Brussels is far more than just the administrative capital of Europe, it’s a vibrant, multilingual city of Art Nouveau townhouses, world-class museums, fantastic food (from Michelin-starred restaurants to the world’s best frites), and the magnificent Grand Place, regularly voted the most beautiful square in Europe. As the de facto capital of Europe, Brussels punches above its weight culturally and gastronomically, serving as a fascinating crossroads between French and Flemish culture where you can tour European institutions in the morning, eat moules-frites for lunch, and explore Surrealist art in the afternoon.
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The Grand Place and the historic Centre
The heart of Brussels is undoubtedly the Grand Place, a UNESCO World heritage site that Victor Hugo called “the most beautiful square in Europe.” Surrounded by ornate 17th-century guildhalls and the soaring Gothic Hotel de Ville, the square is a masterpiece of Flemish Renaissance architecture. Each building tells a story of the city’s mercantile past, from the Brewers’ Guildhall topped with a statue of Charles of Lorraine to the King’s House, which now houses the Brussels City Museum. The square is at its most magical after dark, when the facades are illuminated by hundreds of lights, casting the intricate details into dramatic relief. Every two years in August, the Flower Carpet covers the Grand Place with a detailed design using over 700,000 cut begonias, a spectacle that draws visitors from around the world. Throughout the year, the square hosts concerts, a sound and light show, and the Winter Wonders Christmas market.
Art Nouveau, Museums, and Europe Quarter
Brussels is a treasure trove of Art Nouveau architecture, thanks largely to Victor Horta, whose townhouses are UNESCO-listed. The Horta Museum, located in the architect’s former home and studio, showcases the flowing lines, organic forms, and innovative use of light that defined the movement. Other notable examples include the Maison Saint-Cyr and the Old England building, which houses the Musical Instruments Museum, where visitors can explore over 8,000 instruments while enjoying panoramic views from the rooftop cafe. The city’s museum scene is exceptional, with the Royal Museums of Fine Arts offering collections that range from 15th-century Flemish Primitives to modern surrealism. The Magritte Museum, dedicated to the Belgian surrealist master, is the largest collection of his work in the world, featuring iconic pieces such as The Son of Man and The Empire of Light. Across town, the European Quarter houses the European Parliament, where free guided tours of the Hemicycle offer insight into how European decisions are made.
Food, Frites, and Local Traditions
No visit to Brussels is complete without indulging in its culinary treasures. Belgian frites, served with a choice of sauces from mayonnaise to andalouse, are a national obsession, and the best in Brussels can be found at Maison Antoine in Place Jourdan or Fritland near the Grand Place. Belgian waffles come in two varieties: the light, rectangular Brussels waffle dusted with icing sugar, and the denser, caramelised Liege waffle. Chocolate shops dot every neighbourhood, with artisan chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus, and Mary offering handmade pralines that rival any in the world. The Sablon district is particularly famous for its chocolate boutiques and antique shops. Brussels is also the comic strip capital of the world, with over 50 comic strip murals decorating buildings across the city, featuring characters like Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre offers a fascinating look at the history of the Ninth Art, with original artworks and a recreation of Herge’s studio.
Brussels, the city of food, cafe culture, Art Nouveau and the surreal, is the Capital of Belgium and the administrative centre of Europe.
It is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together – this international flair is directly related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe.
Most tourist sites are within walking distance of the Grand Place. Victor Hugo, a city resident for several years, called the Grand Place and its 17th-century Flemish Renaissance buildings “the most beautiful square in Europe.”
One of the most interesting events in Brussels is bi-annual event featuring the creation of a detailed carpet design using more than 700.000 cut begonias.
View Brussels – capital city of Belgium and capital city of Europe at the same time in a larger map
What’s your favourite Brussels experience, the Grand Place at night, the best frites in town, or a hidden Art Nouveau gem? Share in the comments!
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