Brussels

Brussels is one of Europe’s most exciting cities, and it punches way above its weight for a capital that many people might not know much about. It sits at the heart of Europe, not just geographically but politically too, hosting the headquarters of major European institutions that help countries work together. Walking through Brussels, you get the sense that big decisions are being made nearby, while ordinary life buzzes along in cosy cafes and bustling markets all around you.

The city has a fantastic mix of the grand and the playful. The Grand Place is one of the most jaw-dropping squares you will ever see, its golden buildings glittering like something from a fairy tale. Nearby, a surprisingly tiny bronze statue called Manneken Pis draws huge crowds and gets dressed in miniature costumes for special occasions. Then there is the Atomium, a gleaming silver structure shaped like a giant molecule that you can actually explore inside.

What really sets Brussels apart is its love of comics. Enormous colourful murals cover building walls across the city, turning everyday streets into a huge outdoor art gallery that kids and adults both absolutely love.

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Quick fact

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and serves as the de facto capital of the European Union, hosting many of its major institutions.

Fun fact

Brussels has more comic-strip murals painted on its building walls than almost any other city in the world, turning the whole city into an open-air cartoon gallery!

Landmarks

Grand Place

This dazzling golden square is ringed by ornate guild houses and a stunning town hall, and UNESCO thinks it is so special it put it on the World Heritage list.

Atomium

Imagine a giant iron crystal blown up 165 billion times — that is the Atomium, a shiny silver structure built for the 1958 World's Fair that you can actually walk inside.

Manneken Pis

This tiny bronze statue of a little boy is one of Belgium's most famous symbols, and he gets dressed up in hundreds of different costumes throughout the year.

Mini-Europe

At Mini-Europe you can walk past teeny-tiny models of famous landmarks from all across Europe, from the Eiffel Tower to the Acropolis, all in one park.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

These linked museums hold centuries of amazing paintings and sculptures, including works by Belgian masters like Bruegel and Magritte, perfect for budding art lovers.