25 Interesting Facts about Brussels

In this article, you will find the most interesting facts about Brussels – the capital of Belgium. Brussels was founded in the 6th century and has a 1500-year history. Brussels is a city with many ancient buildings, historic sidewalks, and picturesque streets, which is its main charm. Below, discover facts about Brussels that may interest you.

Interesting Facts about Brussels

1. Approximately thirty percent of Brussels’ population are immigrants from other countries.
2. The Royal Palace of Brussels has a neoclassical design and construction, with a facade fifty percent longer than Buckingham Palace.
3. The name “Brussels” translates from the old local dialect as “settlement on the marsh”.
4. The city hosts forty thousand EU employees, four thousand NATO employees, and about three hundred permanent representations.
5. Brussels has around one hundred eighty thousand residents, which is nine times fewer than in Novosibirsk.
6. The Atomium, built for the 1958 World’s Fair, is the most popular attraction in Brussels.
7. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels is one of the five largest churches in the world.
8. The Royal Palace opens for free visits to tourists when the royal family is on summer vacation.
9. Rue des Bouchers (Butchers’ Street) is renowned for its top-class restaurants, some with Michelin stars.
10. Delirium café in Brussels offers over two thousand types of beer.
11. Green spaces, parks, and vegetation cover 8000 hectares, nearly half of Brussels’ territory.
12. Mini-Europe park features miniaturized major European attractions.
13. The Art Nouveau architectural style is largely attributed to Belgians, especially Victor Horta.
14. Despite its size, Brussels boasts eighty museums.
15. About ninety-five percent of Brussels residents speak French.
16. The first batch of comics appeared in Brussels.
17. Brussels’ area is eighty times smaller than Moscow’s.
18. Brussels Capital Region spans one hundred sixty-two square kilometers, includes nineteen municipalities, and has about 1,142,000 residents.
19. Brussels is divided into Upper Town, known for its main sights, and Lower Town, focused on trade and industry.
20. A high-speed train from Brussels to London takes just two hours.
21. In the 19th century, the River Senne in Brussels was almost entirely hidden by underground tunnels and pipes.
22. St. Hubert’s Gallery, opened in 1847, is Europe’s oldest shopping arcade.
23. Bicycles are a common sight on Brussels’ streets.
24. The Grand Place holds both tourist and historical significance as the city’s center.
25. The Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels is the largest museum of its kind globally.