Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
In Brussels’ Royal District, you’ll find six stately art museums with more than 20,000 works on display. You’ll be able to view masterpieces from 15th-century Flemish painters, a museum dedicated to the works of Belgium’s most famous surrealist, and influential fin-de-siècle exhibits.
Marché du Midi
There’s a wealth of open-air markets throughout Brussels throughout the week, and you’ll likely stumble upon one if you spend any time exploring the city. One of the largest markets in Europe is Marché du Midi next to the central train station, where you’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, spices, prepared foods, and baked goods. For vintage trinkets, clothes, housewares, and books, check out the Jeu de Balle Flea Market, which takes place daily in the Marolles neighborhood.
Atomium
Originally built for the World’s Fair in 1958, this eye-catching metal structure in Heysel Park has become an iconic Brussels landmark. Head up the elevator and inside through tunneled walkways that look like a science-fiction set and learn about the building’s history via a permanent exhibition before admiring panoramic views of the Brussels skyline through four of its nine sphere-shaped points.