48 hours in Brussels… and not just for sprouts

By DG Staff

Église Notre-Dame de la Chapelle - Kapellekerk © visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy - 2018

DUBAI 21 June 2019: Brussels is one of the most popular tourist spot in Belgium and is known for its cuisine and gastronomy, as well as its historical and architectural landmarks; some of them are registered as Unesco World Heritage sites.

You can discover the city with the Brussels Card, which can be used over periods of 24/48/72 hours. It offers free access to 41 museums, discounts at attractions, shops, restaurants, etc. and unlimited access to public transport or Hop-on Hop-off bus.

The capital of Belgium – Brussels, is easy to walk around and is one of the most fun cities in Europe. It offers both historic and modern experience to its visitors. Visitors will find a lot can be packed into 48-hours. Take a look at some of the very best attractions and things to do in Brussels.

Grand Place

Classified as a World Heritage site by Unesco, the Grand Place begins to be built in the 15th century; first of all halls some houses of guilds then a Town Hall to establish the authority of this place of commerce. Bombed for 3 days by the French army in 1695, it is almost completely destroyed but like a phoenix, it rose from the ashes in less than 5 years. That’s why four styles mix or overlap even sometimes; it is a jumble of gothic, opulent baroque, neoclassical and neo-Gothic. The tower of the Hôtel de Ville is more or less 96 meters high. Grand Place is one of the most important landmark and destination in Brussels.

Grand Place © visit.brussels – Eric Danhier – 2018

Manneken-pis

This bronze statuette, executed in the 17th century by elder J. Duquesnoy, embodies the rebellious spirit of Brussels. Also known as “Little Julian”, so as to not to be confused with another fountain, het Juliaensborreke, it was one of the many fountains feeding the city. From the rank of public fountain, it is now a legendary figure.

Manneken Pis (c) VISITBRUSSELS – E. Danhier

Palace of Fine Arts – Bozar

When we talk about culture in Belgium, we think of the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. Whether its exhibitions, concerts, theater or cinema, projects around literature and architecture, BOZAR always puts forward originality and innovation. Not only do they make a point of honor in the creation, quality and richness of the artistic program, but they are especially concerned to offer a total experience to its visitors.

Bozar

Ghent + Bruges

A bus trip of just 1 hour to 1:30 hours will take you to Ghent and Bruges, two exceptional cities with impressive heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. An experienced guide takes you to all the places not to be missed: the belfry, the castle of the Counts of Flanders and the historic center with the Cathedral of Saint-Bavon in Ghent; the old beguinage, the Church of Notre-Dame, the Place du Bourg with the Hôtel de Ville in Bruges.

Mini-Europe

At the foot of the Atomium, on the site of Bruparck, lies an exotic attraction: a miniature city that offers a trip across Europe in the space of a few hours. With 350 models, with an unequaled finish, are the exact replicas of the most beautiful monuments located in the major cities of the European Union.

Mini Europe © Mini Europe

Belgian Chocolate Village

Near the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Belgian Chocolate Village (BCV) is one of the largest chocolate museums. The scenographic journey reveals the stages of chocolate making, its uses, its history, its benefits, its economy and its diversity. It appeals to all the senses of the visitor whereas a tropical greenhouse reproduces the cocoa growing conditions. The chocolate workshop integrated to the course allows observing artisan chocolate makers at work who will make you taste their latest creation.

About Brussels

The Brussels-Capital Region of Belgium comprises of 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The Brussels-Capital Region is located in the central portion of the country and is a part of both the French Community of Belgium and the Flemish Community, but is separate from the Flemish Region (in which it forms an enclave) and the Walloon Region.