Brussels is far more than just the administrative capital of the European Union — 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 EU institutions in the morning, eat moules-frites for lunch, and explore Surrealist art in the afternoon.

Quick Facts: Brussels, Belgium

• Best time to visit: April–October; August for the Flower Carpet on the Grand Place (every two years — next 2026); December for the Winter Wonders Christmas market
• Top attractions: Grand Place, Atomium, Magritte Museum, European Parliament (Hemicycle visitors centre), and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts
• How to get there: ~1.5 hours from London by Eurostar; ~1.5 hours from Paris by Thalys; ~2 hours from Amsterdam by train; Brussels Airport (BRU) has direct connections worldwide
• Don’t miss: Belgian frites (at Maison Antoine in Place Jourdan), waffles, chocolate (visit a chocolatier in the Sablon district), and the comic strip murals scattered across the city

Must-See Brussels

• Grand Place: The breathtaking 15th-century market square surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the Gothic Hôtel de Ville — illuminated at night it’s simply magical. UNESCO World Heritage.
• Atomium: The 102-metre-tall stainless steel atom built for the 1958 World Expo — a unique piece of Cold War-era optimism with panoramic views of the city.
• Magritte Museum: The world’s largest collection of works by the Belgian surrealist master René Magritte, housed in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
• EU Quarter: The European Parliament’s Hemicycle offers free visitor tours; the Parlamentarium is an interactive museum on European history and integration.

Brussels, the city of food, café culture, Art Nouveau and the surreal, is the Capital of Belgium and the administrative centre of the European Union.

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.

There are two official languages

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 European Union 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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