Brussels tourist attractions

Top Brussels sights

Brussels is historic, forward-thinking and downright bizarre rolled into one: in any one day you could take an informative tour of the European Parliament, visit a comic strip museum and round it off with a visit to a legendary fountain statuette donned in fancy dress. The city is proud of its UNESCO-listed Grand-Place, an appealing square lined with picturesque buildings, and there’s so much to discover in its parks, museums and plenty of other attractions.

The Belgian Comic Strip Centre
Royal Military Museum
Atomium
The European Parliament
Museum of the City of Brussels
BELvue Museum
Brussels Town Hall
Manneken-Pis

Holidays to Brussels

In collaboration with
Rough Guides

1. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre

One of the most fun Brussels tourist attractions has to be the Belgian Comic Strip Centre. Inside this Art Nouveau home you can easily spend up to two hours looking at the diverse range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. This comic strip museum celebrates the creators of classic cartoons, from Tintin to the Smurfs.

Best for: Family fun.

While you’re there: Check out some of the original drawings from your favourite strips; including some unpublished.

2. Royal Military Museum

The Royal Military Museum is situated in the pleasant Parc du Cinquantenaire, which is rightful Brussels sightseeing in itself; you enter the park through its high three-arch entrance, which is topped with a four horse-drawn chariot. As for the museum itself, it holds a vast collection of weapons, uniforms and documents; in fact, there’s over 100,000 items on display, making it one of the world’s largest of its kind. The artefacts and displays span the ages, from Middle Age armour to weapon technology development. In the museum’s aircraft section, you’ll be able to check out over 75 different types of aircraft on display.

Best for: The significance of Belgium’s military history.

While you’re there: The arcade offers amazing panoramic views over the city.

3. Atomium

Of all the Brussels attractions, the Atomium is the most unique – and the funnest. It’s a quirky icon of the city, its huge, silver atom structure looming over the likes of nearby ‘Mini-Europe’. You can walk through its tubes and spheres, read about the history of the structure in the permanent exhibition and marvel at the incredible views.

Best for: Modern iconic landmarks.

While you’re there: Dine at the panoramic Belgian restaurant.

4. The European Parliament

Brussels isn’t just home to impressive monuments, parks and museums; it’s also the centre of European democracy, in the form of its European Parliament headquarters. You can gain a fascinating insight into how the centre functions, by taking an interactive or in-person guided tour. As well as seeing model figures of prominent centres and rooms, you’ll also be able to raise anything niggling you in the Q&A session.

Best for: Seeing where history takes place.

While you’re there: Stroll around the nearby Parc Leopold afterwards, to really soak up everything you’ve just learned.

5. Museum of the City of Brussels

Brussels’ City Museum is housed in the UNESCO-listed Broodhuis (Bread House), one of the most majestic buildings the city has to offer. Inside the neo-Gothic facade is a comprehensive museum, detailing the city’s history in arts, archaeology and folklore. Dreaming of the best Brussels holidays and what to do once you get there? Make sure you don’t miss the City Museum; you’ll only regret not visiting.

Best for: Being full of surprises.

While you’re there: Stood opposite the City Museum/Broodhuis is Brussels’ City Hall, an equally impressive structure.

6. BELvue Museum

The spacious, well-organized BELvue Museum gives visitors an insight into modern-day Belgium. Learn all about the country’s favourite assets: decent chips, rich beer, moreish chocolate… but also democracy, politics and Europe. Its gallery is well-thought out with over 200 objects on display, with the likes of motorcycles, signed football shirts and temporary exhibitions representing the essence of (modern) Belgium.

Best for: The essence of Belgium – from beer to democracy.

While you’re there: If you’re on a budget, visit on a Wednesday, when there’s free entry.

7. Brussels Town Hall

The 15th-century Brussels Town Hall is arguably the standout-sight of the city. Located in the heart of the city centre, this breathtaking building is a feast for the eyes with its ornate sculptures and rich interior. Head up to the 90m-high tower with great views to boot, and try to get a peek of the patron saint of Brussels who crowns the tower’s spire.

Best for: Unmissable historic landmarks.

While you’re there: Located in the Grand-Place, enjoy simply being in this UNESCO-listed square, surrounded by pretty buildings.

8. Manneken-Pis

Your eyes might not be naturally drawn to Manneken-Pis, a teeny-tiny bronze statuette that is something of a legendary figure in Brussels. The 17th-century statuette, dubbed Little Julian, is positioned in the middle of a stone public fountain, and is commonly seen dressed in a variety of costumes ranging from the quaint to the downright bizarre. The dress-up aspect is no modern addition, though, with the practice dating back to at least 1698. He’s also survived multiple ‘kidnappings’ through the ages, too, but he’s now back in his rightful place; enjoy the sight as part of a tour, or simply swing by of your own accord to say hello to Little Julian, in his rightful place – urinating into the fountain.

Best for: Bizarre Brussels traditions.

While you’re there: Check the official calendar on the website to see when he’s due a costume change – it happens roughly 130 times a year.

Holidays to Belgium