The best city hikes and walks in Brussels

Fun story (can’t vouch for accuracy) - the black brickwork was an intentional contrast to rest of square to scare people into paying their taxes! Love it!

History The first "Grand théâtre de la Monnaie" was opened in 1700. In 1819, however, it was demolished and rebuilt on the current site by the French architect Louis-Emmanuel Aimé-Damesne. But in a fierce fire on January 21, 1855, the building was completely reduced to ashes; only the four outer walls remained standing. Fortunately, the Royal Opera House was rebuilt very quickly. Joseph Poelaert was responsible for the design of the new building and for the complete interior decoration. In 1856, the new Royal Opera House opened its doors. The most recent major renovation dates from 1985. At that time, the stage tower was completely rebuilt, and the building was extended with an upper volume. Source: https://www.regiedergebouwen.be/nl/projects/koninklijke-muntschouwburg

The Royal Galleries are a magnificent example of 19th-century elegance. As early as the 1830s, architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer was working on this ambitious project, which began in 1846 and was festively opened in 1847. From the outset, the galleries were a vibrant place where shopping, culture, and relaxation came together. With luxury shops, cozy cafes, restaurants, and even apartments above, they formed a beloved promenade. Visitors came not only to shop but also to see and be seen in a stylish and lively environment. Now this gallery is still a nice pleasant shopping street. To see and be seen

On the cozy Sint-Katelijneplein, you'll discover a place where history and city life effortlessly blend. Where the imposing Sint-Katelijne Church stands today, there was once a 15th-century church. It made way for the current building, but the charming baroque tower from 1629 was preserved and now stands there distinctively beside it. The church itself was built between 1854 and 1874, designed by Joseph Poelaert and his student Wynand Janssens. The result? A surprising mix of styles in a place that was once partly water: this is where the old Sint-Katelijne dock was located, connected to the Willebroek Canal. The surroundings also tell their story. Street names like Baksteenkaai and Brandhoutkaai refer to the district's industrial past. Today, it's a vibrant neighborhood full of atmosphere, cafés, and restaurants—perfect for a wander and soaking up Brussels' rich history.

An impressive building with a mix of many styles. A must-see!

This is the seat of the Belgian Federal Parliament and houses both the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The neoclassical building was constructed between 1778 and 1783 and originally served as the seat of the Sovereign Council of Brabant. After the Belgian Revolution, it was renamed the Palace of the Nation.

The highlight of Brussels is the old market square, which, if you don't know better, could have been created by AI. Every house surrounding the market square creates a beautiful overall picture.

The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries in Brussels are a listed shopping arcade dating back to 1847, featuring exclusive boutiques, cafés, restaurants, theaters, and a cinema. It consists of three sections: the King's Gallery (Galerie du Roi), the Queen's Gallery (Galerie de la Reine), and the Princes' Gallery (Galerie des Princes). Opened in 1847, the shopping arcade was one of the first of its kind in Europe. Its Italian Renaissance-style architecture features a vaulted glass roof and luxurious materials such as marble and brass.