Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the European Union, and a vibrant city that offers a rich cultural heritage, a lively nightlife, and a variety of cuisines. Whether you are looking for historical monuments, modern art, or chocolate shops, Brussels has something for everyone. Here are some of the main attractions, accommodation options, and transportation tips to help you plan your trip to Brussels.

Main Attractions

Brussels has many attractions that cater to different interests and tastes. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Grand Place

This is the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by stunning buildings, such as the Town Hall, the King’s House, and the guild houses. The Grand Place is also the venue for many events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Flower Carpet, the Christmas Market, and the Ommegang procession.

Manneken Pis

This is a famous bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain. It is located near the Grand Place and has become a symbol of Brussels. The statue is often dressed in different costumes according to the occasion or the season. There are also two other similar statues in Brussels: Jeanneke Pis, a girl version, and Zinneke Pis, a dog version.

Atomium

This is a futuristic structure that represents a magnified atom of iron. It was built for the 1958 World Expo and has nine spheres connected by tubes. The spheres contain exhibitions, a restaurant, and a panoramic view of the city. The Atomium is also illuminated at night and creates a spectacular sight.

Mini-Europe

This is a miniature park that showcases replicas of famous landmarks from across Europe. You can see the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Acropolis, and more in a scale of 1:25. The park also features interactive animations, such as erupting volcanoes, moving trains, and musical fountains.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

This is a group of museums that display artworks from various periods and styles. The museums include the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Magritte Museum, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum, and the Wiertz Museum. You can admire paintings by masters such as Rubens, Bruegel, Van Dyck, Magritte, and Delvaux.

Accommodation

Brussels offers a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, hostels, apartments, bed and breakfasts, and more. Here are some examples of properties that you can stay in Brussels:

Marivaux Hotel

This is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Brussels, opposite the City2 Shopping Mall. It offers modern rooms with free WiFi, fitness centre, à la carte restaurant, and bar serving a wide range of drinks including various Belgian beers. The hotel is also close to public transport and major attractions such as the Grand Place and the Manneken Pis. View hotel

Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s

This is a 5-star hotel situated on Avenue Louise, a fashionable shopping street. It offers spacious rooms and suites with stylish décor, free WiFi, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, restaurant on site, and bar lounge. The hotel also has a luxurious vibe and great views of the city. View hotel

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Getting There

Brussels is well-connected by various modes of transportation. You can easily reach Brussels by plane, train, bus, car, or bike.

Plane

Brussels has two international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Brussels Airport is located about 12 km from the city center and has flights from many destinations in Europe and beyond. You can take a train, bus, taxi, or shuttle to get to the city from the airport. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is located about 55 km from the city center and mainly serves low-cost airlines. You can take a bus or shuttle to get to Brussels from this airport.

Train

Brussels has three major train stations: Brussels Central Station, located in the heart of the city; Brussels-South, which sits southwest of the city center; and Brussels-North, just north of the city center.