Curious visitors are invited on an enchanting journey back in time criss-crossing the delightful alleys of the capital, where there's history around every cobbled corner.
Dive into Brussels' past, follow in Brel's footsteps, admire its architectural wonders, recharge your batteries in one of the capital's legendary landmarks... History and culture lovers, we have the perfect itinerary for you!
Your tour inevitably begins at the majestic Grand-Place, where the splendid Gothic and Baroque facades illustrate the city's glittering past. Immerse yourself in Brussels' bygone era at the King's House, then marvel at the surrounding architectural treasures, such as the Town Hall, the former stock exchange and the Théâtre royal de la Monnaie.
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Take a moment to sample some local delicacies and stroll through the sumptuous Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, before sitting down for a bite in one of the district's authentic brasseries, such as Chez Léon, Aux Armes de Bruxelles, Bouillon Bruxelles and La Taverne du Passage, or at one of the kiosks at WOLF food market.
After your gourmet break, comic strip fans can head to the Comics Art Museum - housed in a sublime Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta - or follow one of the comic strip trails. Music lovers can make their way to Fondation Brel, where they can take part in a walk retracing the artist's life and works.
Continue your wanderings along the Haussmann-style boulevards of the city centre. Buildings of varied architecture line these emblematic thoroughfares. Turn off boulevard Anspach and you'll find yourself at the Halles Saint-Géry, a covered market that now hosts also exhibitions, fairs and concerts... Continue on to the Sainte-Catherine district, once home to the port of Sainte-Catherine, where the picturesque alleys are packed with fish and seafood restaurants such as La Belle Maraîchère. Other unique addresses await you here: Café De Markten, Le Vismet, Beaucoup Fish, Nightshop, Vertige…
Finally, don't forget to say hello to our little national hero, Manneken-Pis, - and Jeanneke-Pis and Zinneke-Pis for that matter - or enjoy a delicious beer (or two) in one of the capital's cult establishments, such as Le Cirio or Falstaff, and, for jazz fans, the Roskam, L’Archiduc and The Music Village. The area also serves up local specialities at Nüetnigenough, In 't Spinnekopke and Manneken Pis Café.
Start your day in style with a visit to the Royal Palace and the neighbouring museums, such as the Magritte Museum, the BELvue Museum, the Coudenberg Palace and the Oldmasters Museum, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mont des Arts garden.
Two charming districts are nearby: the Sablon and the Marolles. As you move from place Royale to the Marolles, you'll come across a number of noteworthy buildings: the Court of Audit, the former palace of the Count of Flanders, with its neoclassical facades; the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, with their eclectic style; and the largest Palace of Justice in the world, also eclectic, which is undergoing a never-ending facelift.
Succumb to the aromas of the Sablon patisseries, before exploring the English-style garden of Egmont Park, the churches of Our Lady of the Sablon and Our Lady of the Chapel, and discover the hidden treasures of Les Marolles, where you'll find antique shops, vintage boutiques and comic strip murals. If you like antiques and bargain-hunting, don't miss the famous flea market on place du Jeu de Balle.
Of course, you can also quench your thirst at such iconic addresses as La Fleur en Papier Doré, formerly known as the Café des Artistes as it hosted René Magritte and the Surrealists, and members of the CoBrA movement.
Round the day off with a feast fit for a king, in one of the city's famous restaurants such as L'Écailler du Palais Royal, Au Vieux Saint-Martin, Les Brigittines, La Bonne Chère or Ploegmans.
Discover the European Quarter! From the Parlamentarium and the House of European History to the Institute of Natural Sciences, this escapade will plunge you deep into politics and the past. To recharge your batteries, head to the Grand Central, which serves a generous brunch.
Above all, don't be fooled by the cold, bureaucratic architecture. This can hide some enchanting spaces, such as Léopold Park, a former zoo, and the Ambiorix, Marie-Louise and Marguerite squares, blessed with neo-Renaissance, neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. Saint-Cyr House, designed by architect Gustave Strauven, and Hôtel van Eetvelde, a major work by Victor Horta, stand proudly, just a stone's throw away.
Next, take a stroll through Cinquantenaire Park, where the military mingles with art and history. Created in 1880 to mark the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence, this green haven is dominated by an imposing triumphal arch, the top of which offers a unique panoramic view of the city. As you stroll along the paths, past the monuments and sculptures, you'll encounter a number of cultural highlights: the Royal Military Museum, the Art & History Museum, Autoworld... When the fine weather returns, the park's Maurice pop-up bar is the perfect place for a delectable break.
End your stroll in style by admiring one of Brussels' Art Nouveau jewels: Cauchie House, once the home of artists Paul Cauchie and Caroline Voet. If you're starting to feel peckish, stop off at Origine, Mine Madeh or the legendary Maison Antoine for some of the best chips in the capital!
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