Everything about Brussels Travel Part 2 (Attractions)

Belgium, one of the three Benelux countries and the headquarters of the European Union, is known as the capital of Europe. It boasts a mild climate throughout the year due to its central location in Europe and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean In this article, we will introduce the attractions of Brussels, Belgium, and provide helpful travel tips you should know.

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1. Where to go? Attractions

While many people consider Belgium a place to visit for a day or two during their trips to France or Germany, it may be seen as something other than a popular destination. However, even if you only visit Brussels, it can be a worthwhile exploring place. If you want to see more than just Brussels, such as the city of Bruges, located 100km away, or Waterloo, 55km away, you need at least 2 to 3 days. Here are some must-visit places centered around Brussels.

a. Grand Place

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998, Grand Place is a square that every traveler to Belgium must visit. It attracts the most tourists annually and is known for its grandeur, even late into the night. The impressive facades with tall columns and the town hall are worth a visit. The square combines Gothic, Baroque, and Louis 14 architectural styles and is adorned with gold accents. At night, the beautiful lighting and the presence of tourists create a captivating atmosphere. There are also performances by street singers and dancers in various spots, and I recommend enjoying these performances along with the tourists.

b. Manneken Pis (Peeing Boy Statue)

Located near the Grand Place, the Manneken Pis is a bronze replica of a 17th-century sculpture displayed at the Brussels City Museum. It is a relatively small sculpture, measuring 61cm, and can be challenging to find along the narrow streets. However, despite the initial reaction of "What is this?", it has played a humorous mascot role in Brussels, proudly peeing despite being stolen twice in the 18th century and damaged in the 19th century. There is also a statue of a peeing girl nearby. The boy statue is on the right side of the Grand Place, the girl statue is on the left side, and the distance between them is almost 200 meters. The peeing girl statue is restricted from public access, so you can only see it from a distance. Many famous pubs are near the Manneken Pis, so enjoying a beer there is also recommended.

c. Galaries Royales Staint-Hubert

It houses designer brand stores, including Neuhaus, known for Belgian pralines. Teatro Tea-to Galeries also operates if you enjoy classic theater and opera performances.

d. Brussels Park

Brussels Park is a relaxation space for the citizens of Brussels and the largest park in Brussels, covering an area of 13 hectares. It is also famous as the place where the Brussels Revolution of the 1830s began. In the southern part of the park, you can see the Kingdom of Belgium, and in the northern region, there is the Parliament Building. Inside the park, you can find old trees, fountains, ponds, and sculptures that reflect the park's history.

e. Cinquantenaire Park

This park was established in the 19th century to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. It features several attractions, including the Car Museum, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces, and the Jubelpark Museum. The Royal Military Academy of Belgium is also located nearby. The park offers beautiful tree-lined spaces for relaxation and grand sculptures that catch the eye. It is a popular place for Brussels citizens to take walks and go jogging, and its beauty rivals its historical significance

f. St. Michael and St. Gudual Cathedral

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a grand and majestic structure that can be seen almost anywhere, moving from the Grand Place towards Brussels Park. It is one of the oldest buildings in Brussels, dating back to the 9th century. Inspired by Notre Dame in Paris, it was constructed on a hill and featured an arch-shaped interior and stained glass windows dating back to the 16th century. The cathedral is open from Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 18:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 17:00. It is recommended to visit during these hours.

g. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Located near Brussels Park, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium consists of two permanent art museums and a special exhibition dedicated to the internationally renowned painter, Magritte. Enrolling the endless museums requires an admission fee of around 10 euros. Most artworks initially displayed here were looted by Napoleon's army in the late 18th century and sent to the Louvre Museum. When the Louvre Museum could not exhibit all the artifacts from various parts of Europe, including Brussels, a decision was made to establish art museums in 15 cities, including Brussels, where some of the works were dispersed. After Napoleon's downfall, all the artworks were returned to Belgium, allowing the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium to showcase them. The museums have continued to grow with the royal family’s support through donations and the acquisition of additional artworks.

h. Waterloo

Waterloo is an administrative area in the Brabant Wallon province of Belgium. It is the site where the Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815. Visitors can see the Waterloo Wellington Museum, the Napoleon Museum, and the Lion's Mound, a commemorative monument erected after the British and Prussian forces defeated Napoleon. The memorial, facing south, symbolizes the vigilance over France.

2. Other Travel Tips!

a. Security and Discrimination in Belgium

While walking around the city center of Brussels, you will mostly encounter tourists, so there shouldn't be concerns about racial discrimination or danger. However, you may occasionally meet rude Belgians in the alleys near your accommodation or markets. Racial discrimination and security might be better compared to other European countries. In particular, you will see many Muslims and immigrants in various parts of the city. Walking alone in narrow alleys may be risky, and it is important to be mentally prepared for pickpocketing and other crimes, even in public places.

b. transportation

The city center of Brussels, Belgium, is easily accessible on foot, so exploring the downtown area and its beautiful architecture on foot is recommended. For those planning to visit suburban areas like Bruges and Waterloo, it would be best to use the train network that covers all of Belgium. Rail passes and Go Passes are available, allowing you to use trains at a discounted price by paying a fixed amount

※ You can download the application SNCB (apps.apple.com) on Apple Store. For Android users, you can search for “Android SNBC” and use it to look up transport