Highlights of Brussels: From Grand Place to Art Nouveau

A delightful 60-minute walking tour exploring the historic highlights of Brussels, from the majestic Grand Place and cheeky Manneken Pis to the glamorous Royal Galleries, scenic Mont des Arts, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture of the MIM.

Nearby walks within 150 km

All Belgium walking tours · All 147 routes

Brussels, Belgium · ~21 min · 1.1 km · 5 stops

Stops on this walk

1. Grand Place Grote Markt

Welcome to the magnificent Grand Place, the beating heart of Brussels and one of Europe’s most breathtaking public squares.

Welcome to the magnificent Grand Place, the beating heart of Brussels and one of Europe’s most breathtaking public squares. Take a moment just to spin slowly in place and look up. You are surrounded by an opulent amphitheater of ornate guildhalls, the imposing Gothic spire of the Town Hall, and the grand Neo-Gothic facade of the Maison du Roi. Can you believe this dazzling square was once just a swampy medieval marketplace known as the Nedermerckt? Back in the twelfth century, merchants gathered here to trade wool, cloth, and produce by the banks of the Senne River. Over the centuries, powerful trade guilds erected these lavish houses, competing with one another to display their wealth and prestige. Tragically, in sixteen ninety-five, French troops bombarded the city, reducing almost the entire square to ruins. Yet, astonishingly, the citizens of Brussels rebuilt it in just four years, creating the harmonious architectural masterpiece you see today. For the best photo, stand right in the center of the square and shoot upward to capture the intricate golden statues gleaming in the sunlight. As you soak in the grandeur, get ready because just a short stroll through the charming cobblestone alleys will lead us to Brussels' most famous and mischievous little resident.

2. Manneken Pis

We have arrived at the tiny yet world-famous Manneken Pis, a bronze fountain statue that never fails to amuse visitors from across the globe.

We have arrived at the tiny yet world-famous Manneken Pis, a bronze fountain statue that never fails to amuse visitors from across the globe. Standing only about sixty-one centimeters tall, this cheeky little boy has become the quintessential symbol of the rebellious, humorous spirit of Brussels. Legend swirls around his origins, with some tales saying he saved the city by urinating on explosives left by attacking enemies, while others simply celebrate him as a tribute to the medieval tanners who used urine in their leather-making processes. Whichever story you prefer, what makes him truly special is his extensive wardrobe. The city maintains a collection of over a thousand handmade costumes, dressing him up in traditional national attire, superhero capes, and diplomatic uniforms several times a week to mark various cultural events and historical anniversaries. If you are lucky, you might catch him wearing one of his festive outfits today. For a great photo, position yourself right at the front of the protective iron railing for a clear, unobstructed shot. Take your time enjoying the cheerful crowds gathered around him, and when you are ready, follow me as we weave our way toward a stunning royal arcade nearby.

3. Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries

Step inside the gorgeous Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, one of the oldest and most glamorous shopping arcades in all of Europe.

Step inside the gorgeous Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, one of the oldest and most glamorous shopping arcades in all of Europe. Opened in eighteen forty-seven, this magnificent architectural marvel predates the famous arcades of Milan and Paris, offering a covered promenade of luxury boutiques, artisan chocolatiers, and cozy cafes beneath a soaring, light-filled glass roof. Architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer brilliantly designed the iron and glass vaulting to shield fashionable shoppers from the unpredictable Belgian weather while allowing natural sunlight to pour onto the marble floors. As you wander down the galleries, take a moment to admire the Italian Renaissance-style facade divided into elegant tiers of pilasters and arches. It was here that high society came to see and be seen, and where famous writers like Victor Hugo and poets like Charles Baudelaire spent hours writing in the historic cafes. My top practical tip here is to sample a freshly baked waffle or a delicate praline from one of the legendary chocolate shops lining the arcade. With your sweet tooth satisfied, we will now make our way slightly uphill to explore the vibrant artistic hub of the Mont des Arts.

4. Mont des Arts Kunstberg

Welcome to the Mont des Arts, or the Hill of the Arts, which offers arguably the most iconic panoramic view in the entire city of Brussels.

Welcome to the Mont des Arts, or the Hill of the Arts, which offers arguably the most iconic panoramic view in the entire city of Brussels. Looking out from this elevated terrace, your eyes are immediately drawn across the geometric tiered gardens toward the soaring green spire of the Brussels Town Hall tower we admired earlier at the Grand Place. On a clear day, you can even spot the distinctive dome of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart rising on the distant horizon. This cultural quarter was originally created as a temporary exhibition site for the nineteen ten World Fair, but it was completely redesigned in the mid-twentieth century into the modernist urban landscape you see today, housing the Royal Library of Belgium and the historic SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre. As you stand here taking in the breeze, notice the striking contrast between the historic lower city and the modern skyline above. For a memorable photo, stand near the upper terrace railing and frame your shot to include the intricate bronze statues and manicured hedge designs in the foreground. Take a deep breath and enjoy the open space, because our final stop is just around the corner, where we will dive into Brussels' rich and fascinating musical heritage.

5. Musical Instruments Museum MIM

We have reached our final stop at the Musical Instruments Museum, universally known as the MIM, housed inside one of the most breathtaking Art Nouveau buildings in Brussels.

We have reached our final stop at the Musical Instruments Museum, universally known as the MIM, housed inside one of the most breathtaking Art Nouveau buildings in Brussels. Even if you do not step inside the exhibition halls, the exterior alone is an absolute architectural masterpiece. Designed by architect Paul Saintenoy in eighteen ninety-nine, the building is a stunning symphony of wrought iron, curving lines, and vast glass panels, topped off by an ornate cupola that showcases the absolute pinnacle of the Belgian Art Nouveau movement. Originally built as the Old England department store, it represents the harmonious marriage of industrial iron engineering and whimsical botanical design. Inside, the museum holds a staggering collection of over eight thousand musical instruments from every era and culture imaginable, featuring audio guides that let you hear the instruments play as you stand right in front of them. My best practical tip is to visit the museum’s rooftop restaurant, which offers one of the finest panoramic lunch views in the city. This brings our wonderful walking tour of Brussels to a close. I hope you have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the historic highlights, charming alleys, and architectural wonders of this magnificent European capital.