets (most famously, fishmongers) and is perfect for people-watching from one of the many quaint street cafés. There is a string of ponds, which once formed an unbroken canal and which today are lined with some great seafood restaurants that make fantastic evening dining destinations.

Quartier de lIlot Sacre

This wonderfully eclectic district features a network of tiny lanes filled with all manner of shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants and street entertainment. The action is mostly outdoors, with most establishments setting up tables on the sidewalks and even on the streets themselves. The mood is always very festive and good natured although, as with many popular, crowded places attract thieves, which can put a sour note on proceedings, so take care of your belongings.

Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudule

The jewel of the Upper Town is this magnificent cathedral, parts of which date from the 13th century. Immediately noticeable are the soaring twin Gothic towers, while inside the cathedral, visitors are mesmerised by the workmanship of the beautiful stained glass windows. The cathedral was built on the site of an 11th century Romanesque church, and one of its greatest feature are the glass windows in the floor of some parts of the cathedral that allow tourists to view the original church underneath. The cathedral honours St Michael, the patron saint of Brussels, and the lesser known St Gudule, daughter of a 7th century royal, whose remains are buried in the church and of whom little is known.

Palais de Justice

Unflatteringly called the ‘ugliest building in Europe’, this sprawling grey building is well worth a visit, if only for its spectacular views of the city. Built atop Gallows Hill, the building also houses a display on Marc Dutroux, a paedophile whose mishandled case shocked not only Belgium but the world as a whole. The Palais de Justice is still a functioning arm of the government, and therefore visitors are only allowed to tour the entrance of the building. The grounds however are perfect for a stroll and for enjoying the scenic panoramas.

Place Royale

The heart of the elite Upper Town district is this splendid square, built in Austrian-Hungarian style, with plenty of white, neoclassical façades. In the centre of the square is a statue of Godefroid de Bouillon, Belgian crusader and King of Jerusalem, seated on a steed. Lining Place Royale are a number of excellent museums, with more being located in the streets running off the square. Other highlights include the fascinating St Jacques sur Coudenberg church, which was built to resemble a Greek temple, and the Hotel Ravenstein, a rare 15th century Brussels house.

Parc de Bruxelles

A pleasant expanse of greenery that is popular with joggers, cyclists and picnickers, this lovely park is a great place to refresh yourself, while at the same time taking in some more great architecture. Intriguingly set out in mysterious Masonic designs, the park is also home to the magnificent Palais du Roi, the former palace of Leopold II. The exterior is huge and expansive, while the interior is filled with all manor of gorgeous, priceless and overly extravagant décor, which was only matched by the former ruler’s ego. The Palais du Roi is situated in the southern section of the park and is usually only open to the public during the summer.

Porte de Hal

One of the few remaining pre-17th century architectural monuments, the Porte de Hal also housed one of Europe’s first museums. The stately gate was erected in 1381, and its façade as well as interior is a delight to behold. The surrounding area is popular with shoppers, and there is a traditional market held here every morning which sells organically produced vegetables and fruit as well as a wide variety of flowers.

Oceade and Mini Europe

These theme parks are great fun for all ages, with Oceade having fantastic water slides, a wave pool and other water-related attractions, while Mini Europe has great displays and plenty of rides and games. While you can choose to visit either theme park on its own, there is a combination ticket which is good value.

Museums
Brussels boasts an enviable array of excellent museums and galleries, catering to all ages and tastes. A great place to start is the world-renowned Musées Royaux des Beaux, which is actually two art museums in one; the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art. The interconnected museums feature dozens of stunning galleries, which focus heavily on Belgian and French art history, but also have collections from farther afield.

Nearby, in the Upper Town district, are several other period museums including the Palais de Charles V, Palais de Charles de Lorraine and Belvue Museum, and the Jewish Museum of Belgium. The Upper Town is also home to the fantastic Museum of Musical Instruments, which has collections of traditional and contemporary instruments from cultures all over the world, complete with countless quality audio recordings of their sounds.

While the Upper Town boasts priceless artworks and artefacts, the museums of the Lower Town are more down to earth and focus on the historic industries of Brussels. There is the Chocolate Museum, Costume and Lace Museum, Jije Museum (comic strips), Belgian Comic Strip Centre and the Brewery Museum. The famous Manneken Pis, the tiny but iconic statue of a boy urinating that has become a symbol of Belgium, is also here. Out of town are two great museums worth a visit; Autoworld at Etterbeek and Royal Museum of Central Africa at Tervuren.