The 6 activities not to be missed in Brussels

What comes to mind when you think of Brussels? It might be the Atomium, or the classic dish moules frites - but there's so much more! Scratch the surface and you'll find a small town with a big attitude. It's full of history that will capture the imagination of a curious explorer. And when you've had enough of medieval squares, beautiful parks, and cutting-edge art and music venues, there's always world-class beer, fries, and chocolate.

1. Grand-Place ✨

The Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the main tourist attraction in the city of Brussels.

The Grand-Place is a beautiful, open medieval cobblestone square, it's the main market square in Brussels. It's a great place to relax and admire the elegant houses that have replaced all the wooden houses. Many have admired its beauty including Victor Hugo and Baudelaire who have rhapsodized about its charm and allure.

There is a daily flower market often accompanied by concerts and an evening light show.

Every two years, during the third week of August (the next one will take place from August 13 to 16, 2020), Belgian begonia growers decorate the Grand-Place with a beautiful flower carpet with about 750,000 begonias.

2. Hôtel de Ville – Mairie ✨

On the Grand-Place, don't forget to visit the Gothic Town Hall. It's an attractive building with arched windows, towers and sculptures including St Michel killing a devil. If you're feeling fit, climb the 96-meter high Gothic tower and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city!

3. Belgian Comic Strip Center ✨

Did you know that Belgium has more comic strip cartoonists per square kilometer than any other country? If you love cartoons, you'll enjoy this museum dedicated to Comic Strip. It's located in the former Waucquez department store, a masterpiece in itself, designed by the architect Victor Horta. There are over 5,000 original drawings and an entire section on the famous Belgian cartoon hero - Tintin.

In addition, you can see six dramatic, surprising, and amusing murals painted on the walls of the city. The city itself commissioned them. Go to the tourist office, located in the town hall, to get a map!

4. Heysel Park and Atomium ✨

Heysel Park, located west of Brussels, is dedicated to recreation and leisure.

One of the highlights of the park is the Atomium. It's a 102-meter high model of an atom made of chrome and steel designed by André Waterkeyn. To truly appreciate this structure, take the time to take a look and appreciate the enormity of the structure.

It's an accurate representation of an iron molecule that has been amplified 165 billion times. It includes nine steel spheres 18 meters in diameter connected by tubes, which all contain exhibited works.

It's probably more impressive on the outside than on the inside, but a high-speed glass elevator takes visitors to the top in just 23 seconds where you can stop for a beer, admire the view, and descend the stairs stopping at the different spheres.

Buy your ticket to the Atomium in Brussels here

5. Mini-Europe ✨

Next to the Atomium is Bruparck, a 25-hectare amusement park with several attractions and entertainment. This includes a 27-cinema complex called Kinepolis, an Imax screen, a planetarium, and a water park called L'Oceade as well as a series of restaurants in the Village.

The pride of the place, however, is the exhibition of some of the most famous and symbolic buildings of the European Union countries at 1/25th of their original size. You'll see cable cars, a TGV train headed for Paris, and even hear the incomparable sound of Big Ben's chimes.

6. Shopping 🛍

No city getaway would be complete without a little shopping.

Antique lovers should head down to Grand Sablon Square antique market where, on the square and in the streets that open onto the square, an antique lover can find their happiness. Rue de la Paille, des Minimes, and Rollebeek are particularly interesting.

Brussels has its own flea market - the Jeu de Balle flea market. Gems, second-hand items, and vintage furniture can be found there.

Belgian chocolates are a must. For pralines, go to Chocolatier Mary, for a tea room experience, visit Wittamer and for a store with exceptional displays, try Pierre Marcolini. Some chocolates are embedded with real, but edible, gold.

7. How to get to Brussels? 🚙

If you're flying, note that Brussels has two airports: Brussels International (the main airport) and Brussels Charleroi (about 46km/30min south of Brussels, but it has the advantage of being served by several low-cost airlines).

Don't forget to book your Blue Valet valet service, a service that allows you to save time by avoiding searching for parking spaces at airports and train stations. A valet takes care of your vehicle as soon as you arrive at the drop-off area, just give them the keys and you're done! Your valet will then park your vehicle in a private and secure car park. On your return, find your vehicle right outside the terminal, ready to hit the road! All of this at an affordable price!

Make your simulation for your trip to Brussels on our site bluevalet.fr and travel without stress!

 

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