Brussels Attractions – A journey through time

Brussels possesses a wonderfully unique blend of the historic and the contemporary, which lends the city a charm all of its own. Start your day at the Old Town and make your way gradually to the Atomium, and by day end, the disparity in styles may well give you a sense of having traveled through time. Possessing style and an irreverent sense of humor, with the Brussels Attractions you will have a very different kind of touristic experience.

The Grand Place

The most recommended landmark from where to start and end your trip in Brussels. Originally built as a Merchant’s Market, the square is the true heart of the city and an excellent point to begin your day’s explorations from. Beautifully lit up in the evenings, the square also definitely merits a visit in the evenings.

Manneken Pis

What the Taj Mahal is to India, the Manneken Pis is to Brussels. This diminutive sculpture of a small boy standing on a pedestal and pissing into the fountain below is beloved to the locals and is dressed up in costumes borrowed from an unparalleled international wardrobe created especially for the statue. Visitors could unknowingly stumble upon a celebratory costume change or be lucky enough to receive a cup of beer coming from a casket hooked up to and dispensed through the statue.

Atomium

A 335 feet high representation of the atomic structure, this unique creation in steel ranks high among the Brussels attractions for tourists. While the structure itself is quite magnificent to behold, a trip up to the top sphere presents a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The Atomium at night, fantastically lit up, is also a beautiful sight.

Mini-Europe

Spread out at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe will delight both the kids and adults. Represented at a scale of 1:25, you can tour around the top attractions in the Europe Union in just a few hours. The live action models are a true delight for you can watch gondolas lazily drifting in the Venetian canals, Mount Vesuvius erupting and the crowds yelling Ole! in the bull rings of Seville.

Museums in Brussels

If it is history and culture you desire, stop by some of the excellent museums in Brussels, catering to interests ranging from military history to beer beweries. The Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée is a one of its kinds, and not to be missed for it is dedicated to Comic Strips including quintessential favorites like Tintin, Asterix, Charlie Brown and the Marvel favorites.

Religious Landmarks

The Cathedrale des Sts-Michel-et-Gudule and the Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon, both built in Gothic style, are the most notable churches in Brussels. If you can stretch your visit, also worth taking in are the Basilique de Koekelberg and St. Niklaas, both lying close to the city centre.

Waterloo

And finally, the famous battlefield where the Duke of Wellington put an end to the French Emperor Napolean Bonaporte’s dreams of conquering Europe. Lying south of Brussels, it is a bit of work to get to, but a must visit for history buffs. During the summer, shows with military troops, canons and full costume are held for the many tourists every weekend but off-season, the battlefield is almost deserted and rather atmospheric if you know your history and let your imagination loose.