Brussels is often an overlooked travel destination compared to other more frequented nearby European capitals. However, if the great beer and delicious waffles are not reason enough to visit, then the mix of history, diverse culture, and artistic flair make it a great place for photographers to visit.
Here are the top five photo spots you need to visit in Brussels:
1. Grande Place & Galeries Royales
The first point of call upon arriving at Brussels is undoubtedly the Grande Place. The Grande Place, surrounded by opulent guildhalls, is undoubtedly the heart of Brussels and is the city’s most well known landmark.
I highly recommend walking around the square and its surrounding area to investigate the narrow cobbled streets, lined with shops selling Belgium chocolate, beer, and frites.
While in the area, be sure to head into the stunning glass-roofed Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert nearby to capture a couple of symmetry shots before taking a break to eat a waffle and drink some coffee.
2. Sablon
If you are looking to experience a quieter, more traditional, side of Brussels, head over to Sablon for a stroll, some beer, and interesting street photography opportunities. Sablon is a short walk from Brussels’ city centre and is a cool spot to capture the city with its cobbled streets, weekend markets and grand architecture.
While in Sablon, take some time out to visit the beautiful Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon, a 15th-century Catholic church with stunning baroque chapels and gothic architecture.
3. Sint-Jans-Molenbeek
For a more artistic and edgier side to Brussels, take a walk west towards the canal to check out the Sint-Jans-Molenbeek neighborhood. This area is known for its North African influence and is one of the busier and more vibrant neighborhoods in Brussels. Be sure to check out the MIMA modern art gallery while in the area and if the weather is good, take a stroll along the canal.
4. Pennehuis Station
If you think you’d been abducted up into a spaceship stepping off the train onto the Pennehuis platform, your feelings wouldn’t be wrong. The subway station is located in the neighborhood of Laeken and is pretty easy to reach from central Brussels. As a bonus, you can stop off at Pennehuis on your way to the Atomium.
With its bright, eye-catching orange interior, circular wall elements, and atmospheric lighting, Pennehuis is among the most memorable stations I have visited. Make sure to dedicate some time to capturing various angles of the station. I highly recommend bringing the widest angle lens you have at hand in order to capture the escalator section in its full splendor.
5. Atomium
If huge metallic sapphires shaped like atoms are your cup of tea, then be sure to visit the Atomium. Sitting north of Brussels, just a couple stops on from the Pennehuis station, the Atomium museum was named “Europe’s Most Bizarre Building” by CNN. The structure was designed by Belgian engineer André Waterkeyn to represent nine iron atoms centered into a cube.
The exterior offers an impressive spectacle, which looks different depending on the day’s weather conditions. Meanwhile, the interior is filled with a series of stairs and escalators which offer up cool photo opportunities.
Have you been to Brussels? Share your favorite photos with us by tagging us on Twitter or Instagram @adorama!
