Belgium
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
- Gateway airport
- Brussels Airport (BRU)
- Best season
- May–Oct
- Time zone
- Europe/Brussels
- Sights covered
- 45 places
Sights worth seeing
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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.
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.
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.
Museums & galleries
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
An art museum in Brussels. Visitors come here to view a wide range of artworks.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Getting there
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Getting around the city
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Guides by theme
Best value
Where to stay in Brussels for the best value
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5-star & luxury
Where to stay in Brussels for a luxury experience
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Pool villas & resorts
Where to find pool villas and luxury resorts in Brussels
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Family travel
Where to stay in Brussels for a family trip
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Couples & honeymoon
Where to stay in Brussels for a romantic getaway or honeymoon
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Central & near stations
Where to stay in Brussels for central access and proximity to stations
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Best time to visit
When is the best time to visit Brussels, Belgium?
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First-time guide
How to visit Brussels for the first time
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Getting around
How to use public transport and get around Brussels
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