Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is located on the banks of the Senne (or Zenne) River. It is the largest city of the Brussels-Capital Region and serves as the political hub of the European Union, hosting several of its key institutions. The Europa building at Rue de la Loi 165 (latitude 50.8425274, longitude 4.3806093) serves as the seat of the European Council and the Council of the European Union, while the Espace Léopold at Rue Wiertz 60 (latitude 50.8385221, longitude 4.3758562) houses the European Parliament.

The City of Brussels is a historic and charming metropolis, an economic and transportation center of Belgium, and a popular tourist destination with numerous historical landmarks, museums, live music venues, amusement centers, galleries, parks, shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Top Tourist Attractions in Brussels

• The Royal Palace of Brussels, located in the heart of the city next to the beautiful Parc de Bruxelles, is a neoclassical building that serves as the official palace of the Belgian monarchy. Although the site has older origins, the present-day façade was completed in the early 20th century under King Leopold II. The palace is open to visitors for guided tours during the summer.
• The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, situated near the Royal Palace at Rue de la Régence 3 (latitude 50.8416219, longitude 4.3580601), was established on September 1, 1801. Its collection of around 20,000 artworks makes it one of Brussels’ most significant cultural institutions.
• Église Notre-Dame du Sablon de Bruxelles is another breathtaking structure in the city. Located at Rue des Sablons, 1000 (lat 50.8404807, long 4.3561458), this 15th-century Gothic church is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows. 
• At the Magritte Museum in the Royal Quarter of Brussels, visitors can explore the works of René Magritte, the influential Belgian surrealist artist who lived from 1898 to 1967. Opened in 2009, the museum is located at Place Royale 1 (lat 50.8423768, long 4.3584766).
• The Atomium is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks and a major tourist attraction. Constructed between 1956 and 1958 for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair and renovated between 2004 and 2006, it is a modernist structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Made of stainless steel and standing 102 meters (335 ft) tall, it was designed by André Waterkeyn, with architects André and Jean Polak. It is located at Place de l'Atomium 1 (lat 50.8949195, long 4.3414035) and includes a panoramic restaurant.

• The Royal Theatre of La Monnaie, historically known as Théâtre de la Monnoye, is an opera house located at Place de la Monnaie (latitude 50.8497707, longitude 4.3537538). It has a seating capacity of 1,152 and originally opened to the public on 17 October 1700.