Where to Take the Best Photos in Brussels? Our 10 Must-See Spots

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a magnificent, historic, and unique city. It's the ideal location for history enthusiasts, foodies, and photographers. Brussels has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten spots for stunning photos while you are there.

In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Grand Place

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The most significant tourist attraction and most recognizable feature in Brussels is the Grand Place. It is also regarded as one of the most exquisite squares in the world. Beginning in the eleventh century, the Grand-Place was almost finished by the seventeenth century. The Grand Place, often known as the Grote Mark, is Brussels, Belgium's main square. It is encircled by two larger buildings and the lavish Baroque guildhalls of the old Guilds of Brussels.  

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  The place has profound historical layers and is reminiscent of perfect beauty.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset or nighttime for that golden glow..
• Photography tip 📷
  A wide-angle lens to catch the full panorama.

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2. Atomium

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It is a museum, an art center, and a cultural destination, and is the most visited tourist destination in the city. Originally built as the focal point of the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, the Atomium is a famous modernist structure located in Brussels, Belgium. Located on the Heizel Plateau near Laeken, where the exhibition was held, it was designed as an homage to scientific advancement and to symbolize Belgian technical prowess of the time.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s one of Europe’s most bizarre and brilliant structures.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning to avoid crowds.
• Photography tip 📷
  Get low to exaggerate its scale.

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3. Mont des Arts

The Royal Library of Belgium, the National Archives of Belgium, the Square-Brussels Meeting Center, and a public garden are all part of the Mont des Arts, an urban complex and historic monument located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. The Boulevard de l'Empereur and the Place de l'Albertine are in the lower portion of this site, while the Rue Montagne de la Cour and the Place Royale are in the higher half. The Brussels-Central train station serves it.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s structured serenity, right in the city’s cultural center.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon for warm tones.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from the top terrace toward the spire of Town Hall.

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4.  Manneken Pis

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This is another one of the special places in Brussels. The famous 55.5 cm bronze fountain sculpture known as Manneken Pis is located in the center of Brussels, Belgium, and it shows a puer mingens—a naked young boy—urinating into the basin of the fountain. Throughout its existence, the statue has been damaged or stolen numerous times. The original is kept in the Brussels City Museum, while a reproduction has been on show there since 1965.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s humorous, historic, and surprisingly endearing.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Anytime—it’s always free.
• Photography tip 📷
  Zoom in for detail; capture reactions around him too.

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5. Royal Palace of Brussels

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The King and Queen of Belgium's royal residence, located in the center of the country's capital, Brussels, is the stunning and enchanting Royal Palace of Brussels. The king and his family reside in the Royal Palace of Laeken in northern Brussels, therefore, it is not utilized as a royal residence. The Royal Palace's interior splendor and the significant artwork on display there make it particularly remarkable.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s stately and photogenic, steeped in European grandeur.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Summer, if you want to go inside.
• Photography tip 📷
  Align your shot for symmetry with the central gate.

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6. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

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Three glazed shopping arcades in the center of Brussels, Belgium, make up the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. The King's Gallery, Queen's Gallery, and Princes' Gallery make up this group. The galleries predate other well-known shopping arcades in Europe from the 19th century and were created and constructed by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaar. In 1986, the complex received a historic monument designation.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It's classic style with a hint of decadence.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late morning before crowds.
• Photography tip 📷
  Look up—the ceiling lines are perfect for framing.

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7. Parc du Cinquantenaire

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The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a 74-acre public attractive urban park located in Brussels, Belgium's easternmost section of the European Quarter. Under King Leopold II's patronage, the Belgian government commissioned the majority of the structures in the U-shaped complex that dominates the park for the 1880 National Exhibition honoring the 50th anniversary of the Belgian Revolution. Additional structures were erected at the site during subsequent shows.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It is the park, the intersection of perspective, peace, and power.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Spring or fall for color and comfort.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot through the arch toward the sunset.

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8. Notre-Dame du Sablon

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In Brussels, Belgium's Zavel neighborhood houses the Catholic church known as Notre-Dame du Sablon. The Lady of the Sablon is the object of its devotion. The church was built in the 15th century and was frequented by Brussels's affluent residents and nobles. It is distinguished for its magnificent internal decor, which includes two Baroque chapels, and its late Brabantine Gothic facade. It has 19th-century neo-Gothic ornamental features. In 1936, the complex received a historic monument designation.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It feels like a sacred pocket in the middle of a stylish neighborhood.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early afternoon, when the light hits the windows.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot inside with a tripod for stained glass clarity.

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9. European Parliament (Espace Léopold)

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The European Parliament, a legislative body of the European Union (EU), is housed in the Espace Leopold complex of parliament buildings in Brussels, Belgium. It is made up of several buildings, chiefly the largest, the Altiero Spinelli building, and the oldest, the Paul-Henri Spaak building, which houses the President's offices and the debating chamber. The buildings were constructed beginning in 1989 and are situated in Brussels' European Quarter.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s where 27 nations come together under one roof to make decisions that shape Europe’s future.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Weekdays for walks or guided tours during busy business hours.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the reflections in the glass panels and frame them with the greenery of Leopold Park.

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10.  Palais de Justice

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In Brussels, Belgium, there is a courthouse called the Palace of Justice of Brussels. It is the most significant court building in the nation and the location of Brussels' judicial arrondissement. The current structure was constructed between 1866 and 1883 to replace a previous courthouse and was designed by architect Joseph Poelaert in an eclectic style inspired by Greco-Roman architecture. The cupola was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt higher than the original, causing significant damage to the building.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It has an eerie charm due to its immense size and diminishing grandeur.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset, when golden light spills over the rooftops.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use the elevator platform for a breathtaking skyline shot.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Brussels. But there is really much more to see and enjoy, as the city has endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Brussels.

Ready to go explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, because you’re going to take a lot of photos.

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