What to do in Brussels, the 6 best activities to try!

1. The Royal Palace

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Since 1965, for 58 years, the Royal Palace has been open to the public. But be careful, not during all periods! The immense golden doors only open for 6 weeks, during the summer holidays: from July 23 to August 28. More precisely, it is possible to book the visit from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Even though it has been a long time since kings and queens no longer sit on their thrones, the palace has nevertheless remained the seat of the Belgian constitutional monarchy. Close to the Brussels park, its architecture dates from the 19th century and it was first occupied by the King of the Netherlands, who is none other than William I. The different rooms to visit? You would need more than a day to discover all the rooms of this immense palace. But among the most incredible rooms where there reigns an atmosphere that is both chic and mystical, we advise you to hurry towards 'the throne room': with its sublime flooring and its chandeliers sparkling with diamonds. Also, the two white salons, as well as the Venice staircase where the oil paintings of the famous painter Jean-Baptiste Van Moer are hung are essential elements not to miss.

2. The Atomium

Category: €€/Unusual

Description: Hard to come to Brussels and pass by the Atomium without being intrigued. It must be said that almost nowhere else do we see such architecture, such structure. Created 65 years ago, in 1958, this atom proud of its 102 meters high, and composed of 9 spheres for 18 meters in diameter is the emblem of the Brussels residents. Moreover, its particularly atypical structure reminds one of an alien spaceship. We know what you're thinking: 'Who could have had the idea to create this, and especially why?' It looks nothing like the architectures that one can usually see displayed in a city. The Atomium was conceived by Belgian engineer André Waterkeyn, for the universal exhibition of each respective city. What is inside the spheres? Permanent and temporary exhibitions... And in the highest sphere, there is a restaurant. Dining in the air, does that tempt you?

3. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The city of Brussels is beautiful, charming, grandiose, and rich in cultural activities. If you haven't realized it yet, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels will convince you. It is inside these four walls that the most precious and important art collection of the country is preserved. To give you an idea, there are more than 20,000 works and 6 museums that tell the story, from the 15th to the 21st century. If you are a person particularly sensitive to art, this is where you will find your happiness. The royal museums of fine arts are the temple of plastic arts: paintings, sculptures, drawings, you will find the works of certain artists from different periods, whether in the Middle Ages or at the beginning of Modern times. Mainly Belgian or from the Southern Netherlands, you will discover the paintings of painter and engraver Pieter Bruegel, as well as those of French post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin.

4. A ride on a refurbished bike

Category: €€/Sports

Description: On foot is good, by bike is better! Are you the eco-responsible type and avoid as much as possible taking public transport or cars that tend to heavily pollute our beautiful planet? Then you'll love the concept of 'refurbished bikes'. The goal is actually to give them a second life and utility with two wheels recycled and refurbished. Cyclists and sports enthusiasts of all kinds will appreciate the concept of visiting the city, pedaling quietly and safely. It must be said, the bike is much more pleasant than the car: it takes up space, sometimes it's difficult to find a good shady parking spot, it's sometimes too big to squeeze into a narrow street, it tends to disturb and stress pedestrians... Frankly, all for the bike!

5. The Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: In Gothic style, it dates to at least the 12th century. According to historians, it would actually be started on a Romanesque construction and would have been completed only two centuries later! Today, after some renovation work undertaken between 1983 and 1993, it is possible to visit it all year round. By entering it, and diving into the darkness of the sober walls lit as well as possible by the few stained glass windows with meticulously crafted designs, you can discover the 'treasure' of the cathedral: these are actually liturgical and religious objects, in particular crosses, ancient tunics, well-preserved chalices, reliquaries and other objects and ancient sculptures from several centuries before our era.

6. The Beer Museums

Category: €€/Gastronomic

Description: To finish, we step a bit out of the cultural framework to end on a slightly alcoholic note, yes, but succulent. We all love beer (almost all), and if we told you that very certainly the only beer museums in the world are found in Belgium, especially in Brussels, land of brewers. Do you believe it? Run there quickly! The 'Brussels Museum of Geuze' is one of the best and one of the most frequented in the region for example. You will find a large number of ancient recipes and exhibitions of diverse and varied beers. Dive headfirst into a mixture of flavors and aromas with orange, yellow, and golden tones, sprinkled with a creamy white foam that tickles your palate. Consume in moderation, and don't forget to reactivate the Ryo application afterwards, for even more discoveries and adventures!