Brussels, a city that combines classicism and modernity, art and politics, is far more than the solemn impression of the EU headquarters. Walking on the cobblestone streets, from the legendary little peeing mannequin to the amazing Atomium, every corner hides stories and surprises.
The murals on the streets, the fragrant waffle stalls, and the Gothic buildings intertwined with history together build a city that is both solemn and full of childlike fun. This is the heart of politics and a hotbed of culture. Every stop may become a highlight moment in the journey.
Ⅰ. Recommended Attractions
1. Manneken Pis: Small statue, big story
Location and opening hours
The Manneken Pis statue is located at the intersection of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne in the center of Brussels, only a 3-minute walk from the Grand Place. The statue is outdoors, open 24 hours a day, and no tickets are required.
Recommended time to visit and transportation routes
The best time to visit is from 9 to 10 in the morning, or after 17:00 in the evening, to avoid the peak of tour groups. You can take Metro Line 1 or 5 to Gare Centrale Station and walk for 5 minutes.
Highlights and interesting information
Since its completion in 1619, this 61 cm high bronze statue has become one of the most famous symbols of Brussels. The little peeing mannequin often changes into festive costumes, and there is a special museum to display its “wardrobe”. Visitors can pay attention to the theme of the day’s dress.
Booking platform and cost description
Although the little peeing mannequin itself does not require a ticket, the related city walking tour can be booked through GetYourGuide, Viator or Tiqets. The price generally ranges from 15 to 25 euros per person, and the guided tour lasts 1.5 hours to 2 hours.
2. Grand-Place: The historical heart of Brussels
Location and opening hours
The Grand-Place is located in the heart of the old town of Brussels. The square itself is open 24 hours a day. The square is surrounded by ancient buildings such as the Town Hall and the King’s House (now the Municipal Museum).
Recommended time to visit and transportation route
It is recommended to go there between 10 am and noon, when the light is best for taking pictures. You can take the subway line 1 or 5 to De Brouckère Station or Gare Centrale Station and walk for 5 minutes.
Highlights and cultural experiences
The square is known as “one of the most beautiful squares in Europe” and was listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 1998. Every two years in the summer, a “Flower Carpet” event is held, covering the entire square, which is extraordinary.
Booking platform and fee description
Entry to the square itself is free. Admission tickets to the surrounding municipal museums and city halls can be booked through Tiqets or MuseoTickets, with prices ranging from about 10 to 14 euros per person. Some platforms also provide audio guide services, which are suitable for independent travelers.
3. Atomium: Science and art in a modern architectural miracle
Location and opening hours
The Atomium is located in the Heysel district in the north of Brussels, at Square de l’Atomium. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00 every day (last admission at 17:30), all year round.
Recommended time to visit and transportation route
It is recommended to arrive at the opening time to avoid peak traffic. Take Metro Line 6 to Heysel Station and walk about 7 minutes to arrive.
Highlights and interactive experiences
Built for the World Expo in 1958, the Atomium is 102 meters high and consists of 9 spheres, symbolizing the structure of iron atoms. The internal exhibition covers Belgian history, architecture and technology, and there is also an observation deck overlooking the city.
Booking platform and fee description
Adult tickets cost 16 euros per person, and students and children can enjoy discounted prices. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through Tiqets, GetYourGuide or Klook to avoid the long queues on site. Some platforms support scanning code entry and free cancellation services.
4. Belgian Comic Strip Center: Enter the world of Tintin
Location and opening hours
Located on Rue des Sables, it is only a 10-minute walk from the city center. Opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00, and closed on Mondays.
Recommended time to visit and transportation route
It is recommended to go in the afternoon, and the pace of the tour is more comfortable. You can take the subway to De Brouckère or Rogier station, which is about a 7-minute walk.
Highlights and exhibits
The museum focuses on the most famous Belgian comic character “Tintin”. It introduces the history of European comics, the original painting creation process and interactive exhibition areas, which are very interesting and educational.
Booking platform and fee description
Adult tickets are about 12 euros, and children and students enjoy discounts. Tickets and city passes can be purchased in one stop through Viator, GetYourGuide or Expedia Experiences. Some packages include joint tickets for other museums in Brussels, which is suitable for multi-museum tours.
5. Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts): Observe the thousand years of European art
Location and opening hours
Located on Rue de la Régence in the center of Brussels, it is within walking distance of the old town and the parliament area. Opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00, and closed on Mondays.
Recommended time to visit and transportation route
Morning or afternoon is the best time to visit, and there is plenty of light for viewing paintings. You can take the subway to Parc or Trône station and walk about 10 minutes.
Highlights and collection highlights
The museum houses European art from the 15th century to the present, including original works by masters such as Bruegel, Rubens, and Magritte. It is a holy place that art lovers cannot miss.
Booking platform and fee description
Tickets start at 15 euros per person. You can make an appointment for admission through Klook, Tiqets or MuseoTickets. Some platforms also provide English guided tours, which are suitable for visitors who want to understand the background of the paintings in depth.
For travelers who plan to visit more places, consider buying a Brussels Card, which allows free entry to more than 40 museums and attractions during the validity period, and enjoys discounts on dining and souvenir shops. This card can be purchased through Tiqets, GetYourGuide or Klook platforms, and the validity period is generally divided into 24, 48 and 72 hours.
Ⅱ. Practical suggestions: Create an efficient check-in itinerary
1. Concentrated tour: Reasonable planning of walking routes
The old town of Brussels has dense attractions, and walking tours are extremely efficient. It is recommended to arrange the Grand Place, Manneken Pis and the Belgian Comic Strip Art Center in the same morning or afternoon. The walking distance between the three should not exceed 10 minutes, which not only saves transportation time, but also allows you to fully experience the city’s context and architectural style. If your physical strength allows, you can extend it to the Saint-Hubert Gallery and the exterior of the Royal Palace to form a cost-effective urban walking route.
2. Time is required for visiting the Atomium
Although the Atomium is convenient for transportation, its internal visit requires connecting different spheres through an elevator system, and there may be queues on holidays or weekends. Therefore, it is recommended to arrange at least 2 hours of tour time for the Atomium, including queuing, visiting exhibitions and climbing to the top to enjoy the view. If you have lunch, you may choose a panoramic restaurant in the tower to overlook Brussels while enjoying authentic food.
3. Public transportation tickets: unlock urban mobility
Brussels’ STIB public transportation network is well covered. It is recommended to purchase a 1-day or 3-day pass, covering subway, tram and bus routes, with unlimited rides, which is suitable for switching between dense attractions and temporary route adjustments. The pass can be purchased at the airport, station or subway ticket vending machine, and can also be booked online on some travel platforms, which is convenient and fast.
4. Avoid closed days: flexibly adjust the itinerary
Most museums in Brussels are closed on Mondays, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Comic Center. It is recommended to check in outdoors or visit year-round attractions such as the Atomium on that day. In addition, on special holidays such as Easter or Christmas, some venues may close in advance. Please check the official announcement or travel platform update information in advance before traveling to avoid the inconvenience caused by temporary adjustments to the itinerary.
Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also the intersection of European civilization and creativity. Visiting these classic landmarks not only allows you to feel the city’s profound cultural heritage, but also the inspirational power of architecture and art. From the nostalgia of the cobblestone road to the futuristic sense of the steel structure, every corner is waiting for travelers to stop and discover.
