Best of Brussels: 5 brilliant things to do in Belgium’s capital

Who said Belgium was boring? From beer to blue people (Smurfs!), Brussels has plenty to keep you entertained.

We reveal five reasons to visit the Belgium capital and with bmi flights from East Midlands, Edinburgh and Leeds-Bradford, now’s a great time to explore this often underrated city. Just visit flybmi.com for more information.

1. Belgian Comic Strip Centre

With more than 700 comic strip authors, Belgium claims the title of more comic strip articles per square mile than other country. And with the new Tintin film just out, the Comic Strip Center - an ode to Belgium’s greatest cartoon characters – is set to become even more of an institution. Inside you’ll find exhibitions from the country’s most loved comics and cartoons such as Tintin, The Smurfs, Spirou and more! 

2. Beer at Cantillion

Belgium is famed for its delicious brews so if beer is your tipple, be sure to swing by the Cantillion. A trip back to early brewing times where nothing has changed since 1900, you’ll learn all about how Belgian beer is made the traditional way. And of course you’ll be able to sip a sample or two; choose from Grand Cu, Lou Pepe, Iris, or Kriek.

3. Chocolate at the Cocoa and Chocolate Museum

Chocoholics rejoice! Belgium has some of the best choc in the world and you can see it and sample it here at the Cocoa and Chocolate Museum. Located just off Brussels’ main market square, step into the history of chocolate, from the Aztec and Mayans who discovered it, through to the Europeans who refined it. The highlight is a live demo of praline-making by a master chocolatier – and of course you’ll get to try that too. 

4. Mini-Europe

Not got enough time to visit all of Europe’s ‘must sees’? No problem! You can do it all in miniature at Mini-Europe where a whistle-stop tour of Europe’s most famous attractions will take just a couple of hours. From a small Big Ben to the mini-eruptions of Vesuvius – see the best of the old continent here.

5. Enter the Atomium

Brussels’ most famous landmark, this shiny set of balls and bonds was modelled on a molecule of iron and built for the 1958 World Fair. Five of the nine spheres are open to the public and each holds a different exhibition. Top off your atomic experience with a Belgium bite in the upper sphere where you can dine whilst enjoying the view of the city below. 

Bmi fly to Brussels from East Midlands, Edinburgh and Leeds-Bradford. Visit flybmi.com for more information.