Brussels
Brussels being the administrative centre of the European Union, it is no wonder the city is so rich in culture, nationalities and architecture. Medieval streets, posh restaurants, lively squares and beautiful boulevards give Brussels an atmosphere of pure history and indulgence that can’t be topped by any other city in Belgium.
Brussels tourist attractions
1: Manneken Pis
This is a small fountain which has a statue of a little boy peeing. Famous in Belgium and around the world, this little fountain is connected with many famous tales and legends of Belgium.
2: Music and light show on Grand Place Square
Between the months of April and September, the town square and its surrounding building are illuminated by a dazzling light and music show. The lights sway to the rhythm of classical music, and give a spectacular show of the historic architecture of the city.
3: Bruparck - Mini Europe
A popular leisure park situated right next to the Atomium, it offers a mini scale 1.25 version of Europe. It is completely in scale with all the modern and historic buildings/landmarks in Europe today, and a fun outing for the whole family.
4: Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles
A city museum of Brussels, it has documented the growth and the history of the city, up until the present day. Some of the articles on display are tapestries, old maps, architectural relics, paintings, and three dimensional models which can be viewed over the 3 floors of the building.
5: PalaisRoyal(Royal Palace)
Begun by King William I (1815-1830), and later expanded by Léopold II, the Royal Palace has always been a place where royalty resides. Today however, the royal family lives in Laeken (northern Brussels). But the palace is still used as a royal office and a home for royal functions.
6: Brussels City Hall
One of the biggest and finest building of its time in Brussels, The Place is totally dominated by the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) today. Built in 1402, it survived bombardment during World War 2 and has been rebuilt and renovated since.
7: The Royal Art and history museum.
The museum occupies the southern wing of the Palais, and has been split into 2 sections: Mediterranean culture from early history to antiquity and Belgian pre- and early history. There are also sections for the history of Christian Europe from the middle ages and Asian and American culture.
8: Waterloo Battlefield/Lion Hill
Situated to the south of Waterloo, this historic battlefield is a serene place of green pastures and farmlands. A very big contrast considering the history that was made here during the great defeat of Napoleon. The climax of the visit is of course a climb up Lion Hill, where a panoramic view of the battlefield can be seen.
9: Cathedral Sint-Michel
A beautiful example of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture, Sint Michel Cathedral has always been an important Episcopalian landmark for Belgium since 1962. The majestic façade rises above the street and with the two towers beside it which were designed by Jan van Ruysbroek, this cathedral is definitely a must see in Brussels.
10: Bruzzle Festival
This is an annual festival, which takes place in early July. This festival features concerts from any music genre imaginable. Ok, maybe not ANY genre imaginable, but everything from classical to jazz and new wave music can be found here.