The historical centre: attractions, cult cafés and rainbow colours

In Brussels, it’s impossible to miss the Grand-Place. But did you know that in the heart of the city you’ll also find René Magritte's favourite café and authentic LGBTQIA+ cabarets?

A visit to the centre of Brussels is a veritable journey back in time, with all the city’s enchanting world heritage. And don't be fooled: there’s so much more to see than the ultra-touristy rue des Bouchers. Brussels is a city of bon vivants, so take it easy and alternate cultural hotspots with a beer, delicious food or a great concert.

We start with the absolute must-see: the Grand-Place. It’s considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world for a reason – when the late sun lights up the gilded buildings, you can feel the ethereal magic of the place. Chances are that, on balmy evenings, groups of people will sit down on the square's cobbles for an impromptu aperitif. It’s hard to believe that the square once served as a car park! Don't forget to visit the City of Brussels town hall, an impressive example of flamboyant Gothic architecture from the 15^th century.

Aesthetic-minded shoppers will be delighted by the beautiful Royal Saint Hubert gallery, one of the very first covered shopping streets in Europe. You’ll find high-end chocolatiers, luxury shops, restaurants and cafés. If it rains, just come here and have a drink! If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, you can catch a movie at Cinema Galeries, browse through the French-language book store Tropismes or visit the impressive nearby Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula.

And then, of course, there’s the most mischievous little lad in the country, the Manneken-Pis. All in all, a modest statue, but his exuberant wardrobe - from an Argentine gaucho outfit to a Toots Thielemans costume – gives him an edge. You can even study his wardrobe extensively in the museum on rue du Chêne.

For a piece of war heroism, place Saint Jean is the place to be. Here stands Gabrielle Petit, the first European statue of a working-class woman. She was a Brussels resistance heroine during the First World War, who ultimately paid for her battle with her life.

Further on, on place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés, you can see a statue of Jacques Brel. Are you also a fan of Ne me quitte pas? Then make sure you visit the Brel museum or take the Brel walk through the city!

Not so long ago, Boulevard Anspach was a grey motorway right through the city centre. Thanks to picnic activities by the people of Brussels, the city council turned the street into a lively pedestrian zone. Like the people of Brussels and tourists of various kinds, just settle down at one of the many terraces.

The emblematic former Stock Exchange building, which has undergone a complete renovation, occupies a central position in the city. As of 2023, it is home to the Belgian Beer World, a must-see attraction for beer lovers, alongside the magnificent rooftop terrace The Beerlab and the restaurant The Brasserie.

You can also relax in the surrounding cafés, such as the grandiose Art Nouveau-style Cirio, which serves the famous "half-en-half", a typically Brussels blend of white and sparkling wine.

In the small streets of the city centre, you can certainly smell it: here waffles and chocolate are never very far away. Beer lovers are also spoilt for choice, with famous beer temples such as Delirium Café, Poechenellekelder or A la Mort Subite. Craft beers from all over can be had at Gist. For the real cult spots, head to the old hostel In't Spinnekopke, La fleur en papier doré, the former favourite of the surrealists and CoBrA artists or the sumptuous chanson bar, Goupil Le Fol. 

You have your kids with you so a pub crawl isn’t an option? Take them on a delicious sweet adventure at the Choco Story chocolate museum or discover a new children's book at Le Wolf. They’ll also love the numerous comic book murals dotted around the city centre! Afterwards, you can enjoy a nice meal together in the child-friendly Houtsiplou.

Fashionistas will adore the Fashion & Lace Museum (ten thousand garments from the 16^th century to the present) and the vintage shops and concept stores in the Saint Jacques district. It’s also known as the Rainbow Village, with LGBTQI+ bars like Le Belgica providing a lively atmosphere. The Agenda is a haven for queer and non-binary youth. And fans of the genre should definitely visit the drag queen cabaret Chez Maman or Cabaret Mademoiselle – RuPaul could learn a thing or two from this.

Are you a jazz aficionado? Then The Music Village is undoubtedly the place for you. For the larger concert halls, La Madeleine or Ancienne Belgique are the places to go. Or are you in the mood for some clubbing? The C12 on rue du Marché aux Herbes awaits to round off your trip with a bang.

Before you leave the historical centre, stop by Plaizier for the best postcards in Brussels… and then on to the next neighbourhood!