The capital of Belgium and administrative centre of the European Union, Brussels is a thriving, densely populated business destination. Known for its tempting cuisine, rich history, and elegant architecture, everything is at your fingertips when staying in Brussels. From galleries and museums displaying world-renowned exhibitions to cosy street pop-ups that feature a plethora of edible treats, this city is an escape in itself. Join us as we discover the impressive array of things to do in the Belgian capital for your next business trip to Brussels.
The Grand Place
The Grand Place in Brussels is a beautiful 15th Century city hall with striking architecture and a weekly flower market. Much of the square’s elegant character is due to the striking Gildehuizen (guild houses) and is well worth visiting if staying in Brussels. Labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkably intricate, detailed grandeur, Brussels’s famous square is consistently breath-taking and an essential sight to see when travelling for business in Brussels.
Atomium
Built in the 1950s, the Atomium is located just outside of the centre and provides exceptional views of the city. Standing over 100 metres tall, visitors can attend the Atomium Restaurant that’s situated in one of the spheres for a unique dining experience. Designed by architect André Waterkeyn for the 1958 Brussels Worlds Exhibition, the Atomium is now the most popular attraction in the city and a fun day out on trip to Brussels.
The Palais Royal
Once used by the Belgian Royal family as an official residence, The King of Belgium now uses the palace as his headquarters when staying in Brussels and the Belgian flag signals the sovereign’s presence. Visitors can partake in free guided tours of the palace’s interior during the summer months or wander the grounds in the winter seasons. Brussels Park, known as Warandepark, is located next to the palace and is the largest public park in the city centre.
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
For just three weeks a year, the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken open their doors to the public and give access to the maze of glass greenhouses that contain a plethora of flowers. Designed by architect Alphonse Balat for King Leopold II in 1873, the Art Nouveau complex of arcades and pavilions stands in the grounds of the Castle of Laeken and features a variety of exotic, valuable plants.
Waffle Shop
One of the most famous foods in the country, Brussels is brimming with waffles. The two most famous being Liege and Brussels Waffles; Liege waffles are oval shaped and served without toppings. Typically dense and sweet, Liege waffles don’t require toppings unlike the Brussels waffle which tends to be a rectangular shape and served with extras such as ice cream, fruit, or chocolate. Visit Maison Dandoy for a true taste of the city when staying in Brussels.
Chocolate
Belgian chocolate is famous for a reason. The chocolates at Wittamer are so exceptional that they received the royal warrant of Belgium, but if searching for something a bit different, head to Laurent Gerbaud for a tasting. Choco Storey Brussels is a specialist museum in the centre of Brussels that tells the history of chocolate from the cocoa tree’s early use right through to modern day. The museum’s chocolatiers perform live chocolate-making demonstrations of Belgium’s best pralines with free tastings throughout the process.
Beer
Along with its many charms, Brussels has beer running through its veins and no trip to the city would be complete without a pint. Belgians are known to love their traditional Tripel but still embrace the influences of IPAs from overseas; if staying in Brussels for a business trip, we recommend picking up a beer tour around the city to learn the ropes. However, if you find yourself in the city over the Belgian Beer Weekend then everything you need to know will be on your doorstep.
Place du Châtelain Market
Head to Place du Châtelain on a Wednesday for the weekly food market and enjoy everything from fruit and vegetables to pastries and cafes. The market takes place from midday to 7pm every Wednesday and features a wide variety of local produce, as well as clothes, jewellery, and homeware, ideal for visitors searching for souvenirs when staying in Brussels.
Brussel’s Notre Dame Du Sablon
One of the most significant points of interest in Brussels, this spectacular Gothic Cathedral dates back to the 14th Century and is open to visit seven days a week. While it isn’t the biggest cathedral, its unique qualities such as the pulpit and stained-glass windows make it a sight worth seeing on a trip to Brussels.
Comic Book Tour
Brussels takes street art to a whole new level with the creation of the Comic Book Route that pays tribute to well-known local comic characters and authors. These fun artworks can be found in more than 50 spots across the city and provide a fun addition to sightseeing activities when travelling on business in Brussels. Visitors can also visit the Comics Art Museum to learn more about the history and making of comic books and see some Belgium’s most famous illustrations.
Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts (Kuntsberg), known as “hill of the arts”, separates the upper and lower part of the Brussels and allows visitors to experience every conceivable artistic activity on a trip to Brussels. With a range of movies available at the Cinematek, concerts at Bozar and rotating exhibitions at the Royal Museums of the Fine Arts, the Mont des Arts is worth a visit when staying in Brussels.
Christmas Markets
While the festive season may feel a long way off, Brussels is famous for its holiday spirit and the Christmas markets are a must-see if you find yourself away on business in Brussels in December. The markets are decked in lights, decorations, and trees and vendors sell everything from traditional sweets and mulled wine to champagne and oysters. In addition to the stalls, there’s a skating rink and dramatic light show at the Grand Palace that draws large crowds every evening.
Planning your next business trip with SilverDoor? Explore our portfolio of serviced apartments and find out for yourself what this diverse city has to offer.
Give us a call or make an enquiry and SilverDoor will find you the ideal accommodation for your business travels to this vibrant city.
