Brussels, the heart of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. I traveled to Brussels for the first time with my two kids in the 7th week of our Europe trip. After a few incidents in Italy, including losing Orion, and going to the wrong airport and almost missing our flight in Venice, we decided to slow down a bit.  I vowed not to eat ice cream everyday anymore and convinced my kids we could eat healthy.  It turned out we ate chocolate everyday instead.

Logistic Tip

We have stayed in Brussels for a week, and took a relaxed approach for sightseeing.

We spent our first two days at Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s, a hotel centrally located in Brussels, with easy access to key attractions, shopping areas, and business districts. If you have tight schedule and wanted to see main attractions within just a few days, this hotel or any accommodations located nearby would be a great choice.

For the rest of the trip, we stayed at an airbnb located in Watermael-Boitsfort, a peaceful residential area away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It was perfect for us to rest and explore local lifestyle. The city center was not within walking distance, but just one bus ride away. It took a bit longer, and we were OK with that as we didn’t need to go out everyday.

For the first time since arriving in Europe more than 6 weeks ago, we went on a tour bus and visited museums.  It was a new experience for us to see the city on double decker buses. There were headphone audio guide in multiple languages on the bus, but my kids didn’t seem to be that interested in listening. The bus ride itself seemed to be much more fun.

I bought a city card online that covered tickets to dozens of museums. If you are museum lovers, that could be a great deal.

However, I ended up only visiting one museum that was listed - Choco Story.  When we visited Atomium and Mini Europe, we found out my city card didn’t cover those. So make sure to read carefully which museums the city card covers, and plan ahead if you indeed need a city card.

The following are my 10 favorite photo spots in Brussels.

1️⃣ Grand Place (Grote Markt):

Begin your photographic journey at the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the central square of Brussels. Admire the opulent guildhalls, the stunning Town Hall, and the King's House, all illuminated by intricate golden details.

If you have the chance, plan your visit during the square's biannual Flower Carpet event for an extra touch of color. We didn’t have the real flower carpet, and only captured its grandeur in Mini Europe.

There was an interesting art exhibition of elephant installations on the square while we were visiting. I didn’t have the chance to explore too much detail as my kids were hungry and hot. All they wanted was to sit down for dinner instead of enjoying art.

2️⃣ The View Ferris Wheel

"The View" in Brussels is a giant Ferris wheel located at Place Poelaert, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Standing 55 meters tall, it provides a unique and memorable experience. This would be your best chance to enjoy some of Brussel’s landmarks without seeing the crowd. If you have a choice, take the ferris wheel during a colorful sunset.

3️⃣ Brussels Old Town

Also known as the historic heart of the city, is a charming district characterized by cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and lively squares such as the Grand Place as mentioned above.

Visitors to Brussels Old Town can immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry, exploring historic landmarks, quaint shops, and savoring traditional Belgian cuisine in the shadow of centuries-old buildings.

Be prepared, the old town could be very crowded. Expect to have strangers appear in your photo frame all the time. Practice street photography and take candid shots.

4️⃣ Mont des Arts

For panoramic views of Brussels, head to Mont des Arts. This elevated vantage point showcases the cityscape, including the spire of the City Hall.

This beautifully landscaped area is adorned with gardens, fountains, and sculptures, making it a picturesque setting to appreciate both the historical and contemporary aspects of Brussels.

5️⃣ Church of Our Lady of the Chapel

Known as Église Notre-Dame de la Chapelle, is a charming Gothic church located in the heart of Brussels.

With its elegant architecture and historical significance, the church is a cultural gem, known for its beautiful stained glass windows and tranquil atmosphere, providing visitors with a peaceful escape in the midst of the bustling city. You can see it from high above on the ferris wheel ride.

6️⃣ Atomium

The Atomium in Brussels is an iconic architectural marvel and symbol of the city, featuring nine interconnected spheres that represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

Originally built for the 1958 World Expo, the Atomium now serves as a museum and offers visitors panoramic views of Brussels from its highest sphere, providing a unique blend of modernity and historical significance.

7️⃣ Mini Europe

Right next to Atomium, Mini-Europe in Brussels is a captivating miniature park that showcases scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks from across Europe, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience of the continent's architectural wonders.

From the Eiffel Tower to the Colosseum, the park provides a visually stunning and educational journey through Europe's cultural heritage.

8️⃣ Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries

Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries is a magnificent shopping arcade, renowned for its architectural elegance and historical significance. With its glass roof, ornate storefronts, and a charming ambiance, the galleries house a variety of boutiques, theaters, and cafes, offering a delightful and upscale shopping experience in the heart of the city.

Definitely not the easiest place to take photos due to the crowd, the arcade could be a great place for people watching, and street photography. If you point away from the crowd, pay attention to store designs, you could get an array of different photos full of colors and style.

9️⃣ Pierre Marcolini chocolate store

Pierre Marcolini in Brussels is a renowned chocolatier, celebrated for crafting exquisite and innovative chocolates that blend high-quality ingredients with meticulous craftsmanship, creating a delectable and luxurious chocolate experience. The brand is synonymous with creativity and a commitment to sourcing the finest cocoa beans, making it a destination for chocolate enthusiasts seeking premium, artisanal treats in Brussels.

We saw several Pierre Marcolini stores in different locations, and were immediately drawn by its colorful decoration. Belgium is not short of chocolate brands and stores. We just happened to “click” with the appearance of this store when we were in Brussels.

🔟 Royal Palace

Honorable mention.

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the Belgian king and serves as a symbol of the Belgian monarchy. Situated in the heart of Brussels, near the Park of Brussels, the neoclassical palace is an impressive architectural landmark.

It was not open to public during the time of our visit. From outside, it looked beautiful and would have been a wonderful place to take photos.

Brussels, with its blend of historical landmarks and modern marvels, is a visual feast for photographers. From the ornate Grand Place to the futuristic Atomium, each photo spot tells a unique story of this vibrant city.

Whether you're drawn to historical and cultural heritage, classic architecture, vibrant arts scene and museums, or world-famous chocolates, waffles, Brussels’ welcoming atmosphere, multilingual locals, and the opportunity to explore its charming streets and diverse neighborhoods undoubtedly make it a unique travel destination that will enrich your photographic experience.

This wraps up our one week trip in Brussels. Our next destination is Lisbon, Portugal.

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