Brussels - choc-full of things to do!
The capital of Europe, so-called since the EU member states made Brussels the seat of the European institutions in 1997, receives over 3 million visitors each year. This is around 10 percent of the amount that travel to Paris, yet it has many fans in the One Tree Travel office, and not just because of all that wonderful beer!
You can’t go wrong by starting at the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts many seasonal and cultural events throughout the year, but one of the most stunning is the carpet of flowers installed every other August. Even when there is nothing taking place, we’d recommend simply standing in the middle and slowly rotating 360 degrees to take in the opulent guild houses, each adorned with intricate designs and ornate facades, that surround the square.
On the Grand-Place there is a Tintin shop and if that is your thing you might want to explore the Comic Book Route which features over 50 comic book murals painted on the walls of buildings around the city centre, honouring characters like the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke, as well as Tintin himself.
Just off the square is the iconic Manneken Pis. If it didn’t always have a small gathering around it, you could miss this beloved bronze statue of a mischievous little boy. He is often dressed up in something festive to amuse visitors seeking a taste of Belgian whimsy.
Here are a few more reasons to pop over to Brussels for a short break this Spring:
- Parc du Cinquantenaire: This expansive park features grand arches, picturesque gardens, and museums such as the Autoworld Museum and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History. It is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic.
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: Art enthusiasts should not miss these museums, which house an extensive collection of Belgian and European art, including works by renowned artists like Bruegel, Rubens, and Magritte.
- Atomium: A symbol of Brussels, the Atomium is a unique structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Visitors can explore its exhibition spaces and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top sphere.
Finally, Brussels is a culinary paradise for those with a sweet tooth, famous for its delectable waffles and chocolatey goodness galore! We suggest you ditch the diet, taste everything, then take home a few boxes of your favourite chocolates for your friends and family, if they make it that far!
And don’t forget, we’ll plant a tree for you if you arrange your travel cover with One Tree Travel! 🌳
