Ten reasons to visit Brussels

The central square of Brussels represents the historical heart of the city. Every two years in August, 500,000 begonias are draped into a floral work of art on the cobblestone pavement of the Grand Place: the Brussels flower carpet. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the square was built between the 15th and 17th century and features a variety of architectural styles including gothic and baroque.

Manneken Pis is Brussel’s unofficial mascot, which embodies the city’s self-deprecating sense of humor. You will see it represented everywhere, but the original bronze statue of a boy peeing in a basin is actually really tiny, only 61 cm (24 inches). To keep it fun, every week the boy gets dressed in new costumes, submitted by thousands of designers from all over the world. 

This strangely shaped landmark on the outskirts of the city was originally built for the 1958 Brussels World Fair (Expo 58). Today, there are exhibition rooms and a restaurant in the nine spheres, suspended 100 meters (328 ft.) above the ground with a breathtaking 360° view of the city. On sunny days, the park surrounding it is a great spot to relax and enjoy the weather.

Tintin, the Smurfs and Lucky Luke have something in common: they are all "made in Belgium". The city boasts more than 50 wall art murals representing these beloved characters, which can be found on the comic strip tour. There is even a museum entirely dedicated to this colorful art form, the Belgian Comic Strip Center.

Brussels is also a treasure trove for lovers of classical painting. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts are a complex of museums and galleries dedicated to Belgian art from the 15th to the 21st century. From the Flemish masters Pieter Bruegel and Peter Paul Rubens to contemporary artists such as the surrealist René Magritte, this iconic cultural institution has art for every taste.

Belgian food is not necessarily light, but very delicious. Fries are the national dish of Belgium, traditionally double-fried in ox fat and enjoyed with mayonnaise. Brussels also has a lot to offer for the sweet palate. In the old town, you will find plenty of small shops selling the typical chocolate pralines, or waffles covered in whatever topping your heart desires.

At the turn of the 19th century, Brussels was one of the main centers of the Art Nouveau movement. The lasting influence of the art movement is still visible in the cityscape today. Some of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture are accessible to tourists, like the former house of architect Victor Horta which was turned into a museum, or the Musical Instrument Museum (pictured above).

Curious to know more about the EU? Visiting the European Parliament will allow you to do just that. The "Parlamentarium" offers an interactive exihibition free of charge. The plenary chamber of the Parliament can be visited with a pre-booked guided tour. The nearby House of European History is also quite interesting, as it displays Europe's history from diverse and challenging perspectives.

"Live and let live" is the motto that sums up Brussels' lifestyle. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), it is the second most cosmopolitan city in the world, with 62% of its inhabitants born abroad in over 180 countries. Each district of the Belgian capital has its own immigration history, which is still reflected today in international restaurants and supermarkets.

There are a few things make Belgians proud. One of them is beer, best to be enjoyed sitting outside in one of the many brasseries. Every neighborhood has its own hangout spot, but particularly popular are the bars in the districts of Saint-Géry, Sainte-Cathrine and Parvis de Saint-Gilles. Belgian beer comes in numerous varieties and variations, including flavors such as cherry, herb or honey.