Let’s take a quick break from the tour to tell you about other interesting spots that weren’t included into this itinerary. When exploring a city, visiting the Palace of Justice may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the one in Brussels is truly impressive! Over 3000 houses had to be demolished to build it, and to give you an idea of its size, it’s actually bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome! It’s not very crowded and best of all—it’s free to visit. You’ll also enjoy the Poelaert Square just outside the palace. Sitting above the lower part of the city, it offers a sweeping panoramic view of Brussels, and if you want to go even higher, you can hop on the nearby Ferris wheel and rise 55 meters above ground. Don’t miss a stroll through the peaceful Sablon neighbourhood, full of chocolate shops, cozy restaurants, antique shops and jewelers. This is the perfect place to soak in a mix of Brussels’ art, history, and gastronomy. If you happen to be in the city on a weekend and enjoy flea markets, head to the Grand Sablon square, where antique vendors have been setting up shop since the 1960s—it’s a true local institution. Be sure to explore the Marolles district too, a vibrant and authentic neighbourhood with vintage shops, antique dealers, street art, and the oldest taverns in the city. There you’ll also find the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle, one of Brussels’ oldest documented buildings. If you’re into Art Nouveau, Brussels is made for you. You can visit the house of Victor Horta, the leading figure of the movement, that is now turned into a museum. It’s a bit outside the city center but well worth the trip for its stunning interior, elegant staircase, glass ceiling, and beautiful furniture. Booking in advance is required though. If you’re able to go a bit further from the city center, you’ll find plenty of must-see attractions. Start with the iconic Atomium, located about 7 kilometers north of the city. Built for the 1958 World Expo, it represents an atom enlarged 165,000 times! Now a national symbol, it’s Brussels’ most popular attraction. The tour takes you through five spheres and offers a surreal experience with great views of the city. Your ticket also includes access to the Design Museum Brussels just 150 meters away. Book online in advance to avoid long lines. Right next to the Atomium is Mini-Europe, a fun 24,000m² park that showcases miniature versions of Europe’s most famous landmarks—like the Chenonceau Castle, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela—all 25 times smaller than the real ones. You can even see the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the launch of an Ariane rocket, and over 6,000 figurines in the Seville bullring. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to travel across Europe without leaving the city! And while we’re talking about Europe, why not visit the European Parliament? It’s a great way to learn a little more on how the EU works, observe what the Members of Parliament do, and reflect on European history. Visits are free, take about an hour, and are available in all 24 official EU languages. After your visit to the Parlamentarium, make sure to stop by the nearby Cinquantenaire Park. Built in the late 19th century to celebrate 50 years of Belgian independence, this park—with its grand triumphal arch—is one of Brussels’ iconic images. It’s well-loved and home to the Army and Military History Museum, the Cinquantenaire Museum, and Autoworld, a massive collection of cars from all eras. For a more poetic green space, head north to Laeken Park and admire the incredible Royal Greenhouses. You won’t know what’s more breathtaking—the glass domes or the stunning collection of rare flowers inside. These magical greenhouses are only open to the public for three weeks each spring, so don’t miss the chance if you’re visiting at the right time. As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do if you decide to stay in the area a little longer!