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Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to a wide range of attractions, including the Atomium, the Royal Palace, and its cathedral. It's also a great place to admire artwork at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Brussels
Gateway airport
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Best season
May–Oct
Time zone
Europe/Brussels
Sights covered
45 places

Sights worth seeing

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Atomium

Attraction

Atomium

The Atomium is an iconic 102-meter monument in Brussels, built for the 1958 World's Fair. It's a landmark where visitors can admire its uniquely shaped structure up close.

Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

Temples & religious sites

Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

A Roman Catholic cathedral perched on a hill in Brussels, naturally visible as you move through the city. As the co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels, it serves as a center of local faith.

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Temples & religious sites

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic basilica in Brussels, inspired by the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris. Construction began with the laying of its cornerstone in 1905 but was repeatedly halted by the two World Wars, and the basilica was not completed until 1970.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Museums & galleries

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

An art museum in Brussels. Visitors come here to view a wide range of artworks.

Royal Palace of Brussels

Castles & palaces

Royal Palace of Brussels

The official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians, located in central Brussels. The royal family actually resides at Laeken Palace on the outskirts, while this palace is used for audiences and state occasions.

Berlaymont building

Views & landmarks

Berlaymont building

The Berlaymont is a large building in Brussels that houses the headquarters of the European Commission. It's a landmark where visitors can get a close-up sense of the heart of European politics.

Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta

Heritage & monuments

Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta

Four Art Nouveau townhouses designed by Victor Horta in Brussels, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Hôtel Tassel and Hôtel Solvay, among others, showcase their striking architectural beauty.

Royal Observatory of Belgium

Attraction

Royal Observatory of Belgium

The Royal Observatory of Belgium has stood in Brussels since 1890 and operates under the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office. It's worth a visit for travelers interested in astronomy and history.

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Average temperature by month

5-year average

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
14° May
18° Jun
18° Jul
19° Aug
16° Sep
13° Oct
Nov
Dec

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Getting around the city

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Local data

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