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Top Things to do in Brussels:

1. Grand Place – This breathtaking plaza is a must see. If you haven’t visited the Grand Place, you haven’t visited Brussels. Enjoy the architecture, visit the city’s museum for a quick history of Brussels and relax at one of the many cafes in and around the square. Don’t forget to have a Belgian waffle, have some of the famous Belgian beers, and take some Belgian chocolates for home!

2. Manneken Pis – Tucked at the end of a busy pedestrian street, you will find this cute little guy ‘peeing’ away. Those who have heard of the Manneken usually imagine a much, much bigger version.

3. Royal Palace (Palais Royale) – this place is a gem, inside and out. It’s only open during the late summer months (usually late July to early September)

4. Place du Grand Sablon – another ‘restaurant central’ part of town. Come on weekends during the summer months and you will find an antique market. Make sure to also visit the Sablon Cathedral.

5. Atomium and Mini-Europe – The Atomium was built in 1958 for the Expo Exhibition. There are a number of exhibits inside. You can also have great views from the top. The Atomium is a bit our of the city so you will only be able to have a distant glimpse of the city. Mini-Europe is right beside the Atomium. It’s a cute little park which has miniature replicas of the EU’s national monuments and buildings. There is a nice plaza full of restaurants surrounding it which is a great place to have dinner after a day in the area.

6. Avenue Louise – this street and surrounding area offers excellent restaurants and luxury shops.

7. Bois de la Cambre – As the name suggests, this is a forest turned into a park. Excellent for getting away from the city noise.

8. Rue Neuve – a fairly close walk from Grand Place you will find Rue Neuve, the major shopping street in Brussels. If you happen to be here in July, take advantage of the month-long sales (les soldes).

9. Parc du Cinquantenaire – this is a nice little park close to the European Commission and the Canadian embassy. Its emblem is the Triumphal Arch. Here you will also find several Museums, including the Auto World Museum, the Royal Military Museum and the Cinquantenaire Art Museum.