Brussels is quickly becoming a trendy spot for weekend getaways and holidays. Apart from its famous chocolates and beers there are many attractions. It is a centre of European culture, officially nicknamed ‘the European Village’, with almost 90 museums, beautiful parks, fascinating walks, trendy restaurants and bars.
Belgium became an independent state in 1830 after protests against the policies of King William of the Netherlands. Since then, Belgium has created its own Constitution and proclaimed its own sovereign – King Leopold of Saxe-Coburg was the first king of the Kingdom of Belgium.
An interesting fact is that Belgium is separated into 3 regions mainly due to differences in language – French and Dutch speakers. The regions are Flanders in the north (Dutch), Wallonia in the south (French) and Brussels in the centre (Bilingual). There is a small area called Ardennes that also speaks German but it is not an official region.
Brussels is one of the most international cities in the world. Twenty seven percent of the population is made up of foreigners, not including those who have taken Belgian citizenship. In following with its status as the Capital of Europe (the seat of the European Union), Brussels is the location for 40,000 EU employees, 4,000 NATO employees and hosts about 300 permanent representations: lobby groups, embassies and press corporations.
Brussels has a wide range of tourist attractions that will keep you and your children entertained during your Brussels vacation. Some of the ‘must-sees’ are listed here for your reference. These attractions are best seen during the daytime and in the evening take advantage of Brussels exotic and trendy restaurants and bars.
The hop-on hop-off sightseeing Brussels bus will take you to all of these attractions and allow you to explore them at your own pace.
Grand Place
The first place you will normally be taken to see in the city. A large but delicately sculpted 15th century town square erected over centuries to become this modern day representation of Brussel's history. Almost all of the buildings have a historical significance and the Hotel de Ville (the Town Hall) is still used today! Located in Brussels city centre, just down from Brussels Centrale, this ancient market place is the starting point for tourists.
Peeing boy
Just a few narrow alleyways from the Grand Place, the Peeing Boy, or Mannekin Pis, as it is normally called by locals, is a fascinating little statue. Not only does it attract thousands of curious tourists every year to Brussels, local Brussels people celebrate many festivities with this bronze fountain.
Palais de Justice
The Palace of Justice is a grand structure that stands at the top of Brussels looking down on the city; offering one of the best evening cityscapes of Brussels. This building still serves its original purpose as the high courts of Brussels. It has a distinctive golden dome and many columns decorating its facade, which faces onto the road, located at Place Poelaert near Avenue Louise shopping street.
Atomium
Just as Paris had warmed to the Eiffel Tower, Brussels admired its own temporary exhibition from a world fair – Atomium Brussels. The World Expo of 1958 left behind a gigantic structure that shone in the spring sun in the shape of an atom. It is a replica of an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Sounds interesting? Then journey up into the Heysel area of Brussels to explore the Atomium which yields a spectacular view of the city as well as art and science exhibitions and a restaurant in its 9 spheres.
Mini-Europe
Mini-Europe Brussels is a theme park with miniatures of the most famous monuments, sites and scenery of Europe. It is located next to the Atomium in Brupark. It is a great chance for families to have a great day out with the children. The miniatures are about 25 times smaller than the life size versions, some of the most famous include the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Mount Vesuvius and of course the Grand Place!
Opera House
The most famous opera house in Belgium is La Monnaie (the Mint). Along with many historical buildings in Brussels, this building has enjoyed a long history of construction, rebuilding and refurbishment. The current building is the third on the site and at one point it hosted the best of French theatre only second to the opera houses in Paris. Brussels opera is still highly active and the agenda is packed so admire the structure during the day but pay a visit to the theatre at night!
Parks
Brussels city has become quite proud of the number of parks they have available in the city, called green spaces. These parks range from grand boulevards with statues and fountains to quaint parks with lakes and flowers. A leisurely stroll through the parks is pleasant for visitors who want to see some green among a concrete jungle. Picnics, children and dogs are most welcome.
