Brussels offers more than political power. The Belgian capital sits at the heart of Europe. It hosts the European Union headquarters and NATO. But beyond the bureaucracy lies a city of grand squares, comic strip murals, and world-class beer. The Grand Place is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The city has 100 museums. There are over 200 restaurants serving Belgian classics. The Atomium, built for the 1958 World Fair, draws millions of visitors. Brussels is compact, walkable, and full of surprises. This guide covers the top 5 attractions in Brussels that you cannot miss.
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Grand Place: A 110-Metre-Long Square Surrounded by 40 Guildhalls
The Grand Place measures 110 metres by 68 metres. It is a UNESCO World heritage site. The square is surrounded by 40 guildhalls built between 1696 and 1700. The Town Hall was built between 1401 and 1455. Its spire rises 96 metres. The Maison du Roi, or King’s House, was rebuilt in 1873 in neo-Gothic style. The square was bombarded by French troops in 1695. It was rebuilt in 4 years. The flower carpet is laid every 2 years in August. It covers 1,800 square metres and uses 500,000 begonias. The next carpet is scheduled for August 2026. The Grand Place is free to visit 24 hours a day. The best time to see it is after sunset when the guildhalls are lit.
Atomium: A 102-Metre Structure with 9 Spheres
The Atomium was built for the 1958 Brussels World Fair. It represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The structure rises 102 metres. It has 9 spheres, each 18 metres in diameter. The spheres are connected by 20 escalators and 1 lift. The top sphere houses a restaurant with panoramic views. The trip to the top takes 23 seconds. The exhibits inside tell the story of the 1958 World Fair. The Atomium was originally intended to stand for only 6 months. It was so popular that it became a permanent structure. Entry costs 16 euros for adults (as of 2026). Children aged 6 to 11 pay 8 euros. The Atomium receives 600,000 visitors each year.
Manneken Pis: A 61-Centimetre Statue with 1,000 Costumes
Manneken Pis is Brussels most famous resident. The bronze fountain statue is only 61 centimetres tall. The original was made in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy. It was stolen in 1817. The current statue is a replica from 1965. The statue has a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes. The costumes are stored in the Maison du Roi museum. Costume changes happen 15 to 20 times per month. The statue has been dressed as Elvis, a stormtrooper, and a doctor. The tradition started in the 18th century. A nearby waffle stall sells Brussels-style waffles for 3 euros. The fountain’s water has been connected to the city’s drinking supply since 1777.
Royal Palace of Brussels: A 172-Metre-Long Palace with 440 Rooms
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King of the Belgians. It serves as the administrative residence. The actual royal residence is the Royal Palace of Laeken. The Brussels palace measures 172 metres across the front. It contains 440 rooms. The Throne Room is 30 metres long. The palace was rebuilt between 1903 and 1909 in Louis XVI style. The new wing added 100 rooms. The public can visit from July to September. Entry is free. The Mirror Room was restored in 2024 and features 1,500 green beetles embedded in patterned panels. The garden covers 5 hectares. The palace is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Belgian Comic Strip Centre: 15,000 Original Artworks
Belgium is the birthplace of the comic strip. The country produces more comic artists per capita than any other nation. The Comic Strip Centre opened in 1989 in a 1906 Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. The permanent collection holds 15,000 original artworks. Tintin, the most famous Belgian comic character, was created by Hergé in 1929. The Smurfs were created by Peyo in 1958. Lucky Luke was created by Morris in 1946. The museum has 8 permanent galleries and 2 temporary exhibition spaces. A library contains 5,000 comic albums. Entry costs 13 euros for adults (as of 2026). Children aged 6 to 16 pay 8 euros. The museum shop sells over 1,000 comic albums in 30 languages.
Which Brussels attraction would you visit first: the Atomium or the Grand Place? 🏛️
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