After exploring Amsterdam, I said goodbye to the canals and boarded a FlixBus to Brussels—a journey of roughly 200 km that takes around 2 hours 40 minutes. Before long, I had crossed into Belgium and arrived in Brussels, ready for the next chapter of my European adventure.
With my bags dropped off at the ibis hotel, I set out to explore the city on foot, and the sightseeing began almost immediately.
From magnificent squares and royal landmarks to quirky street art, historic churches and, of course, Belgian chocolate, Brussels quickly proved that there was plenty to discover around every corner.
Standing opposite Brussels Town Hall on the magnificent Grand-Place, the King’s House (Maison du Roi/Broodhuis) is one of Brussels’ most recognisable landmarks. Originally dating back to the 16th century and later rebuilt in Gothic Revival style, it now houses the Brussels City Museum. Its ornate façade adds to the grandeur of the UNESCO-listed square, making it one of those places where history and architecture seem to come alive.
Just a short walk from the Grand-Place, Café-Tasse is a delightful stop for chocolate lovers. Since 1989, this Belgian chocolatier has been creating beautifully packaged chocolates, from indulgent bars to elegant gift boxes. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or simply an excuse for a chocolate break, it’s a delicious way to savour one of Belgium’s most famous traditions.
Tucked away on Rue de la Madeleine, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene is a fascinating blend of centuries and architectural styles. Although the church dates back to the 15th century, its magnificent Baroque façade was originally built for the nearby Saint-Anne Chapel in 1655 and later carefully reconstructed here in the 1950s. Just a short walk from Brussels-Central Station, it offers a peaceful pause from the busy city and a glimpse into Brussels’ rich architectural heritage. Its most striking feature is the ornate Baroque entrance portal, dated 1637. A quiet and easily overlooked gem, the church offers a fascinating glimpse into Brussels’ medieval past and architectural heritage.
I loved this playful Brussels scene, where crates of Trappist Westvleteren beer meet the cheerful #SproutToBeBrussels campaign. Brewed by monks at the Abbey of Saint Sixtus, Westvleteren is one of Belgium’s most renowned Trappist beers. The quirky combination of beer crates and Brussels’ proud local branding perfectly captures the city’s sense of humour, heritage and love of good food and drink.
Standing proudly on Place de la Bourse, the Bourse Palace is one of Brussels’ most striking 19th-century landmarks. Designed by Léon-Pierre Suys, its grand façade combines Neo-Renaissance and Second Empire influences. Once home to the Brussels Stock Exchange, the beautifully restored building now houses Belgian Beer World, bringing together Brussels’ financial history and Belgium’s famous beer culture under one impressive roof.
Standing on Place de l’Albertine, this elegant statue honours Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, wife of King Albert I. Created by Belgian sculptor René Cliquet and unveiled in 1980, the queen is portrayed holding a bouquet of flowers, her gaze directed towards the nearby monument dedicated to her husband. A graceful tribute to one of Belgium’s best-known royal figures.
Standing at the foot of the Mont des Arts, the imposing equestrian statue of King Albert I overlooks Place de l’Albertine. Created by Belgian sculptor Alfred Courtens and inaugurated in 1951, the monument honours Belgium’s third king, remembered particularly for his leadership during the First World War. Its elevated position also places it close to the Royal Library of Belgium and the gardens of Mont des Arts.
One of Brussels’ most iconic viewpoints, Mont des Arts is a beautifully landscaped urban space linking the upper and lower parts of the city. Surrounded by cultural landmarks, including the Royal Library of Belgium, its gardens open onto a sweeping view across Brussels. Just a short walk from the Grand-Place, it’s a lovely spot to pause, take in the cityscape and capture a few photographs. Designed by landscape architect René Pechère, its geometric terraces, grand stairways and cascading fountain create a beautiful transition between the upper and lower city. From the top, the historic Brussels skyline unfolds below—a perfect place to pause and take in the city.
A quiet but deeply moving monument, the Memorial to the Righteous Among the Nations honours Belgians who risked their lives to protect Jews during the Nazi occupation. Unveiled in 2007, its commemorative plaques carry the powerful Talmudic message, “Whoever saves a life, saves the world entire.” More than a memorial, it stands as a reminder of courage, compassion and humanity during one of history’s darkest periods.
Near the Mont des Arts, Coudenberg is a fascinating area where layers of Brussels’ history and architecture come together. One of its standout buildings is La Pharmacie Anglaise, built in 1900 and designed by architect Paul Saintenoy. Its richly decorated red-brick façade, colourful mosaics, sundial and distinctive corner turret make it a particularly photogenic landmark.
Overlooking Place Royale, the Church of St. James on Coudenberg is an elegant neoclassical landmark built between 1776 and 1787. Its imposing Corinthian portico and domed clock tower give it the appearance of a classical temple. Beyond its architectural beauty, the church holds an important place in Belgian history as the traditional setting for the constitutional oath taken by the country’s monarchs.
Tucked along Rue de Namur, Sagesse (Wisdom) is a striking mural by Belgian artist Spear, created with the Propaganza collective in 2015. Its bold contemporary style adds a splash of colour to this historic part of Brussels, offering a wonderful contrast between the city’s centuries-old architecture and its vibrant street-art culture.
Overlooking Place des Palais and Brussels Park, the Royal Palace of Brussels is the official administrative workplace of the King of the Belgians. Although it is the monarchy’s official palace, the royal family actually lives at the Royal Palace of Laeken. With its grand façade and imposing interiors, it remains an important symbol of Belgium’s constitutional monarchy, and each summer parts of the palace traditionally open to visitors for a limited period.
Place Royale (Koningsplein) is a grand historic square in Brussels’ Royal Quarter, surrounded by elegant 18th-century neoclassical buildings. At its centre stands the bronze equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, while the surrounding buildings house cultural landmarks including the Magritte Museum and BELvue Museum. With the Coudenberg archaeological site and Royal Museums of Fine Arts nearby, it is a wonderful starting point for exploring Brussels’ royal and artistic heritage.
Along Rue Ravenstein, I came across “Interfaces,” a colourful temporary street-art installation transforming construction hoardings into an open-air gallery. Around 40 unique portraits by different urban artists bring an eclectic mix of characters and styles to the street. It’s a great example of how Brussels turns even an ordinary construction site into a canvas for creativity.
Near Brussels Central Station, Rue des Colonies 11 caught my eye with its imposing curved neoclassical façade. Built in stone, with large arched windows and a distinctive corner dome, the building is a fine example of how Brussels’ historic architecture continues to accommodate modern life. Today, it serves as a commercial property with flexible office spaces, blending the city’s architectural heritage with its contemporary business district.
One of Brussels’ more unusual sights is this life-sized chocolate elephant, its glossy brown surface making it look almost good enough to eat! Draped with a silver blanket and carrying a little basket, the whimsical sculpture adds a playful touch to the streetscape. In a city famous for chocolate, even an elephant can become part of the experience.
The colourful window of La Belgique Gourmande in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is almost impossible to walk past without stopping. Inside, traditional glass jars overflow with colourful marshmallows (guimauves), while shelves are packed with beautifully decorated tins and Belgian sweets. With its warm, old-world interior, it feels like stepping into a giant confectionery box.
The magnificent Grand-Place (Grote Markt) is the beating heart of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by lavishly decorated, gold-accented guildhalls and the spectacular Gothic Town Hall, the square is a breathtaking blend of medieval and Baroque architecture. Rebuilt after the devastating bombardment of 1695, it remains one of Europe’s most beautiful public squares—and a place where Brussels’ history, culture and everyday life come together.
Dominating the magnificent Grand-Place, Brussels Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) is a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic architecture. Built between 1401 and 1455, its elaborate façade and soaring asymmetrical tower, crowned by a statue of St. Michael, make it one of Brussels’ most recognisable landmarks. Remarkably, it is the only surviving medieval building on the square and forms part of the Grand-Place’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Standing opposite Brussels Town Hall, the ornate King’s House (Maison du Roi/Broodhuis) is one of the Grand-Place’s most recognisable buildings. Originally built in the 16th century as a bread market, it was rebuilt in its present Neo-Gothic style in the late 19th century. Today, it houses the Brussels City Museum, with collections spanning the city’s history—including tapestries, sculptures and the famously extensive wardrobe of Manneken Pis.
The imposing Maison des Ducs de Brabant (House of the Dukes of Brabant) dominates the eastern side of Brussels’ Grand-Place. Although it appears to be one grand palace, the building is actually a harmonious ensemble of former guild houses, redesigned by architect Guillaume de Bruyn after the devastating French bombardment of 1695. Its elegant façade, decorated with busts of the Dukes of Brabant, adds to the extraordinary architectural richness of this UNESCO-listed square.
No visit to Brussels is complete without a peek at Manneken Pis, the city’s famously cheeky little landmark. Standing just 55.5 cm tall, the bronze boy has been charming visitors for centuries from his ornate stone niche in the heart of Brussels. One of the city’s most beloved traditions is dressing him in colourful costumes for special occasions, celebrations and visiting groups—he even has an impressive wardrobe displayed at the Brussels City Museum.
Dominating Brussels’ magnificent Grand-Place, Brussels Town Hall is a spectacular example of Brabantine Gothic architecture. Built between 1401 and 1455, its ornate façade and distinctive asymmetrical 96-metre tower make it one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Remarkably, it is the only surviving medieval building on the square—a testament to Brussels’ long and turbulent history.
After exploring Brussels, it’s time to head to Bruges (Brugge), Belgium’s enchanting medieval city, famous for its canals, cobbled streets, historic buildings and chocolate shops. Another chapter of the journey begins, and I’m off to discover what makes this beautifully preserved city one of Belgium’s most captivating destinations.
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