What is in the city center of Brussels?

In the mood for a Brussels getaway? The Belgian capital is a warm and charming destination to visit with your partner, family or friends. Whether you want to discover it over a few days or just for a weekend, the centre of Brussels is bursting with places to explore! From must-see places to interesting things to do, not to mention typical restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal... let's take a look at the must-sees in Brussels city centre!

Must-see places in the centre of Brussels

The Grand-Place

Did you like the Grand'Place in Lille? You'll be amazed by the one in Brussels! It's the city's central square, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Bordered by the Houses of the Corporations, the Town Hall and the King's House, the Grand-Place in Brussels is a real architectural gem! With its emblematic monuments, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The Manneken-Pis... and the Jeanneke-Pis

Who hasn't heard of the famous Manneken-Pis? This unusual statuette of a little boy urinating (hence its name, which means "little man who pisses" in Brussels) was originally a fountain.

Nowadays, the little man measures just fifty centimetres and is above all a symbol of Brussels folklore.

He's the perfect embodiment of the Belgian people's legendary joie de vivre and capacity for self-mockery!

But did you know that this little bronze man had a sister? Much less known than his older brother, Jeanneke-Pis is just as 'cute', but much harder to find!

She's hidden at the end of the alleyway leading to the famous Délirium Café, in the (very touristy!) Rue des Bouchers. 

Take the time to stop seeing the statue and, why not, for a glass of one of the many beers* on the Délirium menu!

The Royal Palace

That's a fact: Belgium is a kingdom! As such, it naturally has its own Palace.

The Royal Palace in Brussels is the King's administrative residence.

It is here that he works and receives his collaborators, as well as foreign guests (heads of state, ambassadors among other guests).

This impressive building opens its doors to the public every summer. For the rest of the year, you can only admire it from its exterior. And believe us, even without seeing the inside, the building is well worth a look!
Just opposite, take a stroll in the Parc de Bruxelles or "Royal Park", much loved by the city's inhabitants.

The Courthouse and Place Poelaert

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Just a 10-15 minute walk from the Royal Palace is Place Poelaert, with its breathtaking views over the capital. Here you can take the famous Marolles lift, linking the upper and lower parts of the city. This is also where you'll find the impressive Courthouse. One of the sites not to be missed in Brussels!

On your way, passing the Place Royale, you'll see the Magritte Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the beautiful church of Notre-Dame du Sablon. All of these museums are certainly well-advised if you're a lover of art and/or history. The magnificent Musical Instruments Museum just below Place Royale also deserves a visit!

Things to do in the Brussels capital

Visiting museums

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As in any European capital, there are many museums worth visiting, depending on your tastes and interests. In addition to those mentioned above, let's not forget the famous Comic Strip Museum or "Belgian Comic Strip Centre".

It's also right in the centre of Brussels. Another must-see in the city centre? The Chocolate Museum, of course!

And don't forget to check out the current exhibitions!

Chocolate and cuberdons at the Galeries royales

Just a stone's throw from the Grand-Place, the Galeries royales Saint-Hubert consists of three shopping arcades: the Galerie de la Reine, the Galerie du Roi and the Galerie des Princes. These were the first covered galleries built in Europe. 
They are home to luxury boutiques, cafés, chocolate shops and even a cinema! Many tourists stop here for a gourmet break and a few photos. It's the perfect place to sample delicious Belgian chocolates or cuberdons, a traditional Belgian sweet.

Shopping in the centre's many second-hand stores

Naturally, the city centre of a capital city is ideal for a shopping spree. But BX is first and foremost a destination of choice for lovers of second-hand and second-hand shops.

Brussels districts such as Dansaert and Les Marolles are full of vintage shops where you can pick up a few nuggets.

Playing an escape game

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Looking for a fun activity? Don't hesitate to book your escape game! If you're not familiar with the concept, now's your chance to find out.

The Belgian capital has no shortage of excellent addresses for fans of these cooperative puzzle games.

A must for families, colleagues or friends!

Take a beer tasting tour*

As you know, Belgium is famous for its beer! So you won't be surprised if we suggest a Beer Tour*. It's the perfect way to visit breweries and sample some of the capital's best beers.

You may also read:  Visiting Brussels | 10 must-sees

A selection of top restaurants to eat out near the Grand-Place 

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Of course, it would be difficult to list all the good places to eat in Brussels, as there are so many! So here's a list (far from exhaustive) of typical restaurants where you can enjoy Belgian specialities right in the centre of Brussels:

Le Vertigo: a restaurant and cocktail bar set in a secret, historic location. A romantic atmosphere to match! 

Le Cirio: a traditional Belgian brasserie in an Art Nouveau architectural style dating back to 1886. A feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

Le Grand Café: just a stone's throw from Le Cirio, this listed building serves local dishes at great prices.

Chez Gudule: an original and surprising concept with cuisine inspired by both Belgium and Vietnam.

With all that activity, you've earned a bit of a rest, haven't you? After a good night's sleep, you'll be ready to resume your visit. Book your room in one of our hotels in Brussels now!

Our complementary content and guide pages:

Brussels Central Station

Brussels airport
A holiday for two in Brussels
Discover the European Quarter in Brussels

Our B&B HOTELS in Belgium - B&B HOTELS in Brussels - B&B HOTELS : accessible hotels designed for everyone !