Brussels

Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael (JaHoVil) and the famous Grand Place (Sean Munson).

Brussels (French: Bruxelles, Dutch: Brussel, German: Brüssel) is the capital of Belgium. Its name comes from the old Dutch Broekzele, "home in the marsh." Brussels is officially bilingual (Dutch and French), but most residents speak French.

As the headquarters of the European Union and the political seat of NATO, modern Brussels has become the unofficial capital of Europe. This has brought a distinct cosmopolitan air and many new office buildings to the city, but alongside the modern edifices are the cobbled streets, splendid cafés, and graceful Art Nouveau architecture that made Brussels great long before the politicians arrived.

Brussels has a long and eventful history, having been ruled by everyone from the Romans to the Spanish to the Germans. In 1830, the Belgian Revolution erupted in Brussels, after which the first King of Belgium ascended the throne. Like many European cities, Brussels suffered significant damage from air strikes during World War II. Despite its ongoing contact with foreign powers, the city of Brussels has shaped its own distinct identity: Brussels inspired surrealism and Art Nouveau, worships comic strips, prides itself on handmade lace and chocolate, and serves each one of its craft beers in its own unique glass.

Brussels Map
Our own interactive satellite map of Brussels, plus more of the best online Brussels maps.

Brussels Tours & Excursions
Sightseeing tours in Brussels and day trips to nearby sights.

Brussels Hotel Bookings
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Brussels Hotel Reviews
Unbiased reviews, ratings and price comparisons on hotels in Brussels.

Brussels Travel Forum
Travel advice and insider tips on Brussels from fellow travelers.

	Abbaye de la Cambre This peaceful abbey dates from medieval times but has been used for government offices since the French Revolution. The abbey church, with a beautifully simple barrel-vaulted nave, can be visited.
	Anderlect Beguinage Museum This was the former home of the Béguines, who were Catholic lay sisters and mostly widows of Crusaders. They lived in small houses grouped around a pleasant courtyard, two of which are preserved as a museum.
	Basilica of Koekelberg Officially named the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Basilique Sacré-Coeur), this huge Art Deco basilica is the fifth-largest church in the world. It was begun in 1905 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of independence.
	Beguinage Church of St. John the Baptist This elegant Flemish Baroque church originally served as the center for the béguines (lay sisters) who lived in houses clustered around it. Its facade is considered one of the most beautiful in Belgium.
	Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula The soaring Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Michel has housed the relics of the local saint Gudula for 1,000 years. The cathedral dates mostly from the 13th century and is the primary Catholic church of Belgium.
	Erasmus House The great humanist and reformer Erasmus of Rotterdam only lived here for less than a year, in 1521, but people have been visiting his house since the 17th century. It houses a museum and many early editions.
	Great Synagogue Built in 1878, the Great Synagogue of Brussels is housed in a building often described as "stately Romanesque." The synagogue is active and hosts several Jewish organizations as well.
	Jewish Museum of Belgium This museum houses a collection of Jewish religious objects dating from the 16th century, as well as documents, books and art that illustrate traditional Jewish life in Belgium.
	Monument to the Jewish Martyrs of Belgium Located in a neighborhood in Anderlecht, this moving memorial consists of a platform centering on a menorah made of chains and a wall bearing the names of 23,838 Belgian Jews who were killed in the Holocaust.
	Notre Dame de la Chapelle Constructed throughout most of the 13th century, this attractive church represents the period of transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles. It contains the tombs of several Belgium notables.
	Notre Dame du Sablon This lovely Late Gothic church was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. It has a four-fold gallery, bright stained glass windows, and a statue with an interesting history.
	St. Mary's Church The Eglise Sainte-Marie is a large, Byzantine-style Catholic church near the Royal Palace. It is now located in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood and mainly used for concerts and ecumenical functions.
	St. Nicholas Church This 11th-century Romanesque church is covered in a 14th-century Gothic facade and many houses that huddle cozily on its sides. A cannonball fired by the French in 1695 is still lodged in one of its pillars.