brussels top places to visit

Brussels   Travel Guide

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19 Best Things To Do in Brussels

Updated February 2, 2023

Discover your inner child at the Belgian Comic Strip Museum , take a whirlwind tour of the continent at Mini-Europe or tickle your taste buds at a chocolate shop ( Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a good place to start). The Grand-Place is another

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Grand-Place Grand-Place free

Whether you're just passing through Brussels or here for a week, you can't miss the Grand-Place. This square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits in the heart of Brussels and is renowned for its many Gothic and Baroque-style buildings. The Grand-Place is close to many of the city's main attractions, including the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral and the beloved Manneken Pis . At Christmas, enjoy the Winter Wonders light show at night along with a massive Christmas tree, and every August, admire an enormous carpet made of flowers inside the Grand-Place.

Travelers love the Grand-Place for its stunning architecture. Recent reviewers suggested visiting during the day and night; during the day to see the details of the architecture, and at night to witness the vibrant life that takes over the square. However, a common complaint among tourists was the constant crowds (and higher prices), but that's to be expected at such a big attraction. 

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral free

Built in the Brabantine Gothic style and so named for its chapel dedicated to St. Michael and for housing the relics of St. Gudula, this cathedral's current structure dates back to the 11th century and took some 300 years to build. Inside, you will find stained-glass windows, statues, paintings, a new Grenzing organ and a crypt that may contain the remains of St. Gudula with ancient Roman graffiti on it. Below the current church are the remains of a 10th-century Romanesque church. Outside the cathedral is a square where you can sit on benches under the shade of honey locust trees.

Past visitors appreciated the architecture of the church, with some noting the beauty of the stained-glass windows in particular and described it as "amazing" and "stunning."

Musical Instruments Museum Musical Instruments Museum

A former Old England department store built in the 19th century, the Musical Instruments Museum, also known as the "MIM," is housed in an Art Nouveau building located about a half-mile from the Grand-Place . Inside you'll find more than 1,200 instruments from around the globe displayed across four galleries. The museum gives visitors the opportunity to hear what these instruments sound like, as well. Inside, a restaurant touts fantastic views of the city.

Recent visitors were impressed with the variety of instruments inside the museum, as well as with the building itself. Some advised that there are few signs in English, so it can be a bit confusing. Many suggested parting with a few more euros to take advantage of the audio guide. Travelers also recommend taking a trip to the cafe, which offers great views of Brussels.

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Parc du Cinquantenaire Parc du Cinquantenaire free

Meaning "50th anniversary," Cinquantenaire Park was built in 1880 in honor of the 50th anniversary celebration of the independence of Belgium. It is a large French-style park inside the city surrounded by museums and filled with gardens with a large triumphal arch. The park also hosts a variety of festivities throughout the year, including concerts, fireworks and sporting events.

Past visitors said the park is a relaxing and peaceful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Brussels. They also recommend checking out the car tunnel that runs underneath the park.

Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert free

Want to get in a little shopping while visiting Brussels? Make time for a visit to Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a Renaissance-style arcade built in the mid-1800s. With a glass roof once known as the "umbrella of Brussels," the building is worth seeing whether or not you want to indulge in any retail therapy. Around 6 million visitors come to the Galeries every year to enjoy stores selling everything from clothing to chocolate to diamonds. The Galeries Royales also house restaurants, art galleries, a cinema and theaters. Victor Hugo even once enjoyed hanging out here.

Past visitors said it makes a great place to see on a rainy day and described the building as stunning. Many also recommended checking out the extensive chocolate shops.

Horta Museum Horta Museum

Art lovers should not pass up the chance to see where Victor Horta – one of the founders of the art nouveau movement – lived and worked. The home, which was built between 1898 and 1901 features murals, stained glass and mosaics that are largely intact from its original construction. As you walk through, keep your eyes open for Horta's influences, from the wing-like skylights to the winding banisters to the overhead lights stemming down from the ceiling like vines.

Recent travelers said the museum is a must-see attraction for architecture aficionados, but warned that you cannot take photos inside the museum and that lines are sometimes long.

Cantillon Brewery Cantillon Brewery

When it comes down to it, a trip to Brussels isn't complete unless you've sampled the beer. Cantillon has been brewing traditional Belgian beers, including lambic, gueuze, faro and kriek, since 1900. During your tour, you may learn about brewing, bottling or even how barrels are cleaned, and if you plan ahead, you can even attend a public brewing session to see the action first-hand.

Recent visitors said they enjoyed exploring the brewery and learning how the beer is made. Others enjoyed sampling the unique taste of lambic beer. Reviewers recommended signing up for a guided tour to make the most of your visit.

Mini-Europe Mini-Europe

This theme park north of central Brussels features scale models of more than 350 of Europe's most famous landmarks, from Athens' Acropolis and the canals of Venice to London's Big Ben and Paris' Eiffel Tower. Each replica comes complete with visual and sound effects. Be sure to bring your kids: Many of the park's miniature attractions are interactive, such as Naples' Mount Vesuvius and the Berlin Wall. 

Many past visitors agreed that Mini-Europe is a great place to bring children. They described it as adorable, cute and informative and recommended adding it to your itinerary.

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Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, located in Brussels' historic center, is a group of six different art museums: the Oldmasters Museum, Modern Museum, Meunier Museum, Wiertz Museum, Magritte Museum and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum. Together, they offer a collection of 20,000 works, dating from the 15th century to modern day. Walking through the halls, travelers will be able to see works from Rubens, Rodin, Gauguin, Magritte and many more. There's also an impressive collection of works from the Flemish school, including Pieter Bruegel.

Past travelers were impressed with the museum's vast collection of art. Considering the size of the collection, many suggested allotting 2 1/2 or more hours to not just see the works, but to appreciate and enjoy them.

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

For those interested in military history, this museum makes for a great afternoon. Located within Cinquantenaire Park , the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History traces the world's military history over the last 10 centuries, displaying weaponry, uniforms and airplanes from various points in time. Spend a fair amount of time in the airplane hangar, which features some 130 aircraft, including zeppelins, F-16s and more. 

Recent visitors said this museum is well worth a visit and recommend seeking out the view of the city atop the terrace of the triumphal arch. Some warned that no cash is accepted and advised allotting several hours to spend in the museum.

Museum of Natural Sciences Museum of Natural Sciences

Set aside plenty of time to spend at this museum, which will delight the science and dinosaur lovers of all ages. With some 38 million specimens on hand (only a fraction of which are on display), this museum has the largest natural history collection in Europe behind those in Paris and London. Don't miss the dinosaur gallery, the largest room in Europe devoted to dinos, to see a replica of the largest and most complete male T. rex known today, along with 30 complete iguanodon skeletons that were discovered in Belgium 1878. 

Past visitors said the museum is a great activity for kids, with many praising the dinosaur collection. Some reviewers advised visiting a weekday to avoid crowds.

Atomium Atomium

The most popular tourist attraction in Brussels, the Atomium is a depiction of an iron crystal magnified more than 100 billion times that was originally built for the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels. Today, it houses multiple exhibitions, a panoramic view over the city and a restaurant with excellent views, and is considered to be a symbol of both Brussels and Belgium.

If there's one reason to head to the Atomium, it's the spectacular views of the city, according to many recent visitors. Travelers advised that it is far from other attractions, however, and that there can be long lines.

Église Notre-Dame du Sablon Église Notre-Dame du Sablon free

Just south of the Grand-Place , the impressive  Église Notre-Dame du Sablon – which dates back to the 14th century – is worth a visit, according to recent travelers. The church's interior features two chapels dedicated to saints and decorated with marble statues. There are also statues of St. Paul and St. Augustine inside.

Past visitors said they were impressed by the statues and stained-glass windows in the church and used words like "stunning" and "magnificent" to describe the interior.

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Belgian Comic Strip Center Belgian Comic Strip Center

Belgium is the birthplace of many legendary comic characters, including Tintin and the Smurfs, and is also home to more than 700 comic strip artists. So it's no wonder the city pays tribute to the comic art in the form of a museum. The Belgian Comic Strip Center tells the story of European comics from their beginnings to modern day through a variety of permanent and temporary collections and a Comic Strip Library boasting more than 60,000 works.

Recent visitors enjoyed their experience at the Belgian Comic Strip Center with many feeling nostalgic to learn about comics they recall growing up. Past travelers were also impressed with the beauty of the art nouveau building, which was designed by architect Victor Horta (you can learn more about him at the Horta Museum).

Manneken-Pis Manneken-Pis free

This little boy has become a renowned Brussels landmark. The Manneken Pis (which translates to "little man pee" in Dutch) is a bronze statue of a child relieving himself that also serves as a public fountain. Though the original statue dates back to the 17th century, the statue on display is actually a replica. Located just south of the Grand-Place , the statue has been the recipient of about 800 different costumes, many of which you can see at the Museum of the City of Brussels. He's even been kidnapped and returned multiple times. The statue's origin story is a bit disputed, but wherever it came from, its allure has endured.

Recent travelers were torn over Manneken Pis. Most agreed they were surprised by the boy's small size, and some maintain it's a must-see, while others say to skip it. Past visitors also warned that it is crowded at most times of the day.

Train World Train World

Train enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at Train World, which sits about 3 miles north of the Grand-Place . Inside you can see restored train stations, dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s, learn about the history of Belgium's railway, see the oldest remaining steam engine in Europe, explore the reasons people use trains from travel to commuting and more.

Past visitors said they loved the interactive exhibits and that their kids did not want to leave. They also recommended a visit to the on-site restaurant.

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brussels

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 28, 2023

Brussels, capital of Belgium, principal seat of the Belgian Royal Family, and capital of the European Union, is a remarkably small, easygoing, and human-sized city for all its importance.

Unlike beautiful Bruges and Ghent, with their hordes of tourists, Brussels is Belgium's main economic and educational hub, which gives the city a more workaday feel than other towns.

Here, you get a proper feel for Belgian life, especially its fantastic restaurant and café culture.

Although Brussels may not have the star tourist attractions of other Belgian towns, the capital has more than enough things to do to keep visitors occupied for a couple of days, with a clutch of world-class museums and art galleries, as well as quirkier sightseeing highlights, such as the Atomium, and some wonderful remnants of old architecture in the old town quarter.

Once you've craned your neck at Gothic and Baroque splendor, don't forget to stock up on Brussels' famous chocolate.

Find out more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Brussels.

1. Stroll through Grand Place (Grote Markt)

2. visit mannekin pis, 3. saint-michel cathedral (sint-michiels kathedraal), 4. see belgium's famed comic heritage at the belgian comic strip center, 5. tour the place royale (koningsplein), 6. view the masterpieces inside the belgian royal museum of fine arts, 7. enter the atomium, 8. explore coudenberg palace archaeological site, 9. view mont des arts, 10. admire the stained glass of notre-dame du sablon, 11. visit the museums of parc du cinquantenaire, 12. stroll the parkland surrounding château royal, 13. enjoy the cupola view at basilique nationale du sacré coeur, 14. explore the abbaye de la cambre, 15. learn about chocolate at choco story brussels, 16. meunier museum, 17. shop inside royal gallery saint-hubert, 18. find foodie treats at place du châtelain market, where to stay in brussels for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in brussels, brussels, belgium - climate chart, more must-see places to visit near brussels.

Right in the heart of Brussels Old Town, the city's main plaza (known as Grand Place) is one of the best preserved in Europe and the city's top tourist attraction.

Much of the square's elegant character is due to the unique architecture of its elegant Gildehuizen (guild houses) with their magnificent gables, pilasters, and balustrades, ornately carved stonework, and rich gold decoration.

Grand Place's defining character is its uniformity of Baroque style, with some Flemish influences.

The harmony of its architecture is achieved by the short period of construction here, with most buildings raised between 1696 and 1700.

The history of the Grand Place dates back much earlier though. It was first established in the 11th century and evolved soon after, to become the political and economic center for the city.

The most recognizable building on the square is the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), built in 1402 with the intention of upstaging the Stadhuis in the rival city of Bruges.

Inside are several magnificent rooms. Among the most impressive are the Maximilian Chamber, hung with Brussels tapestries; the large Council Chamber with a superb ceiling by Victor Janssens and tapestries to his designs; the great banqueting hall and the Marriage Chamber, both beautifully paneled; and the Escalier d'Honneur, with murals illustrating the history of Brussels.

Address: Grand Place, Central Brussels

Along the Rue de l'Etuve is Brussels' best-known landmark, the Manneken Pis, usually besieged by a throng of tourists.

Although he can be traced back to at least 1388, nothing much is known about the origin of the figure of a little boy urinating, popularly referred to as "the oldest citizen of Brussels."

The Manneken is, however, surrounded by various legends. According to one, the fountain is a memorial to a courageous infant who averted a conflagration, according to another, it commemorates the son of a count who succumbed to a pressing urge while taking part in a procession.

The present statue was made in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder and has been stolen on several occasions though always recovered. During major celebrations, events, and festivals in Brussels, the statue is famed for being dressed in costume.

Note that to see a collection of the range of costumes Mannekin Pis has been dressed in over the years, visit Garderobe Mannekin Pis just down the road. This small museum displays around 140 costumes from the fountain's very extensive wardrobe collection.

Address: Rue de l'Etuve, Central Brussels

Official site: https://www.mannekenpis.brussels/en/

Dedicated to St. Michael and St. Gudula (the patron saints of Brussels) this Gothic church was first founded in 1225 but only completed in the 15th century.

The facade is impressive, rising majestically above a broad flight of steps and crowned with twin 69-meter-high towers designed by Jan van Ruysbroeck.

The beautifully proportioned interior (108 meters by 50 meters) is lavishly furnished and is home to some outstanding stained glass windows created by Bernard van Orley.

Head to the transepts to see the finest examples depicting Charles V and Isabella of Portugal (south transept) and the Hungarian royal pair Louis II and Mary (north transept), and then into the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, to the left of the choir, where the window illustrates the story of the Miracle of the Host .

Address: Parvis Street Gudule, Central Brussels

Official site: www.cathedralisbruxellensis.be

This gorgeous 1906 building, designed by Victor Horta, is home to the wonderful Comic Strip Center, devoted to the history of cartoons and comic strips in the country that gave the world The Smurfs and Tintin .

A constantly rotating exhibition of 200 original comic strip drawings by Belgian and French comic artists is shown here.

In addition, the museum documents the rise in popularity of Belgian and French comic strips through a cleverly curated collection of original manuscripts, draft sketches, and imaginatively reconstructed sets including Lucky Luke's saloon and Tim, Struppi, and Captain Haddock's moon rocket.

Address: Maison Waucquez, 20 Rue des Sables, Central Brussels

Official site: https://www.cbbd.be/fr/accueil

A favorite attraction for photo-ops, the most important building on this square is the Royal Palace (Palais Royal), which is used by the Belgian royal family as an official residence.

The Belgian flag, flown from the roof, signals the sovereign's presence, and a ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place every day at about 2:30pm.

From late July to late August, free guided tours of the palace's interior, taking in the grand reception rooms and halls, are available.

Surrounding the palace are an ensemble of cultural buildings boasting Neoclassical facades.

The Palais des Académies, home of the Royal Academy of Sciences and once the residence of the Crown Prince of Orange, and the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Paleis voor Schone Kunste) on the west side of the plaza, designed and built in the 1920s by Victor Horta, are two of the finest examples.

Address: Place des Palais, Central Brussels

Belgium's Royal Museum of Fine Arts (1875-81) combines four separate art museums, which together are one of the largest and best art galleries in the world.

The museum grew out of a collection first set up in 1797 and was originally housed in the former palace of Charles of Lorraine. This was transferred to the newly established Musées Royaux in 1846.

The Musée Old Masters holds a collection of famous works by Flemish and Dutch Old Masters. Well-known works on display here include Gerard David's Adoration of the Magi , Rogier van der Weyden's The Mourning of Christ , Pietà by Petrus Christus, and Dirk Bouts' Judgement of the Emperor Otto .

The halls of the Musée Modern concentrate on artwork from the late 19th century to the present. It combines temporary exhibition halls with the basement galleries of the Musée Fin-de-Siècle, dedicated to artwork from the period between 1884 and 1914, when Brussels was one of Europe's cultural capitals.

Neighboring the main building is the Musée Magritte , dedicated to the work of Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. This museum holds the largest Magritte collection in the world and is considered by many visitors to Brussels as the highlight of the city's many art tourist attractions.

Magritte (1898-1967) was one of the major artists of Belgium's surrealist art scene, and the museum displays its collection of his work chronologically, so visitors can view how his art changed across the years according to world events and his own personal and political influences.

Address: Rue du Musée 9, Central Brussels

Official site: www.fine-arts-museum.be

Along with Manneken Pis, the Atomium is Brussels' best-known landmark attraction, and although it's a bit of a journey by tram to get out here, the bizarre 102-meter-high steel and aluminum structure, designed by the architect André Waterkeyn for the 1958 Brussels World Exhibition, is the city's most surreal sight.

The building represents a molecule of iron magnified 165 million times.

Today, visitors can enter the building to explore its sci-fi-style interiors. The lower spheres are home to a permanent exhibition on the history of the structure. The upper sphere has incredible panoramas across the city.

Address: Eeuwfeestlaan 20, Boulevard du Centenaire

Official site: http://atomium.be/

One of Brussels' most unique things to do is explore this active archaeological site, which was rediscovered in the 1980s.

Coudenberg Palace has been excavated to reveal the cellars and tunnels of the former Palace of Brussels, as well as forgotten streets that had been buried beneath the city for centuries.

The foundations of the medieval palace have been cleared to allow tourists the opportunity to explore, and the museum has free audio guides that take you through the dig site.

There are also interactive programs that encourage children to become involved, like the "Underground Treasure Hunt," which includes a flashlight, treasure map, period costume pieces, and a puzzle for them to solve.

Address: Place des Palais 7, Brussels

Official site: https://coudenberg.brussels/en

The Mont des Arts was created between 1956 and 1958, occupying the elevated site between the Place Royale and the Place de l'Albertine.

The architecturally imposing complex of large buildings includes the Bibliothèque Albert I and the strikingly modern Palais de la Dynastie and Palais Congrès.

From the square between them is a fine view of the lower central city. The Bibliothèque Albert I was founded during the period of Burgundian rule and comprises more than three million volumes together with a valuable collection of manuscripts and several interesting museums.

Address: Boulevard de l' Empereur, Central Brussels

The 15th- to 16th-century church of Notre-Dame du Sablon (Onze Lieve Vrouw op de Zavel), generally considered one of the loveliest Late Gothic churches in Belgium, was built as a replacement for a small chapel first erected on the sandy expanse of the Sablon by the Crossbowmen's Guild in 1304.

The interior of the church is breathtaking, in particular because of its marvelous stained glass.

Also of interest is the burial chapel of the Thurn und Taxis family, partly the work of Luc Fayd'herbe.

Kept in the sacrarium is a figure of the Virgin, a copy, so legend has it, of a Madonna brought to the chapel in 1348 by a woman from Antwerp, Baet Soetens, to whom the Virgin had appeared.

Address: Rue de la Regence, Central Brussels

The Parc du Cinquantenaire was established in 1880 to commemorate the country's 50th anniversary.

Its centerpiece is the monumental Palais du Cinquantenaire, the two wings of which, linked in 1905 by a massive triumphal arch designed by the French architect Charles Girault, house two of Brussels' most interesting museums.

The Royal Art and History Museum is home to Belgium's national archaeology collections, with pieces drawn from throughout the world, as well as one of the most extensive tapestry collections in the world.

The Belgian Army Museum and Museum of Military History (Koninklijk Museum van het Leger en van de Militaire Geschiedenis) provides an overview of the development of military technology and of the major campaigns fought on Belgian soil.

Address: Avenue de la Renaissance, Central Brussels

Although the Château Royal, home of the Belgian Royal Family, is not itself open to the public, the park surrounding it at Laeken is.

There are delightful footpaths and a number of attractions worth seeing, such as the monument to Leopold I at the center of the circular flowerbed in front of the palace.

The Japanese Tower , in the northernmost corner of the park, was originally built for the Paris Exhibition of 1900.

The hothouses, erected in Leopold II's time, are the highlight of the gardens and are open to the public during April and May when many of the plants are in flower.

Address: Avenue de Madrid, Laeken, Brussels

The Koekelberg district is dominated by the massive Basilique Nationale du Sacré Coeur (Nationale Basiliek van het Heilig Hart), the fifth largest church in the world and brainchild of Leopold II, begun in 1905 to mark the country's 75th anniversary.

The building was only completed in 1970. Not surprisingly, it displays something of a mixture of styles, impressing nevertheless by its sheer size (141 meters by 107 meters).

Inside is an excellent collection of art and an ongoing exhibition on the history of the basilica.

The picture of Christ giving his blessing, which hangs above the altar, is by Georges Minne.

From the cupola is a breathtaking view of the city and across the countryside to Antwerp . Binoculars can be rented on-site.

Address: Parvis de la Basilique 1, Koekelberg, Brussels

Official site: http://www.basilicakoekelberg.be/documents/home.xml?lang=en

In 1200, Cistercian nuns founded an abbey here, which was later destroyed in the 16th century but then rebuilt.

Now, set in lovely French gardens, the abbey houses the National Geographical Institute and an art college.

The former 14th-century abbey church is a slender, elegant building with Baroque vaulting.

Inside is a painting by Albert Bouts ( The Mocking of Christ) and the shrine of St. Boniface, a 13th-century Bishop of Brussels. The windows of the cloister are decorated with the arms of more than 40 abbesses and nuns.

Address: Rue du Monastere, Saint Gilles, Brussels

Right in central Brussels, this specialist museum's exhibits both tell the history of chocolate from the cocoa tree's early use by the Mayans and Aztecs through to the modern day, and show how chocolate is produced from the cocoa bean.

The museum's chocolatiers also do live chocolate-making demonstrations of Belgium's famous praline chocolates, with free tastings, throughout the day.

This is a good stop if you've got small children in tow, and you need to break up an itinerary heavy on art museums and architecture.

The museum also hosts chocolate-making workshops, where the chocolatier will guide you in creating your own chocolate.

Address: 41 Rue de l'Etuve, Brussels

Official site: https://choco-story-brussels.be/en

The house and studio of Constantin Meunier (1831-1905) is now home to a museum dedicated to his work.

Meunier was a Belgian artist who, in his later paintings and sculptural works, concentrated on a social realist style that was hugely influential on artists throughout the early years of the 20th century. His sculptures of industrial workers are particularly well known.

The museum displays a selection of approximately 150 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and plaster models from its collection of 700, providing an excellent grounding and introduction to Meunier's work.

The building itself, which Meunier had built towards the end of his life, is a good example of Brussels' vernacular terraced housing.

Address: 59 Rue de l'Abbaye, 1050 Ixelles

Official site: https://www.fine-arts-museum.be/en/museums/musee-meunier-museum#

This elegant shopping arcade was designed by Belgian architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer and opened to the public in 1847.

Built in the popular, ornate Italianate style, with a glass-panel roof and arched shopfronts, the grand 213-meter-long arcade revolutionized retail architecture in Europe, replacing the narrow market alleys that had gone before and becoming the continent's first shopping center.

Its opening set off a trend for building similar arcades both elsewhere in central Brussels and in other cities across Europe.

Today, the Royal Gallery Saint-Hubert is prime territory for shoppers, especially if you want to pick up and take home some of Belgium's famed specialist chocolates, with plenty of chocolatiers in residence along the arcade's length.

The cafés within the arcade are also a good choice for an atmospheric break between sightseeing in central Brussels.

Address: 5 Galerie du Roi

Official site: https://www.grsh.be/en/home/

Head to Place du Châtelain on a Wednesday for the weekly food market, where you'll find everything from fruit and vegetables to pop-up stalls and cafés selling both local Belgian foods and cuisines from across the world.

For visitors looking for foodie souvenirs, there are plenty of traders selling local cheeses and cured meats, as well as fresh produce and baked goods.

Many people head here, though, for the market's casual dining options, with food stalls here offering everything from waffles and vegan burgers to Vietnamese and Middle Eastern dishes.

The market takes place every Wednesday from midday to 7pm. The surrounding streets are also full of cafés and restaurants, so the area is a lively dining hub throughout the week.

The best place to stay in Brussels for sightseeing is within walking distance of Grand Place (Grote Markt). This wide square in the heart of the Old Town is popular for its great shopping, dining, and well-preserved architecture and is a great place from which to explore attractions such as the Mannekin Pis fountain and Saint-Michel Cathedral.

Brussels, Bruges & Ghent : Brussels sits in the center of the country, making it the perfect home base for trips to some of Belgium's top tourist attractions , as well as sightseeing in neighboring countries. Near the coast to the northwest, in the Flanders region, the city of Bruges is a favorite tourist destination because of its medieval architecture and romantic canals. Between here and Brussels, the smaller city of Ghent has a similar ensemble of narrow alleys, beautiful buildings, and canal boats, without the mass of tourists.

North Belgium & The Netherlands : To the north of Brussels, the town of Antwerp gained its fame as a center of art and craftsmanship and is home to several noteworthy museums. The border with the Netherlands is not far from here, where you can explore the stunning churches of Breda , enjoy vibrant entertainment in Rotterdam , visit the countless museums of The Hague , or even spend some time enjoying the iconic city of Amsterdam .

Leuven, Liege & Germany: Back in Belgium, the small university town of Leuven sits east of Brussels on the way to Liège , the country's third largest city, which is celebrated for its industrial roots. Near the border with Germany, the cities of Cologne , Bonn , and Düsseldorf are easily within reach. West of Liège, Namur's central location at the junction of the Sambre and the Meuse Rivers made it an important trade city, and its citadel was a strategic military site, resulting in an interesting array of architectural choices.

Mons & France: Farther west and sitting near the border with France, the city of Mons (Bergen) is between Brussels and Paris , and is known for its impressive buildings and festivals. The town of Ypres sits closer to Belgium's coast, famous for being the site of major WWI battles, and just to the south in France, the city of Lille has many Flemish influences.

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13 classic experiences to have in Brussels

Sep 1, 2021 • 6 min read

Spending time at a quintessential Brussels cafe is a great way to spend an afternoon © Alena Veasey/Shutterstock

Brussels is a city of nuance. Its beauty lies in its details: wrought iron flourishes on seemingly plain houses, locals’ wry jokes paired with warm welcomes, provocative murals that make you do a double take. If you only have a few days, here are some of the top things to do in Brussels to experience the little delights of Belgium’s underrated capital.

Grand Place

Though Brussels’ central square, the Grand Place, is its most touristy spot, you can’t deny that it’s, well, grand. If you only have one day in Brussels, head there. To dig deeper, rather than treating it as a big gilded selfie backdrop, take a moment to sit and take in the intricate details of each building: a swan rearing where Marx wrote his Communist Manifesto, the boatmen guild’s gable shaped like a ship’s stern, a bas relief of Romulus and Remus with their wolf mother.  

Find the peeing trio

Manneken Pis , the “little pissing man,” is a perfect example of Belgians’ cheeky humor. Most tourists stop at the bronze boy with the bottomless bladder, but he actually has two urinary comrades. Since 1987, Jeanneke Pis has been squatting behind a red fence near Rue de Bouchers. Manneken’s best friend was added in 1998: a statue of a dog, Zinneke , casually answering nature’s call on a Rue des Chartreux bollard.

Eat waffles like a Belgian

Countless tourist shops offer “authentic” Belgian waffles loaded with all kinds of sugary additions. Sprinkles, nuts and whipped cream have their time and place, but Belgians usually skip the shops and mountains of tops. Freshly made and sticky sweet Liege waffles (Luikse in Flemish) are best enjoyed sans toppings. Waffle vans serving piping hot waffles wrapped in paper can be found all over Brussels –  city parks and weekend markets are good places to look.

Drink a beer in a brown cafe

Cramped seating, smoke-darkened wooden panels, and an extensive (but tasteful) beer list are defining features of classic Belgian “brown cafes.” Tables packed with friends laughing into the early hours are proof: having a beer in a brown cafe is one of the best things to do in Brussels at night.

No matter where you stay , there’s sure to be at least one brown cafe nearby, but centrally located favorites include Moeder Lambic in Ixelles, Poechenellekelder by the Manneken Pis, and Nüetnigenough near the Grand Place. Delirium Café  merits an honorable mention: though it’s objectively touristy and often sloppy, it does have the world’s biggest beer menu.

Visit the home of an Art Nouveau master

Curling steel vines and floral flourishes were signatures of illustrious architect Victor Horta. Considered to be one of the fathers of the 19th century Art Nouveau movement, his work influenced countless elegantly understated façades found throughout Brussels today. To honor his work, his family home in Ixelles’ Chatelain neighborhood is now open to the public as a museum. It’s not hard to find Art Nouveau’s influences in Brussels, but the Musée Horta is one of the few places where travelers can see the inner workings of Horta’s artistry.

Devour a cone of frites

Belgians love their perfectly crispy fries so much that they want the vendors’ stands placed  on UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage list! Snacking on fries is a must do while in Brussels. Portions come in many shapes with many sauces—mostly variants of mayonnaise—but the classic method is to eat the fries straight from a paper cone. Maison Antoine in Place Jourdan is a centrally located cult favorite, but prepare to wait in line!

Take a historic tram to Tervuren’s Africa Museum

Belgium’s colonial history is dark: “crimes against humanity” was a phrase used to describe King Leopold II’s genocide in Congo. After decades of denial, Belgium is slowly coming to terms with its crimes. Tervuren’s palatial Africa Museum is a must-visit to see the changes in progress. Tervuren is connected to Brussels by a century-old wooden tram line that passes towering trees and stately mansions on Avenue de Tervuren.

Sample gueuze beer at Cantillon Brewery

Subtly sour and extra effervescent? Must be a gueuze beer! The curious lambic-style beer hails from the Senne Valley around Brussels. Some say the doubly fermented brew is a craft substitute for champagne, others find the flavor unsettling. The only way to determine that on your own is to do a tasting at the family-run Cantillon Brewery and museum in the west of Brussels.

Savor the world’s best chocolate

Belgians will never agree on which chocolatier is best. What they can agree on is that some of the finest chocolate is in Brussels. Connoisseurs should head to the Sablon neighborhood: there you’ll find names like Wittamer, a master of the “older” generation, alongside newer chocolatiers, like Marcolini, who are more experimental with their creations. High quality comes at a high price, so if you’re traveling Brussels on a budget , the Neuhaus factory is a more budget-friendly alternative.

Walk the comic book route

Comics are a huge deal in the “comic book capital” of the world. Literally huge: Brussels is decorated with more than 60 multistory murals honoring famous comic strips! One of the best things to do in Brussels is follow the comic book route across the city, seeking out characters like Tintin and The Smurfs, plus local Belgian favorites like Suske and Wiske and Rode Ridder.

Treat your ears at the Musical Instruments Museum

Musical instruments might seem a strange choice for nonmusicians, but the interactive MIM is one of the best things to do in Brussels with kids. They can play for hours, exploring the sounds of squiggly horns and plucky pipe organs neither children nor adults have ever heard of. Once done, MIM has a rooftop restaurant that offers spectacular views of central Brussels through arched Art Nouveau windows. It’s a welcome change from somber art museums.

Tuck into a hot pot of moules

Moules-frites, steaming pots of mussels served with sides of fries, are a Belgian classic. Some restaurants dish up pots of mussels year-round, but Belgians claim the best mussels are only available in months whose names contain an “r.” If you’re in Brussels at the right time of year, don’t pass on the chance to tuck into fresh mussels at Le Zinneke or Le Chou de Bruxelles . Pro tip: dip your fries into the sauce at the bottom. You won’t regret it.

Hunt for bargains in Le Marolles

Long a neighborhood of the working class, Marolles is the historic heart of Brussels. The original Brusseleer dialect can still be heard on its streets today. Though times are changing and accents are fading, Marolles is still a place to get a glimpse of the past at bargain prices. Both trash and treasure are sold at the Place du Jeu-de-Balle flea market running 365 days a year, and shopping streets Rue Haute and Rue Blaes around the square are equally rife with shops selling antiques and vintage clothes.

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23 BEST Things to Do in Brussels (+Map & Insider Tips for Top Places)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 4, 2023

Visiting Belgium’s capital city for the first time and wondering what to see and do in Brussels? In this article, you can find our recommendations for the very best places to see and things to do in Brussels. It will help you to make the most of your trip and explore the city just a bit deeper. Take a look!

Good to know: We are from Belgium and have lived in and near Brussels for several years. So I can immediately tell you that there’s so much more to see in Brussels than you’d ever be able to cover on a short visit… Therefore, in this guide, we mostly focus on the most popular attractions that first-time visitors shouldn’t miss .

For each place and activity, we also share our insider tips and recommendations.

Read on to learn more about the most beautiful places to see in Brussels, the very best things to do, and the most typical Belgian experiences that will make your trip more memorable!

TIP: In order to help you plan your trip, we also created this map indicating all the best places to visit in Brussels. That way, you can see where everything is located and can easier plan your sightseeing itinerary.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Good to know: We list the main landmarks and tourist attractions in the center of Brussels first, followed by places a bit further away.

In addition to all the ‘must-sees’, we include some of the most typical Belgian food experiences as well. After all, no visit to Brussels would be complete without tasting Belgian waffles, beer, or trying moules-frites . Find out!

BEST OF BRUSSELS IN A NUTSHELL: * MUST-SEE: Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Royal Galleries, Mont des Arts, Royal Palace, and Magritte Museum . * FUN TO DO: Belgian Beer World , Atomium , Mini-Europe , EU headquarters, food tours . * MUST TRY: Brussels waffles, moules-frites, Belgian beers, and Belgian chocolate. * WHERE TO STAY:  See our guide to the best areas to stay in Brussels and also to the most popular hotels in Brussels . * DAY TRIPS:   Bruges , WWI Battlefields , Antwerp . Best day tour – Ghent & Bruges in a day .

Here are the best things to do in Brussels:

1. Grand Place & Brussels Town Hall

If there is one place that you absolutely have to see in Brussels, it’s the Grand Place (or de Grote Markt , in Dutch). Grand Place is the main town square of Brussels, home to the impressive Brussels Town Hall and the most beautiful guild houses in the world.

Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. Even if this would be the only place you see in Brussels, Grand Place is worth a trip on its own!

Brussels Grand Place is amazing at any time of the day and in any season. Lots of big events take place here, including the annual Brussels Christmas Market in winter and the bi-annual Brussels Flower Carpet in summer. Often, there are (free) light and music shows at the town square in the evenings. It’s always magical!

But even if there is nothing special going on, I recommend visiting Grand Place during the day and also in the dark. The buildings are beautifully lit at night and it’s well worth coming back for it.

Practical info: You can visit Grand Place at any time and it’s free of charge. Brussels Town Hall can also be visited inside, but only with a guided tour that runs just a few days a week. More info here .

2. Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Brussels! In fact, there is not one, but two connecting galleries – Galerie du Roi (Gallery of the King) and Galerie de la Reine (Gallery of the Queen).

Opened in 1847, these impressive galleries not only transformed the formerly poorer part of the city, but also put Brussels on the map as one of the greatest cities in Europe at that time. It quickly became the place to see and to be seen, attracting the rich and the famous. The former Café des Arts (now Taverne du Passage) was a popular meeting place for writers and artists, such as Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and many others.

Nowadays, this impressive arcade houses many luxury boutique shops, beautiful cafés, and stores selling local delicacies and traditional Belgian chocolates. Inside, you’ll also find the Cinéma des Galeries, the historic movie theatre dating from 1939.

Practical info: The Royal Galleries are always open and it doesn’t cost anything to walk through them. The shops and the restaurants inside have varying opening times.

3. Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis (the peeing boy) is the quirky symbol of Brussels. And while you’ll most likely be underwhelmed by the sight of this tiny statue, it’s one of the main landmarks of Brussels that every first-time visitor absolutely has to see.

A popular legend has it that a small boy stopped a fire from spreading in Brussels by peeing on it. And so the city was saved and the little peeing boy became its symbol. However, this is just one story and the origins of Manneken-Pis could be totally different – see below)…

The current statue dates from the early 17th century, but archives show that there was a similar fountain here as early as the 14th century.

Manneken Pis is normally naked, but he also has a huge collection of costumes that he wears for a variety of different occasions. He received his first set of clothes in the late 17th century and his oldest surviving costumes date from the 18th century.

Nowadays, Manneken Pis has over 1000 costumes, with 20-30 new items added to the collection every year. If you want to see his wardrobe and learn more about this peculiar little statue, check out the museum GardeRobe Manneken Pis .

LEARN MORE: The Real Story of Manneken-Pis in Brussels

TIP: If you have the time, you may also want to locate the statue of a little peeing girl – Jeanneke-Pis . While not as famous as Manneken Pis and usually locked behind metal bars, this little fountain has always been a popular ‘hidden gem’ in Brussels. If you want to check it out, I indicated its location on our map above.

And no, that’s not all. Brussels has something with ‘urinating’ statues. There is also a Zinneke Pis , which is a statue of a peeing dog. This – for now – completes the trio of peeing statues of Brussels. But tourists sure seem to like them, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few more of those appearing in the future.

Practical info: You can see Manneken Pis and other statues at any time and there is no fee. If you are interested in the museum, check the above link for more information.

4. Brussels Cathedral

One of the most impressive buildings of Brussels – St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral – is another must-see in the city. It’s just 5 minutes walk from Grand Place and well worth the short detour.

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral is the main church of Belgium, where all the Royal religious ceremonies take place. This is where Belgian Royals get married, princes and princesses are baptized, etc.

The exterior of the Cathedral is really impressive. However, it’s very hard to appreciate its beauty because it’s literally squeezed in between different streets and buildings, which makes it difficult to see it in its full grandeur. The front façade is best visible as there is a small square in front of it, giving you a better perspective in order to admire this colossal building.

The interior of the Cathedral is beautiful too and can be appreciated much easier than its exterior.

Practical info: The Cathedral is open daily and you can visit freely. So if there’s no Mass celebration at that time, definitely take a look inside.

5. Mont des Arts

Mont des Arts (Hill of the Arts) is a little hill in the center of Brussels, offering one of the best viewpoints of the city . As you walk the stairs all the way to the top, you get to see a beautiful panorama of the Brussels skyline. This is the typical postcard view of Brussels.

Historically, this hill connected the lower working-class part of the city with the upper part where aristocrats used to live. The Royal Palace of Brussels can be found on top of the hill, whereas the Town Hall can be seen below.

At the bottom of the hill, you’ll find the statue of Belgium’s King Albert I and the landscaped Mont des Arts Garden . Another thing to look out for is the Carillon of Mont des Arts . It has 24 bells and an impressive star-shaped clock, but is a bit hidden out of sight and often overlooked by first-time visitors. However, it’s also well worth seeing, so make a little effort to locate it. You can find it on the eastern side of the archway above the street of Mont des Arts.

Practical info: All these places are outdoors and can be seen at any time. Also, don’t worry about the stairs – this is not a steep hill at all. Furthermore, if you don’t want or can’t do the stairs, you can just take the sidewalk of Mont des Arts Street that brings you to the top of the hill.

6. Musical Instruments Museum

Just at the top of the Mont des Arts, stands an impressive Art-Nouveau-style building that houses the Museum of Musical Instruments (MMI). This is one of the most beautiful examples of the Art Nouveau architecture that Brussels is famous for.

MMI has been established in 1877 and now has over 7000 musical instruments from all over the world and from many different periods. This is one of my personal favorite museums in Brussels.

Every visitor receives headphones that start to play the music of the instrument near you. This makes the visit even more special.

But even if you have no time to visit the museum inside, you really shouldn’t miss this beautiful building. It’s located on the popular tourist route anyway, so no need to make an extra effort or get out of your way for it.

Practical info: The museum is open daily except on Mondays and some public holidays. For more up-to-date information and opening times, please check the official website . This is one of the museums that’s included with the Brussels Card .

7. Royal Palace & Place Royale

Belgium is a monarchy and we have a beautiful Royal Palace right in the middle of Brussels. The Royal Family actually lives in another palace in Laken, on the outskirts of Brussels. The palace in the city center is where the Belgian King works. It’s also used for various ceremonies, state dinners, and other official occasions.

Normally, you can only admire the palace from the outside. Nevertheless, it’s worth passing by here because it’s a truly impressive building. Also, you can’t really miss the Place Royale Bruxelles , a big square with an equestrian statue of Godefroid de Bouillon in front of the Saint Jacques-sur-Coudenberg Church .

Good to know: The Royal Palace is only open for visitors for a brief period of time in the summer. It opens to the public after the 21 st of July (Belgian National Holiday) and stays open until the last week of August. You can visit every day except Monday and it’s free of charge. If you happen to be in Brussels during this time, it’s definitely worth a visit, but be prepared for the crowds.

8. Brussels Park

Right in front of the Royal Palace, there is a nice small city park – Royal Park , also known as Brussels Park . Located on the former hunting grounds that in the past were reserved for the aristocracy, this public park was established in the 18th century.

Brussels Park is quite small and you can see everything in 15-30 minutes. It has several fountains and beautiful statues, and you can escape the hustle and the bustle of the city for a few moments here. There are also one or two cozy outdoor cafés in the park.

Practical info: The park is open daily, from 6 AM to 10 PM, and is free to enter. It’s more lively in the afternoons and on the weekends.

9. Petit Sablon Neighborhood

Just a short walk from the main tourist attractions, in the heart of Brussels, lies a very nice local neighborhood called Petit Sablon . It’s an area where historic architecture and modern artsy lifestyle mingle to create a very unique atmosphere. This is one of the nicest, trendier, but also very local parts of Brussels.

Don’t miss the Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon (Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon). It’s one of the most beautiful churches in Brussels! The little park at the Square du Petit Sablon , just opposite the street from the church, is also very nice. Don’t miss it.

For the rest, just stroll through the neighborhood, following the information panels that indicate all the main sights. One of my favorite places here is the town square Place du Grand Sablon . It’s lined with art galleries, trendy boutiques, artsy cafes, and luxury chocolatiers. On the weekends, this is where you’ll find Brussel’s most famous antique market.

10. Rue des Bouchers

Probably the most famous restaurant street in Belgium, Rue des Bouchers is another top tourist attraction in Brussels. It’s a colorful, lively pedestrian street, packed with bars and restaurants. Most of them offer all kinds of seafood, and you’ll see impressive displays of shellfish on ice all over the place.

Most restaurants here are really oriented towards tourists, with pictures on the menu, food displays, and waiters trying to convince you to sit down at their restaurant. It will take some willpower to cross this street without actually sitting down for a meal. But it’s also a very well-known place to see in Brussels, so even if you don’t plan to eat here, you should definitely check this street out!

Good to know: Rue des Bouchers is a popular place to try the traditional Belgian ‘moules-frites’ (mussels and fries) . However, in general, you’ll get better value for money in the more local restaurants. The best season for Belgian mussels is from the beginning of July to around mid-April.

11. Place de la Bourse & Belgian Beer World

Place de la Bourse (Stock Exchange Square) is a town square in front of the old Brussels Stock Exchange building. It’s a popular place for all kinds of events and also political demonstrations.

The Stock Exchange building itself doesn’t really have an official name and is often simply called Palais de la Bourse (the Stock Exchange Palace).

This colossal 19th-century building has an impressive facade that makes you think of Greek temples. It’s even guarded by lion statues on the sides. After year-long renovations, the building is now beautifully restored and is home to the newest attraction in Brussels – Belgian Beer World .

This is an interactive family-friendly exhibition that introduces you to Belgian beer culture. At the end of the visit, you get to sample some beer at the Sky Bar. The bar is located on a beautiful rooftop terrace and offers nice city views – another great reason to come here.

Practical information: Stock Exchange Square is located just near Grand Place, so it’s really easy to include a visit here in any itinerary. If you want to visit Belgian Beer World, you can find more information and get tickets here .

Good to know: During the opening hours of the museum, you can only visit the rooftop terrace with a ticket. But in the evenings, when the museum is closed, you can go up to the Sky Bar for free.

12. Saint Catherine & Fish Market

Another really nice and more local area to see in the Brussels city center is the Saint Catherine neighborhood . It’s concentrated around the Saint Catherine Church and several town squares. The best-known square is Marché aux Poissons (Fish Market), where the old Brussels port used to be.

There is no actual fish market here. However, this part of Brussels is also a good place for (sea)food lovers and you’ll find many restaurants and cafes lining the streets. If locals go for seafood in Brussels, they’ll likely come here and not to Rue des Bouchers. Prices tend to be higher here as well, but you also can expect better quality.

In winter, this is one of the places where the Brussels Christmas market takes place. And in summer, you’ll find a lively area with outdoor restaurant terraces and a very pleasant vibe.

TIP: Don’t miss the Tour Noire (the Black Tower), a restored medieval tower surrounded by modern buildings.

13. Atomium

While most of the main Brussels tourist attractions mentioned above can be found in the city center, the most remarkable landmark of Brussels – the Atomium – requires a separate visit. It’s located on the western side of Brussels and can be reached by metro or with a hop-on hop-off bus (more info on the bus below).

The Atomium was built in 1958 as the flagship building of the Brussels World’s Fair, Expo 58. The nine spheres represent an iron crystal (magnified 165 billion times) and it was supposed to be torn down soon after the event, but it quickly became an unmistakable symbol of Brussels. It has recently been renovated, looks more impressive than ever before, and nobody can imagine the city without the Atomium anymore.

At the moment, Atomium is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Brussels. It’s impressive both, from the outside and well as on the inside. Inside, you’ll find is a museum, a panoramic restaurant, and a magnificent 360° panorama with unparalleled views over Brussels and its surroundings.

Practical info: You can see the Atomium from the outside at any time and it’s beautifully lit at night. For visits inside, see practical info and get your tickets here .

14. Mini-Europe

If you already make it all the way to the Atomium, then definitely visit the adjacent Mini-Europe as well. Here, you’ll find miniature buildings and landmarks from all over Europe, scaled to the size of 1:25.

It’s a fun way to discover the main landmarks from various European countries and maybe even find some travel inspiration for future trips. And if you ever wanted to take some fun pictures with the mini versions of the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben, this is your chance!

Mini-Europe is great for all ages. It’s fun for families visiting Brussels with kids, but it’s definitely not only for kids.

Practical info: Mini-Europe is an outdoor attraction, but is open daily, all year round, and is just one of the many places you can also visit in Belgium in winter . See here for more info and tickets.

TIP: If you are planning to visit both, Atomium and Mini-Europe, you can get a combi-ticket that saves a few euros.

15. European Quarter

Brussels is the capital of Europe and there are many EU institutions in the city. Most of them are concentrated around Place Schuman, Place du Luxembourg, Place Jourdan, and Place Jean Rey. All these places are a few metro stops from the old town.

If you want to get to know more about the EU, then it might be interesting to visit the European Parliament in Brussels. There are several unique experiences that you can choose from, and it’s also free of charge. You should book in advance.

Practical info: You can see all the buildings from the outside at any time. For more information for a visit inside, please check the official website of the European Parliament in Brussels.

16. Cinquantenaire Park

Located outside the city center, a short walk from the EU Quarter, the Parc du Cinquantenaire (Park of the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence). This is one of the biggest and most famous parks of Brussels. It has nice lawns, flower displays, fountains, playgrounds, a huge triumphal arch in the middle, and several big museums.

The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is a nice place to see all kinds of military equipment, armory, but also tanks, and even aircraft. More info .

Autoworld is a car museum, with a big collection of vintage vehicles. This is one of the best museums to visit in Brussels with children and it’s not just for boys. More info .

The Art & History Museum has an impressive collection of works of art dating from various periods of time, from Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, and more. More info .

Most tourists who come to Brussels just for a day don’t get to this part of the city. But if you take a hop-on hop-off bus (more info below), you’ll definitely pass here. If you have more time, take a stroll through the park and visit one of the museums.

Practical information: You’ll need at least 30-45 min for Autoworld or for the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces. The Art & History Museum requires at least 2 hours of your time. For more information and opening times, please check their websites linked above.

TIP: All these museums are included with the Brussels Card .

17. Hop-on Hop-off Bus

If you want to see a lot of Brussels in a short time, then consider taking a hop-on hop-off bus . It’s especially convenient if you are planning to visit the attractions located a bit outside the city center. For the Atomium, Mini Europe, but also the EU buildings or Cinquantenaire Park, the hop-on hop-off bus is the best way to easily get there.

There are two routes and your ticket covers both of them. For the western side of the city including Atomium, take the Blue Route (aka Atomium Route). For the easter side, including the European quarter and Cinquantenaire Park, take the Red Route (aka Europe Route).

The advantage of taking the sightseeing bus is that it also passes the Royal Palace in Laken, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, the Japanese Tower at the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, and several other interesting Brussels landmarks. You also get to see some colorful neighborhoods of Brussels that you’d totally miss otherwise.

18. Brussels Museums

Brussels has many museums and, depending on your interests and the time you have, you could consider visiting a few of them. However, with so many choices, it can be really overwhelming to decide where to go. So here are a few more suggestions, in addition to the ones already mentioned above. (You can also find these on our map of Brussels attractions).

In the heart of Brussels and just near the Musical Instruments Museum, you’ll find the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium . This is a complex of two museums – the Old Masters Museum and the Magritte Museum . You can visit one or both of them (combination tickets are available). The building is so large that you can spend a big part of the day here. More info here . If you have time for just one museum in Brussels, make it the Magritte Museum !

For nature, history, and dinosaurs, head to the Museum of Natural Sciences . The museum houses the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe and is a favorite among kids. However, it’s located somewhat far away from all the attractions in the city center. So you really have to make an effort in order to visit. More info here .

Brussels City Museum , located at the Grand Place town square, is dedicated to the city of Brussels. This museum is a great place to learn about Brussels and its history from the Middle Ages to modern times. More info here .

Other Brussels museums that are also worth considering are Comics Art Museum, Train World , BOZAR, and Choco-Story Brussels . But even if you’d somehow manage to visit all of these, you’ll just scratch the surface of all that there’s to see in Brussels.

TIP: If you are a museum fan and plan to visit several of Brussels museums in one trip, then definitely get Brussels Card . It will save you a lot of money.

Now that we covered all the best places to see in Brussels, here are some additional experiences that you don’t want to miss. Ok, you can skip the shopping but definitely don’t skip all the food and drinks that Belgium is famous for. Take a look at our suggestions with some insider tips!

19. Shopping at Rue Neuve or Avenue Louise

In addition to all the tourist sights and attractions, many people come to Brussels for shopping. It’s a great place for that indeed, with countless options and plenty of choices for all styles and budgets.

The busiest place in Brussels, Rue Neuve is the main shopping street of the city. It’s lined with big chain stores and looks and feels like any other big shopping area in the world. But if you’d like to do some shopping, this is the place to be.

For a more high-end shopping experience, head to Avenue Louise on the other side of the city center. Here, you’ll find expensive designer boutiques, with names as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & co, Michael Kors, and similar.

20. Belgian Chocolate

No trip to Brussels would be complete without tasting some really good Belgian chocolate . There are probably hundreds of shops selling chocolate in the center of Brussels. And you can also visit Choco-Story Brussels , where you can learn more about Belgian chocolate and taste some of it.

TIP: If you are looking to taste some truly good Belgian chocolate, I recommend checking out the shops of traditional Belgian chocolate brands such as Neuhaus , Godiva , Leonidas , or Pierre Marcolini .

The traditional Belgian chocolate brands such as Neuhaus (est. 1857), Leonidas (est. 1913), and Godiva (est. 1926) have a long history, whereas Pierre Marcolini is the newcomer that opened his first shop at the end of the 20 th century.

Leonidas offers some of the best price-quality Belgian chocolates. Godiva and Neuhaus are somewhat more expensive and some of their chocolates require an acquired taste that not everybody will appreciate.

The chocolates of Pierre Marcolini are more contemporary and often quite daring. They come with a high price tag as well. But if you want to taste some of the best chocolate in the world, then definitely stop by one of their shops in Brussels.

Our personal favorite Belgian chocolate is the white ‘Manon’ praline from Leonidas . These pralines have coffee-flavored buttercream in a shell of white chocolate, with hazelnut in the middle. You can find them without hazelnut, with milk chocolate or dark chocolate as well, but definitely try the original one too! They were invented back in 1934, but are just as popular nowadays as they were almost a hundred years ago.

Our kids’ favorites are the Côte d’Or Praliné chocolates that come in many different varieties. You’ll find them in all Belgian supermarkets. They are much better and much cheaper than the chocolates sold in tourist stores.

21. Belgian Waffles

It’s impossible to not mention Belgian waffles when writing about any major city in Belgium. You’ll see and smell the waffles in all the tourist areas in Brussels. And they’re so hard to resist.

There are so many different types of Belgian waffles, but the tourist places usually all sell just one or two kinds – the Brussels waffles and the Liege waffles . Usually the latter. The Brussels waffles are somewhat bigger, more ‘airy’, and not as sweet. They are rectangular in shape. Whereas the Liege waffles are quite thick and heavy, and they also contain more sugar. They are also somewhat more rounded than the Brussels waffles.

In addition, you can choose extra toppings that vary from whipped cream and chocolate to fresh strawberries and many others. If you dare, try a few toppings at once. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to try to eat it all while standing in the busy street, with hundreds of people walking by. This is the reason why we usually simply opt for a plain waffle when buying Belgian waffles from the street shops.

Still, the best traditional waffles are the ones you’ll find at these street stands and not at restaurants. Definitely give it a try!

TIP: If you have a few hours to spare, you can also check out this waffle-making workshop . It’s something fun to do in Brussels that you won’t find in many other places.

22. Belgian Beer

One of the best things to do in Brussels is go bar-hopping and try different Belgian beers in various pubs and cafes. There are many tourist-oriented places, but for a more authentic experience, look for older, traditional pubs and cafes.

Some of them have hundreds of different Belgian beers , many on tap, and always with their own matching glasses (see more about this in our guide to fun facts about Belgium ).

Here are just a few of the best beer cafes in Brussels (we also indicated them on the map): Delirium Café , Moeder Lambic , Café Mort Subite , Bier Circus , etc.

Don’t settle for the typical mass-production Belgian beer that you find all over the world. Make sure to ask for some local suggestions and try something that you can only find in Belgium!

Good to know: Some Belgian beers are very strong, so be careful if trying more than one or two of them on the same evening. On the other hand, there are also very light, fruity beers, that you will enjoy even if you are not a big fan of beer, like me.

Local’s recommendation: My husband’s favorite Belgian beers are the Trappist beers: Westmalle , Westvleteren ,  Orval , Rochefort , Achel , Chimay , and La Trappe . In Brussels, Lambic , Geuze , Mort Subite , La Chouffe , or Rodenbach are just a few popular choices.

TIP: If you want to taste various Belgian beers, but are not sure where to start or what to choose, check out this popular pub crawl or – if you are in the mood for more – this highly-rated tour that includes 7 beers and snacks .

23. Belgian Fries with Mayo

No visit to Belgium would be complete without trying some typical Belgian fries with mayo (and no, it’s nothing like fries or mayo that you’ll find anywhere else in the world). And while you can find good fries in the restaurants as well, the best ones come from the street stands called ‘ friterie ’ or ‘ fritkot’ .

For a couple of euros, you can have a delicious and quick meal. It’s perfect when you don’t want to sit down for a long meal during the day and rather spend your time sightseeing.

And yes, it’s not the healthiest option, but with all the chocolate, waffles, and beer, you’ll likely need to loosen your belt in Brussels anyway. So why not go for a full experience and try it all!

TIP: The most popular place to taste traditional Belgian fries in the center of Brussels is the friterie called Fritland , located on the western side of the Stock Exchange building. No matter what time of the day, there’s always a queue here, you can’t miss it. Another good place is Friterie Tabora , very close by to the Grand Place as well. I indicated both of these on our map, but there are many, many more good places throughout the city.

Where to Stay

There are so many nice hotels in various areas of Brussels that it’s really difficult to recommend just a few accommodations. For sightseeing, we recommend staying in the city center, close to Grand Place – this area really has it all and is also easy to access by public transport.

Here are some of the best hotels in the heart of the city center, close to Grand Place, for all budgets:

• €€€€€ Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo .
• €€€€ Warwick Grand Place .
• €€€ NH Collection Brussels Centre .
• €€ Motel One Brussels .

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Brussels (best areas & hotels for all budgets) & Most Popular Brussels Hotels (top 10 most-booked hotels in the city center)

So, this is our guide to the top things to do in Brussels and the main tourist attractions that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Belgian capital. I hope that this will help you make the most of your visit and get to know Brussels a bit better.

If you are visiting other Belgian cities as well, make sure to also check our guide to the best things to do in Bruges and also the best things to do in Antwerp (+ don’t miss our favorite local places in Antwerp ).

TIP: If you are looking for ideas on how to plan your trip, see our suggested Belgium itinerary for 3-4 days . It also includes tips for where to stay and how to get around. Check it out!

Have a great trip to Brussels!

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for some of the most beautiful cities all over Europe:

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• Best Things to Do in Venice
• Best Things to Do in Florence
• Best Things to Do in London
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Monday 15th of April 2024

Thank you! As I read your recommendations, the sites were easy to locate on the map. I was able to sketch out our Brussels adventures. My daughter and I are visiting for ten days in August with side trips to Ghent, Liege, Antwerp, Luxembourg and Bruges. I look forward to reading more!

Tuesday 16th of April 2024

Glad to help Donna. If you happen to be in Belgium around the 15th of August, don't miss the Flower Carpet! Have a great trip!

Thursday 28th of December 2023

Heading to Brussels early May. Also side trip to Luxembourg. Any tips on that? Also thinking of day trip to Ghent - worth it?

These guides are amazing. Thanks.

Friday 29th of December 2023

@Jurga, Thanks... Yes Luxembourg is a far ride so planning to stay two nights. Your site was very helpful. Thanks much.

Hi Janet, you can easily take a train from Brussels to Luxembourg and visit for a day, but it's a rather long train journey so start early. Ghent is much closer and you don't necessarily need a full day if you just want to see the main highlights, but it all depends on your interests. Some people love it more than any other city in Belgium. You could also combine it with Bruges. If you have time, I highly recommend visiting Antwerp. It's a very easy day trip by train and you can easily fill a day or even more there. It's our personal favorite. You can find several detailed guides on Antwerp and Bruges on our website - see here for an overview. Unfortunately, I haven't published anything about Ghent or Luxembourg city itself. In Ghent, the nicest place to be is around Korenlei/Graslei and St. Michael's Bridge. Don't miss Gravensteen Castle and Lam Gods painting at Saint Bavo's Cathedral. In Luxembourg, visit the old town around Grand Ducal Palace. We personally always love walking around Grund (this area is by the river and can be reached via elevators from old town). Also don't miss Bock Casemates. Hope this helps.

R. Robinson

Monday 18th of September 2023

Your travel guides are amazingly helpful! Thank you very much. I used the Iceland guide in June and currently in Brussels.

Thursday 21st of September 2023

Glad to help. Hope you enjoyed Belgium!

Colin Peart

Tuesday 15th of February 2022

Thanks for the great tips. The best blog I’ve found for Brüssels.

Wednesday 16th of February 2022

Glad to help, Colin. Have a great time in Brussels! (and don't forget that there's more to Belgium than its capital ;))

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The 14 best things to do in Brussels

Cutting edge art, comic books, beautiful parks and excellent beer are just some of the best things to do in Brussels

Brussels is great. And that’s not just because there’s hot Belgian waffles dusted with powdered sugar everywhere you turn – though that’s a pretty major perk. Brussels is a city bursting with rich history and culture, from its famous galleries to its street murals, and doesn’t take itself as seriously as you might expect (yep, it’s got a cracking nightlife scene too). 

Brussels gives you everything you want from Belgium , and more. Sure, it’s known for its steaming bowls of moules marinières and truly excellent beer, but you’ll stay for the long strolls through flea markets, and days spent admiring Brussels’ architecture. Whatever you’re into, there’s something for you in Brussels. Read on for the top things to do in the Belgian Capital. 

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Fun things to do in Brussels in 2024

1.  Bozar

What is it?  A multi-purpose Centre for Fine Arts building, built in 1929 and home to galleries, concert halls, cinemas and more. 

Why go?  If you do one thing in Brussels, check out the Bozar. The city’s flagship cultural centre is the place for art and exhibitions, but it’s also home to over 200 concerts a year, and shows films from all over the world at its cinema. But even if you don’t fancy any of the events it’s putting on when you visit (impossible), the museum is well worth a visit for the architecture alone, designed by Belgian architect Victor Horta.  The best part? You can get in free with a  Brussels Card.

2.  Comic strip murals

What is it?  Fantastic murals bringing colour and vibrancy (and Tintin) to the streets of Brussels

Why go?  Perfect for your day of strolling – and your Instagram feed – Brussels is filled with huge paintings and murals, most of them in the style of comic book strips. And don’t worry, you won’t miss out on any, as you can download a comic book map of the city, which guides you through all the major street art in the city. Belgium is the land of Tintin, remember, so he features a lot. 

3.  Grand Place

What is it? A gorgeous, Unesco-listed cobblestoned square, surrounded by gilded guildhalls that were once the headquarters of the city’s merchants.

Why go? In a city that’s short on must-see landmarks, this is one you really must-see. It’s been burned, bombed and rebuilt over the centuries, but has emerged as magnificent as it ever was. Once you’ve taken in the opulence (and checked out the tiny Manneken Pis just off the square), learn a little about its history in the Brussels City Museum .

4.  Monk

What is it? A local favourite hangout in the tourist heartland.

Why go? They’ve got a very healthy beer list and there’s often live music in the bustling, crowded bar at the front, while the elegant Art Nouveau dining room at the back serves spaghetti three ways and nothing else. It’s a mixed crowd of students, tourists, serious beer aficionados and old locals. The restaurant doesn’t do bookings; if it’s full, just take a number and hang out in the bar till they can squeeze you in.

5.  Atomium

What is it? A bizarre silver structure built for the World’s Fair of 1958, designed in the form of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

Why go? Belgium prides itself on its quirkiness, and this is unlike any other tourist landmark. Five of its nine spherical rooms host exhibitions on subjects ranging from the history of air travel to the surrealist art of René Magritte, joined by escalators in the narrow connecting tubes (not for the claustrophobic). The surrounding parkland is ideal for picnicking, and the next-door Adamuseum has some interesting shows on the evolution of design.

6.  Jeu de Balle flea market

What is it?   A large, outdoor market in the Marolles.

Why go?   This sprawling collection of vendors has everything you could possibly want, practically. Looking for unique, vintage artwork? They have that. Want kitsch crockery? They've got that too. Even if you're after a wood carving, an armchair and an art deco coffee table – you're sure to find it all here. You just have to spend enough time rummaging around the numerous stalls.  Drop into Atelier en Ville  (temporarily closed due to the pandemic) for coffee and bagels, or Le Marseillais for pastis if you fancy something stronger.

7.  Art Nouveau architecture

What is it? Brussels’ streets are filled with the most beautiful Art Nouveau houses.

Why go? Belgium was home to some of the biggest names in Art Nouveau – the likes of Henry Van de Velde and Victor Horta – and their legacy is everywhere you look. Keep an eye out for the trademark curves and flourishes in wood, metal and stained glass, with ornate mosaics above every other doorway. Notable spots include Horta’s own house , now a museum, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center . Again, the tourist office sells maps for self-guided walking tours.

8.  Chasseurs Ardennais Market

What is it? A Friday evening market in a northern district that’s overlooked by tourists.

Why go? This is where the locals gather to welcome in the weekend with a drink and a chat. You’ll find the usual fruit, veg, cheese and deli stalls you’d expect at any market, plus food trucks and mobile wine bars, with cafe patrons spilling out onto the neighbouring terraces on sunny evenings. This is the sort of thing Brussels excels at; it’s cool, but the vibe is still very neighbourhoody, and you’ll find similar events around the city on other nights.

9.  L’Epicerie

What is it? A tiny one-woman restaurant in the chic Châtelain neighbourhood.

Why go? The menu here depends on what the owner has picked up from the market that morning, and what she feels like cooking. There’s no choice, but who needs choice when everything is this fresh and delicious and the service this charming? It’s like going for dinner at a friend’s place. While you’re in this part of town, pop into Typographe just around the corner: heaven for fans of exquisite stationery.

10.  Beer tasting tour

What is it? A chance to discover some of the thousands of beers Belgium is renowned for.

Why go? Don’t know your lambic from your dubbel, your tripel from your trappist, your gueuze from your elbow? You will by the end of this tour, which takes in some lesser-known spots in the city with the aim of educating you about one of Belgium’s finest contributions to the world. Led by a knowledgeable and professional guide, you’ll enjoy several kinds of beer, cheese and some real local colour as you learn.

11.  MIMA

What is it? A great addition to Brussels’ art scene, in an up-and-coming neighbourhood.

Why go? This temple to the ultra-contemporary – they call it culture 2.0 – specialises in urban art inspired by subcultures like skateboarding and tattooing, as well as comics, advertising and abandoned spaces. It’s in a converted brewery by the canal, a previously run-down part of town that’s slowly being shown some love. A 10-minute stroll brings you to Phare du Kanaal , a coffee shop/coworking space that’s helping lead the waterside revival, serving up creative food all day.

12.  Dieweg Cemetery

What is it? An overgrown graveyard that’s full of charm and totally photogenic.

Why go? The cemetery closed to new burials in the 1940s but made an exception for Hergé, the creator of local comic hero Tintin, who was interred here in 1983. For a long time, it was left to grow wild, and is now home to hundreds of plant and tree varieties, as well as a fabulous collection of headstones of all kinds. To get there, take the wobbly old 97 tram through the southern suburbs to the end of the line; the journey’s an interesting way to pass the time in its own right. The rolling landscaped Wolvendael Park nearby is a good picnic spot.

13.  Waffles!

What is it? What do you mean what are waffles ? Come on, everyone knows what waffles are. 

Why go? You’re in Belgium, you eat waffles. It’s just a given thing – and it’s the same in Brussels. Get ‘em plain or get ‘em loaded with cream and sugary goodies; for a classic Brussels waffle head to Maison Dandoy, while for a swankier, more innovative waff go to Vitalgaufre

14.  VK Concerts

What is it?   An ideal spot for those who love to club á la mode.

Why go?   All the latest up-and-comers venture to Molenbeek for sets they're in Brussels. That's acts and DJs from all kinds of genres too, from hip hop to pop, punk to garage and reggae to electro. This joint has been serving up the freshest cuts in music for a good three decades now, so you can be sure to catch someone cool here on any night. Check their website before you head out if you want to know exactly who'll be down there. 

More great things to do in Brussels

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Home » Europe » Belgium » Brussels

18 BEST Places to Visit in Brussels (2024)

As the capital of Belgium, Brussels is known for many things. It could be the European Parliament that first springs to mind.

Some people jump straight to chocolate, cheese, and beer (and deservingly so). Of course, the history is what makes all this possible – the city even houses a UNESCO World Heritage site. This combination of qualities is what makes it such a popular destination for tourists from all walks of life.

There’s nothing quite like munching on some high-class Belgian chocolate while you check out architectural wonders that hold the weight of a very long history. And this is definitely something you should do when you travel to Brussels.

Brussels is a relatively small city, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always easy to navigate. When you travel to this city, you don’t want to miss out on some of its best, quirkiest, and tastiest sites.

That’s why we’ve created this list of the best places to visit in Brussels. It includes some standards and some places that only the locals know so that you get the best of all worlds during your trips.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Brussels:

These are the best places to visit in brussels, faqs on the best places to visit in brussels, final thoughts on the coolest places to visit in brussels.

Saint Gilles

Our choice for the coolest place to stay in Brussels, Saint Gilles is a youthful, bohemian, trendy, multicultural, and lively part of the city.

• Be inspired at the Art Nouveau Horta Museum.
• Take a peek inside Horta pre-metro station to see architectural pieces signed by famous architects.
• Enjoy fresh air and greenery at Parc de Forest.

As well as being the capital of Belgium, it’s also (arguably) the capital of Europe – housing the European Union too. That means you can expect all your stereotypical European delights, packed into one city. You’ll find incredible architecture, fantastic transport, an eclectic mix of cultures, and history coming out of its ears.

When you’re planning your European dream tour , you can’t miss some of these top attractions in Brussels. Let’s jump right into the city center.

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#1 – Grand Place – A great place to see in Brussels for architecture

• The best place to start your travels in Brussels!
• A beautiful and historic spot with amazing architecture everywhere you look.

Why it’s so awesome: There are several important must-see buildings in this area to check out as you’re visiting Belgium . At the top of the list of must-see places is this UNESCO world heritage site: the Grand Place. The Grand Place is right in the heart of Brussels, the Town Hall is one of the best-preserved areas in all of Europe. The architecture in this area is simply spectacular, mostly because of the Gildehuizen or guild houses, which have amazing stonework and gold decorations in the Baroque style with Flemish influences.

What to do there: You’ll want to spend plenty of time looking at the buildings in this area, because they’re both historical and stunningly beautiful. Afterwards, make sure you take some pictures of the famous Hotel de Ville or Town Hall, which was built in 1402. When you’re tired of taking pictures, check out the cafes and restaurants in the area for a rest surrounded by incredible beauty.

#2 – The Royal Palace – the best place to visit in one day

• You’ll get some amazing photos at this palace when you’re visiting Brussels.
• The official residence of the Belgian royal family.

Why it’s so awesome: This is the most important building in Brussels and probably in Belgium as a whole because it’s the official residence of the royal family. When they’re home you’ll see the flag flying high. It’s an imposing building surrounded by lush green and looks great in photos.

What to do there: You probably won’t be able to enter the building because the royal family is there, but it’s still worth visiting. At 2.30 pm, the ceremonial Changing of the Guard occurs, so that’s worth planning your day around. There are also several neoclassical buildings around the palace that you should explore including the Palais des Academies and the Palais des Beaux-Arts.

#3 – Manneken Pis – the best free thing to visit in Brussels

• A slightly naughty statue that’s one of the most popular points of interest in Brussels.
• This statue is usually besieged by tourists, so get there early if you want to see it properly.

Why it’s so awesome: The clue’s in the name: this little guy is located along the Rue de l’Etuve – and has been traced back to 1388 – but little more is known about it. It’s often referred to as the oldest citizen in Brussels and is an image of a little boy urinating. As far as Brussels attractions go, Manneken Pis is surely a unique sight. There are lots of legends about this statue so go ahead and make up your own too.

What to do there: Arrive early to beat the crowds and get that iconic photo of the little boy urinating (you choose how rude you want to be). If you’re in Brussels during city celebrations, this statue is often dressed in costume, so make sure you have a look if you’re there at the right time.

With a Brussels City Pass , you can experience the best of Brussels at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#4 – Belgian Comic Strip Centre – One of the more unique places to visit in Brussels!

• A great place to visit in Brussels if you remember the Smurf and TinTin.
• This comic arts museum is held in a gorgeous building that was designed by Victor Horta.

Why it’s so awesome: This building is dedicated to cartoons and comic strips that were first created in Belgium. You might not know it, but the Smurfs and Tintin were born in Belgium, and the display celebrates this history as well as other works by Belgian and French comic artists over the years. This is one of the more unusual things to do in Brussels , which is why we like it so much!

What to do there: The displays at this venue rotate constantly, so every time you go, you’ll get to see something different. There are 200 original comic strip drawings included in the exhibition, and you’ll also learn more about the rising popularity of comic books. So, make sure you check out the sketches, sets, and manuscripts that explore this history as well.

#5 – Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site – A fascinating educational place to visit in Brussels

• An active archaeological site that was discovered in the 1980s and is now open to the public.
• This site was the former Palace of Brussels and excavations have uncovered cellars, tunnels and forgotten streets underneath the modern-day city.

Why it’s so awesome: It isn’t often that you get to explore an active archaeological site, but this is your chance to do just that. Since its discovery in the 1980s, researchers have found numerous tunnels and forgotten streets around the former castle, all of them buried by time and forgotten until very recently. So, if you’re interested in exploring a medieval palace with all its secrets, add this to your Brussels itinerary .

What to do there: Put aside a couple of hours to explore this site. The foundations of the palace have been cleared for tourists, and there are free audio guides available so you can more fully understand what you’re looking at and why it’s important. This is also one of the best hotspots in Brussels to take the kids, as the museum holds interactive programs to get them involved in the explorations.

#6 – Saint Michel Cathedral

• A gothic style cathedral that was completed in the 15th century after centuries of work.
• This cathedral looks amazing in person and even better in pictures, so make sure you take your camera with you.

Why it’s so awesome: This gothic cathedral is dedicated to St. Michel and St. Gudula, the patron saint of Brussels. It was founded in 1225 but wasn’t completed until the 15th century and is an amazing example of Gothic architecture. It’s topped by 69-meter-high towers and is lavishly furnished inside.

What to do there: The outside of the building is stunning but it’s the inside that will take your breath away. Make sure that you spend some time examining the stained-glass windows. The south transept depicts Charles V and Isabella of Portugal and the north transept shows Louis II and Mary. There’s also a chapel inside known as the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, and the stained glass in there depicts the Miracle of the Host, so make sure you see it.

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#7 – The Atomium – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Brussels

• This strange looking construct is one of the most famous places in Brussels for tourists and locals alike.
• You’ll need to take the tram to reach this attraction, but it’s worth the trip.

Why it’s so awesome: The Atomium is a surreal-looking construct created by architect Andre Waterkeyn for the 1958 Brussels World Exhibition. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Brussels. This 102-meter-high aluminium and steel attraction is designed in the shape of a molecule of iron that’s been magnified 165 times. So, if you’re the type of person who’s always wanted to know what iron really looks like, this is your chance!

What to do there: It’s worth the tram journey to get to the location of this Brussels must-see, mostly because it’s so odd-looking. Make sure you take the chance to explore the interior as well, where four of the nine spheres present a show about human life called Biogenium. It’s one of the best free places to visit in Brussels. Take your picnic, or a beer, and enjoy this unique backdrop.

#8 – Mont des Arts

• An architecturally striking collection of buildings that holds the Royal Library of Belgium, the Square – Brussels Meeting Center, the National Archives of Belgium, and a public garden.
• There are not only some amazing books in this building but great museums.

Why it’s so awesome: The Mont des Arts was built between 1956 and 1958, so it’s a modern building that somehow fits perfectly with the buildings around it. The site sits between the Royal Palace and the Place de l’Albertine and is a complex of modern buildings that hold the city’s library, national archives, and meeting center.

What to do there: If you’re looking for Brussels vacation ideas, this is a great place to start because it’s close to most of the best tourist attractions in Brussels. The complex also offers amazing views of Brussels. From the elevated buildings, you can see all the way from the Grand Palace to the Atomium and everything in between. And at the other end of the building, you can see the Royal Square and the done of Saint-Jacques on the Coudenberg.

#9 – Notre-Dame du Sablon

• Built around the 15th-16th century to replace an older chapel that was built around 1304.
• The inside of the church is incredible, with some of the most beautiful stained-glass scenes you’ll ever see.

Why it’s so awesome: This church is considered to be one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in all of Belgium. The inside and outside of the building are equally amazing and look just as good in photos as well. The church also contains the burial chapel of the Thurn und Taxis family and a figure of the Virgin which is a copy of the figurine that was supposedly bought to the chapel by a woman the Virgin appeared to back in 1348.

What to do there: This is a truly stunning church and you’ll be amazed at the architectural mastery and the artwork when you visit. The stained-glass images inside the church are particularly popular, so make sure you spend time examining the scenes they depict.

#10 – The Parlamentarium – One of the most important places to visit in Brussels

• The best place to learn about Europe’s past and how to it came to be.
• A fascinating display, even if you aren’t interested in politics.

Why it’s so awesome: The Parlamentarium is just outside of the city center and it has a visitor’s center that will give you a deeper insight into the Brussels of the present by exploring Europe’s past. The center has multimedia exhibits that explore what the World Wars were really like and how they influenced politics in Europe today.

What to do there: If you’ve ever wanted to learn about why the European Union was developed and how it influenced how Europe grew, this is the place to do it. So, take the tour at the center to learn more about the world you live in now and the people and events that shaped it. This is also a great place to take the kids if you want them to understand the larger stage of the world.

#11 – Cinquantenaire Park – most beautiful place to visit in Brussels

• On a fine day, there’s no better place to visit in Brussels if you need to relax in nature.
• There is a museum in the park as well if you want to get a little culture in at the same time.

Why it’s so awesome: When it’s sunny in Brussels, all the locals head out to this park to enjoy the sunshine. In a busy modern city, it’s important to get out in nature sometimes and this is the easiest and the fastest way to do that. There is also a great museum in the park called the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History if you’re a war buff.

What to do there: This is the perfect place to have a picnic, hire a bike and do some cycling, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature right in the middle of the city. So, take a picnic and enjoy it on the grass, or just hang out near the fountain on the weekend in Brussels (Saturdays are always the best day for people-watching).

#12 – Mini Europe – a unique place to visit in Brussels

• A theme park with 1:25 scale models of the best monuments in the EU.
• This theme park is at the base of the Atomium, a huge model of an iron molecule, which makes this area a study of contrasts.

Why it’s so awesome: This park opened in 1989 and features 350 monuments from all around Europe. To dive into European top sights, this is the place to start. It’s the only place to see Mount Vesuvius, Big Ben, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa all in the same place. In fact, the theme park explores the most famous buildings from 80 cities in Europe and the attention to detail in each is simply astonishing.

What to do there: You have to admire the attention to tiny detail in this park. Each model is created using a silicone mould and resin or casts. They each took a long time to build, but some of them represent a level of dedication that most people just don’t have. For example, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela took 24,000 hours to build. Also, make sure you spend some at the new interactive exhibition at the park for an introduction to EU history through multimedia games.

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#13 – The Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts – A great place to visit in Brussels if you are traveling solo

• One of the biggest and best art galleries in the world.
• The museum has been open since about 1875, but the collection was first set up in 1797.

Why it’s so awesome: When you think of the best art in the world, you probably think of Paris and Italy. But when you travel to Brussels, you’ll discover a collection that rivals those famous places. In 1797, the art collection which is now in the museum was created in the former palace of Charles Lorraine. The collection is divided into two parts, the first focusing on Ancient art and holding pieces by Flemish and Dutch Masters from the distant past. The second part of the collection consists of modern art and mostly holds 19th and 20th-century works.

What to do there: Set aside some time to explore both the ancient and modern parts of this museum. These collections absolutely must be on your Brussels itinerary. Check out the artwork by Flemish and Dutch Masters; Petrus Christus, Dirk Bouts, Hans Memling and Gerard David. And afterwards, spend some time exploring more modern pieces and see how art in Belgium has changed and evolved over the years.

#14 – Royal Greenhouses of Laeken – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Brussels!

• This location is only open to the public for 2 weeks in spring, but if you’re there at the right time of year then you’re in for a treat!

Why it’s so awesome: King Leopold II of Belgium created the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken between 1884 and 1886. They’re part of a huge complex, with thirty pavilions that are all connected to the Winter Gardens. From the outside, the greenhouses are massive glass domes that shine in the sun. And on the inside is a collection of exotic and tropical plants that are incredibly pleasing to the eyes and to the nose.

What to do there: These greenhouses are only open for 2 weeks in late April and early May, so if you want to see them then you’ll have to time your trip to coincide with the opening days. This is at the time when the flowers are blooming though, so it’s a beautiful time to appreciate the display. If you do manage to enter the greenhouses, make sure that you check out the geraniums and azaleas, which light up the corridors and catch the sunlight perfectly. The Greenhouse of Congo is also worth seeing for its collection of African plants and the dark history of colonialization this greenhouse represents.

#15 – The Musical Instrument Museum – Quite the quirky place in Brussels!

• A great place to learn about a different side of Belgium’s history.
• This is one of the best places to visit in Brussels if you’re interested in music.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum is located in central Brussels and holds a collection of over 1,500 instruments. This includes both European and non-European instruments as well as a detailed exploration of how Brussels contributed to the making of recorders in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The museum also explores the history of instrument inventor and Belgium native Adolphe Sax, who lived in the nineteenth century.

What to do there: The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, so check out the opening hours before you just show up. Once you’re there, check out the floors of different types of instruments including mechanical, traditional, and keyboard instruments. Also, make sure you listen to the instruments as well as look at them. The museum offers free headphones that allows you to listen to up to 200 musical pieces created by the instruments on display. There’s also a sound lab where you can experiment with the instrument and see what sounds you can make.

#16 – Delirium Café – Cool place to see in Brussels with friends!

• One of the best places to visit in Brussels for beer fans.
• This café has over 2,000 beers on tap.

Why it’s so awesome: This café claims to have the best beer in the world and they might just be right! Located in one of Brussels’ cobblestone backstreets, the café has one of the biggest beer selections you’ll ever see, which is why it’s really popular amongst the locals! The bar itself is also quirky and welcoming, with neon signs and posts from years past.

What to do there: Grab a few friends and head to this café at the start of a great night out! Try some of the Belgian beers and see for yourself if they offer the best beer in the world. And if you have trouble choosing a beer from the textbook-sized menu, just ask the bartenders. They have a vast knowledge of beer and can steer you towards something delicious. The café also offers a range of cheeses and other snacks to soak up the alcohol.

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#17 – Le Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum) – Awesome place to visit in Brussels with kids!

• A great place to take the kids or even the young at heart!
• This museum is interactive, and the toys are meant to be played with, not just looked at.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum is housed in an old mansion and is 3 floors and 20 rooms of toys, most of them dating from the 1950s through to the 1980s. However, there are some older toys on display, some of them from the 1800s! Some of the toys were donated, others purchased, but all of them are there to be enjoyed and played with.

What to do there: There are a huge range of toys at this museum, including the incredibly rare and the everyday. And best of all is the fact that you can play with them. So, take the kids with you, or just leave your inhibitions behind, and follow in the steps of children from generations before. There’s also a theater and old tram inside the museum, so you could spend hours at play!

#18 – Maison Dandoy – A must-see for foodies!

• You can’t visit Brussels and not eat Belgian waffles, and this is one of the best places to eat in Brussels !
• All the waffles here are made to order, which is why they’re better than the waffles you’ll get at most places.

Why it’s so awesome: You can’t visit Brussels without eating Belgian waffles. They’re available at a lot of places in the city, but Maison Dandoy has the tastiest range. This shop has been making baked goods since 1829, which is why they know how to make the best waffles in the city. There are a few locations, so find one near where you’re staying in Brussels and indulge your sweet tooth! And everything is made fresh, which is what makes all the difference.

What to do there: You’ll probably need to visit this shop a few times while you’re visiting Brussels because no one can eat all the tasty varieties they have in a single sitting. Try the sweet Liege waffle as well as the fluffier Brussels waffles to see which one you enjoy the most. And you can have almost every sweet treat you can imagine on top of your waffles, including hot chocolate sauce, caramel and ice cream!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Brussels.

Is Brussels worth a visit?

Brussels is definitely worth a visit. There are so many epic places to visit that you’ll probably feel a bit overwhelmed. From great food and culture to nightlife, parties and Belgian festivals , Brussels is great travel destination.

Which places in Brussels can you visit for free?

Check out these free places to visit in Brussels: – Grand Plaza – The Atomium – The Royal Palace

What places in Brussels can you visit at night?

The Delirium Café is one of the best places to visit at night in Brussels. With over 2000 beers on tap, you’re promised a tasty experience and a really good time.

Are there any good places to visit in Brussels during winter?

When it’s starting to get cold outside, these are the best places to visit in Brussels: – Belgian Comic Strip Center – The Parlamentarium – Maison Dandoy

Brussels is brimming with history and should be on every traveller’s itinerary when backpacking Europe. When you travel to Brussels, you want to experience all that this amazing and historic city has to offer. I mention that in homage to the importance of its incredible history before I mention the insane Belgian beer, waffles, and chocolate.

There are some MUST-SEE places to visit in Brussels: the Grand Place, the Royal Palace, and the town hall should be at the top of your list! But you should do that and combine your travel plan with the confidence to wander and find amazing sites, cafes, and eateries on your own. Hopefully, this list will spur on your imagination.

This is just a starting point to find the Brussels that you’ve always dreamed of experiencing. And that’s the only way that you’ll be able to discover your own list of the best places to visit in Brussels. That’s where the real Belgian adventure begins.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

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24 Best Things To Do In Brussels in 2024

Written By: Sara Oprasic

Updated On: January 23, 2024

Visiting Brussels is an exciting adventure filled with stunning architecture, rich history, and some of the world’s best beer. With countless museums, city squares, and striking buildings, enjoying a stay in Brussels is the easiest thing in the world.  On the other end of the spectrum is the gastronomic scene of Belgian’s capital , known for fries, chocolates, and delicious waffles. Whether your idea of a good time is a historic tour or partaking in some delicious Belgian food, Brussels won’t disappoint. 

The city attractions range from a stunning royal palace to some of the best art museums in Europe. Walking through the city’s cobblestone alleys allows discovery of its Gothic facades, Art Nouveau buildings, and the weirdest statues imaginable.  Start the day with a tour of Brussels’s historic center. Then, jump on the tram and head to a theme park with miniatures of the most famous landmarks in Europe, followed by Belgian beers in the evening. If that sounds fun, you’re in for a treat with this guide to the best things to do in Brussels!

Brussels isn’t usually the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to a European capital. It’s often overshadowed by the likes of Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, but that just means fewer crowds. 

The city has loads of tourist attractions that cater to everyone, and it’s a joy to roam around its streets. And it’s very close to several other famous cities in Belgium, allowing for easy and affordable day trips. 

Best of Brussels Quick Guide

• Must See : Grand Place, Mont des Arts, Manneken Pis, Parc du Cinquantenaire
• Where to Stay: Ibis Hotel City Center , 9Hotel Sablon , Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
• Fun To Do: Autoworld Brussels , Mini Europe, Chocolate Tasting , Atomium
• Day Trips: Leuven, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent
• Must-Try Foods: Belgian waffles, fries, chocolate

Table of Contents

Best Things To Do in Brussels

The great thing about Brussels is that it has something to offer to everyone, whether they’re into art, history, or just having a good time. The city’s many restaurants and bars stay open late into the night, and its museums are surprisingly affordable to tour. 

You can have a good time in Brussels no matter what you enjoy. But it helps to enjoy Gothic buildings and street art because they’re everywhere in central Brussels! 

1. Walking Tour of Grand Place & Brussels Old Town

A first-time visit to Brussels should start with a walking tour of the city’s historic center. Begin at the Grand Place central square to discover the Gothic architecture of the old city, dominated by the Brussels Town Hall. 

Brussels’ Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for its political and cultural importance and the starting point of most walking tours. Other top sights in Brussels Old Town include the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Mont des Arts, Church of Saint Catherine, and Passage du Nord. All are within walking distance from Grand Place.

While you’re walking around the streets of Brussels, you’ll come across various sculptures. Manneken Pis, Jeanneke-Pis, and Zenneke Pis, all of which depict the act of urinating. It’s incredibly weird, but kind of iconic in Brussels. 

Practical Information: Guided walking tours normally take up to two hours, and that is plenty of time to explore the top sights in the historic center of Brussels. 

2. Tour the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a complex of six museums. All are situated on the square in front of the Brussels Royal Palace and are separate establishments. The six museums in this complex are the Fin-de-Siècle Museum , the OldMasters Museum, the Modern Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Wiertz Museum, and the Meunier Museum.

Magritte Museum is by far the most popular of all the royal museums. It is the most visited museum in all of Belgium, with more than 230 pieces of art by the famous Belgian artist. 

The Old Masters Museum is also fascinating, with a collection that features Reubens, Bosch, Ribera, Van Dyck, and many others. Art lovers will struggle to choose just one museum, and to them I say, stay in Brussels long enough so you have time to visit them all. 

Insider Tip : Access to the museum’s permanent collections is free every first Wednesday of the month after 1 PM. 

Practical Information: The various Fine Arts Museums are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM until 5 PM.  The Wiertz and Meunier museums are free, and combi tickets are available for other museums for 10-15 Euros.

3. Take a Break At Brussels Park

Set on the former hunting grounds of the Palace of Coudenberg, Brussels Park is the largest public park in the Belgian capital. It’s also the first public park that opened in the city back in the 18th century. 

The royal park features a fountain, manicured hedges, and some interesting park architecture. Many statues can be seen throughout Brussels Park, as well as some interesting buildings. Muziekkiosk, the gazebo that hosts live concerts, is perhaps the most charming of all. 

Royal Park Theatre is a spectacular building worth seeing from the inside. Go in and inquire about tickets just to get a glimpse at the ornate interior. And if you hear any music, head to the adjacent Vaux Hall to see what’s going on. 

Practical Information: Brussels Park is free to enter and open at all times. It’s serviced by metro, tram, and bus stops. 

4. Tour The European Parliament

Book a tour of the European Parliament to experience the contrast between old and new Brussels. While the city’s historic center might be famous for Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, the European Parliament building is as modern as it gets. 

The glass and concrete building is massive, entirely different from the medieval buildings of the inner city center. You can’t walk around the actual Parliament building, but you can go to Parliamentarium. 

It’s a state-of-the-art visitor’s center with multimedia exhibits on how the parliament operates. If you’re not very familiar with the workings of the European Union, this short tour will be fascinating and very informative. 

Insider Tip : Head to park on the (left) side of the building to see a piece of the Berlin Wall. 

Practical Information: Parlamentarium is open daily from 9 AM or 1 PM (Mondays) until 6 PM. Tours are free of charge and take approximately 90 minutes. 

5. Indulge in Belgian Chocolate 

Belgian chocolate is world-famous as some of the best in the world, and no trip to Brussels is complete if you don’t consume half a pound of chocolate. At least! The city’s historic center is home to the best chocolate shops, where you can taste everything from pralines to handmade chocolate bars. 

Exercising restraint is the most difficult thing about chocolate shops in Brussels. It’s exceptionally hard to walk into one of these shops and not get everything on the menu, although the high prices will help with self-control. 

Some of the best chocolate shops in the city center are La Belgique Gourmande, Leonidas, and Godiva Grand Place. If you fancy it, we do recommend this chocolate tour . But only if you love chocolate 🙂

Practical Information: Most chocolate shops in central Brussels are open from 9 AM to around 11 PM, with similar prices. Specialty chocolate bars start at approximately 10 Euros, and boxes of assorted chocolates at 25 Euros. 

6. Mini Europe Theme Park

Jump on line six of the metro and head to the Heysel station to visit Mini Europe, a fabulous theme park in the northwestern part of Brussels. The miniature park features 25:1 scale replicas of the most famous landmarks in Europe, from the Eiffel Tower to the Acropolis. 

What is even more fun about this open-air theme park is that many of the exhibits are interactive. You can vandalize a section of the Berlin Wall and witness a Vesuvius eruption. There are even miniature replicas of famous battles throughout history. 

The theme park even gets current-event updates, and in 2022, several exhibits related to Ukraine were added. European Union candidates are not represented at Mini Europe, so this was a ground-breaking moment for the theme park. 

Practical Information: Mini Europe is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Full-priced tickets are €19, and there’s an option to buy combo tickets for the Atomium, Planetarium, Kinepolis, or Tootbus. 

7. Visit the Autoworld Museum

Set in Parc du Cinquantenaire, Autoworld is one of the most interesting museums in Brussels. Car lovers and motorsport fans must add this museum to their Brussels itinerary because it will be the highlight of the entire trip. 

From presidential limousines to old Formula 1 cars, the exhibit features more than 250 vehicles that illustrate the last century of automotive history. Many oldtimers are included in the museum exhibit, and there’s everything from a 1969 Citroen to a prototype Lamborghini Countach.

You can also see racing suits, engines, and miniature toy models. It’s worth noting that all the vehicles exhibited at the Autoworld are either from Europe or the United States, so sadly, no Toyotas or Hondas are part of the collection.

Practical Information: Autoworld Brussels is open daily from 10 AM until 5 PM. Tickets start at €13, but entrance is free with the Brussels Museum Pass. 

8. Discover the Stately Rooms of the Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It’s also one of the most important buildings in the country since it serves as the administrative residence of the King of Belgium. 

Traditionally, the Palace opens its doors to the public from late July until September. If you happen to be in Brussels at that time, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. 

Singling out just a few of the palace rooms is a daunting task, but I’ll try. The Goya Room features stunning tapestries, while the Throne Room dazzles with its chandeliers and oak floors. And then there’s the Mirror Room, with a ceiling covered with more than a million jewel beetles.

Practical Information: The Royal Palace of Brussels is open to the public from July 21st until September. Entrance is free, but visitors must book a spot in advance. 

9. See the Quirky Manneken Pis Fountain

Manneken Pis is the most famous fountain in Brussels. The original fountain was from the 17th century, but it was stolen several times and the current fountain is from the 1960s. It is, in essence, a 22” statue of a boy peeing into the basin below. The original statue is displayed at the Brussels City Museum. 

Some people get it, others don’t, but there’s no denying the fact that this is one of the most iconic landmarks in the entire city. Crowds of tourists are often found standing in front of Manekken Pis, trying to get a good photo of the small boy behind bars. 

The statue is often dressed up in costumes, and there’s even a museum around the corner from the fountain with an exhibit on all of Manneken Pis’ different costumes.  

Practical Information: Manneken Pis is a free attraction in Brussels Old Town. The GardeRobe MannekenPis museum has an entrance fee of 5€.

10. Day Trip To Antwerp

Antwerp is 40-50 minutes by train from Brussels, so the city is a great day trip destination even for short trips to Belgium. It is known for its art museum, city parks, and striking medieval architecture. Oh, and diamonds. 

This Belgian city is the diamond capital of the world. More than 80% of all rough diamonds pass through Antwerp and about half of all the cut ones. If you want to spend some hard-earned money on precious stones, the stores in Antwerp’s Diamond District are the place to be. 

A walk through the historic city center allows you to discover some Antwerp landmarks. Stand at the center of Groenplaats for a spectacular view of the Cathedral of Our Lady. Head to the Grote Markt plaza for striking statues, gorgeous architecture, and delicious beers. 

Practical Information: Antwerp is 40-50 minutes by train from Brussels Central Station. Return tickets are €16.80 for adults, and various discounts are available for youth and seniors. 

11. Visit the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

The Brussels Museum of Military History is a must-see attraction for history buffs. With 10 different galleries covering everything from the Middle Ages to aviation, you could easily spend 4-5 hours at this museum and not even feel the time go by. 

I’m not big on military history and wars, but even I was blown away by the Aviation Hall. It is without a doubt the highlight of the museum, with more than 130 aircraft on exhibit. It features warplanes, aircraft engines, and even hot air balloons. 

There’s an entire gallery on World War I, another gallery on the history of the Navy in Belgium, and a gallery with armor from the Middle Ages. And I haven’t even covered half of the exhibits at this museum. 

Practical Information: The Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is situated in Cinquantenaire Park. Tickets are just 11 Euros, and entry is free with the Brussels Museum Pass. 

12. Belgian Beer Tasting Adventure

Belgium is world famous for its beers, and a trip to Brussels is the perfect excuse to have one too many beers. The most famous are Trappist beers brewed by monks in monasteries, but you don’t necessarily need to go to a monastery for beer tastings. 

Brussel’s Old Town is home to countless pubs that have so many beers on the menu you’ll get a headache trying to decide on just one or two. Many offer beer-tasting menus, which include small servings of up to ten different beers. 

Beer Capital Brussels is one of the best bars in the city for beer tastings . Just keep in mind that all these craft beers usually have a high alcohol content. Order some food, and you won’t get drunk from two beers. 

Practical Information: Beer Capital Brussels is open every day from 12 PM to 5 AM. Other pubs in the city center observe similar working hours. 

13. Head to Leuven for the Day

Leuven is a historic city close to Brussels, known for 15th-century architecture, breweries, and the world’s largest Dutch-speaking university. It’s a small but charming town with a lot of character, and some truly striking buildings. 

Even if you’ve never heard of Leuven, I bet you’ve heard of Stella Artois beer. It originated in the city’s Den Hoorn brewery, which has operated in Leuven for more than six centuries. The famous beer was first introduced in 1926 as a Christmas beer. 

Half a day in Leuven is enough time to tour the city’s old town and see all its striking buildings. The Leuven Town Hall stands tall at the central city square, overlooking the slightly less imposing Saint Peter’s Church. 

Practical Information: Leuven is just a 25-minute train ride from the Brussels Central Station. Second-class return tickets are €12.20, and it’s possible to buy them online or at the train station. 

14. Explore The Comics Art Museum

Set inside the former Art Nouveau warehouse of Victor Horta, the Comics Art Museum is a must-see attraction for all comic book lovers. The modern museum is also great for kids, so don’t miss out if you’re on a family trip to Brussels. 

Comics Art Museum has a permanent exhibit with some of the most famous characters from cartoons and comic books. It also hosts temporary exhibits, which promote up-and-coming artists from all over Europe. 

An extensive exhibit on the Smurfs is the highlight of this museum. There’s also a statue of Lucky Luke and an adorable sculpture of Garfield. Entrance to this museum is free with the Brussels Museum Pass. 

Practical Information: The Belgian Comic Strip Center has an entrance fee of 13 Euros. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

15. Day Trip To Bruges

Bruges is the largest city in the West Flanders province and a stunning place to visit. Its historic center is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval buildings. 

See the Belfry of Bruges, the Church of Our Lady, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, all within walking distance of one another in the old town. Marvel at the canals that earned Bruges the nickname “Venice of the North”.  

Bruges has several museums dedicated to Belgian culture and tradition. The Choco-Story and the Bruges Beer Experience are the two most popular museums in town, and they’re well worth a visit if you’ve got an hour to spare. 

Practical Information: Bruges is an hour and 10 minutes from Brussels by train from the central station. The full price of a return ticket is €32.

16. Viewing Platform At The Atomium

Head to the Atomium on the northwestern edge of the city for the best panoramic views of Brussels’ rooftops. The huge stainless steel structure was originally built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, and it was supposed to be demolished after. 

Here we are more than six decades later, and the structure is still standing tall. It has become a must-visit destination for tourists in Brussels, both for its historic significance and the sprawling views. 

The Atomium was renovated in the early aughts, which is how it manages to look so pristine despite being half a century old. It features two viewing platforms in its spheres as well as a panoramic restaurant serving Belgian specialties. 

Insider Tip: Visit the Atomium on the same day as Mini Europe to get combo tickets and save money. 

Practical Information: The Atomium is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets are €16.95 and include entrance to the Design Museum Brussels. 

17. Parc du Cinquantenaire

Situated in the northeastern part of Brussels, Parc du Cinquantenaire is home to several of the city’s most famous museums. But there’s merit to visiting the park even if you have zero interest in the museums it houses. 

The landscaped 19th-century park features walking paths, busts, memorials, and bars. And several museums, two of which are already covered in this guide. The Triumphal Arch is the centerpiece of the park, and it’s an astonishing sight with its sculptures and all the details. 

Parc du Cinquantenaire is best experienced in spring and winter. In the spring, because of all the stunning flowers that are in bloom over its perfectly manicured lawns. And in the winter, because of the fairy lights and Christmas decorations that make the place feel like a winter wonderland. 

Practical Information: Parc du Cinquantenaire is always open and is free to visit. The Merode metro station is near the eastern entrance to the park. 

18. Shopping At the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is a covered arcade lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. With high-end stores selling everything from designer jewelry to custom chocolates, it’s the best place in Brussels for some serious (window) shopping. 

On a rainy day, the arcade provides some much-needed shelter from the wet, while allowing you to continue exploring the best of Brussels. The entrance to the arcade is marked with columns and intricate statues on either side, so it’s impossible to miss. 

In addition to many stores and restaurants, the 19th-century shopping arcade also features art galleries and even a cinema. Rue des Bouchers cuts through the arcade at the halfway point and serves as an exit point at its center.  

Practical Information: The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is open 24/7, but the shops and restaurants inside have varying operating hours. Entrance to the arcade is free. 

19. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

The Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is the most important church in Belgium. It’s the national cathedral which hosts both royal weddings and funerals, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most important landmarks in Brussels. 

Anyone can visit the cathedral for free, to admire the spectacular architectural elements inside. See the organ, the altarpiece, and stained glass windows, and marvel at all the gorgeous statues. 

Tours of the crypt, archaeological site, and treasury are also available for a small fee. From March to October, it’s also possible to tour the tower of Brussels Cathedral. But tours are available only in French and Dutch, so they’re not worth it if you don’t speak the languages.

Practical Information: St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is open daily from 7 AM until 6 PM. Entrance to the church is free, and entrances to the archaeological site, crypt, and treasure have respective fees of 1€, 2€, and 3€. 

20. Spend Some Time in Ghent

Ghent is a port city in northwestern Belgium, just 40 minutes from Brussels by train. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was a city-state and one of the richest cities on the European continent. Ghent’s historical importance is evident in its landmarks, the best of which is a moated castle in the city center. 

Gravensteen is by and large the most famous landmark in Ghent, dating back to the 10th century. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is another architectural gem, famous for the Ghent Altarpiece created by Van Eyck. 

Other famous landmarks in Ghent include the Belfry of Ghent, the City Hall, and Saint Nicholas’ Church. Walk through the old town to catch a glimpse of all these iconic buildings, and don’t miss out on the street art in Graffiti Street. 

Practical Information: Ghent is a 40-minute train ride from Brussels. Full-priced return tickets are €20.40. 

21. Admire the View at Mont des Arts

Situated on the southeastern edge of Brussels’ historic center, Mont des Arts is a planned urban area with a square, gardens, and museums. Boasting beautiful architecture and perfectly manicured lawns, it reminded me of the Tuileries Garden in Paris. 

The place was meant to evoke a French vibe, and it does it perfectly with its statues, fountains, and striking city views. Even the crowds here are reminiscent of French cities, but that’s to be expected considering that Mont des Arts is right next to Brussels Central Station. 

The Royal Library of Belgium is also situated here, and you must visit it if you consider yourself an avid reader. With exhibits on the history of writing and millions of books from all ages, it’s a place where you could stay for hours without feeling the time go by. 

Practical Information: Mont des Arts is accessible at all times, and it is a free attraction. The Royal Library of Belgium also has free access. 

22. Stroll Around Sablon

Sablon is a Brussels neighborhood that many people, myself included, stumble upon by accident. It’s a short stroll from the Magritte Museum and a must if you’re already in the area. 

Grand Sablon Plaza lies at the center of this neighborhood, and it is thoroughly dominated by the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon. The Gothic church is stunning inside and out, and a worthy stop on any tour of Brussels.

Other notable landmarks in Sablon include the Square of Petit Sablon, Brussels Courthouse, Egmont Park, and the Brussels Ferris wheel. A ride on the Ferris wheel is just 10 Euros, and it’s worth every cent for the stunning view of Brussels’ rooftops. 

Practical Information: Sablon or Zavel neighborhood is easily accessible by metro, tram, and bus. It’s also a 10-minute walk from the Royal Palace. 

23. Sainte-Catherine Plaza

Sainte-Catherine Plaza is a city square lined with cafes and restaurants in beautiful buildings. At the center of the square is the Church of Saint Catherine, with a Gothic exterior and a neo-Renaissance interior. 

This city square is the place to be in Brussels during Christmas when you can see light shows on the church’s facade. Many wooden stalls are set up throughout the plaza for the city’s Advent, offering delicious Belgian delicacies from waffles to fries. 

Behind the church is the Black Tower, a popular Brussels attraction from the 13th century. It’s tucked away in an alley, so not the easiest attraction to spot if you’re not looking for it. 

Practical Information: Sainte-Catherine Plaza is serviced by a metro station for easy access. The church is free to enter and open from 9:30 AM until 8 PM, or 6:30 PM on the weekend. 

24. History Lesson at Brussels City Museum

Situated at the Grand Place Squaresquare, the Brussels City Museum is a must for anyone who wants to learn more about the city’s history. Or those who want to see the original Manneken Pis statue, which was stolen so many times even the replica had to be locked up behind bars. 

The museum exhibit does an excellent job of recounting the tale of Brussels’ history, from its founding to the modern era. And many different objects are displayed at the museum, including sculptures, paintings, clothing, and miniature models. 

For those genuinely interested in learning about Brussels through the ages, it is the best destination in the city. Otherwise, seeing the building’s ornate facade from the Grand Place should suffice as an introduction.

Practical Information: The Brussels City Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Museum tickets are 10€. 

FAQ For Things To Do In Brussels

What Is Brussels Best Known For? 

Brussels is best known for its food and architecture. Gothic churches, Art Nouveau buildings, Belgian waffles, and beer are staples of the Belgian capital. 

How Many Days Are Enough For Brussels? 

Three days are enough for a trip to Brussels. It is enough time to see all the best landmarks and attractions in the city and include a quick day trip to one of the nearby towns. 

What Food Is Brussels Known For? 

Brussels is known for Belgian waffles, chocolates, Belgian fries, and meatballs. The gastronomic scene of the city includes a lot of variety.

Is Brussels Good For Tourists? 

Yes, Brussels is a great destination for tourists. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and an excellent gastro scene, the capital of Belgium is an excellent tourist destination in Europe. 

Tips and Information For Visiting Brussels

Best Time to Visit Brussels

Any time between March and October is a good time to be in Brussels. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn are generally the best time for avoiding crowds and getting the best deals on hotels. 

Avoid a visit in the winter if you can. Although it’s a good time for cheap hotels, it gets very cold in Brussels in the winter. Walking around the city is not enjoyable, and there’s a good chance you’ll deal with delays for both trains and flights because of the weather. 

Getting There

Brussels is serviced by the Brussels South Charleroi Airport, which is about an hour outside the city by train. It is best to fly to Brussels and then take a train into the city. 

Taxi transfer is also available from the airport to central Brussels, but it is expensive (€50) and usually slower than the train because of traffic delays. 

Getting Around

The Belgian capital has an excellent network of public transportation that allows for easy getting around the city. Trams, trains, buses, and metro connect the inner city circle with the suburbs, for quick travel between different parts of the city. 

Metro and trams are the fastest modes of public transport in Brussels. A daily pass for public transport in Brussels is 8.4 Euros, and it includes unlimited rides on all available modes of public transport.  

Discovery tickets for trains from Brussels to nearby cities are available to anyone who purchases tickets for one of the partnering exhibits. A full list of partners is available here .

How Much Time Do You Need

Three days is the perfect amount of time for Brussels. It’s enough time to see all the top landmarks in the city, but also for a half-day excursion to a nearby town, ideally Antwerp or Bruges. 

A longer stay in Brussels means more time to explore outside the city limits, and it’s an excellent idea if you want to visit medieval monasteries and Belgian beaches in addition to touring the sights in the capital. 

Where to Stay in Brussels

With a myriad of hotels and walking access to all the top city attractions, the historic center of Brussels is the best neighborhood to stay in. Sablon is also worth considering for better hotel deals and easy public transport access to the rest of the city. It’s a more serene part of the city, and ultimately less busy than the historic center.

Brussels is walkable with excellent public transport access, so no matter where you stay, getting around the city will be effortless. Here are some of the best hotels in Brussels for all budgets: 

• Ibis Hotel City Center: Affordable rates and an excellent location in the city center.
• 9Hotel Sablon: Mid-range hotel in a quiet, central area of Brussels. 
• Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place: Polished hotel with a premium location at Brussels Grand Place. 

The capital of Belgium and the European Union is a spectacular place worth anyone’s time. With an incredibly rich history, excellent art scene, and delicious food, it promises an unforgettable adventure to anyone who visits it. 

Where else in the world can you marvel at a royal residence and a statue of a peeing dog in the same afternoon? That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to prioritize Brussels for your next trip to a stunning European capital.

Plan Your Next Trip to Belgium With These Resources

26 Facts About Belgium You Should Know

• 25 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas Vacations Around the World
• 18 Best Things to do in Bruges, Belgium
• 24 Best Day Trips from Paris

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 15 Best Things to Do in Brussels (Belgium)

15 Best Things to Do in Brussels (Belgium)

The capital of Belgium , Brussels, is a fascinating place with stunning architecture and fascinating history packed into every street and alleyway. The vibe of the city is hard to put your finger on. Sometimes it seems very business and bureaucracy focused, it is after all the administerial centre of the EU, but at other times it feels laid back and does not take itself too seriously: think Manneken Pis and The Comic Strip Centre.

It is this multi-layered atmosphere that makes Brussels such a great city to visit. It truly has something for everyone and offers European staples such as art and architecture alongside more unusual attractions. Don’t visit Brussels if you are on a diet as the fries, mussels and beer will soon have you indulging.

Spending just a couple of days in the city will allow you to see all of the major and most popular sights but if you are here for a week, you will be able to visit some more obscure, but equally fascinating attractions. Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Brussels:

1. Be Inspired by the Grand Place

The Grand Place in Brussels is hidden away in the centre of the city but when you enter on foot, you are guaranteed to be left awestruck.

At the centre of the Grand Place is the beautiful 15th Century city hall but dotted around the square you will also be impressed by the six guild halls and their striking architecture.

The square is worth visiting several times at different times of the day. On certain days there is a flower market in the square and visiting at night is recommended.

2. Step back in time at the Old England Building

The Old England Building in Brussels was formerly a department store and was built in the very last year of the 19th Century.

The building attracts visitors because of its stunning facade but also due to the fascinating and vast musical museum it houses. The museum is home to more than 2000 musical instruments with historic value and gives guests a chance to listen to many of them.

The cafe on the roof of the building provides memorable panoramic views of the city.

3. Visit Brussel’s Notre Dame Du Sablon

This spectacular Gothic cathedral began life in the 14th Century when it was used as a chapel by the Archer’s Guild.

It was extensively expanded in the next century to the popularity and supposed healing powers of the Madonna statue located within. The statue was allegedly stolen by a husband and wife team of thieves in a rowing boat.

The location of the statue is unknown but the story is commemorated by a lifesize model inside the building.

4. Learn about lace in the Costume Museum

Lace is one of Brussels’ oldest crafts and the art of needlepoint lace, which was first developed in Italy, was one of the main industries in Brussels.

The museum details of lace outfits were made as well as displaying many historical outfits.

The exhibitions are ever changing but are always well presented.

5. Admire Le Botanique

Le Botanique was historically the botanical gardens of the city and still attracts a large number of guests in the modern day. The greenhouse, which dates back to the 19th Century, now regularly plays host to a range of performing arts and makes the place feel like more of a cultural centre than just a garden.

However if you are into greenery then the surrounding gardens are still intact and present in all their glory, and make for a welcoming change of pace from the city itself.

Ps: Le Botanique is included in the Brussels Bard which you can get here .

6. See the Palais Royal

Although the royal family of Belgium now spend their lives at Laeken, the Royal Palace in Brussels remains as their official residence.

The palace is open for tourists in the summer months and makes a worthy addition to any itinerary whilst visiting the city. The most notable room in the palace has a ceiling covered in the wings of beetles, forming an oddly beautiful mosaic.

The artwork as well as the interior decor is also as splendid as you might expect from a royal palace.

7. Laugh at the Manneken Pis

This odd statue has risen to fame and is a popular tourist attraction in the city. The name simply translates to “little man pee” and it has been given this name for obvious reasons.

The statue takes a little bit of skill in hunting down (unless you see it as part of a tour) but it is worth persevering. You will find it by taking the right lane away from the town hall.

The statue is thought to date back to the early 17th Century when it was designed by Jerome Duquesnoy.

8. Get your fill of art at the Musee Royaux Des Beaux Arts

If you are craving some top notch art (and you should be when in a European Capital) then look no further than the Musee Royaux Beaux Arts.

The museum incorporates collections of modern and ancient art across a range of styles. Famous works at the museum include the Fall of Icarus and various paintings by the Antwerpen painter Peter Rubens. There are also works by Anthony Van Dyke and Hans Memling on display.

Allow close to a full day to be able to fully appreciate the museum.

9. Relax in the Parc Du Cinquantenaire

The Parc Du Cinquantenaire has been around since the reign of Leopold II.

It is a great place to visit for a number of reasons, whether you plan on having a picnic on the grass whilst absorbing the stunning architecture, or whether you intend to appreciate the vast collection of 35,000 artifacts housed in the museums here, a trip to the Parc Du Cinquantenaire should be part of any trip to Brussels.

10. Enjoy a beer tour of Brussels

Belgians are very proud of their beer and it has played an important role throughout the history of the city.

Tours are available that allow beer aficionados to experience the best pubs in the city as well as learning about the history of the beer and seeing how it is made in one of the city’s breweries. Whether or not you are a beer fan, this tour is worth considering due to the pride and historical value associated with beer in the city.

Tip: check out this Brussels Beer Tasting Tour

11. Appreciate the lesser known history of Brussels

It is not widely known or as appreciated by tourists as other aspects of Brussels history but the city is actually known for its comic book history.

The city has a museum which is dedicated to comics; The Belgian Comic Strip Centre but aside from that, you will also get a feel of how important comics are to the city when you gaze up at larger than life comic book murals on the side of building walls.

Hunting these murals down is an exciting way to get around the city too.

12. See and be seen at Cafe Belga

Something of an institution in the city of Brussels, the Cafe Belga is hugely popular with locals, expats and tourists alike.

Located at the heart of Place Flagey (which is itself somewhat of a cultural mixing pot), the Cafe has great views, a buzzing atmosphere and great, affordable Belgian cafe food. The cafe gets busy in the summer but this is part of its charm.

Whilst you are in the area, Frit Flagey is well worth visiting and serves some of the best fries in the city.

13. Enjoy the nightlife

The nightlife of Brussels is varied and entertaining and has something to suit all tastes and budgets. One of the most worthwhile nights out is Madame Mustache, a club with waiters clad in sailors attire that plays a variety of different music.

Entry is free on weeknights but not weekends (it is also busier at the weekend). Dancing is the best way to enjoy your night here but if that is not to your liking there is always a table football room on offer.

There’s also a 4-Hour Locals Pub and Club Crawl which you can book here .

14. Learn about the city in the Broodhuis

The Flemish name of this building translates to “The Bread House” due to the many centuries that the city’s bread market was held here.

Fittingly, the building is now home to a museum focusing on the history of the city of Brussels. The exhibitions range from the middle ages to the present day and are set over multiple floors.

If you had chance to visit the Manneken Pis, then you may be interested to see his costumes which are on display here.

15. Marvel at the Atomium

The Atomium, located in Heysel Park in the West of the city, is a jaw dropping model of an atom which just happens to be a whopping 100 metres tall.

The sculpture was made in 1958 to welcome a new and atomic age to Belgium and is an accurate depiction of an iron molecule except that it is about 165 billion times larger! The glass roofed lift takes guests to the top in a time of only 20 seconds, there they can enjoy a beer and snack before descending.

Admission ticket can be booked here .

15 Best Things to Do in Brussels (Belgium):

• Be Inspired by the Grand Place
• Step back in time at the Old England Building
• Visit Brussel's Notre Dame Du Sablon
• Learn about lace in the Costume Museum
• Admire Le Botanique
• See the Palais Royal
• Laugh at the Manneken Pis
• Get your fill of art at the Musee Royaux Des Beaux Arts
• Relax in the Parc Du Cinquantenaire
• Enjoy a beer tour of Brussels
• Appreciate the lesser known history of Brussels
• See and be seen at Cafe Belga
• Enjoy the nightlife
• Learn about the city in the Broodhuis
• Marvel at the Atomium

Brussels’ top 10 museums and attractions

16 February 2022

Are you coming to Brussels and need some inspiration for your visits? Join us to discover the capital's unmissable museums and attractions, thanks to our list of the most popular, in terms of visitor numbers. These sites have been a guarantee of quality since their creation. And, as always in Brussels, there is something for everyone: indoors and outdoors; history, heritage, science, art and culture; traditional and contemporary museums; typical Brussels locations and places of power, etc. You are bound to be won over! So let's go, Brussels can’t wait to show you what it's all about!

1. Art, art and more art at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts!

The most visited group of museums in Brussels, this cultural marvel’s reputation is well-established. The  Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium , or RMFAB, is made up of several locations covering countless periods and artistic movements and genres. Near place Royale, you can visit the Old Masters Museum  and the famous Magritte Museum . In Ixelles, discover the Wiertz and Meunier museums . They house works by great artists such as Memling, van der Weyden, Bosch, Bruegel, Rubens, David, Alechinsky, Delvaux, and many others, so don't miss them!

2. The emblematic Atomium

The undeniable symbol of Brussels and a national icon , you haven't really visited Brussels if you haven't seen the Atomium . This nine-sphered monument represents an elementary iron crystal magnified 165 billion times! But why did the designers choose an iron crystal? It was a nod to progress and research in the field of science, matter and nuclear energy - in its peaceful use of course. Built for the 1958 World Fair , the building was, like many other buildings, to be dismantled after the event! Inconceivable today...Between 2004 and 2006, the Atomium underwent a full restoration that returned it to its former glory. If you're in the area, it's worth waiting for nightfall: the Atomium is lit up with 2970 LED bulbs!

3. See all of Europe in 2 hours at Mini-Europe

Looking for some playfulness and fresh air, but also fancy stretching your legs? Then  Mini-Europe  is for you! Also on the Heysel plateau , just a stone's throw from the Atomium, you can walk along comfortable paths and discover the most beautiful buildings and sites in Europe, in miniature. Marvel at the miniature Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Vesuvius and the splendid Grand-Place in Brussels, which took countless hours of work to model! This site is particularly suitable for children , who can enjoy a variety of fun activities !

4. The dinosaurs of the Natural Sciences Museum

Are you curious by nature and love to learn? Then head to the museum attached to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences ! The many sections of its permanent exhibition –Dinosaur Gallery, Gallery of Evolution, Living Planet, Mineral Room, etc. – not to mention the variety of temporary and themed exhibitions, will satisfy your hunger for knowledge. The institution is housed in an imposing complex of buildings by Leopold Park, in the heart of the European Quarter . So, if you feel like it, you can also enjoy a breath of fresh air in this lovely and historic green space!

5. Understanding Europe and its parliament at the Parlamentarium

Understanding how the European Union works isn’t always easy... thankfully, at the  Parlamentarium , You can travel back through the history of the continent, take a seat in a theatre for a 360-degree panoramic view of Europe and its Parliament, hear testimonies from European citizens, and much more! The Parlamentarium is open 7 days a week and admission is free . Visitors can explore the exhibitions freely and in all 24 of the EU’s official languages ! There's no reason not to go!

6. The ninth art in all its glory at the Belgian Comic Strip Center

Did you know that Brussels is the capital of comic books ? The ninth art is a defining theme of the Belgian capital and has been for almost a century, with countless comic book authors coming from Brussels. Comics are omnipresent and can be found in the streets and alleys of numerous Brussels districts. So what better way to get to know Brussels' comic book heritage than a through a visit to the  Belgian Comic Strip Center , a museum entirely devoted to the subject, housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau building in the very centre of the city? Its regularly updated permanent exhibitions and extensive programme of temporary exhibitions invite you to discover the many facets of comics. Join Tintin and Co on an adventure!

7. The birth of Europe at the House of European History

A wonderful green setting in a particularly dense and urbanised area, the Leopold Park is home to some prestigious buildings - the Eggevoord Tower, Solvay Library and the former Georges Eastman Dental Institute, which now houses the  House of European History . As a space for learning, reflection and debate, the museum presents the history of Europe in a way that highlights to visitors the diversity of perspectives and interpretations. Like the Parlamentarium, the House of European History is open 7 days a week and admission is free .

8. An exhibition or concert at Bozar

As vast as it is unsuspected, this palace of fine arts occupies a building designed by one of Belgium's architectural masters: Victor Horta , the undisputed leader of the Art Nouveau style . It's a multidisciplinary space dedicated to the arts in the broadest sense: exhibitions, dance, concerts, cinema, etc. The  Centre for Fine Arts , known for some years now by its generic name Bozar , is renowned for its famous Henry Le Boeuf concert hall with remarkable acoustics, which hosts the final of the Queen Elisabeth Competition.

9. The history of the Belgian railways at Train World

Opened in 2015 in the old Schaerbeek train station , which remains partially active, this veritable temple to the train boasts a breathtaking and contemporary scenography by François Schuiten . Dedicated to the history of the Belgian railways , the museum is housed in a group of buildings that combine old heritage and new construction. It presents historical vehicles, objects, photos, text and audiovisual archives, etc. Did you know that the history of the railways in Belgium goes back a very long way, it’s almost as old as Belgium itself! It’s time you paid  Train World  a visit, there’s so much to learn!

10. The Art and History Museum, for lovers of ancient civilisations and customs

An institution without which Cinquantenaire Park would be very different, the  Art and History Museum  is part of the larger Royal Museums of Art and History. The museum's collections are astonishingly diverse... At the Art & History Museum, you'll cross the continents from prehistory to the 20th century. Prehistoric flints, Egyptian mummies and other ancient artifacts, impressive medieval tapestries, Buddhas, a collection of Belgian Art Nouveau... come and marvel at this grandiose museum! The surrounding park also offers you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, and even to visit two more museums —  Autoworld  and the  Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History  - if you fancy it.

Practical information

Royal museums of fine arts of belgium.

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium assemble six different museums: the Oldmasters Museum, Modern Museum, Meunier Museum, Wiertz Museum, Magritte Museum and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum.

Halfway between sculpture and architecture, the Atomium was designed and built for the Brussels World's Fair (1958), for which it was the flagship building and emblem. Representing an iron unit cell (9 iron atoms) magnified 165 billion times, the monument with its unique silhouette has, over time, grown to become the symbol of Brussels and Belgium. On the inside the Atomium offers, not just the most beautiful view of Brussels, but also an entirely astounding and surreal ride through its interior spaces and volumes which alone makes a visit worth it. The Atomium ticket automatically includes the entrance to the Design Museum Brussels (150m away).

Mini-Europe

The whole of Europe animated in miniature! Be amazed! Mini-Europe is a park featuring all the wonders of Europe, in miniature. Bonsai trees, flowery groves and dwarf trees embellish the 350 monuments which have been reproduced at scale 1/25. Thousands of lifelike figurines and animations! Set off the eruption of the Vesuvius and admire the takeoff of the Ariane rocket. The two hour walk, which is both entertaining and educational, will let you (re)discover the 27 member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom, their historical, architectural and cultural wealth This establishment has been awarded the Brussels Health Safety Label

Institute of Natural Sciences

The Institute of Natural Sciences: a great day out, naturally! In the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe, you can meet the famous Bernissart Iguanodons, T.rex, Triceratops, Diplodocus, and 34 other species. But that’s not all! The Earth is swarming with life - rediscover it in the new Gallery, Living Planet, through an aesthetic, family-friendly and scientific approach to biodiversity. Learn about the human body and how we evolved in the Gallery of Humankind and go back in time in the Gallery of Evolution. You can also find out about urban species in BiodiverCITY, discover 250 years of the history of Natural Sciences through 14 iconic specimens, beware of the kings of the Cretaceous seas in the Mosasaur Hall or admire the magnificent crystals in the Mineral Hall. And last but not least, don't miss the temporary exhibitions and all the activities of the Educational Service: more information at www.naturalsciences.be.

Parlamentarium

Please note! The Parlamentarium will be closed on 24, 25 and 31 December 2023 and on 1 January 2024. Have you ever wondered how the European Union works and how it affects your daily life? The Parlamentarium has it covered! Thanks to its interactive tools like a 360° cinema, a role play game for students and a giant interactive floor map, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the European Parliament. Discover the path that led to today’s European Union and what Members of the European Parliament are doing to tackle Europe’s biggest challenges. * Free * Available in 24 languages * Book online : see practical information

Comic Strip Museum (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée)

A world full of comics An accomplished attraction located in the heart of Brussels, the Comics Art Museum has been honouring the creators and heroes of the 9th Art for 30 years. The regularly renewed permanent exhibitions and a diversified programme of temporary exhibitions enable visitors to discover the countless aspects of comics art. Famous characters lead the way towards new adventures, an encounter with a world where creativity has no limits. Enhanced by an exceptional Art Nouveau home designed by Victor Horta, the Comics Art Museum is just as much a tribute to the pioneers as a glimpse of contemporary comics art.

House of European History

Please note! Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December 2023 and on 1 January 2024. Get ready for a journey like no other! The permanent exhibition begins with the myth of the goddess Europa, exploring Europe’s ancient roots and the continent’s heritage of shared traditions, before Europe’s dramatic journey towards modernity in the 19th century and rebuilding process following World War II. A multimedia guide in 24 languages gives you new ways to interact with the exhibition, while special activities and Family Discovery Spaces allow children to grasp the story of Europe. Located next to the European Parliament in a striking Art Deco building in Parc Léopold, the House of European History is an essential part of any tour of the city. * Free * Available in 24 languages * Book online: See practical information

Centre for Fine Arts - Bozar

It’s impossible to talk about culture in Belgium without mentioning the Centre for Fine Arts located in Brussels. Whether it comes to exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, movies or projects concerning literature and architecture, BOZAR will always put originality and innovation first. They prove to keep a finger on the pulse with their varied and sophisticated programme. Besides emphasizing the importance of creation, quality and a rich artistic offering, BOZAR is especially concerned about the total experience of the visitors.

Train World

Train World is a unique railway experience that takes you from the very first steam locomotives to the flashing high-speed trains! It is a universe that appeals to all the senses in order to grasp the many different dimensions of the railways. A visit to Train World is an active and surprising outing. You can walk among locomotives, take a seat in 100-year-old trains, visit a railway house and walk across a real railway bridge. You will even experience how it feels to drive a train!

Art & History Museum (RMAH)

Embark on a fascinating journey through art and history! Come and stroll among the prehistoric flints and Egyptian mummies, walk between the ancient glasses and stand back to contemplate the impressive medieval tapestries. Immerse yourself in the oriental world as you pass Asian Buddhas and travel to the other side of the world to see a gigantic statue from Easter Island. You still have to admire the magnificent collection of Belgian Art Nouveau... The Art & History Museum is part of the Royal Museums of Art and History (RMAH) that also cover the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), Halle Gate and the Museums of the Far East (currently closed for renovation).

10 must-visit Art Nouveau houses and mansions in Brussels

At the end of the 19 th  century, Victor Horta broke with the dominant, traditional architectural styles in Brussels, giving birth to the iconic Art Nouveau genre. Along the streets of our capital, numerous houses and mansions bear witness to the emergence and blossoming of this unprecedented style.

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Belgium , BRUSSELS , Destinations · May 17, 2021

16 Best And Beautiful Places To Visit In Brussels, Belgium

This post is also available in: Nederlands

There’s a reason that Brussels attracts so many tourists every damn year. This vibrant city, which is the capital of Belgium, is home to a ton of beautiful sites and here you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most typical things to do in Belgium!

Brussels, the cultural heart of Belgium , is home to some of the most well known landmarks in the entire country and even Europe! With a population of more than 2 million people it’s the largest municipality and historical centre of the country.

And while the city of Brussels already has a lot to offer there are also some beautiful places you must see right on the outskirts of the city.

This article will walk you through all of the top sights within the city centre of Brussels but I will also show you the best things to do around Brussels . Be prepared for historical landmarks, fairytale castles, beautiful gardens and magical forests!

Best And Beautiful Places To Visit In Brussels, Belgium

1. grand place, the most famous place in brussels.

The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and also the most visited place in our capital. That’s why if you can you should plan on visiting it in the early morning. Especially on the weekend you’ll then have one of the most beautiful squares in Belgium all to yourself!

It’s a magnificent place surrounded by guild houses and here you’ll also find the city’s Town Hall and the King’s House which now hosts the Brussels City Museum. The Grand Place was even voted the most beautiful square in Europe in 2010 and is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site .

A lot of festivities and cultural events are organized here such as a beautiful light show during the Christmas Period. But the most famous one has to be the Flower Carpet where every two years an enormous flower carpet is set up in the Grand Place for a few days. This is event is called Flowertime and a must visit if you haven’t so far! This year the event still has to be confirmed. And at least once in your life you should enjoy a Belgian beer at one of old bars surrounding the market!

2. Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

Welcome to the oldest shopping arcade in Europe ! The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert was even built before the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and The Passage in St Petersburg. The gallery is split into two sections and is divided in the middle by the Rue de Boucher. This little street is lined with restaurants and is one of the biggest tourist traps in entire Brussels.

The Royal Gallery is the perfect place to do some window or real shopping during your day in Brussels. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful and exclusive stores such as:

• La Folie des Cadeaux  – A magnificent toy store that you simply have to enter.
• Les Ecuadors  – If you’re looking for unique jewellery you’ll love this shop.
• Maison Dandoy  – Try their home made speculoos, it’s amazing!
• Delvaux – A luxury designer brand from Belgium , known for it’s beautiful handbags. You might want to check your credit card balance before entering :p.

3. Mont des Arts

The Mont des Arts is a historic site in the centre of Brussels, including the Royal Library of Belgium, the National Archives of Belgium and a public garden. It offers  one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the historic centre  of Brussels from where you can admire the spire of the City Hall. And on a sunny day you can even see the Atomium and the Koekelberg basilica from here!

These days the place is really popular with the locals. In the evening they will gather here for drinks which unfortunately also leads to a lot of empty bottles and cans laying around. If you really want to enjoy this place I suggest you visit in the morning or in the early afternoon. It’s definitely one of my favorite places to visit in Brussels thanks to the spectacular view over the city .

4. Grand Sablon

If you’re visiting Brussels during the weekend you have to pass by the Grand Sablon, one of the most beautiful places in Brussels! Every weekend there is the  Sablon Antiques and Books Markets  where you’ll find over 40 stalls selling artwork, porcelain and much more.

Surrounding the square are antique stores, designer boutiques, hotels, restaurants, an auction house and well-known Belgian chocolatiers such as Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini and Godiva.

5. Palace of Justice, the most impressive building in Brussels

The Palace of Justice is the most important court building in entire Belgium and has been under renovation for decades . Seriously, ever since I was a little girl I have only known it to be surrounded by scaffolding.

At the end of World War II the Germans started a fire inside of the building which caused an insane amount of destruction. Because of this never ending renovation the scaffolding got so rusted and unsafe that the scaffolding itself is in need of renovation. Nevertheless it’s one of the most beautiful and well known landmarks of Brussels.

If you’re visiting during the week make sure to also take a peek inside cause it’s one of the most impressive architectural marvels in Belgium!

6. National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, the most beautiful church in Brussels

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located on top of a hill in Koekelberg and can be spotted from miles away. It’s architecture was inspired by the  Basilique du Sacré-Coeur in Paris and it is  the largest building in Art Deco style in the world . Even that you can spot the National Basilica from miles away due to its grandeur it’s also one of those hidden gems in Belgium that not many tourists tend to visit.

Behind the Basilica you’ll find the Parc Elisabeth which offers an amazing view over this majestic building. It’s the perfect place to relax a little and maybe even enjoy a pic nic in the afternoon or early evening!

You can reach the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart with line 2 or 6 of the Brussels Metro.

The Atomium was originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World Expo, also known as  Expo 58 , and is now a  museum . The top sphere even hosts a restaurant which offers a panoramic view over Brussels. The Atomium depicts nine iron atoms in the shape of the body-centred cubic unit cell of an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times. It wasn’t supposed to stand after the exhibition, but year after year it’s demolition was postponed until the city’s authorities decided to keep it.

You can easily reach the Atomium with line 6 of the Brussels metro and it’s also located close to the Parc of Laeken. Especially during spring it’s a wonderful place to go for an evening stroll. There are a ton of magnolia trees and cherry blossom trees in the surrounding area and in front of the Atomium itself is huge grass field.

The Atomium is one of the best places to visit in Brussels, especially if it’s your first time visiting the capital!

Opening hours  – The Atomium is open every single day (including holidays) from 10am to 6pm

Entrance fee  – €16

8. Château de la Hulpe, a beautiful castle around Brussels

Did you know that  Belgium holds the record for the highest amount of castles per square meter ? It’s crazy to think that a country this small holds over 2000 castles and more. It comes as no surprise that visiting one of these castles actually makes for the perfect day trip from Brussels.

The Solvay Castle is located in a beautiful park and is only 20 minutes driving from Brussels. It is surrounded by a beautiful park and offers the perfect contrast with the hustle and bustle of our capital.

To my knowledge there isn’t a real parking lot in the area but you’re able to park your car alongside the road.

Opening hours  – 8am to 9pm (6pm during the Winter)

Due to new police regulations the park remains open for visiting on the weekdays but is closed on the weekend. Access to the terraces of the Château, the houses/gardens and closed-off meadows is forbidden.

Entrance  – The park is free to enter

9. The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

Every year the  Royal Greenhouses of Laeken  open their doors to the public. It’s one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Brussels during Spring. During this time most flowers are in full bloom and you get to witness what hundreds of gardeners work tirelessly on during an entire year!

This event only lasts for 3 weeks  so make sure to arrive very, very early!. When I visited 2 years ago I made sure to  be there at 8.30am , even that it only opens at 9.30am. And, it’s safe to say that I was very happy that I did cause not long after people started cueing up and a ton of tour busses started to arrive. There was a small rope on the other side of the street in front of the entrance which was pointed out as the designated waiting point.

As soon as it opens make sure to go to one of the ticket booths ( 2,5€ , free under 18) and head inside.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE GREENHOUSES OF LAEKEN, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS –  THE ROYAL GREENHOUSES OF LAEKEN, PLAN THE PERFECT VISIT

10. Castle of Groot Bijgaarden

The  Spring flower exhibition  in the park and the greenhouses of the castle of Groot-Bijgaarden offers an unforgettable flower experience! The park of 14 hectares incorporates nearly all spring bulb varieties and for the new flowering time, the gardeners of the castle have planted more than one million bulbs by hand. Special attention goes to the tulips, with almost 400 varieties, hyacinths and daffodils are also well represented.

I highly recommend visiting Floralia and it completely blew me away! There were soooo many stunning flowers and it was so easy to take beautiful photos!

Wearing a mask is obligatory for now but a lot of times you’ll find yourself at a distance of more than 5 meters of other people so it’s safe to take a photo without a mask on. I do recommend keeping it on when you’re just walking around!

Opening hours:  from 10 am to 06 pm. The ticket desk closes at 05:30 pm.

Ticket price : €14

FOR MORE STUNNING SPRING LOCATIONS IN BELGIUM MAKE SURE TO READ MY DETAILED ARTICLE INCLUDING A TON OF PHOTOS – SPRING IN BELGIUM, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO SEE SPRING FLOWERS .

11. Parc Josaphat, a beautiful park in Brussels

There’s a beautiful park near Laeken in Brussels and once a year its entrance becomes a stunning arch of pink flowers. The cherry blossom trees are perfectly lined up in a way that you’ll get the feeling that you’re walking through a pink tunnel.

Parc Josaphat is a rather unknown park compared to the others in Brussels but definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area! And especially during spring it’s one of the best places to visit in Brussels!

12. Botanical Garden of Meise, a unique place to visit in Brussels

The Botanical Garden of Meise is definitely worth a visit and in April it’s pretty easy to  combine it with a visit to Floralia Brussels !

There are  two main highlights  at the park. On one hand there’s  the castle of Bouchout  and on the other you have  an enormous greenhouse  which is filled with all sorts of tropical plants and flowers.

It can get pretty toasty inside the greenhouse so if you want to spend some time here make sure to wear layers! In total you really don’t need more than 2 hours to visit the entire domain. Unless you want to read everything about every plant then you’ll need an entire day ;).

Opening hours : 9.30am until 6.30pm

Ticket   Price : €9

13. Dinasty Monument

The Dinasty Monument can be found right in front of the main entrance of the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken . This beautiful monument is dedicated to the very first king of Belgium, Leopold I . It shows the King looking over to the Royal Castle, surrounded by nine columns, arranged in a circle. These columns represent the then existing 9 provinces of Belgium and each column holds a statue that embodies that province.

The Dinasty Monument is located at the Vorstenlaan and is a part of the park of Laeken. Make sure to visit this place at the end of March when the magnolia trees are in full bloom!

14. Chinese Pavillion and Japanese Tower

The Chinese Pavillion and Japanese Tower are both located at the edge of the royal estate and both of them were commissioned by Leopold II. Since 1946, the place has become an annex of the Royal Museums of Art and History where are exposed Chinese porcelain, furniture and tapestries dating from the 19th and early of the 20th century.  But due to architectural weaknesses the museums have been closed since 2013.

It is however still possible to visit the park surrounding both buildings!

15. Hallerbos Forest, one of the best places to visit in Brussels

The Hallerbos forest, also known as the bluebell forest, is one of the most magical places in Brussels. Once every year the forest transforms itself into a purple haze and the entire ground is covered with these pretty flowers.

Hallerbos Forest is located in Halle, South West from Brussels and can be easily reached by both car and bus. It’s free to visit and there are hikes especially dedicated to see as many bluebells as possible!

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE BLUEBELLS OF HALLERBOS, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS –  HALLERBOS FOREST, A TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE BLUEBELL FOREST IN BELGIUM

16. Gaasbeek Castle

Gaasbeek Castle was built in around 1240, during the middle ages. The Duke of Brabant created the “Land van Gaasbeek” (the country of Gaasbeek) in order to defend the Duchy of Brabant against the nearby counties of Flanders and Hainaut.

Gaasbeek Castle is surrounded by a huge park which is free to enter and definitely worth a visit! There is also a Museum Garden which will reopen on May 2021.

The park is open every day from 8am until 8pm (only 5pm until the end of March).

Across the street there is a spacious parking lot to leave your car.

Where to stay in Brussels

The Hotel Brussels – Wake up with a view over the beautiful city of Brussels. The Hotel is a modern luxury hotel right next to all of the best luxury stores in Brussels and only 20 minutes walking from the Grand Place

Warwick Brussels – Located only a short walk from the major sites in Brussels. On the hotel’s roof top terrace guests can enjoy the gorgeous open Brussels skyline and an unbeatable view of the Town Hall building.

Vintage Hotel   – The most spectacular feature is an experience named ‘glamping’: a vintage Airstream Caravan from 1958 parked in a courtyard of the hotel. Here guests can relive a nostalgic experience with the bonus perks of modernity.

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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BRUSSELS: 20 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

Brussels may not be among the first places that come to mind when the topic of traveling to Europe is brought up. Brussels get only 10 million visitors per year, which is still considerable but much lower than the 30 million tourist arrivals that tourism juggernauts like Paris and Rome record annually.

But Brussels is worth checking out, too! As the capital of Belgium, it is a well-developed and progressive metropolis that offers iconic landmarks, convenient transportation systems, and unforgettable experiences. And oh, not to mention the finger-lickin’ fries, mouth-waterin’ waffles, and mind-blowin’ beer!

If you’re planning a Euro tour and considering a stop in Brussels, here are some of the best things to do and places to visit here! In this post, we’re including links to Klook guided tours and tickets for your convenience.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

THINGS TO DO

1. brussels city tour.

Brussels boasts a multitude of storied structures and monuments, most of which are clad in Gothic or Art Deco architectural styles. Some of the notable landmarks are the Grand Place (city hall and guild houses), St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the King’s Castle, and the Congress Column.

Aside from the historical attractions, you can also visit the modern tourist attractions like the Atomium .

You can definitely pull a D-I-Y if you are more comfortable exploring on your own or if you are on a budget. But if you want to get more insights into each attraction, consider joining a guided tour. FREE Walking Tours usually start at the Grand Place and take visitors around the surrounding area to check out nearby landmarks. As is usually the case, although it is free, you’re expected to tip the guide depending on how much you enjoyed the tour.

If you’d rather join a smaller group and pay, Klook is offering a half-day city tour which takes about three hours. This is inclusive of a multilingual guide. The stops include the abovementioned notable attractions.

2. Belgian Chocolates Sampling

Your Brussels itinerary is not complete without trying the country’s world-famous chocolates! The term Belgian chocolate has become synonymous with the best choco treats in the world. You mention Belgium and more often than not, it will be the first one to pop in mind. (Well, at least in my mind. LOL.) Belgian chocolate is one of the major contributors to the country’s economy and deeply integrated into the culture. There are about 2,000 chocolatiers in the country.

Cacao, the raw ingredient in chocolate-making, is not locally produced but the Belgians managed to own the industry, rivaling the Swiss in producing the best chocolates in the world. The industry dates back to the 17th century but started to flourish as an industry in the 19th century.

Its global reputation started when Belgium invented its own version of praline in 1912. The Belgian version has soft filling wrapped in a chocolate shell, different from the pralines found in France and the United States. Belgian chocolates are said to have higher cocoa content than other producers.

If you want to learn more about the history and the best chocolate shops in the city, you can join a guided chocolate tasting walking tour. Aside from visiting shops and sampling, other guided tours include a chocolate-making workshop in the package. Here are two options from Klook.

3. Beer Tours

Raise your glass (or bottles), beer lovers! You’ve set foot in the land of UNESCO-inscribed Belgian beer culture. Judging from the number of beer festivals in the country, you will know that beer is huge here. In fact, the Belgians also incorporated beer in some of its dishes. The country has over 200 breweries — international and traditional — making it one of the top producers of beer in Europe.

The beer brewing history in the country can be traced back to the 12th century. The religious orders were the pioneers of beer brewing in Belgium and had a key role in the evolution of the brewing method through the years. One of the famous beer types in the country is the Trappist beer, produced by monks in, well, the Trappist monasteries.

The majority of beers in Belgium are sold in bottles and special ones are mostly served in their specific glassware.

If you want to know more about the other types of beers in Belgium, the beer-making methods, and the history of beer brewing in Belgium, you can join a guided beer tour. Your professional guide will lead you to the best beer places and even the hidden taverns and oldest pubs. Klook has two options inclusive of beer tastings and beer snacks samplings.

4. Fries Tasting

The British call ’em chips. Most of us call ’em French fries . But in this part of Europe, where some claim this universally-loved potato snack originated, it is known as frites . And boy do the Belgians love their frites!

It is said that frites started in the fishing settlements along the Meuse River in Belgium. The fisher folks were believed to substitute potatoes for fish during the winter season. According to a National Geographic feature, term “French” fries likely came about during World War I when the Belgians served the fries to the English-speaking troops who associated it with the French language spoken by the Belgian Army.

At its core, fries are very simple: potatoes cut into strips and deep-fried. There are different versions of fries across the globe, varying in thickness, shape, texture, seasoning, and dips. But the Belgians take pride in their double-frying method.

Currently, Brussels has a LOT of fries stalls; the most popular are Maison Antoine, Fritland, Frit Flagey, and Fritkot Bompa. Our team tried the last three. For us, hands down, the best was Fritkot Bompa. And the owner was very charming and warm. He even showed us his tattoo of fries and took our camera so he could film how he fried the potatoes. (He offered. We didn’t ask.) Maison Antoine was closed when we visited.

5. Belgian Waffles

The Belgian waffle has established itself as a staple snack in the country. It is not only popular in Belgium but also abroad, like the United States with its own version of the snack and is also served as a breakfast meal.

There are two famous types of waffles in Belgium: Brussels Waffle and Liege Waffle. The larger rectangular-shaped Brussels waffles use beaten eggs as leaveners and are sprinkled with powdered sugar, while the smaller but thicker round-shaped Liege waffles use yeast as the leavener and contain sugar grains. Some waffles in Belgium are considered street food and are eaten with hands.

6. Mussels in Brussels

Considered a poor man’s meal in the past because of the abundance and affordability, but now regarded as a prized ingredient, mussels (moules) have warmed the dining tables of Belgian households, especially in the winter season.

One of the famous mussel dishes in Belgium is the moules-frites , the country’s national dish. To prepare, the mussels are cooked (or steamed) with onions (or shallots), celery, and other fresh herbs in white wine sauce and butter, and finally served with fries.

Other mussel dishes to try are moules à la bière (with beer) and moules à la crème (with cream). If you are pressed for time but want to taste Belgian cuisine staples, you can have the moules-frites, beer, and waffle in one of the restaurants. We had our share at Chez Leon restaurant, just around the Grand Place, and we loved it!

PLACES TO VISIT

7. grand place.

The Grand Place (Grand Square), also called Grote Markt (Grand Market), is the main square of the city. Its history dates back to the 11th century as an open-air market. It used to be the venue for public executions. Later on, buildings mushroomed around the square, particularly the guild houses.

Strategically located along the commercial road, it became the hub for business and commerce, developing parallel to the rise of merchants and guilds in Brussels.

The Town Hall and the King’s House are the most prominent buildings. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; hence, this is one of the key attractions and the most visited in Brussels.

Nearest Train Station: Brussels Central Station Nearest Tram Station: Beurs Station (Tram 3, 4, 32) Nearest Bus Stop: Beurs Stop (Bus 33, 48, 95) Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: FREE

8. Palais Royal

Built on the site of the former Palace of the Dukes of Brabant , which was destroyed in the 18th century, Palais Royal’s original structure dates back to the first half of the 19th century. The structure we see today is mostly the product of King Leopold II’s modification projects at the turn of the 20th century.

Today, it serves as the official palace of the Belgian monarchs but not their official royal residence. This is the seat of power where most of the state duties are accomplished, the state’s guests are welcomed and entertained, royal wedding banquets are hosted, and royal interment are held. But it has been open to tourists during the summer season since 1965.

The Palais Royal faces Brussels Park. It features an archaeological site and museum (Coudenberg).

Nearest Metro Station: Trône/Troon Station Nearest Tram Station: Royale/Koning Station or Palais Station (Tram 92, 93) Nearest Bus Stop: Troon Stop (Bus N11, 27, 38, 54, 71, 95) Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), CLOSED (Monday). The palace tours are available only in summer, usually from the third week of July up to the first week of September. Entrance Fee: FREE

Conceived in the 1950s, the Atomium has become one of the most iconic landmarks in Brussels and a national symbol of Belgium. Built for Expo 58 (1958 Brussels World Fair), the Atomium reflects the high regard given to science at the time of conception. It was eventually converted into a museum.

Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn, together with two architects André and Jean Polak, the contemporary functional structure towers over 100 meters, featuring spheres and tubes.

Out of the nine spheres, six can be accessed by the public. These spheres carry temporary and permanent exhibits, while the tubes enclose stairs, escalators, and an elevator (central tube). The lift shuttles tourists to the top sphere which houses a restaurant and an observation deck that presents a 360-degree view of the city.

Nearest Metro Station: Heizel Station Nearest Tram Station: Heizel Station (Tram 7, 19) Nearest Bus Stop: Heizel Stop (Bus 14, 83, N18, T7) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Friday – Monday), CLOSED (Tuesday – Thursday) Entrance Fee: €16 (Adult), €14 (Senior), €8.50 (Children, Students, PWDs0, FREE (Children 115cm and below)

This is one of the main tourist attractions in the city, so expect long lines for the tickets. But if you don’t want to wait inline, you might want to check Klook’s skip-the-line ticket offer which includes admissions not only to the Atomium but also the nearby ADAM – Brussels Design Museum.

10. Notre Dame Du Sablon

The 15th-century Notre Dame Du Sablon is located in the historic center of Brussels, particularly in Sablon (Zavel) district, a short walk past Palais Royal. Its proximity to the nation’s official palace made it a favorite among the nobility and the affluent society.

Its exterior, Gothic in style, commands attention. The interior is equally stunning with stained-glass windows. Some interesting features are the Baroque pulpit, the two Baroque chapels, and the crypt.

Nearest Tram Station: Princesse Clementine Station (Tram 62, 93) Nearest Bus Stop: Kleine Zavel Stop (Bus 33, N06, N08, N09, N10) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Monday – Friday), 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Saturday – Sunday) Entrance Fee: FREE

11. Notre-Dame de Laeken

Commissioned by King Leopold I, the Notre-Dame de Laeken was built in memory of his wife, Queen Louise-Marie. The construction started in the mid 19th century and finished in the early 20th century. Located near the official royal residence, Royal Castle of Laeken, the neo-Gothic church hosts the Royal Crypt where the tombs of the Belgian royal family are housed.

Aside from the crypt, the church also features three ornate spires. The tombs of some of the prominent figures in Belgium are found just a stone’s throw away from the church in the Laeken Cemetery.

Nearest Tram Station: Petit Sablon (Kleine ZavelStation) Station (Tram 92, 93) Opening Hours: January 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Saturday); February to November 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday); CLOSED (Mondays and December). The opening schedule for the Royal Crypt varies per day but on Sundays, it’s open from 2PM to 5PM. Entrance Fee: FREE

12. Manneken Pis

This statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain spews volumes not just about the city’s art but also sense of humor. It is one of the most visited and most photographed statues decorating the city.

There are several legends surrounding the statue but one of the most famous is the victory of the two-year-old Duke Godfrey III of Leuven and his men against their enemies with the help of his urine during the battle.

The original bronze statue dates back to the 17th-century and is displayed on the second level of the Brussels City Museum. The one flocked by tourists at the original site, a short walk from the Grand Place, is a replica. To manage your expectation, this statue has a height of about two feet. Yep, it’s pretty small, but that doesn’t stop tourists from flocking around it.

Don’t be surprised if you see the statue in a costume or uniform because it’s a normal occurrence. It actually has more or less 900 outfits.

The exact location is at the intersection of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne. Use Google Maps if you plan to walk from Grand Place.

Nearest Bus Stop: Manneken-Pis Stop (Bus 33) or Grand Place Stop (Bus 33, 48, 95) Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: FREE

13. Tintin Murals

Created by the Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi (Hergé), The Adventures of Tintin became one of the most loved comic series in Europe. It skyrocketed to fame in the 20th century and has been published in several languages, reaching hundreds of millions of readership and following.

The map of Brussels is dotted with a number of Tintin-themed murals. You can start your mural hunting not far from the Manneken Pis along Rue de l’Étuve, right after Choco-Story and before you reach Rue du Lombard. If you are coming from the Grand Place going to Manneken Pis, you will spot this mural a few meters before you reach the statue.

Mural Hunting Map: You may get/purchase the mural map from the tourist office located at Grand Place.

14. Autoworld

Autoworld is located on the southern portion of the 30-hectare Cinquantenaire Park in the European District of the city. The museum was launched in the 1980s, showcasing a collection of about 250 kinds of vehicles.

If you are a car enthusiast or just curious about the evolution and history of automobiles, especially those from the late 19th century up to the late 20th century, this will be worth your time. It has a huge collection of vintage models, as well as iconic racing cars and some modern cars!

Nearest Train Station: Merode Station Nearest Tram Station: Merode Station (Tram 81) Nearest Bus Stop: Gauls/Gaulois Stop (Bus 22, 27, 61, 80, N06) or Merode Stop (Bus 27, 61, 80, N06) Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April – September), 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (October – March); Weekends 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (all year round) Entrance Fee: €12 (Adults), €10 (Senior), €9 (Student, PWD), €5 (6-11 y/o), FREE (Below 6 y/o)

Book your ticket in advance via Klook!

15. Mini-Europe

The European Union has no official capital, but Brussels is where you’ll find the official seats of several of its bodies including the European Commission, Council of the European Union, European Council, and European Parliament. Hence, it is widely regarded as EU’s de facto capital.

So it’s just apt to find an attraction that represents something from all of Europe in Brussels. If you want to see the subcontinent’s iconic landmarks in a couple of hours, you can bet on Mini-Europe to deliver with fun and cuteness.

The park boasts about 350 miniature models of Europe’s famous landmarks and interactive installations recreating the important events and moments like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the rocket launching of Ariane V, and the Mt. Vesuvius eruption.

You can explore on your own or get the service of a guide to further explain the displays. The park is located near the Atomium.

Nearest Metro Station: Heizel Station Nearest Tram Station: Heizel Station (Tram 7, 19) Nearest Bus Stop: Heizel Stop (Bus 14, 83, N18, T7) Opening Hours: The schedule varies per month but it usually opens at 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM. The park is closed from first week of January to second week of March. Again, the schedule might change without prior notice, so better check before you visit. Entrance Fee: €16.50 (Adult, Senior), €12 (Children, Students, PWDs0, FREE (Children 115cm and below)

You can book your ticket prior to your visit via Klook!

16. Choco-Story

Choco-Story is a small museum dedicated to chocolate-making. Discover how the chocolate came to Europe by tracing back its roots to the Mayans and Aztecs who cultivate cocoa trees. From there, you will learn how cocoa captured the heart and sweet tooth of the Europeans and how the beans are made into chocolates.

A master chocolatier will also demonstrate how to prepare pralines before you are treated to a delightful chocolate tasting! The museum is located near two popular attractions — the Manneken Pis and one of the Tintin Murals.

Nearest Bus Stop: Manneken-Pis Stop (Bus 33) or Grand Place Stop (Bus 33, 48, 95) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday – Sunday). Last entry is at 5:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €9.50 (Adult); €8.50 (Senior, Students); €6.50 (6-11 y/o); FREE (5 y/o and below)

Currently, the museum only accepts online purchase of tickets. You can book yours from Klook. This is inclusive of admission, audio guide, and demonstrations, and chocolate tasting.

17. Le Botanique

Opened in 1984, Le Botanique was the former orangery of the National Botanic Garden of Belgium until its relocation to the outskirts of the city in 1958.

The botanical glasshouse remains and was transformed into a cultural complex, hosting art exhibitions, theater acts, and concerts. It has a restaurant that opens during lunch hours. The vast green space fronting the Le Botanique is now called the Botanical Garden of Brussels.

Nearest Metro Station: Botanique Station Nearest Tram Station: Botanique Station (Tram 92, 93) Nearest Bus Stop: Botanique Stop (Bus 61) Opening Hours: Front Desk 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Regular Days), 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Shows or Concerts); Exhibitions 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Wednesday – Sunday) Fees/Tickets: The ticket prices vary per show or exhibit.

18. Musee Royaux Des Beaux Arts

A Royal Decree was made in 1845 to make a museum that will keep and exhibit the works of deceased and living Belgian artists; thus, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium rose from the ground near the Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais Royal).

This complex nestles a group of six museums that carry a total of over 20,000 works of arts — paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Some of the masterpieces date back to as early as the 15th century, laying down the history of fine arts in Belgium. Contemporary arts are also included in the collection. Here are the six museums within the complex: Magritte Museum, Fin-de-Siècle Museum, Oldmasters Museum, Modern Museum, Meunier Museum, and Wiertz Museum.

Nearest Tram Station: Royale/Koning Station (Tram 92, 93) Nearest Bus Stop: Royale/Koning Stop (Bus 27, 33, 95, N11) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Weekends), CLOSED (Mondays and some holidays) Fees/Tickets: The ticket prices vary per museum. It’s €10-15 for adults, €8-10 for seniors, €3-5 for students and PWDs, and FREE for children and youth under 19 years old. FREE admission for Meunier Museum and Wiertz Museum.

19. Parc Du Cinquantenaire & Triumphal Arch

Parc du Cinquantenaire (Park of the Fiftieth Anniversary), also called Jubilee Park, was commissioned by King Leopold II to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the nation’s independence.

The 19th-century pentagon-shaped park covers 30 hectares of land outside the city center in the European District. The extensive public park is decked with floral gardens and fountains. It is also home to three museums: Autoworld, Art & History Museum, and the Royal Military Museum. The centerpiece is the 20th-century Triumphal Arch topped with a bronze sculpture of four horses and a woman carrying the flag.

You can access the top of the arch for free from the National Military Museum and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city.

Nearest Train Station: Merode Station Nearest Tram Station: Merode Station (Tram 81) Nearest Bus Stop: Gauls/Gaulois Stop (Bus 22, 27, 61, 80, N06) or Merode Stop (Bus 27, 61, 80, N06) Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Fee: FREE

20. Palais de Justice

After its completion in 1883, Palais de Justice was recorded to be the biggest building in the world. Today, covering an area of almost three hectares, it is one of the largest and most monumental courthouses in Europe. It is one of the most notable landmarks in Brussels, being visible from almost anywhere in the area due to its high location in the Marollen district.

It was designed by the Belgian architect Joseph Poelaert, who also drew the blueprint for Notre-Dame de Laeken. The two floors and the basement are all open to the public. Some of the notable features are the massive neoclassical doors, the marble staircase, the main entry hall, and the dome.

Nearest Train Station: Louise Station Nearest Tram Station: Poelaert Station (Tram 92, 93) Nearest Bus Stop: Poelaert Stop (Bus 33) Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Weekdays), CLOSED (Weekends and holidays) Entrance Fee: FREE

Top Hotels & Apartments in Brussels

• B&B Be In Brussels. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
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Edited by Asta Alvarez

2021 • 3 • 30

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15 best places to visit in Brussels

No trip to western Europe would be complete without visiting Brussels, Belgium's capital city. Read on to discover all the best places to visit in Brussels, as well as practical travel advice for exploring Belgium on a budget.

Gabrielle Budget Travel With Gabby

Sep 10, 2021

Belgium is a small but powerful country. Belgium has played a significant role in European and world history, and it is the current headquarters for the European Union.

It is also an amazing tourist destination. Because it is a small country, it is located only a few hours away from the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Germany, and the United Kingdom. You can easily fit Belgium into a tour around Europe .

No trip to Belgium would be complete without visiting Brussels, the capital city. Brussels is a charming city with a lot of history and a lot of fun things to do. The city is relatively small, so it makes a great weekend trip from other nearby European countries.

In addition to the incredible landmarks, monuments, museums, and parks, Brussels is a gastronomic superstar. From the crispy fries served in paper cones, to the loaded Belgian waffles, to the world-famous Belgian beer, there is no shortage of comfort foods to try in Brussels.

In this article, I'll list all the best places to visit in Brussels as well as some other useful travel tips. I'll touch upon general knowledge of Belgium , the best places to visit in Brussels , what to eat and drink in Brussels , the best time to visit , how to get around the city , and helpful safety tips .

I'll also highlight a few Worldpackers work exchanges in Brussels and around Belgium , so travelers who want a deeper cultural experience can volunteer if they want to.

General knowledge of Belgium

Language : French, Flemish

Currency : Euro (€)

Population : 11.4 million (The population of Brussels is 174,383)

Religion : The main religion is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the most popular denomination.

Visas : People from most nationalities do not need a visa for a stay of less than 90 days.

Political significance : Headquarters for the European Union

Best places to visit in Brussels

Brussels has lots of amazing tourist attractions that are affordable, if not free. Here are all the best places to visit in Brussels , most of which are located in the city center and are very accessible for travelers.

1. The Grand Place

2. the museum of musical instruments, 4. the museum of cocoa and chocolate.

5. Place du Jeu de Balle Market

6. Manneken Pis

7. Bois de la Cambre Park

8. The Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

9. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

10. Cinquantenaire Park

11. The Royal Palace of Brussels and Brussels Park

12. Train World and Schaerbeek Station

13. Winter Wonders

14. The European District

15. Mont des Arts

The Grand Place is the main square of Brussels , and it is easily one of the city's best attractions. 

Quaint cobblestones fill the ground and incredible gold-trimmed buildings surround the square. The most famous building in the Grand Place is the magnificent Town Hall that was built in the early 15th Century.

The architecture and historical significance of the Grand Place is very impressive, and the spot has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

This is one of the best places to visit in Brussels for free , and also one of the best places to visit in Brussels during Christmas because the square fills up with charming markets. Even outside the Christmas Season, sometimes you can find a little flower market in the Grand Place on weekends.

For a small fee of €6, you can enter the Museum of Musical Instruments  and embark on a journey through time. The museum displays instruments from lots of different periods in history, some of them small and simple, some of them massive and magnificent.

There are over 7,000 instruments to view, and you'll get a headset that plays the instrument for you when you stand in front of it. This is super cool because you'll be staring at a weird instrument from the middle ages, having no clue what it sounds like, and then your headphones will actually play the music for you so you can understand the instrument better.

On the tenth floor of the museum, you can witness an amazing view of the city. The museum is open on Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm.

Originally created for the Brussels World's Fair in 1958, Atomium is now a significant landmark and museum of the city. The massive iron spheres are meant to show the composition of an iron crystal, and the whole structure stands at 102 meters tall.

Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn, the landmark symbolizes the importance of science. To enter Atomium, it costs €12 and you can visit all but three of the spheres. Inside is an exhibition that changes from year to year.

The top sphere has a nice restaurant, aunt here are also event spaces inside for various happenings in Brussels. Atomium is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

Locally known as the Le Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat , the Chocolate Museum is an amazing place to visit if you're a chocoholic or just a food lover in general. 

Belgian chocolate is world-famous, so why not learn a bit more about how the heavenly treat is made?

The Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate has a lot of interesting chocolate sculptures and informative exhibits, as well as lots of free samples and a spinning wheel pouring out melted chocolate for dipping. You can also watch a demonstration to see exactly what the chocolate making process is like.

The museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is €6.

5. Place du Jeu de Balle Market

This outdoor flea market is also known as the "Old Market" to locals, maybe because the market has been running since 1873. This is one of the most-visited markets in Brussels , and it is open every single day.

The flea market is massive, and you can find everything here from vintage clothes, shoes and accessories, to books, CDs and records, to sculptures and artwork. The theme of the market leans towards the vintage side, so you'll find lots of antiques and unique items.

Even if you don't plan on buying anything, walking through the market is a fun and interesting experience. You'll see lots of cool stuff, including artifacts and antiques from hundreds of years ago.

The market takes place in the Marolles District, where markets and merchants have been thriving since the 17th Century. At 7 am the market opens, and it closes at 2 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends.

This is one of Brussels' weirdest and most famous landmarks . Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a little boy peeing in the fountain below. Locals dress the boy up for events in the city, and even though the statue is silly it has become a vital part of the framework of Brussels.

He represents the joy and lightheartedness of Brussels' citizens, and tourists flock from all over the city to snap a photo of the little boy. This is an easy place to visit in Brussels for free , so if you're in the area you might as well stop by.

7. Bois de la Cambre Park

Just south of the city center lies Bois de la Cambre Park , a public green space that provides an escape from the busy city. The park borders the Sonian Forest and covers over 100 hectares.

You can come here for a day to explore the forest and its walking trails, have a picnic in the grass amongst local families, or to take a short boat ride on the lake.

The park is closed to cars on weekends, so it is a great spot for biking, running, or roller blading without worrying about car traffic. It is also completely free to visit!

8. The Gothic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

This gothic style Roman Catholic Church is located on Treurenberg Hill and is a beautiful addition to the urban landscape of Brussels. In addition to the Grand Place, this is also one of the best places to visit in Brussels during Christmas as you can often find carolers and concerts here.

It costs only €1 to enter the cathedral, and the opening hours are from 7:30 am to 6 pm on Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on Saturdays, and 2 pm to 6 pm on Sundays.

9. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

For those who like to shop, this is one of the best places to visit in Brussels . Built in the middle 1800s, this indoor shopping center is much more beautiful than your average mall. The ornate decoration, arched windows, and rustic styling makes the shopping center a stunning place to visit even if you don't plan on shopping.

There are three halls: the King's Gallery, the Queen's Gallery and the Princes' Gallery. All three are long and spacious with high ceilings, so this is the perfect place to come and window-shop on a rainy day.

Also known as Jubelpark, this wide green space has lots of museums and monuments in addition to the beautiful gardens, picnic tables, and fountains. The park was built in the 1800s by King Leopold II in order to celebrate 50 years of Belgian independence.

There are three museums in the park: Autoworld, the Royal Military Museum and the Cinquantenaire Museum of Art. The most famous landmark in Cinquantenaire Park is the Arcade du Cinquantenaire, which is a magnificent and regal triple arch right in the middle of the park.

11. The Royal Palace of Brussels and Brussels Park

The Royal Palace of Brussels used to be the home for the Royal Family, but they now live in the Royal Palace of Laeken just outside the city. But the King of Belgium still used the Palace of Brussels as his headquarters, so it is a very important building to the city and the country.

The Palace is only open to the public in the summer . During July and August, you can enter the palace for free between the hours of 10:30 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays). This is a great opportunity to witness the grandeur of one of Brussels' most significant buildings. Even for the rest of the year when the palace is closed to the public, it is still amazing to admire the building from the outside.

Brussels Park, also known as Warandepark, is located right next to the palace and is the largest public park inside the city center. So if you don't have enough time to venture to one of the further parks, this is a great stop inside the city for a picnic or a stroll.

12. Train World and Schaerbeek Station

Train World is a relatively new museum in Brussels. It opened in 2015 inside Schaerbeek Station, a rustic red and white striped train station that is a famous landmark in the city.

The museum is, of course, about trains. It has the oldest preserved train in Europe on display, as well as lots of other cool pieces of locomotives throughout history. For those who love trains and learning about history, this is the place for you.

Train World is open from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays . The last admission is at 3:30 pm because they recommend close to 2 hours for a visit. Tickets are €12 for people ages 18-64, and €9 for anyone outside that age range.

13. Winter Wonders

If you are visiting Brussels during the wintertime , you have to check out the Christmas markets. The entire " Winter Wonders " phenomenon is a collection of different Christmas-themed events and locations, and within the realm of Winter Wonders is all the places to visit in Brussels during Christmas .

The Grand Place is one of the most exciting parts of Winter Wonders to visit. Other public squares in the city that become festive are the Place de la Monnaie , the Place Sainte-Catherine , the Place de Brouckère and the Marché aux Poissons . 

Common finds in Winter Wonders are lively Christmas markets selling trinkets, food, and drinks, Christmas trees, light shows, a ferris wheel, merry go rounds and other carnival rides, music performances, and parades.

14. The European District

Brussels is the headquarters for the organization that serves to guide and unite some countries in Europe through economics, politics, and social rights: the European Union. This is such an influential part of European culture and history, so it is cool to see the place where all the magic happens.

The European District is the area where all the European Union offices are based, including the European Commission , the European Parliament , and the Council of Ministers . In the evenings, lots of EU employees hang out in the nearby parks and bars, so it is a very lively area to experience at night.

15. Mont des Arts

One of the best places to visit in Brussels for free is Mont des Arts , which translates to "Mountain of Arts." This is an area in central Brussels and was built under the orders of Leopold II. This king clearly had a lot of influence over the city and created lots of monuments that remain in modern Brussels.

In Mont des Arts, you can find landscaped gardens, statues, fountains, and other displays of public art, stairs leading up to a spectacular view, lots of museums, the Royal Library of Belgium and the National Archives of Belgium .

Many of the other Brussels attractions are located within walking distance of this central hub, so you'll definitely pass through here a few times while exploring Brussels. Mont des Arts is great for photo opportunities and for acting as a starting point for sightseeing in Brussels .

What to eat in Brussels

Belgium has so many local foods that are simply delicious. No visit to Belgium is complete without indulging in a few of the country's specialties.

Brussels is quite cosmopolitan, so you can find lots of international cuisines in addition to the local classics. There is a Chinatown in the city where you can find delicious Chinese food, and all the usual international restaurants, like Italian, Thai, American, Indian and Japanese are scattered all over the city.

But for those who want to taste the staple food items of Belgium, here are the best foods to try in Belgium .

The Belgian Waffle

Belgian waffles are heavenly. They are light and fluffy, but large and thick at the same time. You can get them topped with everything under the sun, and they are cheap and plentiful in Brussels.

There are two main types of Belgian waffles: the Brussels waffle and the  Liege waffle . A classic, fluffy Brussels waffle is the most popular, whereas the Leige waffle is a bit denser and doughier with sugar chunks caramelized into the dough.

You can't walk a few blocks through Brussels without finding a waffle shop. But some of the best cafés or restaurants to find classic Belgian waffles are Gaufres de Bruxelles , Maison Dandoy , Mokafé , and the café located right next to Manneken Pis, Le Funambule .

Pomme Frittes

For those who think french fries are French, think again. Classic french fries were actually created in Belgium, and the locals refer to them as "pomme frites." However, Belgian fries are much better than your average French fry from McDonalds.

They are soft on the inside and extra crispy on the outside, mainly because they are always cut by hand and fried twice. Sometimes they are cooked in animal fat for extra flavor, and they are usually served in a paper or cardboard cone with sauces on the side.

You can find Belgian fries in restaurants and cafés, but most locals get them from little stands or stalls in the street. Some of the best places to try high quality Belgian fries are Fritland , Belgian Frites , Chez Fernand and Chez Clémentine .

Belgian Chocolate

For those who love chocolate, (and seriously, who doesn't love chocolate?) Belgium has some of the best chocolate in the world. 

Lots of well-known chocolate companies around the world, like Godiva , Neuhaus , and Côte d'Or , were founded in Brussels. There is an abundance of chocolate shops all over the city, in addition to the Chocolate Museum .

Pierre Marcolini is one of the greats, Laurent Gerbaud specializes in dark chocolate, and Zaabär Chocolate Factory and Planète Chocolat both have chocolate-making workshops available. In any of these shops you can buy chocolate bars, truffles, drinking chocolate and other snacks, all in unique flavors or just plain.

All you have to do is wander to any chocolate shop you see and taste anything your heart desires; you definitely won't be disappointed.

Pastries and Desserts

If waffles and chocolate aren't enough, indulge in some of Belgium's best pastries. People normally associate lots of desserts with France, including éclairs and macarons, but you can still find high quality ones in Belgium due to the close geographical proximity.

Éclairs et Gourmandises is an amazing bakery that sells sweet and savory éclairs. Ladurée is a famous Paris-based dessert shop that also has a location in Brussels, so you can try these colorful little treats there.

Other pastries that are native to Belgium are mattentaart, a flaky pastry stuffed with cheesecake, Flemish beignets, hot dough balls sprinkled with powdered sugar, and merveilleux, little meringue cakes covered in cream, chocolate chips, and any other desired toppings like fruit or nuts.

Like chocolate shops, bakeries and pastry shops are scattered all over Brussels so you won't have any trouble finding some sweet treats in the city. Some of the most famous bakeries in Brussels are Les Temps des Tartines , Charli , and Chouconut .

Where to drink in Brussels

Heading to a pub, bar or restaurant for a glass of beer or wine is a widespread part of European culture. But beer is definitely the most cherished beverage in Belgium.

The Belgians have been making beer for hundreds of years now, and their beer is known and loved all over the globe. There are so many different beers produced in Belgium that you just have to ask the locals what they recommend.

If you're a beer fanatic, you can definitely learn a lot about Belgian beer just by talking to the local bartenders and brewers. Even if you are not a huge fan of beer, kick back in a bar and order a glass or two just to taste the country's favorite beverage.

Delirium Café is the most famous place to drink beer in Brussels. This café holds the Guinness World Record for the most beers offered in one establishment. They sell over 2,000 beers, so you have lots of options when ordering a drink!

Toone is a classy bar that also doubles as a puppet theater, and L'Archiduc Bar is a rustic jazz bar with lots of high quality international wine options.

Other highly rated and unique places to drink around Brussels are Goupil Le Fol Wine Bar and À La Mort Subite .

The best time of year to visit Brussels

Located in northern Europe, Belgium has a temperate climate, meaning the summers are warm and the winters are cold.

Summer has the nicest weather, with warm temperatures and sunny days that are perfect for exploring. Because summer is peak tourist season, the city's attractions get a bit more crowded and flights are a little more expensive.

The winter can get very cold and bitter, so the weather is not ideal. But the charming Christmas Markets that fill the city in December make the cold seem cheerful and festive rather than dreary. Brussels is magical at Christmastime, and because this is the off-season the flights to Belgium will be a bit cheaper.

Spring and Autumn are probably the best times to visit Belgium . The weather is favorable and the crowds are tame. But there really is not any bad time to visit Belgium!

Safety in Brussels

Brussels is, overall, an extremely safe city for travelers to visit. Public transport is straightforward, though you can pretty much walk anywhere.

The biggest concern while traveling to Brussels is petty crime like theft and pickpocketing. To avoid these issues, follow simple travel safety tips and just keep your wits about you while exploring the city. Try to avoid walking alone, especially at night. While walking through crowded areas, keep a close eye on your belongings and leave most of your valuables locked up in a safe in your hostel or hotel.

The biggest crowds you'll find in Brussels are in the Grand Place and in the Christmas Markets. Just be smart while exploring these areas, especially at busy times. If you use common sense, you shouldn't have any problems in Brussels.

How to get around Brussels

This is easily the best way to get around Brussels. The city is small and pedestrian-friendly, so it is very simple to reach all the best attractions on foot. You should probably have a map or a navigation app like Maps.Me or Google Maps to help you navigate your way around.

It is very common to hire bikes in Brussels so you can travel more quickly around the city. Some popular bike rental places are CyCLO , Pro Velo , Blue-bike , and Swapfiets . Jump and Billy Bike also offer shared electric bikes for rent.

The metro in Brussels is very simple. It has only six lines, and a one hour ticket costs €2,10. You always have to validate your ticket before you get on the subway to avoid being charged a fine.

Bus or Tram

The bus is a bit slower than the metro and a ticket also costs €2,10. The tram is another great public transport option, as it runs on its own tracks and doesn't interfere with road traffic.

You can buy a bus or tram ticket in a metro station or local newsstand. On the bus, you can even buy a ticket from the driver, but it is recommended to buy your ticket beforehand just in case the driver runs out of tickets. If you plan on taking lots of public transport, you can get an unlimited one day pass for only €6.

Traveling in and out of Brussels

Europe has such an advanced system of public transportation that traveling around is a breeze.

Trains and long-distance buses are cheap and easy when traveling to other cities in Belgium or to other nearby countries. Brussels also has an international airport for flying in and out of the country.

For those who really want to save money while traveling , you can also take an overnight bus to and from Brussels to nearby cities like Amsterdam , Paris or London . Overnight buses aren’t the most comfortable, but they are super cheap and they help you save money for a night's accommodation.

Worldpackers experiences in Brussels

If you have a few weeks or more to spend in Brussels, why not try something different than the average tourist experience?

Doing a work exchange allows you to live like a local while working in exchange for free accommodation. This means you can experience the local culture more in-depth while saving money. 

For budget travelers who are keen to learn about different ways of life and have enriching cultural exchanges, this is the perfect opportunity .

There are two amazing volunteering opportunities within Brussels , both of them in hostels. Hostels are amazing places to do a work exchange because they are social environments where you can meet lots of locals and other travelers. You are bound to make close new friends, and you'll have ample time to explore Brussels on your time off.

This hostel needs housekeepers and bartenders . You will work 27 hours per week with one day off, and you'll have free breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to a free bed in a shared staff dorm. You will also get free laundry and events, and you'll get to learn some useful new skills.

This hostel needs kitchen-hands, gardeners, housekeepers, and reception workers . There are different jobs here to suit all sorts of skill sets, and you'll have three days off per week plus free breakfast. 

If you are traveling around Belgium, there are plenty of other work exchanges available around the country . For example, you can volunteer at a holistic retreat center in Kapelle-op-den-Bos , help out with garden projects at a retreat center in Galmaarden , or learn about permaculture at an eco-farm in Heist-op-den-Berg . These volunteer experiences allow you to get outside, connect with nature and work with your hands.

For those who prefer the cities and like the idea of working in a fun, social hostel, you can also volunteer in hostels in Bruges or Antwerp . 

So head on over to Belgium, do a work exchange, explore Brussels, eat lots of waffles and chocolate, drink beer, and enjoy yourself!

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Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Gabrielle Boucher

Budget Travel With Gabby

Hello! I am a 25 year old from the USA with a knack for traveling on a budget. I fell in love with traveling while studying in Europe, and that love grew even more when I started volunteering abroad in South America. Since then, I've worked odd jobs and volunteered all over the globe while cultivating passions for hiking, wildlife photography, food, wine, animals, permaculture, and more!

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• 13 Best Places To Visit In Brussels In 2024 That Highlight The Charm Of The City

23 Mar 2023

Brussels, the unassuming, easy going capital city of Belgium and the administrative hub of European Union offers the quintessential Belgian experience without the touristy hype.

Grand facades, magnificent cathedrals, some amazing and quirky museums, the unique and imposing Atomium and melt in mouth Belgian chocolates – there are a lot of places to see in Brussels that await your presence. So if you’re on a holiday, then this fascinating small city with big surprises and a glorious history will delight you.

13 Best Places To Visit In Brussels

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Brussels city that you must go through before you leave. Take a look!

• Grand Place
• Atomium & Mini Europe
• Belgian Comic Strip Centre
• St. Michael And St. Gudula Cathedral
• Royal Museum Of Fine Arts
• Manneken Pis
• Jardin Du Petit Sablon
• Notre Dame Du Sablon
• Mont De Arts
• Villa Empain
• Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
• Magritte Museum

1. Grand Place

The grand city centre oozing with history, magnificent architecture and a splendid flower-carpet (twice a year) is one of the best places to visit in Brussels to feel the vibe of the city. Probably the largest and most beautiful square in Europe, flanked by the majestic Gildehuizen (guild houses) is one of the best places in Brussels to enjoy a drink, pick a tour or simply sit and feel the pulse of this vibrant city. The ornate historical buildings surrounding the cobblestoned square displaying intricate stone-work, stunning gold decoration, baroque gables and awe-inspiring architecture give the Grand Place its unmatched grandeur and elegance. You can stroll over to breathe in the fragrance of local flower market thrice a week and be awed by its surreal beauty when it is lit up at night. Ideal for: Architecture, History, People-watching

Suggested Read: In Pictures: 35 Most Beautiful Cities In Europe Will Make You Want To Trip There

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2. Atomium & Mini Europe

The impressive and iconic steel-aluminium wonder is to Brussels what Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It’s amazing to look up at this model of an iron atom magnified to 165 times its size and a thrilling experience to be whisked to the top of this 100m high gleaming architectural marvel. You can combine the trip and ticket with a visit to Mini Europe which is equally riveting and exciting for kids as well as adults. With detailed models of the best European cities, interactive sections and working models this miniature wonder is a popular Brussels attraction.

Ideal For: Family time, Photography

Suggested Read: 10 Places For Shopping In Brussels That Will Give You A Shopper’s High

3. Belgian Comic Strip Centre

Let the child within gaze with delight and wonder at those familiar comic strip characters that have made you laugh and filled your heart with joy. In this magnificent 19th century art deco building designed by the master architect Victor Horta, you can walk through a 3D Smurf village, visit Captain Haddock’s moon rocket and peep through Lucky Luke’s salon. With dedicated sections for Tintin, Asterix, Smurfs and many other Belgian and French comic strips, you can delve deeper into the magical world of your favourite characters. The detailed history of comic strips and the journey to their present day graphic novel form is fascinating.

Timings: 10AM to 6PM every day Entry fee: 10 Euros/adult; 3.5 Euros/child. Concessional fee for senior citizens, students and group tickets

4. Town Hall

The most spectacular building around the Grand Place, the Town Hall has several grand rooms displaying its magnificence. With its spire towering above all other buildings, the Town Hall is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. While the impressive facade adorned with numerous sculptures is a sight to behold, the opulent interiors will leave you spellbound. Rich tapestries and stunning ceiling of the Council Chamber, beautifully panelled walls, amazing artwork and murals will take your breath away. The seat if the Mayor of Brussels, the Town Hall also hosts many free concerts and looks stunningly beautiful when lit up at night. Ideal for: Architecture, History

Suggested Read: These 12 Hostels In Brussels Will Add Comfort To Your Experience

5. St. Michael And St. Gudula Cathedral

Dedicated to the patron saints of Brussels, this majestic poetry in stone is as beautiful on the inside as it is spectacular on the outside. The magnificent preaching stand, impressive archways, pretty sculptures and the gorgeously detailed stained glass windows are a treat to the eyes. A short walk from the main station, this fantastic Gothic-style cathedral is a must-visit on your Brussels sightseeing itinerary. It is worth spending an hour here reading up on its history, architecture and spiritual significance and stealing some tranquil moments.

Ideal for: Tranquillity, Photography, Architecture

6. Royal Museum Of Fine Arts

Even though not as famous as the Louvre or Musee d’Orsay, Belgium’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts will surprise you with its amazing collection of jaw-dropping art and is one of the finest places to visit in Brussels for art aficionados. Curated into three different and interesting sections, it is one of Europe’s largest art galleries featuring the works of masters like Rubens, Van Dyke, Rembrandt, Magritte and Brueghel.

Timings: 10AM to 5PM (Mon-Fri); 10Am to 6PM (Sat-Sun) Entry fee: 13 Euros for all three sections. Free entry on first Wednesday of every month.

7. Manneken Pis

Undoubtedly one of the most popular Brussels tourist attractions, this quirky bronze sculpture of a small boy urinating in the fountain must not be missed while in Brussels. A copy of the original one (which is now in the Brussels Museum), this landmark attraction is an embodiment of Belgian humour and rebellious spirit. Manneken Pis (literally meaning the small man) has a wardrobe of more than 900 costumes which he is dressed up in couple of times a year on special occasions. Ideal for: Photography, History

Suggested Read: 15 Most Romantic Cities In The World

8. Jardin Du Petit Sablon

This serene oasis in the heart of the city is a great place to take a break from the hectic Brussels sightseeing and breath in the refreshing air. The charming landscaped garden with an impressive Egmont and Hornes Fountain is studded with 48 bronze sculptures depicting historical occupations. It’s the perfect spot for a truly European experience while soaking in some history on the side.

Ideal for: Relaxation, History

9. Notre Dame Du Sablon

As you stroll through the city ticking off the best places to visit in Brussels, don’t miss out on this strikingly beautiful cathedral. Displaying an elegant amalgamation of the Gothic and Renaissance styles of architecture, the church interiors are adorned with exceptional stained glass windows and an ornately carved pulpit and organ. After visiting the church you can stroll to the beautiful park nearby, sip a coffee at the local cafes and marvel at this majestic structure.

Ideal for: Architecture, Photography

Suggested Read: These 10 Best Craft-Beer Bars In Brussels Will Leave You Wanting For More

10. Mont De Arts

A lovely little hill dotted with as many as 10 museums and an atmosphere that can’t be beaten, Mont De Arts is surely one of the top places to visit in Brussels for experiencing the best that this charming city has to offer. You simply sit here and enjoy the street performances, walk up to some of the interesting (Magritte Museum for art lovers, the unique Musical Instruments Museum, amongst others) or marvel at the panoramic city views. Sunset is a great time for some picture postcard-worthy shots of the city, and then witnessing the glittering spectacle as night sets in. Ideal for: Photography, Museums, Relaxation

11. Villa Empain

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Built by the famous Swiss architect, Michel Polak in 1930-1934, Villa Empain is a place that you ought to add to your list of places to visit in Brussels. It was a private house before but after its restoration in 2009-2011, it was opened for public. Villa Empain is a marvelous piece of artwork which is popular throughout Belgium due to its stunning interiors.

Ideal For: Art Lovers

Suggested Read: 11 Churches In Brussels That Will Make Your Experience Worth Remembering

12. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is Europe’s first covered shopping arcade and if you are a shopaholic you should totally visit this great spot in Brussels. Designed by architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer in the years of 1846 and 1847 and since then it attracts a lot of tourists every year. You must visit all the three galleries which are called The King’s Gallery, the Queen’s Gallery and the Prince’s Gallery on your shopping spree to make the most out of it.

Ideal For: Shopping buffs

13. Magritte Museum

Opened in 2009 to the public, Magritte Museum is one of the most frequented places to visit in Brussels. All the travelers who love art and history must pay a visit to this museum which is dedicated to the Belgian artist, René Magritte. The museum has 200 original sculptures, Magritte paintings, and drawings. You can have a look at the famous artworks like Return, Scheherazade and The Empire of Lights once you step in this museum.

Further Read: 10 Most Popular Europe Trips To Plan Ultimate Escape

There is no end to the Brussels attractions and experiences to savour in this wonderful city. At the end of a long day of sightseeing, sip some uniquely Belgian beer and let the city work its magic. And now you must plan your European vacay with TravelTriangle and enjoy a personalized itinerary and trip.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Brussels

Where should I go near Brussels?

There are so many places you can visit near Brussels like: 1. Gaasbeek Castle 2. Flemish city of Ghent 3. Villers Abbey 4. Lion’s Mound 5. Hallerbos 6. Antwerp 7. Sonian Forest

What is Brussels famous for?

The cuisine and gastronomy are the two things Brussels is famous for. You will find a number of historical and architectural landmarks, some of which are listed under UNESCO. Try waffles and fries when in Brussels. There is a huge variety of beer that you will find in Brussels.

Is Brussels a good tourist destination?

Yes, Brussels is absolutely amazing destination where there is so much to explore and see. From chocolate to beer, Brussels is famous for quite a things. If you like exploring medieval cities with cobbled streets, then you are going to love this place. Besides, you will find a lot of lively cafes and restaurants in Brussels.

How many days do you need in Brussels?

If you want to explore Brussels at its best, then you should spend 3-4 days otherwise a couple of days are fine if you can’t squeeze in much time.

Do they speak English in Brussels?

Most people speak French in Brussels. The english-speaking native speakers are very less but it is safe to assume that they understand Engish language.

What to pack when visiting Brussels?

Here is what you should pack for visiting Brussels: 1. Down jacket 2. Raincoat 3. Sweatshirt 4. Comfortable shoes 5. Refillable water bottle

Can I drink the tap water in Brussels?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Brussels, unlike in other countries. It tastes pleasant.

What to visit in Brussels in 2 days?

Some of the most popular places to visit in Brussels in 2 days are: 1. Manneken Pis 2. Jeanneke Pis and Zinneke 3. Grand Place 4. Atomium 5. Victor Horta's major townhouses 6. Villa Empain 7. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert 8. Notre Dame du Sablon 9. Mini Europe 10. Musical Instrument Museum

How many days in Brussels is enough?

If you are planning to visit Brussels solo or with your family and friends, two days is often enough to enjoy sightseeing tours, culinary retreats, and more. If you want to enjoy slow travel and travel around the entire length of this city, we would recommend a 7-day trip to soak in the culture of this place.

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Best Things To Do in Brussels

Brussels , capital of Belgium and seat to the European Parliament is the heart of Europe both physically and politically. With an incredible 60 million people living within 300 km from the city, a few days in Brussels is an enticing prospect as there so many things to do in Brussels.

Attracted by world-famous destinations such as the UNESCO World Heritage Grand Place, the whimsical Manneken Pis or its traditions for chocolate and beer making is it any wonder that 3 million people choose to spend at least one day in Brussels every year?

Add the futuristic Atomium, a lustrous contrast to the grandeur of its medieval center, its amusing comic strip walking tour, and a hearty dish of moules frites and you have the recipe for a city to suit all the family. And then you should add a few days to your stay to do a few day trips from Brussels, for example to Bruges or Ghent .

If you only have a day or two in Brussels, a great way to see the top sights is the Hop on Hop off tour in combination with the Brussels Card . It not only gives you easy transportation between the sights, but also free entry to 41 museums and attractions in Brussels. Book your Brussels Card/Hop on Hop off ticket here >>

To help you decide on the best Brussels itinerary, here is our guide to the things to do in Brussels.

Top Things to Do in Brussels

Grand place.

The first attraction for any Brussels itinerary is a visit to the remarkable Grand Place. This UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Brussels is one of Europe’s most stunning squares.

Originally a 12th-century market place, visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the magnificent architecture lining the Grand Place. Reconstructed following 3 days of bombardment by the French army in 1695 the square’s splendid building includes examples of gothic, baroque, neoclassical and neogothic architecture.

Brussels Town Hall

The most impressive building in Grand Place is undoubtedly the 15th century Brussels Town Hall. The square’s only remaining medieval building is located on its western side. In addition to its imposing tower reaching almost 100 meters in height, the building’s impressive facade is adorned with sculpted decorations. Guided tours of the rich interior are also available.

Kings House

On the opposite side of Grand Place lies the hugely impressive gothic revival styled King’s House. Known as Broodhuis (Bread House) in Dutch the building was rebuilt in 1873 by architect Victor Jamaer. The Kings House has been home to the Brussels City Museum since 1887.

Manneken Pis

Following the splendid Grand Place, it is just a short walk south to the junction of Rue du Chêne and Rue de l’Êtuvee. Here amongst the inevitable crowds, you’ll find the Manneken Pis, Brussels’ most well-loved symbol and landmark. Considering this is a 61 cm tall statue of a naked boy urinating gleefully into a fountain the extent of its beloved adoration is hugely impressive.

Manneken Pis is symbolic of the Belgian sense of humor and irreverence. Add in the hundreds of costumes he is dressed in each year to celebrate anniversaries and significant occasions and you have a statue visited by thousands of sightseers every day. You can find his image across Brussels on a magnitude of souvenirs. Seemingly such an item can not be from Brussels if it is not adorned by the Manneken Pis!

The origins of the little boy design are uncertain with several variations and legends told to tourists each year. From 2-year-old Duke Godfrey urinating on opposition troops from a tree in the 12th century to a boy called Little Julien in the 15th century urinating on a burning fuse of explosives at the city walls to a boy urinating on a fire to prevent the king’s castle burning down. What is known though is that the original fountain erected in 1618 designed by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder sits in the Brussels City Museum. The replica viewed by millions since its erection in 1965.

Palais Royal

A 15-minute walk southwest of the Grand Place and Manneken Pis in the Royal Quarter lies the Royal Palace. Constructed in 1820 on the former site of the Palace of the Dukes of Brabant the Palace was modified in 1904 in the style of Louis XVI. Despite not being home to the Royal Family since 1831 the Palace remains the headquarters of the constitutional monarchy. Prominent guests, such as Heads of State, often stay there during their visit to Belgium’s capital city.

Each year from the 21st July, Belgium’s National Day, the Palace is open to visitors to tour its internal rooms. During the summer until early September visits are possible every day except Monday. For those visitors that have thought ahead, the adjacent Park of Brussels, a verdant oasis in the city, is ideal for a picnic or short stop.

Located 8 km north of the city center the Atomium , named after its design based on an iron crystal atoms magnifies 165 billion times is another of the city’s major landmarks. Accessible via the city metro system in around 40 minutes many visitors spending just a short time in Brussels will consider whether a visit here is worth the effort.

Yes, this futuristic style landmark does not boast the history and architectural elegance of the Grand Place and rest of Brussels center but it does retain an elegance and uniqueness to be admired. Designed and constructed for the Brussels World Fair in 1958 this 102-meter tall edifice doubles as exhibition space as well as dramatic sculpture.

Approaching the Atomium from Heysel metro station the Atomium looms over you like a visitor from another planet. Picture the giant machines from War of the Worlds and you have a sense of its stature. The design with its nine interconnected spheres no doubt splits opinion among the 600,000 annual visitors.

They cannot be in any doubt though that this gleaming marvel is unique with no close comparisons anywhere in the world. Part of the joy of a visit to the Atomium is to walk beneath and around its site to see the shape evolve and present interesting angles and geometric wonder.

Internally the Atomium houses permanent and temporary exhibits including one centered around its design and the 1958 world fair. Traversing the spheres and levels by escalator the light shows provide an added sensual attraction and experience. In the top sphere, there is also a bar and restaurant offering panoramic views over the surrounding area and the city of Brussels to the south.

The Atomium is open every day of the week between 10.00 and 18.00. Adult tickets cost €15.00 and children €8.00. Tickets combining visits to the Atomium together with the adjacent Mini Europe are also available for €27.50 and €21.10. Book your tickets here >>

Mini-Europe

Adjacent to the Atomium is Mini-Europe, a miniature park celebrating the most important landmarks from over 80 cities of the European Union. Here at a scale of 1:25 the Eiffel Tower is 13 meters high and Big Ben just 4 meters tall. Given the other treasures awaiting you on Brussels itinerary, we suggest a visit here should only be considered for those staying longer.

Comic Strip Walk

The attraction of any city break, no matter the length of your visit is the freedom to walk its streets at your own pace stumbling across sights low down in any guide book. To enhance the enjoyment of such a walking tour Brussels has an added experience to reflect its light-hearted nature and celebrate one of the country’s most famous sons.

Among its historic architecture and narrow streets above its restaurants, bars and chocolatiers you’ll find buildings brightly decorated with comic characters and cartoons. The most famous depicting Tintin, his dog Snowy, and friend Captain Haddock can be found on Rue de l’Étuve between the Grand Place and Mannekin Pis.

These many cartoons make for a hugely enjoyable treasure hunt style walking tour and fascinating activity for children of all ages. Brochures detailing the location of each cartoon mural are available for €2.50 from tourist centers and information desks across the city. You can also book a guided comic walking tour that tells you more about the history of the comics, the artists, and more. Book your ticket here >>

Whilst Brussels is not known as a major shopping destination visitors during their one day in Brussels should head to the beautiful Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Designed by the architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer and completed in 1847 this parade of symmetrical arched shopfronts beneath an arched glass planed roof and delicate iron framework is a visual delight.

Its architectural splendor only enhancing the feeling of luxury and exclusivity of its boutique stores and cafés. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert can found east of the Grand Place and is accessed via the Rue de la Montagne.

Without a doubt, the most popular souvenir visitors will take home from Brussels is Belgian chocolate . Manufactured here since the 17th-century chocolate is one of the country’s most important exports. As you walk the streets of Brussels it is inevitable that you will find yourself in more than one of its delightful chocolatiers.

Names such as Godiva, Neuhaus, and Leonidas appear on almost every street corner tempting customers with their free samples. The tackier yet still delicious offerings come in Manneken Pis designed tins adorned in the kits of a selection of the continent’s most successful football teams.

A great way to learn more about Belgian chocolate – and of course try some – is a Chocolate tour with visits to some of the best Chocolatiers in Brussels. Book your ticket here >> Or even better? How about a Chocolate Making Class ?

All visitors spending one day in Brussels will at some juncture need to stop for refreshment and sustenance, even with the large number of free samples consumed. Belgium is as famous for its wide selection of beer as it is for its chocolate.

With over 180 breweries in the country, we recommend ordering a wooden tasting paddle allowing you the opportunity to sample as many as six different options, or even better, do a beer tasting tour . Frequently accompanied by a bowl of crisps or nuts these 14 cl servings are an excellent way to taste simple lagers, fruit beers, wheat, and Trappist beers.

Pick one of the numerous bars close to the Grand Place and you can even enjoy your paddle whilst sitting outside in the fresh air, admiring the historical architecture, and watching the world go by. Book your beer tasting tour here >>

Another popular Belgian dish ideal for a quick snack waffle kiosks almost outnumber chocolatiers in the center of Brussels. Their sweet enticing smell an unseen but unmistakable symbol of the city.

The Brussels version is larger and thicker than its Liège cousin but they share the same favored toppings of chocolate, whipped cream, and fruit-based sauces. Who can resist such a delight when they can be bought for as little as €1.50?

French Fries

Potato fries may be named after its much larger neighbor but these worldwide favorites are originally from Belgium. Belgians pride themselves in their ‘frites’ stalls and Brussels is no different.

Long queues form at their numerous stalls displaying the ‘Brusselicious’ mark guaranteeing quality. Such establishments serve freshly cut chips fried in beef or horse fat served with homemade sauces. Often open until the early hours these fries make for a perfect post beer treat.

Moules-Frites

Should a simple snack of French fries not suffice you will be tempted by another of Brussels’ most favorite and widely ordered dishes. As you walk its streets the popularity of moules frites illustrated by both the number of restaurants and a variety of recipes on offer.

Traditionally served in a black mussel pot of 500 grams or 1 kilo and accompanied by the finest French fries moules frites makes the perfect culinary celebration of your trip to Brussels.

Getting to Brussels

With its close proximity to some of Europe’s major cities and populous countries, Brussels is easily accessible to millions.

Brussels boasts 3 main train stations – Brussels Nord, Brussels Midi, and Brussels Centrale. Whilst all three lie on the same line the busiest is Brussels Midi, home to Eurostar trains to France and the UK as well as intercity trains across Europe.

Located just a mile south of Grand Place Brussels Midi is just a 20-minute walk or 10-minute taxi to the city’s center. London can be reached in a little over 2 hours, Amsterdam 3 hours, Cologne 3 1/2 hours and Paris just 1 1/2 hours.

Whilst arriving by car will be an attractive option since 1st January 2018 Brussels and its surrounding region have been designated a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). In addition, foreign-registered vehicles must register online prior to entering. For these reasons and for ease of access visitors should strongly consider utilizing one of the many park and ride car park areas on the outskirts of Brussels.

As you can see, Brussels is definitely worth a trip. I hope you enjoyed my recommendations for the best things to do in Brussels.

This article was written by Paul Rought. Paul was born and raised in Solihull, just outside Birmingham in the center of England. After university, he moved to London in the mid-1990s to become a Chartered Surveyor and has lived there ever since.

Paul’s initial travel experiences were family holidays to the Mediterranean although a school cruise to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, and Israel was a childhood highlight. Concentrating on his move to London his next travel adventure wasn’t until 1999 and a backpacking trip to Thailand and Hong Kong. It was love at first sight. He was immediately enthralled by Hong Kong, the skyscrapers, the city buzz, the food, and the language. His love for Asia continues to this day although Japan has overtaken Hong Kong in his affections. Paul is definitely a city person and ideally would visit New York, Tokyo, Sydney, and London every year. Just don’t push him to pick a favorite!

He loves all things sport and still follows Birmingham City despite 40 years of mostly pain. On autumn and winter Sunday evenings you’ll find him somewhere in front of a TV with his favorite bottle of red enjoying NFL.

He blogs at The Two That Do . Go check it out and also follow him on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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Europe: Brussels proposes free movement deal for UK’s 18- to 30-year-olds – as it happened

European commission floats opening negotiations with London to allow under 30s in UK and EU the same rights they enjoyed before Brexit

• 4d ago Summary of the day
• 4d ago Commission proposes Brexit deal for 18 to 30 year olds
• 4d ago Political uncertainty in Croatia as ruling party wins most seats but no majority
• 4d ago 'Lack of strategic vision': Turkey criticises EU leaders
• 4d ago 'Actions to defend Israel must lead to boosted air defence for Ukraine,' Lithuania says
• 4d ago Swedish PM calls for 'simpler, better and less regulations'
• 4d ago 'Giving Ukraine aid saves American jobs and tax dollars', Kallas says
• 4d ago Ukrainian prime minister cautions of third world war if Ukraine loses war
• 4d ago Croatia’s ruling conservatives win most seats in election, but without majority
• 4d ago Economic gap 'bigger and bigger,' Letta warns
• 4d ago German police arrest two men on suspicion of spying for Russia
• 4d ago Michel 'optimistic' on competitiveness conclusions
• 4d ago Welcome to the blog
• 4d ago EU leaders meet for second day to discuss economy
• 4d ago Polish prime minister blasts Europe over gap between rhetoric and action

Commission proposes Brexit deal for 18 to 30 year olds

The European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with the UK to allow free movement enjoyed before Brexit to millions of 18 to 30 year olds in a major post Brexit concession.

It said it will now seek approval from individual EU leaders to start the talks which will see one of the most controversial elements of Brexit, a block on the right to live in each others countries visa free, partially eliminated.

Under the envisaged agreement, both EU and UK citizens aged between 18 to 30 years would be able to stay for up to 4 years in the destination country, the European Commission said in a detailed statement.

“The objective would be to facilitate youth exchanges, making it easier for young EU citizens to travel, work and live in the UK, with reciprocity for young UK nationals in a member state,” the Commission said.

We are now closing this blog but you can read all our Europe news here . Our story on Brussels proposing opening talks to bring back pre-Brexit rights of free movement for people aged 18 to 30 in the UK and EU is here .

Summary of the day

The EU’s 27 heads of state and government met for a second day in Brussels.

Their discussions focused on the future of the European economy.

Enrico Letta , a former Italian prime minister and the author of a report the leaders are discussing on the economy, said “there’s no time to waste.”

Charles Michel , the European Council president, told leaders that “the single market and the economic base is our best asset” and “we need to identify what we should do to make sure that this asset can be developed.”

Ulf Kristersson , the Swedish prime minister, said “we need simpler, better and less regulations, lower trade barriers for services and more trade deals.”

Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden and at least a dozen other countries lined up against a French move to centralise supervision of financial markets amid fears it would lead to flight of capital and hard fought inward investment.

On the sidelines of the talks, some leaders continued raising concerns about the situation in Ukraine.

Donald Tusk , the Polish prime minister, said that “if all the words that were said in the last years here in Brussels about common defence, could be changed into bullets and rocket launchers, Europe would have become the strongest power in the world. And the safest place,” he said.

The Lithuanian president, Gitanas Nausėda , said the leaders spoke about concerns about Russia and Iran working together in the Middle East.

The Latvian prime minister, Evika Siliņa, said leaders last night said they would prepare further sanctions against Belarus.

“Ukraine needs our help now,” the Estonian prime minister, Kaja Kallas , said. “If you look away, it will cost more. Security and prosperity in Europe and the U.S. are tied. Giving Ukraine aid saves American jobs and tax dollars.”

Speaking to the BBC, the Ukrainian prime minister, Denys Shmyhal , warned of the possibility of a third world war.

The Turkish foreign ministry has issued a statement criticising the EU’s leaders for their conclusions on relations with Ankara as “yet another example of the EU’s lack of strategic vision on Türkiye and the global developments.”

The European Commission proposed opening negotiations with the UK to allow free movement enjoyed before Brexit to millions of 18 to 30 year olds in a major post Brexit concession.

Manfred Weber , the head of the centre-right European People’s party, has congratulated Croatia’s Andrej Plenković .

Congratulations to @HDZ_HR and @AndrejPlenkovic on the successful outcome in Croatia's 🇭🇷 parliamentary elections! Your win, hard work, and vision set the stage for exciting times ahead and reflect people's confidence in your leadership. pic.twitter.com/Cj2IDN9aIU — Manfred Weber (@ManfredWeber) April 18, 2024

Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden and at least a dozen other countries have lined up against a French move to centralise supervision of financial markets amid fears it would lead to flight of capital and hard fought inward investment.

Their opposition was raised amid proposals aimed at unlocking up to €9 trillion in private money held in the EU ranging from personal savings to pension funds, to finance defence and other big potential challenges such as another pandemic.

One diplomat said that 80% of private investment went to the US because there was not sufficient options for ordinary investments, outside the banking or government savings schemes.

But some smaller countries fear “activity follows regulators” and they could lose their financial services and are determined to stop any bid by France or Germany to centralise supervision.

Ireland fears that a bloc-wide supervisory authority could undermine years of political efforts to lure financial services and fund management which now employs 60,000 people.

The Irish government supports strengthening of the capital markets and believes that consumers should have different options, as they do in the US, to be able to grow their own wealth, through decent alternatives to banks.

A source from another European country said it was imperative that European supervision of capital markets was strengthened.

“ We are falling behind when it comes to our competitors, especially in the US, but also India and China, are catching up, and we are fragmented,” the diplomat said.

Political uncertainty in Croatia as ruling party wins most seats but no majority

Croatia is heading for an extended period of political uncertainty after the ruling conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) emerged victorious in the parliamentary election, but with fewer seats than before and without a majority.

Led by Andrej Plenković , who has served two terms as prime minister, HDZ won 61 seats in the 151-seat assembly with the votes from 99.8% of polling stations counted, the state electoral commission said on Thursday, down from 66 seats in the previous parliament.

A coalition headed by the opposition Social Democratic party (SDP) of president Zoran Milanović finished second with 42 seats, while the right-wing Homeland Movement came in third with 14, potentially handing it the role of kingmaker.

Mario Bikarski, an analyst at the risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft, said: “Regardless of the final distribution of seats, it is likely the parliament will be more fragmented and coalition negotiations will drag on for longer.”

Read the full story here .

'Lack of strategic vision': Turkey criticises EU leaders

“Türkiye will never accept an approach that links progress in Türkiye-EU relations to the Cyprus issue,” the ministry said.

“Türkiye, as a candidate country, remains committed to membership to the EU. However, we reject the selective limitation of the bilateral cooperation to certain areas. In the coming period, we will review our dialogue with the EU on the basis of reciprocity, taking into account the pace, level and scope of the EU’s steps towards Türkiye,” it added.

'Actions to defend Israel must lead to boosted air defence for Ukraine,' Lithuania says

Gitanas Nausėda , the Lithuanian president, has stressed that “the example of allied actions to defend Israel must lead to boosted air defense for Ukraine .”

“Ukrainian cities are getting attacked on a daily basis while their skies remain unprotected. European air defense coalition for Ukraine might be a game changer,” he added.

The example of allied actions to defend #Israel must lead to boosted air defense for #Ukraine . 🇺🇦 cities are getting attacked on a daily basis while their skies remain unprotected. European air defense coalition for Ukraine might be a game changer. — Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) April 18, 2024

Swedish PM calls for 'simpler, better and less regulations'

Ulf Kristersson , the Swedish prime minister, has said the “EU must get back to the core of the single market.”

“We need simpler, better and less regulations, lower trade barriers for services and more trade deals,” he added.

EU must get back to the core of the single market. We need simpler, better and less regulations, lower trade barriers for services and more trade deals. We need more clean energy – including nuclear, and lower energy prices - PM Kristersson #EUCO #competetiveness pic.twitter.com/YMo5SaQVmA — Sweden in EU (@SwedeninEU) April 18, 2024

'Giving Ukraine aid saves American jobs and tax dollars', Kallas says

“Ukraine needs our help now,” the Estonian prime minister, Kaja Kallas , said.

“If you look away, it will cost more. Security and prosperity in Europe and the U.S. are tied. Giving Ukraine aid saves American jobs and tax dollars,” she added.

Agree with @SpeakerJohnson : history judges us for what we do. Hope Congress will do the right thing. Ukraine needs our help now. If you look away, it will cost more. Security and prosperity in Europe and the U.S. are tied. Giving Ukraine aid saves American jobs and tax dollars. https://t.co/TRJOaspcas — Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) April 18, 2024

The Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba , has meet with his American counterpart, Antony Blinken .

“We both emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. Congress to pass the supplemental aid package for Ukraine . This will send a message of strength and confidence, allowing Ukraine to save lives and improve the situation on the battlefield,” Kuleba said.

I met with @SecBlinken to thank the United States for standing with Ukraine. We went over in detail our joint global efforts to get more "Patriot" air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine as soon as possible. I appreciate Secretary Blinken's efforts to facilitate the… pic.twitter.com/MWMc1jiX3J — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) April 18, 2024

The EU has edged closer to calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East after a meeting of the 27 bloc leaders last night.

Leaders have struggled to agree language from the outset of the conflict, engaging in torturous discussions over whether they should use the word ceasefire, pause, or pauses in the first official bloc-wide declaration in October.

Although piggybacking on a UN resolution, Ireland’s taoiseach indicated the significance of the hardened up language in the official communique issued last night reiterating “commitment to work with partners to end the crisis in Gaza without delay and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2728, including through reaching an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages”.

“I welcome the language that has been agreed around ceasefire, not pause but ceasefire, I think that is important,” said Simon Harris , Ireland’s taoiseach.

The Latvian prime minister, Evika Siliņa, said leaders last night said they would prepare further sanctions against Belarus in relation to circumvention of the existing sanctions against Russian allies of Vladimir Putin and trade in goods for the Kremlin’s war machine.

“We discussed yesterday that the benefits of [Russian] frozen assets should be used for the gain of Ukraine . We are ready as well to deal with sanctions not just against Russia but as well against Belarus, because Belarus is being used by Russia to not comply with the sanctions,” she said on arrival at the EU leaders summit.

They agreed sanctions against Iran last night on missiles and drones and will now expand the existing Russian sanctions list against those supporting Iran, leaders said.

“We had the opportunity to talk about Iran’s engagement in the war with Ukraine and I think it should be one of the reasons why we have to introduce and expand the sanctions to Iran. Not only because of Iran’s role in the conflict in the Middle East but also because of Iran’s role in the war in Ukraine.

“On the one hand we are supporting Ukraine and on the other Iran is standing on the other side of the conflict and this is not acceptable for the European Union as a whole,” the Lithuanian leader told reporters on arrival.

Ukrainian prime minister cautions of third world war if Ukraine loses war

Addressing the issue of US security assistance, he said: “We need this money yesterday, not tomorrow, not today.”

“If we will not protect … Ukraine will fall,” he added. “So the global, the global system of security will be destroyed … and all the world will need to find … a new system of security.

“Or, there will be many conflicts, many such kinds of wars, and in the end of the day, it could lead to the third world war,” he said.

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