Things to Do in Brussels range from exploring grand historical landmarks to indulging in world-famous chocolates and waffles. Brussels, the heart of Belgium and the unofficial capital of Europe, offers a fascinating blend of historic grandeur and modern charm. Having spent collective months exploring this captivating city over multiple visits, I’ve discovered that Brussels goes far beyond its reputation for chocolates, waffles, and beer (though these are certainly excellent reasons to visit!).
This comprehensive guide will take you beyond the typical tourist checklist to discover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems that make Brussels truly special. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, my insider tips will help you experience the best of what this cosmopolitan city has to offer.
Your Ultimate Guide to 30 Amazing Things to Do in Brussels
1. Grand Place (Grote Markt)
The UNESCO-listed centerpiece of Brussels is genuinely breathtaking. Surrounded by ornate guild houses and the magnificent Town Hall, this medieval square deserves its reputation as one of Europe most beautiful.
Insider Tip: Visit twice – once during daylight to appreciate the architectural details, and again after dark when the buildings are illuminated. For the perfect photo opportunity, arrive early morning (before 8am) to capture the square without crowds.
Essential Info:
- Location: Central Brussels, accessible from Bourse or Central Station
- Cost: Free to visit the square
- Best Time: Early morning or evening; spectacular during the bi-annual Flower Carpet event (August, even years)
2. Atomium
This iconic symbol of Brussels was built for the 1958 World Fair. The massive structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and offers impressive views of the city from its uppermost sphere.
Insider Tip: Book tickets online to skip the often lengthy queues. The restaurant in the top sphere is surprisingly good but requires reservations. For photography enthusiasts, the afternoon light creates striking shadows through the structure.
Essential Info:
- Location: Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels
- Opening Hours: 10am-6pm daily (last entry 5:30pm)
- Cost: €16 adults, €8 children (6-11), free under 6
- Getting There: Metro line 6 to Heysel/Heizel
3. Manneken Pis
While surprisingly small, this cheeky bronze statue of a urinating boy from 1619 has become Brussels quirky mascot. What makes this landmark special is the tradition of dressing him in different costumes throughout the year.
Insider Tip: Check the schedule of costume changes online before your visit. The nearby GardeRobe MannekenPis museum displays his collection of over 1,000 outfits. Also, don’t miss his lesser-known counterparts: Jeanneke Pis (the female version) and Zinneke Pis (the dog).
Essential Info:
- Location: Corner of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne
- Cost: Free to view
- Nearby: Many of Brussels best waffle shops are within a 2-minute walk
Museums and Culture
4. Belgian Comic Strip Center
Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, this museum celebrates Belgium rich comic heritage, including Tintin, The Smurfs and many others.
Insider Tip: Follow the Comic Book Route around the city afterward – large murals decorate buildings throughout Brussels, creating a unique open-air gallery experience.
Essential Info:
- Location: Rue des Sables 20
- Opening Hours: 10am-6pm daily, closed Mondays
- Cost: €12 adults, €6 children (6-12)
- What to See: Don’t miss the Tintin section and the original drawings by Hergé
5. Royal Museums of Fine Arts
This collection of six museums houses over 20,000 artworks spanning from the 15th to the 21st century, including masterpieces by Flemish Primitives, Bruegel, and Magritte.
Insider Tip: The Magritte Museum section is exceptional but often crowded. Visit this area first thing in the morning or late afternoon. The museum audio guide adds tremendous value to understanding the cultural context of the artworks.
Essential Info:
- Location: Rue de la Régence 3
- Opening Hours: 10am-5pm, closed Mondays
- Cost: €15 combined ticket, free first Wednesday afternoon of each month
- Time Required: At least 3 hours to appreciate the highlights
6. Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)
One of the world most impressive collections of musical instruments is beautifully displayed in a stunning Art Nouveau building. The interactive audio experience allows visitors to hear each instrument.
Insider Tip: The rooftop café offers some of the best views in Brussels and is accessible without a museum ticket. Go for coffee and the panoramic vista even if you don’t have time for the full museum.
Essential Info:
- Location: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2
- Opening Hours: 9:30am-5pm, closed Mondays
- Cost: €12 adults, €2 children under 12
- Audio Experience: Included with admission
Food & Drink Experiences
7. Belgian Chocolate Workshop
Brussels is paradise for chocolate lovers. Take your experience beyond simply buying chocolates by joining a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn praline-making from master chocolatiers.
Insider Tip: Book with Belgian Chocolate Workshop near Grand Place, where small group sizes ensure personalized attention. You’ll take home your creations and gain knowledge to impress friends back home.
Essential Info:
- Location: Multiple options, but recommended workshop at Rue du Lombard 24
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: From €38 per person
- Booking: Reserve at least 1 week in advance
8. Cantillon Brewery
Experience traditional Belgian beer production at this family-run brewery founded in 1900, where lambic beers are still made using wild fermentation methods unchanged for centuries.
Insider Tip: The self-guided tour is informative, but join one of the scheduled guided tours (Saturday mornings at 11am) if possible. Buying bottles to take home is significantly cheaper here than elsewhere.
Essential Info:
- Location: Rue Gheude 56
- Opening Hours: 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays
- Cost: €10 including tastings
- Must Try: Gueuze 100% Lambic Bio and their seasonal fruit beers
9. Gourmet Food Tour
Discover Belgian cuisine beyond the famous waffles and fries through a guided culinary exploration. These walking tours combine sightseeing with tastings of local specialties and cultural insights.
Insider Tip: Brussels Food & City Tours offers an excellent balance of history and gastronomy. Come hungry – you’ll sample everything from artisanal cheeses to traditional speculoos cookies.
Essential Info:
- Location: Tours typically begin near Grand Place
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Cost: From €65 per person
- Inclusions: All food samples and one beverage
10. Maison Dandoy
This historic establishment (since 1829) serves Brussels most authentic speculoos and other traditional Belgian biscuits. Their tearoom offers the best waffle experience in the city.
Insider Tip: Skip the crowded shop near Grand Place and visit their Saint-Catherine location instead. Ask for a Liège waffle with ice cream it’s often not on the menu but always available.
Essential Info:
- Location: Multiple locations, original store at Rue Charles Buls 14
- Hours: 10am-6pm daily
- Must Try: Brussels waffle with dark chocolate sauce
Unique Local Experiences
11. Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market
This authentic daily market in the Marolles district has been operating since 1873. Rummage through fascinating collections of antiques, vintage items, and curious bric-a-brac.
Insider Tip: Arrive early (before 8am) for the best selection, or after 12pm when vendors are more willing to negotiate prices. Bring cash and be prepared to haggle – start at 50-60% of the asking price.
Essential Info:
- Location: Place du Jeu de Balle
- Hours: 6am-2pm daily, busiest on weekends
- Getting There: Metro to Porte de Hal, then 10-minute walk
12. Comic Book Walking Tour
Follow Brussels Comic Strip Route to discover over 50 murals depicting famous Belgian comic characters painted on buildings throughout the city.
Insider Tip: Download the Comic Book Route map from the Visit Brussels website before you go. The most impressive murals are in the city center and Saint-Gilles areas.
Essential Info:
- Location: Throughout Brussels
- Cost: Free self-guided tour
- Duration: 2-3 hours to see the highlights
- Starting Point: Belgian Comic Strip Center
13. Belgian Beer Tasting
Belgium produces over 1,500 different beers, and Brussels is the perfect place to explore this diversity. Join a guided tasting session to understand the various styles and brewing traditions.
Insider Tip: Delirium Café holds the Guinness World Record for most beers offered (over 2,000), but for a more educational experience, try instead Moeder Lambic or Brussels Beer Project where knowledgeable staff will guide your journey.
Essential Info:
- Location: Moeder Lambic, Place Fontainas 8
- Hours: 4pm-midnight weekdays, until 1am weekends
- Cost: Tasting flights from €12
- Must Try: Gueuze, Kriek, and Trappist ales
14. Art Nouveau Architecture Tour
Brussels boasts one of the world’s richest collections of Art Nouveau buildings, primarily designed by Victor Horta and his contemporaries.
Insider Tip: While many buildings are private homes, several are open to visitors, including the Horta Museum (his former home and studio). ARAU offers excellent guided tours focusing on architectural heritage.
Essential Info:
- Location: Concentrated in Ixelles and Saint-Gilles neighborhoods
- Guided Tours: ARAU tours, €15 per person, weekends
- Self-Guided: Download the Art Nouveau Brussels app
- Must See: Horta Museum, Hotel Tassel, Hotel Solvay
Shopping Highlights
15. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
This elegant 19th-century shopping arcade was one of Europe first covered shopping galleries. Its beautiful glass roof illuminates luxury boutiques, chocolatiers, and cafes.
Insider Tip: Visit Neuhaus’ original store here, and don’t miss the historic Tropismes bookshop with its spectacular ceiling and curated selection of books in multiple languages.
Essential Info:
- Location: Between Rue du Marché aux Herbes and Rue d’Arenberg
- Hours: 8am-8pm daily
- Notable Shops: Mary Chocolatier, Delvaux (luxury leather goods)
16. Sablon Antiques Market
Every weekend, Place du Grand Sablon transforms into an upscale antiques and art market where dealers offer everything from fine jewelry to vintage prints.
Insider Tip: Sunday mornings see the most dealers. Combine your visit with stops at the area’s luxury chocolate shops – Pierre Marcolini, Wittamer, and Passion Chocolat are all within steps of the market.
Essential Info:
- Location: Place du Grand Sablon
- Hours: Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-2pm
- Best For: Authentic antiques, collectibles, and art
17. Rue Antoine Dansaert
This trendy street showcases Belgian fashion designers and concept stores. It’s the heart of Brussels’ fashion district, where you’ll find unique pieces you won’t see elsewhere.
Insider Tip: Explore the side streets too, especially around Place St. Géry, where independent boutiques offer more affordable options from emerging designers.
Essential Info:
- Location: Between Canal and Grand Place
- Notable Shops: Stijl, Hunting and Collecting, Merci
- Best Days: All shops are open Tuesday-Saturday
Parks & Green Spaces
18. Parc du Cinquantenaire
This magnificent park features grand triumphal arches, museums, and expansive lawns perfect for picnics. It was created to commemorate Belgium 50th anniversary of independence.
Insider Tip: Climb to the top of the arch for spectacular city views – access is through the Royal Military Museum. On summer Sundays, locals gather for impromptu picnics and music.
Essential Info:
- Location: East of the city center
- Museums: Autoworld, Art & History Museum, Military Museum
- Best For: Morning jogs, afternoon picnics, photography
19. Brussels Park
The city oldest public park sits between the Royal Palace and the Belgian Parliament, featuring formal gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
Insider Tip: During summer, free concerts and events are held here regularly. Check the schedule at the tourist office. The park is particularly beautiful in spring when the cherry trees blossom.
Essential Info:
- Location: City center, near Royal Palace
- Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
- Events: Summer concerts, festivals (May-September)
20. Botanical Garden of Brussels
Though smaller than in its heyday, this botanical garden features beautiful sculpture collections amid lush plantings. The art nouveau greenhouses are particularly noteworthy.
Insider Tip: The garden hosts excellent cultural events in the converted cultural center. Check their schedule for exhibitions, concerts, and performances.
Essential Info:
- Location: Rue Royale 236
- Hours: Garden accessible daily, cultural center varies
- Cost: Garden free, events vary
- Transport: Metro to Botanique
Day Trips
21. Ghent
Just 30 minutes by train, this medieval university town offers stunning architecture with fewer crowds than Bruges.
Insider Tip: Visit on Thursday when the weekly market takes place and the city center is car-free. Don’t miss the Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo Cathedral housing the famous Ghent Altarpiece.
Essential Info:
- Getting There: Direct trains from Brussels Central, 30 minutes
- Cost: €16 round-trip
- Time Needed: Full day
- Full Guide to Ghent Day Trip
22. Bruges
Often called the “Venice of the North,” this perfectly preserved medieval town is one of Belgium’s most visited destinations.
Insider Tip: Stay overnight to experience the magical atmosphere after day-trippers leave. If visiting as a day trip, avoid weekends when crowds can be overwhelming.
Essential Info:
- Getting There: Direct trains from Brussels Central, 1 hour
- Cost: €30 round-trip
- Time Needed: Full day
- Complete Bruges Day Trip Guide
23. Antwerp
Belgium’s diamond capital and fashion hub offers impressive architecture, world-class museums, and excellent shopping.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Red Star Line Museum chronicling European emigration to America, and MAS Museum with its free rooftop offering panoramic city views.
Essential Info:
- Getting There: Direct trains from Brussels Central, 40 minutes
- Cost: €20 round-trip
- Time Needed: Full day
- Antwerp Day Trip Guide
Itinerary Suggestions
2-Day Brussels Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Comic Book Route highlights
- Lunch: Traditional Belgian meal in Rue des Bouchers
- Afternoon: Royal Museums of Fine Arts
- Evening: Beer tasting at Moeder Lambic
Day 2:
- Morning: Atomium and Mini-Europe
- Lunch: Food market at Place Sainte-Catherine
- Afternoon: Shopping in Galeries Saint-Hubert
- Evening: Dinner in Saint-Gilles neighborhood
3-Day Brussels Itinerary
Add to the 2-day itinerary:
- Morning: Belgian Comic Strip Center and Comic Route
- Lunch: Chocolate workshop
- Afternoon: Art Nouveau tour in Ixelles
- Evening: Dinner and drinks in the trendy Dansaert area
Weekend Brussels Itinerary
Saturday:
- Morning: Grand Place, Royal Palace, Brussels Park
- Lunch: Waffle break at Maison Dandoy
- Afternoon: Sablon area, antiques market, chocolate shops
- Evening: Dinner in Sainte-Catherine, followed by Belgian beer sampling
Sunday:
- Morning: Visit the Jeu de Balle flea market
- Brunch: Café in Marolles district
- Afternoon: Comic Strip Center and walking tour
- Evening: Relaxed dinner near Grand Place
Practical Planning
Getting Around Brussels
Brussels has an excellent public transportation system consisting of metros, trams, and buses that reach every corner of the city.
Metro System: Clean, efficient, and easy to navigate with just 4 lines. Operates from 5:30am to midnight.
Trams and Buses: Fill in where the metro doesn’t reach, with night buses operating on weekends.
STIB/MIVB Pass: €8 for a 24-hour pass, €15 for 48 hours, €23 for 72 hours – excellent value.
Insider Tip: Download the STIB/MIVB app for real-time schedules and route planning. Brussels is compact enough that walking between attractions in the city center is often faster than public transport.
Where to Stay in Brussels
City Center/Grand Place: Perfect for first-time visitors, walking distance to major attractions but can be noisy and expensive.
- Luxury: Hotel Amigo
- Mid-range: Motel One Brussels
- Budget: MEININGER Hotel Brussels City Center
European Quarter: Business-oriented, quieter on weekends, excellent transport links.
- Recommended: Sofitel Brussels Europe
Saint-Gilles: Bohemian neighborhood with Art Nouveau architecture, great for food lovers.
- Recommended: Vintage Hotel
Insider Tip: Avoid staying near Brussels South Station (Midi) – while convenient for trains, the immediate area lacks charm and can feel unsafe at night.
Best Time to Visit Brussels
Spring (April-June): Mild weather, fewer tourists, beautiful gardens in bloom.
Summer (July-August): Peak season with festivals and events, but can be crowded and accommodation prices rise.
Fall (September-October): Lovely mild weather, cultural season begins, fewer tourists.
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets in December are magical; January-February can be gray and rainy but offers the lowest prices.
Insider Tip: Brussels hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Check the calendar before booking – events like the biennial Flower Carpet (August, even years) are worth planning around.
Budgeting Tips
- Brussels Card: Offers free museum entry and transport from €32 for 24 hours – worth it if visiting multiple museums.
- Free activities: Comic Book Route, Sunday music in Grand Place (summer), first Wednesday afternoons at many museums.
- Eating: Lunch specials are significantly cheaper than dinner menus. Many restaurants offer “plat du jour” at reasonable prices.
- Transport: Walking is free and Brussels is compact! Villo! bike sharing is just €1.60/day plus usage fees.
Safety & Etiquette
Brussels is generally safe, but standard city precautions apply:
- Be aware of pickpockets around tourist areas, especially Grand Place and Central Station.
- Brussels is officially bilingual (French and Dutch), but English is widely spoken.
- Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated.
- When visiting churches or religious sites, dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered.
Conclusion
Brussels expertly blends historic charm with contemporary European culture, offering visitors a uniquely Belgian experience that goes well beyond its reputation for chocolate, beer, and waffles. From the magnificent Grand Place to hidden Art Nouveau gems, this compact capital rewards those willing to explore beyond the obvious tourist trail.
Whether you’re savoring traditional cuisine, admiring world-class art collections, or simply enjoying the relaxed café culture, Brussels offers endless possibilities for every type of traveler. With excellent transport connections to other Belgian cities, it also serves as the perfect base for exploring this fascinating country.
Have you visited Brussels? Share your favorite experiences in the comments below!
