Visited in 2000
We spent a couple of days in Belgium’s capital city that is famous for its waffles, chocolates, and rich cultural diversity. It also has many of its main sights within easy walking distance, so it’s a breeze to get around without much transport.
- Grand Place
- Tintin boutique
- Manneken Pis
- Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
- Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
- Automium
- Palais 5
- Museums of the Far East
Grand Place or (Grote Markt) – Most of the tours start at this square. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, Grand-Place is the central square of Brussels. Famous for its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, the square also houses the Town Hall and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. It has served as a market and social hub since the 10th century and is famous for events like the bi-annual Flower Carpet and Christmas markets.
Some of the other buildings around the square include the Brussels City Museum, guildhalls, and private houses
Tintin Comic Books – Tintin is a young, adventurous reporter created by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé, who first appeared in 1929 in The Adventures of Tintin. Known for his distinctive quiff hairstyle and his loyal white fox terrier, Snowy, Tintin travels the world uncovering mysteries, exposing criminals, and becoming involved in daring international escapades. Although he is a journalist by profession, Tintin is more often seen acting as a detective, explorer, or hero, guided by a strong sense of justice and curiosity. The series is celebrated for its clear-line art style, memorable supporting characters like Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus, and its blend of humor, suspense, and cultural exploration.
Tintin boutique – Since my son and husband are big fans of Tintin, we spent some time at this shop near Grand Place on Rue de la Colline. It’s a must-visit for collectors and fans, and has a wide range of Tintin merchandise, collectibles, books, figures, and souvenirs. The shop’s displays and atmosphere are designed to immerse you in Tintin’s world, and some exclusive items are only available in-store.
Manneken Pis – within walking distance of Grand Platz is the famous, small bronze fountain sculpture of a naked little boy urinating into a basin, symbolizing the city’s rebellious spirit and humor. Originally a public water source from the 15th century, the current statue is a 1619 replica; the original is kept at the Brussels City Museum for protection.
The statue is famous for being dressed in a vast wardrobe of costumes for various occasions, which are displayed at a nearby museum. Tourist shops around the area also sell replicas of Manneken Pis in various sizes and materials such as glass, metal, clay, and wood.
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert – The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries are elegant 19th-century covered shopping arcades located near the Grand Place.
Designed by Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar and opened in 1847, they feature Italianate architecture, glass roofs, and beautifully arched shopfronts. They were built before the other famous 19th-century European shopping arcades, such as Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II in Milan and the Passage in Saint Petersburg.
Today, the galleries are historic monument and a popular spot for shopping, dining, and strolling.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula – This medieval Catholic cathedral is another must visit site located near Grand Place and dedicated to the city’s patron saints. Built between the 11th-15th century, the main façade of the Cathedral reflects a blend of French and Brabantine Gothic styles. Its three portals and twin 64-meter towers, built in the late 15th century, dominate the Brussels skyline despite lacking spires. Decorated with pinnacles and gargoyles, the façade remains one of the cathedral’s most striking architectural features.
The cathedral hosts royal ceremonies, state events, and religious services, and is notable for its pipe organs, church bells, and stunning stained-glass windows.
Parc du Cinquantenaire – Located less than 3 km of Grand Place, this popular park was created in 1880 to celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary, and centered around a grand triumphal arch topped with a chariot.
Surrounding the park are major museums, including the Art & History Museum, Autoworld with its extensive automobile collection, and the Royal Museum of Armed Forces and Military History. Visitors can also climb or take an elevator to the top of the arch for panoramic views of Brussels, making it a favorite spot for both culture and relaxation.
Automium – built for the 1958 World’s Fair, this structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times to symbolize faith in science and peaceful atomic energy. The structure is 102-meter-tall with nine spheres connected by tubes, representing a unit cell of an iron crystal. Visitors can take escalators and elevators to explore the spheres, which house exhibitions on the 1950s, digital art, and temporary exhibits. The Top sphere Contains a restaurant and offers panoramic views of Brussel
At the foot of Automium is Mini Europe, a park featuring miniature replicas of many of Europe’s famous monuments. Visitors can see a 4-meter high Big Ben, a 13-meter tall Eiffel Tower, and Brussels City Hall. Opened in 1989, the park has remained a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.
Palais 5 – also known as the Palais du Centenaire and located near Automium, this structure is a monumental Art Deco exhibition hall on Brussels’ Heysel Plateau. Built for the 1935 Universal Exhibition, it featured the world’s largest reinforced concrete frame at the time. Its classical-style facade, adorned with statues and later decorated for Expo 58 with a copper dove and stars, remains a central part of the Brussels Exhibition Center for major international events.
Museums of the Far East – Located near Automium, this complex with three museums is dedicated to Chinese and Japanese art and culture. The complex includes the Chinese Pavilion, the Japanese Tower, and the Museum of Japanese Art. Although closed since 2013 due to structural issues, the Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower were designated historic monuments in 2019, and some collection items are displayed at the Art & History Museum in Brussels.
