Brussels serves as the capital of Belgium and the headquarters of the European Union, earning it the nickname “the heart of Europe,” and it is a destination full of diverse attractions, from historic architecture to modern marvels. This guide covers iconic sites like the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis, the Atomium, and the National Basilica, as well as some hidden gems.
Table of Contents
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Located near Brussels Central Station, St. Michael’s Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture in the city. Its construction began in the early 13th century and was completed over a long period.
Its official name is the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. It was originally dedicated only to St. Michael, but in 1047, the relics of St. Gudula were transferred here, and the cathedral was then named after both saints.
Inside, it’s filled with ornate decorations, much like any other European cathedral, but the stained-glass windows are particularly impressive. Given its central location and free admission, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Grand-Place
Grand-Place is the central square of Brussels and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. In fact, I think it might be the most beautiful one I’ve ever personally visited.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998 and is surrounded by opulent guild houses and the Town Hall, making the architecture a true feast for the eyes.
Grand-Place also hosts various cultural events and festivals. The “Flower Carpet,” which takes place for a few days in mid-August of every even-numbered year, is especially famous.
While the vibrant and bright atmosphere of Grand-Place during the day is lovely, I also recommend visiting at night. The surrounding buildings are softly illuminated, creating a different, magical charm.
Manneken Pis
The Manneken Pis is the symbol and mascot of Brussels. The statue is incredibly small, so you might be underwhelmed when you see it in person, but it remains an important landmark symbolizing the city’s humor and free spirit.
There are even female (Jeanneke Pis) and dog (Zinneke Pis) versions of the statue, which gives you an idea of just how significant the “peeing statue” motif is in Brussels.
Atomium
The Atomium is Brussels’ most unique modern structure, an iconic building constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo ’58). They say the goal was to create something as iconic as Paris’s Eiffel Tower.
It consists of nine spheres connected in a design that represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. While it may look like a giant sculpture, it is a proper building that you can enter.
The observation deck at the top is famous, so it’s worth a trip up if you’re interested. The park right next to the Atomium is also very well-maintained and perfect for a stroll.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Last admission at 5:30 PM
Admission Fee
- Senior [≥65]: €14
- Adult [18-64]: €16
- Child [>115cm-17]: €8.50
- Child [≤115cm]: Free
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Located in the western part of Brussels, the National Basilica is the largest church in Belgium. It was built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence and was designed in the Art Deco style, forgoing ornate decorations to save on costs.
Its massive scale, towering dome, and two towers are so impressive that they are visible from almost anywhere in Brussels. But did you happen to spot something unusual in the photo above? There were people setting up a wire between the two high towers. I assume it was for a tightrope walking performance, and honestly, that was even more impressive than the basilica itself.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission Fee
- Panorama View: €8
- Basilica Interior: Free
Rooftop 58
This is the rooftop of a business building in the very heart of Brussels, and I’m sharing it because it’s a hidden spot you can visit for free. From the rooftop, you can see all the landmarks we’ve discussed in one panoramic view: the Cathedral of St. Michael, Grand-Place with the Town Hall, the Atomium, and the National Basilica.
There’s a rooftop bar/cafe, making it a great place to enjoy the view with a coffee or a beer. The only drawback is that you have to take an elevator to get up, and the line can be long, so you might have to wait a while. Still, it’s absolutely worth the wait, and I highly recommend checking it out.
Cantillon Brewery
If you enjoy Belgian beer, a brewery tour is not an option but a must. There are several lambic breweries near Brussels, but I recommend Cantillon for its excellent accessibility.
While weekday visits are possible, guided tours are only offered on Saturdays, making it the ideal day to go. The explanations add so much to the experience and help you appreciate the process even more.
For further details, visit the official Cantillon website.
Among lambic breweries, Cantillon is known for sticking to the most traditional methods. All the equipment you see on the tour is still in use for actual brewing, and you can really feel how old it is. After seeing the equipment, you pass through the storage cellar with oak barrels where the lambic is aging, and the air is filled with a unique, funky aroma. Lambic is naturally aged for at least a year, and sometimes for several years.
Of course, the tour is just an excuse; the main event is always the tasting. You get to sample a glass of young lambic, a gueuze, and then choose between a kriek (cherry) or a framboise (raspberry).
The brewery sells its signature beers at very reasonable prices. They often sell for several times the price abroad, so it’s a great opportunity to buy a few bottles to take with you.
Opening Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed Wednesdays and Sundays
Admission Fee
- Self-guided tour
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (no reservation needed)
- €9 (free for children under 14)
- up to 1 hour, tasting included
- Guided tour
- Saturday only (online booking required)
- €13 (free for children under 14)
- 1 hour 30 minutes, tasting included
Location
Final Thoughts
Today we’ve explored places to include in a Brussels travel itinerary. From relatively well-known tourist spots like the Cathedral of St. Michael, Grand-Place, the Manneken Pis, and the Atomium, to hidden gems like the National Basilica, Rooftop 58, and Cantillon Brewery, I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Brussels.
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