belgium tourist center

Brussels: 20 things to do and see in the city center

W hat are your favorites things to do in the city center of Brussels ? You’ll find my answers in this blog post where I present what you can do and discover in the center of Brussels. Yes, there is the Grand Place and Manneken Pis, but many other things too. Beyond the visits, it’s quite an experience to live the Brussels life. And since the historic center of Brussels is the most visited and touristy area of the capital, I hope to give you an overview of what you can do there. If you come to Brussels, here is a list of 20 activities and places to discover in the center!

What to visit and do in Brussels center.

1. see the grand place in bloom or in the spotlight.

The Grand Place in Brussels is beautiful! But even if you have already seen it, there are some events that are worth the detour. I’m talking about the “Grand Place in bloom” week that takes place every two years in August. It’s the occasion to go inside the city hall to admire the flower carpet from the balcony. See the Flower Carpet website for more information. The Christmas season is also magical when the Grand Place is beautifully illuminated.

2. Visit the Magritte Museum

Magritte is a Belgian artist known throughout the world. Master of surrealism, Magritte realized hundreds of works that we find today in this museum.  I think that this museum is really a “must see” when you are in Brussels. You can visit the museum from top to bottom (you go down the floors, year by year), discovering the works of the artist that reflect his artistic evolution. Information and prices on the website of the Museum .

3. Walk through the secret dead ends

There are some nice surprises in the capital, such as the 28 “almost secret” dead ends that can be found in the city center. Some of them are used to go to a bar or a brasserie, others are residential dead ends. To find them: keep your eyes open.

4. Finding Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis and their dog

Manneken Pis , the little boy who has been peeing for almost 400 years, attracts crowds. But did you know that there is a female version of Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis , who can be found in the impasse de la Fidélité near the Rue des Bouchers and also Zinneke Pis , their dog, who can be found at the corner of the Rue des Chartreux and the Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Grains. The beautiful family of the Pis.

5. Stroll through the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

The Galeries Saint Hubert were built in 1847 and were the very first shopping malls in Europe. Incredible! They are beautiful, with a glazed ceiling of arches. You can walk around and enjoy shopping, going to the movies or having a drink.

6. Discover the history of Belgium at the Belvue Museum

This is really one of my favorite discoveries of the year. The Belvue Museum is a 100% Belgian museum that proposes to go through the history of Belgium since 1830 until today. It is specially dedicated to democracy and the history of Belgium. Everything is explained in a very educational and funny way, there are many archives (objects, photos and videos) and everything is very clear (even for children). The icing on the cake: the building is beautiful. It is indeed a former luxury hotel.

7. Visit the Museum of Musical Instruments and its terrace

Just above Mont des Arts, there is this Art Nouveau building that everyone looks at: Old England. It’s the Musical Instruments Museum which collects more than 7000 instruments from all eras. And if you don’t want to visit the Museum, you can at least go to the restaurant located on the top floor (yes, there is an elevator) since the view is quite impressive. Info and prices on the MIM website .

8. Greeting Tintin at the Comic Strip Museum

It’s impossible to come to Brussels without seeing all the comic book references hidden in the city. The Comic Strip Museum (Belgian Comic Strip Center) gives you an idea of the importance of the comic strip in Belgium by presenting more than 6,000 original comic strips and world-famous artists.  Mainly, the museum pays tribute to Tintin, the famous reporter created by Hergé in 1929. PS: the building in which the museum is located was designed by Victor Horta. Info and prices on the website of the Belgian Comic Strip Center.

9. Find the Belgian comics on the facades of Brussels

Brussels can also be visited outdoors by following in the footsteps of the most famous Belgian comics. To pay homage to the great Belgian cartoonists, the city of Brussels has created gigantic murals (Tintin, Asterix, Smurfs, Spirou…) on several facades of the center. You can find a map “Parcours BD” at the Tourist Office in order to find them all and to discover both the center of Brussels and all these frescos. Or you can decide to discover them randomly during a walk in the city…

10. Taste one of the 2004 beers on offer at Delirium

If you like beer, you’ll love Brussels. Near the Grand Place, impasse de la Fidélité, there is the Delirium, a bar that is never empty. Its particularity is to offer a menu (which looks like a big book like a Bible) with more than 2000 beers to taste. The Delirium offers Belgian beers, but also beers from all over the world. There is something for everyone!  It’s time to let yourself be tempted by a beer with speculoos, honey, chocolate or pepper for example. See their website.

11. Take a break at the Halles Saint-Géry

Between the Bourse and Place Saint-Catherine, you will find Les Halles Saint-Géry and various bars in the area. The atmosphere is quite festive and there is always an event or an exhibition to discover.

12. Walk around Place Sainte Catherine and have an aperitif

The Place Sainte Catherine is a very lively place. It is here that the Christmas Market and various events are held throughout the year. It’s a nice area to walk around but also to take a little break. There are several nice bars and cafés (like the Via Via, where you can use some board games) and the Café Béguin which organizes jazz or groove concerts several nights a week, a great atmosphere every time!

13. Discover the Kanal, the Belgian Pompidou Centre

The Kanal – Centre Pompidou – in Brussels will be the largest cultural institution in Brussels, with 35,000 m2 dedicated to artistic creation. The center reopens on September 24 for a first exhibition, and the final opening will take place in 2022. Information and prices on the KANAL website .

14. Take a FREE Walking Tour

This is something I’ve never done in Brussels before and yet I do it everywhere I travel: a Free Walking Tour. These are tours organized by locals or city enthusiasts who take us on foot to discover the little secrets and anecdotes of a city. A pleasant way to discover a city and its little secrets.

15. Admire the sunset on Place Polaert, in front of the Palace of Justice

Even if there is no incredible view in Brussels, I invite you to the Place Polaert, just in front of the Palace of Justice, at sunset. The wide view on the whole city is quite impressive.

16. Take some pictures at Mont des Arts

Mont des Arts is a bit of a place where everyone stops to take a nice picture of Brussels.

17. See the Royal Palace and walk in the Royal Park

The Royal Palace in Brussels is the seat of the Belgian constitutional monarchy. The Belgian royal family has not lived there for more than a century, but the building is worth seeing from the outside (it looks like an English Royal Palace) and also from the inside (you can visit it every year between the end of July and the end of August). Just across the street is the Royal Park which is a very nice park in the center of the city.

18. Visit the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudule

Beautiful from the outside as well as the inside, the Cathedral of Saints Michael is an emblematic monument of the city of Brussels. It was originally built with a Romanesque architecture, but was later transformed into a Gothic style church. The Cathedral is very important since it is here that the King and Queen of Belgium were married.

19. Eat at the Food Market “Wolf

WOLF is the newest trendy food market in Brussels. Located in the rue Fossé aux Loups, behind the Opera, WOLF is 16 restaurants from all over the world in one place. What I like is to eat on these big wooden tables with friends and let everyone choose the dish they want. For more info, see their website .

20. Having a drink on top of a roof top with a “view

One of my favorite things to do (especially in summer) is to enjoy the roof tops in town. The opportunity to have a drink, be with friends, and enjoy a beautiful view of Brussels. There are several rooftops, some open occasionally, others all year long. The entrance is often free.  However, the rooftop at the top of the Viage casino (Place De Brouckère) is really hot.

I should probably add a few points about Brussels food: waffles, chocolates, fries, mussels, beer,… I think that will be for a future article 🙂 In the meantime, here is my little list of what you can do, only in the center. Outside the center, there is the Marolles district (which I love) and the Parc du Cinquantenaire. More articles in preparation…

Did I forget something? Don’t hesitate to leave me a comment with your experiences!

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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

• All Things To Do

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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• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Het Steen

2. Infokantoor 't Zand

3. Waterloo Tourisme

4. Fort Napoleon

5. USE-IT Brussels

6. Tourist Information Center

7. Tourism Tongeren

8. Maison du Tourisme Explore Meuse

9. Visit Aalst

10. Visit Mons

11. Centre Touristique et Culturel de Vresse

12. Bierkasteel Vanhonsebrouck

13. Flemish Visitors and Nature Education Centre

14. Experience Europe Brussels

15. Toerisme Lommel

16. Maison du Tourisme du Pays de Vesdre

17. Bezoekerscentrum Duinpanne

18. Visit Maasmechelen

19. Stavelot Tourist Information Centre

20. Toerisme Knokke-Heist

21. Namur Tourist Office

23. Tourism Dendermonde

24. Tourism Sint-Truiden

25. Toerisme Beringen

26. Visitors Center Colony 5-7

27. Bezoekerscentrum Het Heuvelland

28. Bezoekerscentrum Rufferdinge

29. Tourism Information Centre at Grand Place

30. Provinciedomein De Palingbeek

What travelers are saying.

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!

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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 ;))

11 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

Written by Lura Seavey Updated May 3, 2023

Tourists will find a surprising variety of things to do in Belgium , from beautiful natural settings to historic landmarks and cultural attractions.

Couples looking for romantic places to visit will enjoy the medieval ambience of old cities like Bruges and Ghent, while those traveling with kids will find plenty of family-friendly activities in the capital city of Brussels and the historic port town of Antwerp.

Military history buffs have plenty to look forward to as well, from the remote battlefields of Flanders to numerous excellent museums dedicated to Belgium's role in the two World Wars.

Find all this and so much more with our list of the best places to visit in Belgium.

1. Medieval Bruges

2. upper meuse valley, 3. brussels: the heart of europe, 4. memorials and battlefields of flanders, 5. antwerp: the cultural capital of flanders, 6. canals, castles, and cathedrals of ghent, 7. mons (bergen), 9. the beaches of belgium, 11. belgium's cathedrals and churches, map of places to visit in belgium.

Bruges is one of the most visited cities in Belgium due to its medieval architecture and thoroughly romantic ambience. Bruges' canals are one of its most charming features, and no visit to the town is complete without a scenic canal boat tour .

From the water, you will be able to enjoy a different perspective of the city; land-lovers can likewise stroll along the canals to watch the boats go by, and the local tourist office has free walking tours available. Of particular note are the mansions along the Dijver Canal , some of which now house museums.

The historic center's two main squares, Burg Square (also known as simply "the Burg") and the Markt Square , which sit adjacent to each other in the middle of the city. Markt Square is surrounded by several impressive buildings, but the Halle and its 83-meter belfry are by far the most imposing structure. The belfry, which was started in 1282 and completed in 1482, is home to 47 bells and has a viewing area for tourists who are brave enough to climb the 366 steps to the top.

Aficionados of ecclesiastic architecture will want to visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood on Burg Square, which has a combination of Romanesque and late Gothic styles. The Burg is also home to the historic Town Hall ( Stadhuis ), which was completed in 1420, and the tourist office, which is housed in the Liberty of Bruges , the former Law Courts .

Those staying in Bruges will find many fascinating towns and tourist sites within a short drive. For a walk or pedal bike ride, the trails along the Schipdonkkanaal are particularly nice, and canal boat tours are also available here. The small down of Damme is home to several historic buildings and a traditional Flemish atmosphere.

Located near the coast, Bruges is also convenient to the seaside and beach communities of Knokke and Ostend , as well as the popular cruise ship port at Zeebrugge. Knokke is best known for its upscale resort community of Knokke-Heist , but is also a hub for art lovers, with an astounding 85 galleries and numerous public art installations. Along with the beaches of Ostend, tourists can visit several good museums including the De Plate Museum , with local history, and the Museum of Fine Art .

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bruges
• Top-Rated Day Trips from Bruges

The Meuse River splits the country north and south, E42 from Liege to Namur, and from there to Dinant. The valley is known for its idyllic small towns, dramatic limestone cliffs, and lush forests that are ribboned with trails.

Namur (also called Namen) sits in the heart of the valley and is home to several historic landmarks, as well as a large university. The Namur Citadel sits on an outcropping above the town and is a fun place to explore, as well as an excellent spot for panoramic views of the valley.

In town, the best sightseeing areas are along the Rue de Fer and in the central Old Town , where you will find several good museums, as well as shops and cafés. You can also see historic churches, including the 18th-century Cathedral of Saint Aubain and the Church of Notre-Dame and its ecclesiastical Treasury , which houses several priceless religious items.

About 28 kilometers to the south sits another of Belgium's loveliest cities , Dinant, which is also home to a stately citadel. West of Namur, the village of Floreffe is home to a stunning 12th-century abbey, formerly the Premonstratensian Abbey , which now houses a seminary. The abbey church still contains some of its original features and is a lovely place to visit.

The next town over is Fosses-la-Ville , also home to a 12th-century monastery. Unfortunately, very little of the original is intact, however visitors can still admire the crypt, choir, and tower.

Northeast of Namur near Franc-Waret is Franc-Waret Castle , a beautiful 17th-century fortified residence. Visitors can tour the castle and grounds; the interior has a variety of original furnishings, artwork, and rare items, while the gardens are carefully tended to appear as they did during the castle's heyday.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Namur

The capital city of Brussels is a must-see destination for any tourist visiting Belgium, home to not only the seat of the Belgian Royal Family but also the central offices of the European Union.

Thanks to the diverse mix of the city's residents, Brussels is known for its variety of restaurants and cafés that represent many gastronomic heritages. In addition to a thriving and lively city center, the Old Town is home to many historic landmarks and fine examples of Baroque and Gothic architecture.

In the heart of the Old Town, tourists will find the main square, the Grand Place (Grote Markt) . This is home to the imposing Brussels Town Hall (Hôtel de ville de Bruxelles), as well as the city's numerous historic Guild Houses ( Gildehuizeb ).

Nearby, on the Rue de l'Etuve, is the famous Mannekin Pis statue. Also nearby is the stunning Saint-Michel Cathedral , a Gothic church that was begun in 1225 and features twin towers and spectacular stained-glass windows.

Overlooking the old city center is the royal family's official residence, the Palais Royale . On the palace grounds is the excavated Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site , a fascinating dig site of the original palace's foundations and long-buried streets that is open for tourists to explore.

Adjacent to the palace is The Mont des Arts , home to several museums, including the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts , which features an ancient art wing and a modern art wing.

More national museums can be found on the grounds of the expansive Parc du Cinquantenaire , which is located near the European Union Headquarters. Here, you can find the Belgian Army Museum and Museum of Military History , as well as the Royal Art and History Museum .

• Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Brussels

Tourists who want to visit some of the most important battlefields, memorials, and conflict-related landmarks will want to start their pilgrimage in Ypres, the sight of some of the most brutal trench warfare during WWI. To get a good overview of the area's involvement and history, as well as see artifacts from the conflicts, visit the In Flanders Fields Museum , located in Ypres's historic Lakenhalle on its main square, the Grote Markt .

After visiting Rijselpoort , the fortified gate where British soldiers set up the command center, tourists typically begin the battlefield tour from Menin Gate. It was from Menin Gate that troops marched into battle, and today it also serves as a memorial to the British soldiers who never returned home after the battles — 54,896 names are inscribed in its surface, and Last Post has been sounded at this spot every night at 8pm since 1928.

The area around Ypres is home to several war cemeteries, including Tyne Cot Cemetery , the largest of the British cemeteries in Flanders. Located about 12 kilometers from Ypres, it is the final resting place for approximately 12,000 soldiers and a memorial to over 35,000 more.

Nearby, tourists will find a smaller memorial dedicated to Canadian soldiers who died in 1915 in the first German gas attack. In the nearby town of Langemark , there is a cemetery for German soldiers with nearly 45,000 graves of the shockingly young men who died here in 1914.

There are additional sites clustered in and around the village of Kemmel , a region that saw heavy fighting. Tourists will find several war cemeteries in the Kemmelberg area, as well as a water-filled crater that was created by the British blasting local mines. Today it is known as Lone Tree Crater , and the body of water is the Pool of Peace .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ypres

The port city of Antwerp has many cultural and historic sites to visit ; it's known both for its industry and artistic influences. The majority of the city's most significant buildings are on and around the Grand Place ( Grote Markt ) in the center of the old town. In this area, tourists will find the 16th-century Town Hall (Stadhuis), the Butcher's Hall (Vleeshuis), and Rubens' House (Rubenshuis) .

Those arriving by train into the impressive Central Station ( Middenstatie ) will find a treat waiting for them next door at Chocolate Nation , the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum . This is a big hit with families, conveniently adjacent to the Antwerp Zoo . The zoo, which was founded in 1843, is known not only for its population of over 950 species but also for its beautiful Art Deco architecture and stylized animal habitats.

Antwerp is also known for its excellent museums, which explore a variety of topics. History lovers will enjoy the Red Star Line Museum , which focuses on emigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) , which includes exhibits about local history, as well as artifacts from around the world. The Museum Mayer van den Bergh is an excellent fine arts museum, as is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts .

• Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Antwerp

Tourists who want to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of a medieval town without the crowds of Bruges will want to visit Ghent, a rival in architectural and historical significance.

The majority of Ghent's historic guild houses can be found along the Graseli Canal and the Korenlei Canal, including the Koornstapelhuis, which dates from the early 13 th century; the Gildehuis der Metselaars (House of the Masons) built in 1527; and the Tolhuisje (Customs House), which was built in 1682. Those lucky enough to visit in the evening should make time for a canal boat cruise to appreciate the sight of these lovely buildings lit from below.

In the heart of Ghent's Old Town , the impressive Gravensteen is moated by the diverted waters of the Lieve River. This massive medieval fortress was constructed in the late 12 th century and has all the grandeur and classic elements of a fairy-tale castle. Today, it is home to a museum that features artifacts from the building's varied uses, from a royal residence to a textile factory.

If you love exploring castles, you can also visit the beautiful Laarne Castle , which is located just 11 kilometers from Ghent. This pentagonal fortress was built in the 11 th century and also houses historic exhibits.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ghent

Located near the French border, Mons sits between the Trouille and Haine rivers along the route between Paris and Brussels. The Grand-Place de Mons sits in the city center and is home to several historic buildings, as well as plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants along its picturesque cobblestone streets.

The City Hall ( Hôtel de Ville de Mons ) stands at the head of the city's main square, and the remaining four sides of the large courtyard are flanked by buildings dating to the 15th through 18th centuries.

Just a couple of blocks away from the main square at the top of a hill, you will find the Belfry of Mons , also known as El Caitau. This UNESCO-listed bell tower was constructed in the 17th century in the Baroque style and stands at 87 meters tall with a carillon of 47 bells. Here, you can climb the stairs to the observation platform at the top for panoramic views of the city. At the foot of the hill sits the 15th-century Brabant Gothic Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru .

Mons is also home to several good museums, and history buffs will want to prioritize a visit to the Mons Memorial Museum , formerly called the War Museum . The museum has over 5,000 artifacts relating to the country's involvement and occupation during both World Wars and also includes interactive exhibits.

Art lovers will appreciate the paintings at the Musée des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum), as well as the unique collections at the Decorative Arts Museum Francois Duesberg .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mons (Bergen)

Located about 30 kilometers east of Brussels, Leuven sits on the river Dijle and is home to one of the country's oldest and most famous universities. You can see many fine examples of Gothic and other architectural styles on the university campus and throughout the city, starting with Leuven's City Hall that features 236 figures on its ornate façade.

Just next door across the Grote Markt sits St. Peter's Church ( Sint-Pieterskerk ), a fine cathedral built in the Brabant Gothic style that houses the Museum of Religious Art . The university's most historic buildings can also be found nearby along the Naamsestraat .

Outside the historic city center, Leuven has several lovely tourist attractions for nature-lovers. The Leuven Botanical Garden Kruidtuin, originally created in 1738 as the medicinal plant garden for the university's medical students, is now home to a variety of flora.

About four kilometers from the center of town, the borough of Kessel-Lo is home to a large nature park that is free to visitors, featuring swimming and paddleboating in the lakes, a petting zoo, and other activities.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Leuven

Although most people don't immediately think of beaches when planning a trip to Belgium, the west coast offers several excellent choices for those who want to soak up some sun and take a dip.

If you're staying in Bruges and Ghent, you can get to most beaches by car in 30- to 45 minutes at most, but day trips from Brussels and even Antwerp are still reasonable at around an hour-and-a-half by car, with additional options via train. Once you're on the coast, it's super-easy to hop from beach to beach on the Coastal Tram, which has 70 stops.

Knokke-Heist is one of the best known of Belgium's beach resort communities and is located near the Dutch border, only about 19 kilometers from Bruges. The town has four beaches along its 12-kilometer coastline, as well as numerous walking, hiking, and cycling trails that wander through the dunes. Visitors will find that Knokke is also home to an astounding number of art galleries, as well as two excellent museums about local and Belgian history.

The town of Ostend may be best known as the main ferry port between Belgium and Great Britain, but it is also home to seaside resorts and beaches, conveniently located only 29 kilometers from Bruges. There is a lovely promenade that runs along the beach, and a breakwater that offers good views of the small city.

Ostend is home to six distinct beach areas, including Sportstrand (Sports Beach), which is dedicated entirely to active fun-in-the-sun, with designated areas for volleyball , kite-flying , and surfing , among other beach sports.

If you want to admire the beautiful architecture of the Koninklijke Gaanderijen (Royal Galleries) while you enjoy the water, head to the western end of the two-kilometer Groot Strand.

The town of Dinant is located 28 kilometers south of Namur and is a popular place to visit for tourists in the upper Meuse Valley.

The heart of this charming town sits in a narrow swath between the Meuse River and an imposing limestone cliff, atop which a citadel has perched since the 11 th century. The Dinant Citadel can be reached via a 408-step stone stairway that was built in 1577, but nobody will judge you if you opt for the scenic cable car ride instead. Once here, you can explore the battlements, former barracks, kitchens, and dungeons, as well as enjoy stunning views of the valley below.

The 16th-century Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is another of Dinant's major landmarks, featuring a 100-meter onion dome and a unique perch in the side of the cliffs below the citadel. Other top tourist destinations include the Grotte la Merveilleuse , a major limestone cave system that can be explored, and the Rocher Bayard , an impressive pillar of limestone.

The Meuse Bridge is an excellent spot for photography, and boating on the Meuse River is a popular activity in Dinant. The town is also known for being the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the first saxophone, and visitors will find multiple monuments honoring him throughout the town, as well as tour his former home, which is now a museum.

The city of Ghent is home to several of Belgium's most beautiful historic churches, the most lovely of which is the impressive Saint Michael's Church , constructed in the Gothic style of Belgian sandstone. Adjacent to this church is Sint-Michielsbrug ( Saint Michael's Bridge ), and together they are one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

Another excellent example of Gothic architectural styles is Ghent's Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint-Baafskathedraal), with a choir dating back to the 13th century and a tower constructed in the 15th century.

Among Antwerp's historic churches is the late Gothic St. Paul's Church ( Sint-Pauluskerk), which is home to paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, and Jordaens, and the country's largest Gothic cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady, which was begun in 1352.

More on Belgium

32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Brussels (Belgium)

Brussels, the capital of Belgium is a place of art and interesting historic stories.

Generally known as the center of the European Union, it brings to thought that it is a business-minded area. However, there are many more to this city.

Its multi-layered atmosphere makes this place an interesting place to visit featuring some of the best tourist attractions which could keep you busy for days.

Here, there is an answer to everyone’s need for a place to spend some relaxation time as it features some unusual attractions which you might not lay your hands on many other places.

You will find the best waffles, off the edge architecture and lots more. Spending a couple of days in this city will just get you to love it here.

Are you planning on taking a trip to Brussels and you would like to get your checklist on what to do in Brussels right? This article has put together a checklist of what to see in Brussels and things to do in this city. This list also features some obscure places within this city but these are equally some of the most fascinating places to pay a visit to.

Now let’s explore some of the best things to do in Brussels:

Things To Do In Brussels

1. visit grand place.

This is, without a doubt, one of the best buildings and visiting here is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Brussels Belgium.

Grand Place is the heart of the city of Brussels and normally referred to as Grote Markt in Dutch. You won’t help but notice its ornate guildhalls buildings which surround the central square.

Amongst these buildings is the towering Town Hall and the Breadhouse which is home to the must-visit Museum of Brussels. Also, a place you must not miss is the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is quite the view.

If you are a lover of history, it would be nice to know that some buildings in the Grand Place are dated as far as the late 1600s. Quite an age right?.

Visiting the Grand Place of Brussels you will be caught by its overwhelming view which spring from the beauty of its historic buildings at all corners.

Do you intend meeting tourists? Then, here is the perfect spot, yes! You won’t miss tourists because they are at several spots either having a picnic, chatting, or selecting a spot for drinks.

Also get the perfect selfie leveraging the tall buildings around. There are quite a lot of things to engage in hence it is a place worth visit if you are planning on taking a trip to Brussels.

2. See The Historic “Old England Building”

Have you heard about the old England building of Brussels?

It will come as a shocker but the Historic Old England building was once a department store. This historic building was constructed in the last year of the 19 th century.

Every year, this building attracts numerous visitors from all over the world due to its stunning view. Aside from its looks, it is house to the vast musical Museum of Brussels.

Furthermore, you can also decide to take a view of the city on this building as it houses a café on the roof which will gives you a nice sight to the amazing view of the city of Brussels.

Now you do have to add this in your list of the best and fun things do in Brussels.

3. Admire Le Botanique

This is said to be a historical garden and to this day Le Botanique still attracts thousands of tourists into this city.

Le Botanique according to history dates back to the early days of the 19th century and is home to numerous cultural heritage such as performing arts which brings more of a cultural feeling than a garden.

There is the green garden and here makes the perfect spot (with its glory) of the surrounding gardens.

Want to get that welcoming garden feeling in Brussels, this is a place to go, add this to your bucket list right away and you be glad you did.

4. Taste the Best Waffle in Brussels

If you have only a day to spend in Brussels and don’t know what to do in Brussels, then you should make it your top priority to indulge yourself with some delicious Brussels waffle.

I would recommend your go for this at Maison Dandoy. This place is known for their delicious taste waffle and having been in this business since 1829 their experience is undisputed.

Many stands located in Belgium have their waffles to reheated before serving, but this is not the case at Maison Dandoy. They see to making everything in order, from their tearoom even to their counter.

Their quality is quite the thrill and not one to be compared to others any time, any day.

Making a selection which menu like the fluffier or the sweet Liege waffle. Toppings on this would include a hot chocolate sauce, ice cream, caramel and an array of some other sweetness that will give that special delicious taste of a waffle.

The Maison Dandoy has about eight spots around the city of Brussels but I will recommend you try out that one Rue Charles Bulls. This place gives you an upstairs tearoom relaxation to slowly enjoy your delicious waffles.

5. Smile at Manneken Pis

This is an art of a 2-foot tallboy peeing.

During the day, you will always meet individuals ranging from young school students to businessmen and tourists taking photographs of this statue.

Many vistors make a selfie pose with this famous statue.

This statue is quite a historic one as history has it that it dates back to early 1619.

Quite historic right?

But this does not make it lose its value any less.

Over the years, this statue has been stolen several times but it however has always been replaced. The current version is known to date back to 1965.

Manneken Pis is often dressed in several customers and many copies of this have found a place in some permanent exhibition centers such as the City Museum which is located in the Grand Place.

This status alongside two other peeing status have become famous in the Brussels landscape. Other peeing statues are one of a girl and another of a dog.

Hit the nearby store to get yourself some chocolate and then head to the Manneken Pis statue to join the group of onlookers.

Don’t forget to save the memory by taking a selfie in this spot.

6. Visit the Musical Instrument Museum

If you are a music lover, then there is no other place to visit like the Musée des Instruments de Musique (in English, The Musical Instrument Museum).

For sure one fun thing to do in Brussels, Belgium.

This facility is a house for varieties of musical instruments known to man. These instruments have been gathered from all around the world with time to make a compilation of the best.

Musée des Instruments de Musique contains about 1200 electrical and mechanical instruments from around the world.

Included are instruments that date back to the 19 th century such as the 19th-century Orchestra, the African split drum, the Scottish bagpipes and other collection of traditional instruments.

You not only get to see these instruments, you also have the unique opportunity to get to hear what these instruments sound like to the ears which is all thanks to headphones located around the exhibits.

Visiting in a lucky time, you might have the option of attending one of their events as this musical mosque also has a concert hall which is known to host events at several times within the year.

Many have testified of an awesome time in this museum, definitely impressed by the extensive collection of musical instruments.

The ‘wow’ comes when you meet an instrument you have never known before your visit. Producing sounds you never have imagined.

Many others love the sounds produced by these instruments the more when listening to them through the provided headphones.

This museum is located in the Old England Building. So, are you visiting this building? Make time to go inside to have a musical time

7. Indulge your love of comics street art

If you are a lover of art and would like to know what to do in Brussels as related to arts, one of the top things to do in Brussels Belgium is to check out the artistic expressions of Brussels.

Brussels takes arts to another dimension. Just akin to comic arts which aims to pay tributes to known comic characters.

Artistic displays in Brussels range around cartoon drawings which are also featured in museums.

Walking around the city, you won’t help but notice fun artworks around Brussels which highlights the beauty of this city.

These arts could be seen in more than 50 places in Brussels implying notable spots for sightseeing.

You can decide to take up the game of locating these spots and see how many you can get to see during your trip.

However, in the city center, you will find about 10 of these spots located in separate spots.

If locating these comic books arts is not enough for your sightseeing, you can decide to go to the heart of it all.

Take a stop at the Brussels’ Comic Book Museum where you will get to see the best of the comic world.

At the Brussels’ Comic Book Museum, you can get to learn about the history of the comic world and how they came to be. You will also meet some of the famous comic creations such as The Smurfs.

8. Royal Museum of the Army and Military History

Are you a fan of the action of war heroes and military history.

Checking out the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History is one of the fun things to do in Brussels.

It would make you a great afternoon.

Make your way to the Cinquantenaire district, Musée Royal de l’Armée et d’ Histoire Militaire, as popularly known keeps a record of the violent ages of the world dating back to the middle age.

This museum displays some of the famous combat Amory ranging from weapons, documents, uniforms and various war technologies dating back to various points of time.

What can you do while here?

Go, locate the airplane hanger. This is a place to spend some time filling your eyes with sights of more than 80 war aircraft.

This can also serve as a home for educational purposes, hence one of the fun things to do in Brussels with kids.

Children would love the exploration and go as far as taking adventures through various educational activities in these museums.

Tourists who come by this place have always given testimonies of being impressed with what they met as the extensive collection of war instruments were quite the sight.

Many also enjoy going close to aircraft which you mostly have to see in military movies.

The only complaint made by most visitors is the lack of English placards hence making some terms less difficult to understand for English speakers.

9. Stay in a Home of comics.

After a day spotting comic arts around, how would you feel to come back home to a comic home?

A room full of comic arts, awesome right?

Hotels like Radisson Red Brussels preserve the comic views making these views part of your daily views in Brussels.

Entering the Radisson Red Brussels, you would be welcomed by comic arts as soon as you step into the door.

This brings an energetic view, a happy one, the hope of seeing something fun at every turn of your eyes.

Cartoons are definitely for fun or don’t you think the same?

10. See special exhibits at the Bourse

Another building you won’t want to miss is the Bourse building. Visiting the Bourse building is one of the best things to do in Brussels.

Also known as Belgium’s stock exchange, this building dates as far back as 1873.

A magnificent building that features large columns (they are quite a lot) of sculptures all around to give that historic feel.

Some of these sculptures are some of the early works of Rodin.

You are yet to miss the real fun if you haven’t taken a trip inside the Bourse building.

After years of being empty, this building is now used to display exhibits such as photography and amazing arts from ruins of Pompeii and works of Vincent Van Gogh.

As you also look out for the beer museum which is slated to open sometime this year 2020.

Wear your shoes and take a walk to the Bourse building where you can fill your eyes with amazing views.

11. Take a Sip at Le Cirio Cafe

This awesome cafe dates back to early 1886 and is one of the things to see in Brussels.

A visit to this cafe will see you welcomed by some unique artworks which dates back to the early days of this cafe. You will also be welcomed by exquisite touches of polished brass.

There is a stop to give your feet a break from the days walk. Do enjoy the mix of sparkling wines, the house specialty and a half en half perfectly poured at your table.

For sure one of the best things to do in Brussels.

12. Politics at the Parlamentarium

You definitely should not miss the European Parliament.

Located outside the historic city center, the European Parliament drives you thoughts into politics.

Even though you do not take a liking to politics, meeting the visitors center of this place is definitely worth the stop.

A walk through its door welcomes you with an engaging exhibit that takes you through the time of the world war as it tries to give you a glimpse of what Europe was like even in the war ages.

You will further get to learn about why the European Union was created as it tries to summarise the need to build alliances, improve trade within states and give them a reason to care for one another’s welfare.

This visit which can last within the range of 60-90 minutes will get you a chance to get close to the members of the European Parliament, even to hear their stories and get to watch some short documentaries about them. You can know how to be a member of this Parliament and the benefits of the citizens.

13. Visit a mini Europe

You definitely can’t travel to Europe in a few days.

This brings to the fact of missing out on various sights about Europe.

Reality, Europe is quite a big vast of land and only if you are willing to give up a whole lot of your life to this journey, you won’t get to cover its view.

But how does a visit to a mini Europe sound?.

The theme park located north of central Brussels could give you a good view of what Europe looks like on a small scale.

This park features models of some of the biggest and best buildings.

Attractions here range from the Tower of Pisa, Seville’s bullfighting ring and even cutting across a view of the London Big Ben, some of the best landmarks of Paris such as Sacred-Coeur and the Eiffel Tower.

It takes just a day here to meet some of the best sights in Europe.

Be sure to include your kids in this tour as this Park features some mini-attractions -the Berlin wall and Naples’ Mount Vesuvius- which will be loved by kids.

This place has always had may thumbs up from many visitors both locals and tourists.

Some travelers recalled marveling at the detailed view of these structures.

If you are visiting Brussels with your kids, do well to pay a visit to this Park. Even if you are coming alone, I think you will be impressed by the sight of this park.

14. See the Mont des Arts View

Here is another place to meet the arts in Brussels, Mont des Arts, also referred to as Kunstberg.

This is an area that separates the lower and upper parts of Brussels.

Here you have the opportunity to experience Brussels more artistically with lots of artistic activities to make your day.

These activities may include going to a concert at Bozar, going to the movies at Cinematek or visiting the museums of fine arts or going to the musical instruments museums.

There are so many activities to invest your time into but the best thing to do is to enjoy the view.

It features a geometric garden giving a nice vista to downtown Brussels and the Townhall is also a place to look out for.

Here, you will find people any time of the year. They are either found hanging out on benches or lounging on steps.

This is quite a peaceful place to calm your nerves and relax the heart from the horrors of the city.

15. Scout out Art Nouveau buildings

Here are another must-see buildings in Brussels, the Art Nouveau buildings.

Made with bright wall paintings, swirling irons and quite some large windows, these buildings are an architectural delight that utilizes the exquisite view of natural light.

Many buildings here in Brussels have been recognized by UNESCO for their great architecture. A place to find most of these buildings is outside the historic center.

If you are a lover of the art, you will definitely enjoy the 15-minute ride to Saint-Gilles or the Ixelles neighborhood to have a site of some of the great architecture of Brussels.

One of such building that catches the eye is the Hotel Tassel building.

These buildings are done with wrought iron and feature quite some large windows. You will also notice an old England sign.

The Art Nouveau building style is always a fanciful one loved by most people and am sure you will take a liking to its view.

The art Art Nouveau building style is dated back to the 19the century. This building style was introduced to Brussels buildings by Victor Horta, a popular architect who’s home is known today to be a popular tourist attraction known as the Horta Museum.

Aside from visiting this museum to have a view of some of the great works of Victor Horta. You can decide to take trips to see the magnificent view of these buildings.

You will notice the brilliant ideas behind these buildings, fabulous painting, sharp intricate balconies and so many other decorations which make them a state-of-the-art in Brussels.

Feel free making a reservation to see the inside of these buildings.

Are you close the center, an example of these building types is the Musical instruments museums or the Comic Book Museum.

Take a visitation trip to these places, definitely amongst the fun things to do in Brussels Belgium.

16. Meet Art at the Royal Museum of fine arts of Belgium

If your schedule is tight and you an only make time for one museum, the Royal Museum of fine arts of Belgium is the place to go to.

This Fine Art museum is home to some of the best works in arts dating back to the 15th and the 21st century.

Comprising of more than 20,000 artworks, this museum is subdivided into smaller museums of which include the Modern museums and the Old Masters museums.

A walk through its walkway will expose you to works from Van Dyck, Rubens, Magritte, Brueghel and many more renowned art masters.

You will be impressed by their collection of artworks as they are well spoken of even amongst travelers. Many say you can spend as much as four hours here to take the time to appreciate the beauty of arts.

Some tourists say they could visit here twice whereas others find it boring to take the trip and advice against it, if you are not totally into artworks.

17. Find the Black Tower

How about playing seek?

One of the buildings you won’t notice in Brussels is the Ancient stone tower which is hidden by some modern buildings.

This is a medieval tower which is behind the Sainte-Catherine and is almost covered by a modern hotel. It many not be easy locating this tower though its popular amongst tourists.

It features a rounded wall and a black turret and history has it that this tower dates back to the early 13th century as it was part of an original fortification of Brussels center.

Many years now, this building has survived the waves of development in the area and now is an inland port.

A great site located at the heart of the city center but having a sometimes improbable location.

On your visit to Brussels, do well to locate this spot. Do take a picture or more. Definitely one of the best things to do in Brussels.

18. Visit the Sablon neighborhood

This neighborhood is towards the Mont des Arts neighborhood, not too far from the first Brussels city wall.

Just like many areas, history has it that this was once a large open space covered with grasslands, wetland and sand.

A good place to visit in this neighborhood is the Church of Our Blessed Lady

19. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

This is a place worth the view.

The design of its building has quite some quality finishing and you must agree that St. Gudula Cathedral and the St. Michael give quite an awe feel at view.

These have been known through history mostly by the words of French writer who goes by name Victor Hugo. He referred to them as:

“The purest flowering of the Gothic style.”

The Royals of Belgian felt the same way about this building and it is still today a known site for royal funerals and weddings in Brussels.

The construction of these churches dates back to the early 13th century, having a solid stone exterior with magnificent glass windows.

This cathedral is popular amongst most visitors as a good site to visit as they tend to appreciate that architectural design of these buildings, with special note of the stained glasses used for the windows which makes its beauty.

Other travelers would recommend you pay some extra fee to have a visit to the archeological site as it brings interesting historic facts about the churches.

From the park across the street is the “Église Notre-Dame du Sablon” or the Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon.

This is a church that dates back to the 15th century and is still today visited by most of the wealthy citizens in this area.

You can also decide to make a stop at a coffee spot, view collections of an antique store, or just enjoy the view.

20. Try Out Belgian foods

Many would say Belgium goes with the frites, the waffles and the beer.

Taking out some time to try out some real traditional Belgian meals is one of our top things to do in Brussels Belgium.

Amongst many meals is the waterzooi. This meal is a creamy stew made of egg and butter which has either chicken or fish.

Do you take a liking to seafood? Then, try out the modules frites, they are quite authentic and you won’t regret a dish.

Another meal to try out is the Belgian staples. This meal is meshed potatoes blended with carrot, vegetables and onions. You could try out the Brussels sprouts which is often a side dish.

You could also decide to try out the carbonade flamande, this is a dish quite similar to the beef bourguignon.

It’s a slowly cooked until the meat tends to come apart, quite a delicious meal you have there. It is usually served with frites and this give two of the best Belgian food in a dish.

Don’t miss out on Belgian traditional meals, they are worth the taste.

21. See Christmas markets In Brussels

Christmas is one of the best times to visit Brussels.

The area comes to life during this period due yo the holidays. Through the historic centers the markets are decorated with light and amazing Christmas trees.

The main activity is at Sainte-Catherine and the Bourse which all seem like a massive market.

Visiting a Christmas market at this period, you will take to notice vendors selling Candy, gifts and some others serving hot mulled wine, also referred to as Vin chauda.

You will also meet vendors serving champagne, oysters and also filling plates with tartiflette. Every year a country is celebrated and this celebration features Brussels Christmas customs and food.

22. Take a day trip

Brussels is a good place to take day trips, you can decide to take a trip and reach your destination in an hour or less.

Take a trip to the merchant houses or you can decide on a trip to the Townhall where you can have the opportunity to drink in the longest bar on the planet at Leuven.

A trip to Antwerp will open you to the works of Peter Paul Rubens and you could also go from there to the UNESCO World Heritage museum.

A trip to Ghent will see you open to the view of a beautiful city and you will fall in love with the huge towers now you can decide to be back in Brussels for your night.

I trust you love traveling and traveling the Ares around Brussels is one of the best things to do in Brussels.

23. Enjoy Brussels Nightlife

Do you want to know what to do in Brussels at night?

The nightlife in Brussels is something of awe.

Here you meet a fun nightlife which has everything needful to answer to your taste and budget.

A place to be during the night is Madame Mustache, a club which has Waiters of in sailors outfit to tend to you as you enjoy varieties of music.

The entry fee to this club is free during weeknights but on the weekend when things get busier, you will have to pay an entry fee.

The best way to enjoying your weekend is dancing in this club but if you are not a fan of that, there is a table room for you.

This club also features a Locals Pub and Club Crawl which lasts about 4 hours. So, you can decide to book for that too.

Enjoy your night in Brussels at this club, or some other, definitely something worth doing in Brussels.

24. Go on a Belgian beer crawl

You can’t talk about Belgium without Beer, they tend to go hand in hand.

So, one of the best things to do in Brussels is to check out some of the best spots for beer in Brussels, there are quite a huge list of them.

If you are not a beer lover, you have the option of selecting other drinks in these drinking spots to make your day worth it.

If you are considering trying a beer spot, you might consider spots like the “historic A Mort Subsite”, You could also get food to accompany your drinks in this spot.

Another place to try out is Moeder Lambic, they mostly specialize in lambic-style beers. And just like those bejeweled in Cantillon, you can also decide to get varieties of beers in this spot.

Just near the Manneken Pis, is a small downstair spot referred to as “The Puppet Cellar” which is known amongst locals to provide the best Beers you can get in Brussels.

You could also decide to pay a visit to the Delirium bar. This spot is mostly recognized by their elephant logo and it has it that the have in stock about 2000+ varieties of beers on their list.

Visiting here, you definitely will find quite some number of people in this spot. So, if you are the private one like me, you might just need to consider other options.

But some say that sometime in the year, this place has some space to move around. Just know this is a super beer parlor, but if you must see, do pay a visit to the Delirium bar.

After a days walk, take a ride to a beer spot and calm your nerves in Brussels.

25. Go science with Atonium

The Autonium is considered to be one of the symbols of Brussels and visiting here is one of the things to see in Brussels.

This is made of stainless steel shaped in a molecular form to create a steel structure.

History has it that the Atomium dates back to the 1958 World’s Fair and as it got popular in this fair, it became a spot which is home to some of the Belgian culture cutting across arts and science with quite a lot of exhibition spaces.

The Atonium is certainly one of the best places to go with your kids in Brussels as they have quite an option of children play centers to keep kids busy during a visit.

They may decide to play with the Kids’ Sphere and can also decide to spend the night in its attraction.

This is one which answers what to do in Brussels at night.

However, one of the best reasons to take a tour north to the Autonium is the great views of the city you will notice on the way.

Regardless, some travelers however have the opinion that this place is not worth the price charged for an admission in a lounge or the time to get into the attraction center.

Also travelers gave the opinion to only pave a visit to this place on a sunny day and going in bad weather gives a lackluster view when looking at it from the top.

26. Take a Walk Through Cinquantenaire Park

Though you may have heard Brussels is a busy city.

Regardless, it also has quite some green space which you will love if you like being close to nature and taking a walk to check out this Park is one of the top things to do in brussels.

The weather in this city is quite unpredictable, however, the city is at its life during a sunny day and one of these sunny days should get you a visit to “Parc du Cinquantenaire” or in English the Cinquantenaire Park.

Paying a visit to this park, you will take to notice families taking picnic in various spots around this park. Also you will notice cyclists taking a ride down its paths.

You may also decide to go to the fountains, here you will also find quite some visitors.

As earlier mentioned, located around this park is the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History which houses some of the best military history and interesting fun to know facts.

Also, you can decide to have a good view of this park in this museum. This will expose you to a sight that keeps you in awe.

27. See and be seen at Cafe Belga

This is a well-known institution in the city of Brussels and if you are taking a visit to Brussels, Cafe Belga is one of the things to see in Brussels.

Popular amongst locals and tourists, Cafe Belga is located at the heart of the cultural mixing spot of Place Flagey.

This Café provides great views and an amazing atmosphere where you can sit and enjoy some of the best Belgian foods.

The summer is a busy time to visit the café but it comes with its charms too.

If you are in this area and would like to get some of the best fries in Brussels, you might consider visiting Frit Flagey for this.

Get to a comfort zone in this café, it is definitely worth its while.

28. See Place Sainte-Catherine

Few Kilometers from the Grand Place is Sainte-Catherine.

This is one of the lively neighborhoods in Brussels as it is home to quite a lot of markets, café and churches.

Do well to pay a visit to this spot and when you are there, do not miss a visit to De Noordzee. This is an aesthetic restaurant where you can get the best of seafood.

Would you visit  here? I would recommend you try their fishing burger, a taste worth a million words.

If you are not keen about seafoods, you can decide to choose from the numerous café nearby. Or you can decide to visit here during the evening hours to have a good view of the nightlife.

You may also decide to visit the food and flower market located in this area any day of the week but a good day to pay a visit is on Wednesdays. This market set their focus on organic foods from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

The bedrock of this area is the Sainte Catherine’s Church.

This church dates back to early 1874 but still provides quite an astonishing view with contrast to other buildings in the area.

Its architectural design got inspiration from French churches of the 16th century, you might decide to take the time to notice the arts presented around which include status of gargoyles, buttresses and lots more.

29. Visit the Palace of Justice

Amongst the notable buildings in Brussels is that which houses the Belgium courthouse. Located g&y in the Marolles area, this building is one known for its aesthetic architecture and one of the top things to see in Brussels.

Though still is scaffolding, the Belgium Palace of justice is quite a structure to reckon with.

Take a trip and get to behold the sight of this magnificent building.

You don’t only have to look from the outside, take a walk into the courthouse to discover its classic architecture and there is no restriction on entry.

30. Check Out Anderlecht

There are some interesting reasons to pay a visit to Anderlecht. One good reason is the open-air graffiti gallery.

This is located around Brusells with a bridge supported by about 150 columns. These columns have been covered with graffiti masterpiece to bring quite the view.

31. The Royal library

If you want to do some research work or reading, the Royal Library is a place to go.

This library don’t only give you the books they also give you a good view around Brusells. The top of the Royal Library could meet your need, taking this view in a camera makes one of the top things to do in Brussels you should consider.

Do add this to your checklist of things to do, access to this library is free. At the top, you get a good view over the Palace of Justice building and the Mont des Arts building.

32. Visit an urban farm

I love the view of an urban farm and I think you should add this to your checklist of things to see in Brussels.

You may never know but in the heart of this city is an urban farm, just towards Mont-des-arts, Brussels.

This place is a place to get closer to the green part of life in this city.

If you are thinking of taking the children on a trip, this is one of the best things to do in Brussels with kids.

Plan a Trip to Brussels

Its time to start planning your trip to Brussels. If you would like to spend some vacation time with family members or loved ones, then this is a place to be.

Here, you have a comprehensive checklist of what to see in Brussels and the best things to do in Brussels. Do take your time to decide which would make the top of your list but be rest-assured that this checklist will give you the best of experience of the amazing city of Brusells.

Trust me, you definitely will have a good time in this city. Now, I will leave you to making plans for your trip!.

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Select your destination and start your discovery. Have a great trip!

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14 things you need to know about Belgium for a perfect trip

May 21, 2022 • 6 min read

With a few tips, it's easy to navigate Belgium's historic cities and calm countryside © olrat / Shutterstock

Despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe, Belgium has a lot to offer travelers – medieval castles, modern architecture, a world-renowned fashion scene, great food, and more than 1000 brands of beer – really!

Belgium also has not one, but three official languages. Luckily, more than half of Belgians speak English, so it’s easy to get around – just be aware of the monolingual road signage (the language will depend on where in Belgium you are). Here are our top tips to help you make the most of a trip to Belgium.

1. Pack a raincoat

Influenced by the weather systems of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Belgium has a temperate maritime climate characterized by frequent precipitation and heavy cloud cover. The temperature rarely climbs above 22°C (72°F) in the summer, and thunderstorms are frequent – so you’ll want to pack rain gear, regardless of what time of year you visit.  

2. Make the most of your trip by traveling around

There’s so much to see in Belgium, and it’s easy to travel from one place to the next by car or train, so we recommend splitting your time between several destinations. Get lost in the atmospheric streets of Bruges , hit the museums and fashion boutiques in Antwerp , lace up your hiking boots in Hoge Kempen National Park – the country’s only national park – and visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand Place in Brussels . Most cities are within a few hours of one another, making it easy to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time.

3. Bring pocket change in case you need to spend a penny

In Belgium, free public restrooms are virtually non-existent. Most public facilities charge and few accept credit cards, so you’ll want to carry loose some euros and cents in change. Expect to pay around €0.50 (US$0.54) per visit – get into the habit of using the washroom before leaving the hotel or restaurant.  

4. Swap taxis for public transport when you arrive in Brussels

Taxis in Brussels are among the most expensive in Europe – a cab ride between Brussels Airport and the city center will cost at least €3 (US$3.30) per km. While we won’t judge for splurging after a long-haul flight, the city’s excellent bus, tram and metro system will take you almost anywhere you need to go from 6am to midnight, seven days a week, including into town from the airport (for as little as €7/US$7.35 in total). For cheap, low-carbon transport, consider renting a bike through a bike-sharing platform, such as Villo! .

5. Don't rush to rent a car

Belgium is car-friendly in many ways – you can drive from one end of the country to the other in a matter of hours, and nearly all the country’s motorways are fully lit at night. It’s also super easy to rent a car on the fly, thanks to car-sharing apps such as Poppy and Cambio .

At the same time, driving in Belgium can be quite an undertaking. Signage is mostly monolingual, and the names of places depend on which language is spoken. For example, the German border city of Aachen might appear on Belgian signs as Aix-la-Chapelle, the Flemish city of Ghent is also Gand, and Liège is also Lîdje, Luik and Lüttich.

6. When in doubt, speak English

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Dutch (specifically, the Flemish dialect) is primarily spoken in Flanders in the north, while French is mostly spoken in the southern region of Wallonia, and German is the default in eastern regions of the province of Liège. Brussels (also known as Brussel and Bruxelles) is officially bilingual, speaking Dutch and French.

With language at the center of Belgium's knotty cultural identity debate, it's best to speak English if you’re unsure of the dominant tongue wherever you happen to be. You’ll likely find that most people, especially in big cities such as Antwerp and Brussels, speak flawless English anyway.

7. Recycle like a Belgian

Belgians take recycling very seriously. In fact, the country boasts the highest recycling rate for household packaging in all of Europe (an impressive 94.9%). While you should always take care to recycle and reduce when you’re on the road away from home, you’ll want to be especially mindful of this when traveling through Belgium.

8. There’s no need to tip in Belgium

Tipping in Belgium isn’t a standard practice, nor is it expected, as most service staff are paid a fair living wage. Furthermore, most restaurants automatically include a 10–15% tip in the bill. If you think the service was excellent and want to leave more, you can always leave a few euros on the table after your meal.

9. Extend a hand in greeting

How do you greet people in Belgium? It depends on where you are. Most people in Brussels prefer a handshake, while most folks in French-speaking Wallonia will turn a cheek for a kiss. To play it safe in these Covid-aware times, we recommend extending a hand to test the waters.

10. Don’t leave your shopping for Sunday

If you need to stock up at the supermarket or buy souvenirs, don’t plan on doing it on a Sunday. As most Belgians are Roman Catholic, many shops are closed on Sundays, including major grocery stores and banks. 

11. Drink beer, lots of lovely beer

Belgium is home to over 300 breweries and more than 1000 types of Belgian beer . So, it’s practically a requirement to imbibe while you’re there (and honestly, you might be judged if you order a glass of vino instead of a homegrown brew at the local pub). Try everything from pilsners and witbier to Trappist ales and naturally fermented lambics.

Oh, and don’t expect to chug your Duvel out of any old glass. Belgians love their glassware, and you'll find a dizzying array of options, from tulips and flutes to goblets and tankards. 

12. Can you drink tap water in Belgium?

Yes, you certainly can. Some even say the tap water is even better than the bottled mineral kind you get in the supermarket (bring a water bottle to save on plastic).

13. You can feel safe about being yourself

In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, and the country’s long-held progressive values and vibrant nightlife make it a top destination for LGBTIQ+ travelers. Brussels has long been the center of the scene – the city’s La Demence event draws partiers from all over the world 12 times a year – but even smaller towns such as Bruges and Ghent are getting in on the action.

14. Have fun – but be cautious of petty crime

Generally speaking, Belgium is a safe country with relatively low crime rates. For most travelers, the biggest risk is pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded areas. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in terrorist attacks across Belgium – travelers should exercise vigilance, particularly in Brussels, where international organizations, including NATO and the EU, are headquartered.

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Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Belgium

By Carl Austin · Last updated on February 5, 2024

Belgium may be a small country in Western Europe, but it packs a lot of history within its borders: knights who went on crusades, the place where Napoleon met his Waterloo and which felt the effects of World War I && II. Because it’s so small, visitors can get to almost any of the tourist attractions in Belgium with three or four hours of train travel. Belgium is also the place that gave the world Belgian waffles, if more incentive is needed to travel there.

10. Leuven Town Hall [SEE MAP]

The Leuven Town Hall looks more like a cathedral than a seat of government, perhaps because the 236 statues that adorn it are set in religious scenes. These statues are on the hall’s three floors, each floor representing different people who were important to the city’s heritage. Built in the mid-15th century, the Gothic style town hall is very ornate, seeming almost lace-like. It anchors the city’s grote markt, or main square, and sits across from St. Peter’s Church.

9. Mons Belfry [SEE MAP]

Mons is a medieval city that today serves as capital of Hainaut Province. It is home to the only Baroque belfry in Belgium. The belfry is located on the highest point in Mons, on a square that once housed a castle; remains of this castle can be seen today. This bell tower is 87 meters (285 feet) high, with a 49-bell carillon at the top; the largest bell weighs in at five tons. The belfry, constructed in the 17th century, is topped by an onion-shaped dome.

8. Bouillon Castle [SEE MAP]

Bouillon Castle sits on a hill overlooking the city of Bouillon. It is believed to date back to the Romans, though it is first mentioned in the late 10th century. One of its early owners sold it to finance his participation in the First Crusade. The castle has three drawbridges, dungeons and a torture chamber that visitors will see as they make their way down from the top. The castle, considered one of the best in Belgium, has a unique, layered defense system designed to protect it from invaders.

7. Grote Markt, Mechelen [SEE MAP]

The Grote Markt in Mechelen is a large square that is the heart of the city; it is the city’s main square. At one end of the pedestrian cobblestone square stands St. Rombold’s Cathedral, the city’s largest church, while the town hall occupies the other end. Restaurants and shops, that once were private homes, complete the other two sides. When the square was getting underground parking in 2004, remnants of a 13th century road were found. Today, the square hosts a market on Saturday mornings.

6. Antwerp Central [SEE MAP]

Centraal Station is the main train station in Antwerp in Flanders. The stone building, which opened in 1905, presents an imposing façade to travelers. It’s topped by a huge dome that is 44 meters (144 feet) high. The station is considered Belgium’s best example of railway architecture. It also is considered one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. Trains depart and arrive on 14 tracks on four levels. Centraal Station is also capable of handling high speed trains.

5. Tournai Cathedral [SEE MAP]

Catholicism has been an important religion in the Walloon city of Tournai since the 6th century, though construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady(Notre-Dame de Tournai) did not start until the 12th century. It features three architectural styles: Romanesque, Transitional and Gothic. The cathedral has five bell towers with ceilings that reach up to 157 feet high. The house of worship is also home to The Issue of Souls in Purgatory, a painting by the great Flemish artist, Peter Paul Rubens. The cathedral is undergoing renovation after it suffered major damage in a 1999 tornado.

4. Gravensteen [SEE MAP]

Looking at the 12th century Gravensteen Castle, one can almost picture knights in shining armor riding white horses out the gates. Which wouldn’t be too far off, as the castle was patterned after the ones that the knights saw on the Second Crusade in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries it was used as a prison and factory, with houses built in the courtyard. Scheduled to be demolished, the city of Ghent rescued it in 1885 and renovated it. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belgium. Inside is a museum of torture devices used in Ghent over the ages.

3. Belfry of Bruges [SEE MAP]

Visitors need to be in good physical shape if they want to climb the Belfry of Bruges as it is 366 steep, narrow steps to the top. Those who complete the climb of this important symbol of Bruges will be rewarded with great views of the city. The medieval bell tower dates back to 1240, built at a time when Bruges was a major player in the cloth industry. It was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire 40 years later, with other fires occurring in the centuries following. Bells still chime out from the tower today.

2. Grand Place [SEE MAP]

The Grand Place (or Grote Markt) is a must-see for visitors to Brussels . Indeed, this central square is the city’s main landmark. Surrounded by the town hall and guildhalls, the square isn’t very big, as squares around the world go but the old buildings that line its sides make it very special. The Grand Place dates back to the 11th century when markets were held. Nowadays, every two years in August, an enormous “flower carpet” is set up in the Grand Place for a few days. A million colorful begonias are set up in patterns covering a large part of the square.

1. Canals of Bruges [SEE MAP]

Because of its canals Bruges is often called ‘The Venice of the North’. In the Middle Ages the ‘Reie’ river had been turned into a network of canals that enabled the traders to bring their products to the large Water Halls at the Market. Nowadays a boat ride on these famous canals provide a great way to see some of Bruges most beautiful sites.

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May 10, 2016 at 11:33 am

wow I would love to visit Belgium.

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brussels .info

Brussels tourist information, tourism offices in brussels.

There are five tourist offices in Brussels. One at each major transport hub. These are Grand Place , Brussels central station , the airport , Brussels-Midi station and European Parliament . You can find them also displayed on the map below.

The most well-known Brussels tourism information centre is based at the Grand Place which is the central medieval square. The tourist information centre here is located at the Town Hall of Brussels. The Manneken Pis peeing boy statue is closeby too.

If you are at the central station, you can walk over to the Brussels Info Place which is open 7 days a week. They also have a café there.

Adresses and opening hours

Brussels international - tourism & congress.

Town Hall of Brussels Grand-Place Open: 9am to 6pm Winter time: 10am to 2pm

Brussels International - Brussels Info Place (BIP)

Rue Royale 2, 1000 Brussels Open: 10am to 6pm 7 days a week

Office de Promotion du Tourisme - Brussels Airport

Arrival Hall Zaventem Airport, Brussels Open: 8am to 9pm 7 days a week

Brussels International - Midi Station

Central Concourse Open: Mon-Thu and weekends 8am to 8pm; Fri 8am to 9pm Winter time: Mon-Thu: 8am to 5pm; Fri: 8am to 8pm; Sat: 9am to 6pm; Sunday and PH: 9am to 2pm

Brussels International - The European Parliament

Rue Wiertz 43, building A. Spinelli Open: Mon: 1pm to 5pm; Tue-Thu: 9am to 5pm; Fri: 9am to 12pm

Belgium tourism offices around the world

At first it may seem slightly confusing but Wallonia and Flanders have separate tourism offices for the promotion of Brussels and their respective language regions in Belgium. Therefore you can find tourist info on either Wallonia or Flanders and Brussels in different countries around the world to help you plan your Brussels holiday.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend break or a longer trip, Belgium has a lot to offer to tourists.

If you enjoy walking, sports and the outdoors, the Ardennes , which are the green heart of Belgium, are your place to go. If you prefer the beach or enjoy cycling, you will not be able to resist the call of our seaside !

Our prestigious art cities are magnificent, even if you are not a fan of history, architecture or culture.

Belgians love gastronomy . They love good food and will invite you to taste their special beers and cheeses and obviously also their chocolate, bonbons, endives, beef stew, speculaas and the like. And the fries are simply legendary.

But above all, Belgium is a place of fun: it has a very vibrant cultural scene (exhibits, concerts, festivals, theatre, dance, etc.) and its night live is one big celebration.

Adressen en websites

• Visit.brussels Website: https://visit.brussels
• Visit Flanders Website: http://www.visitflanders.com
• Wallonia Tourism Website: http://walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/

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Kate Abroad

The Ultimate Belgium Itinerary for 5 Days or 7 Days

Belgium is possibly my favourite place to visit in Europe and it’s super accessible, being small enough to see well with only a few days or a week. This post has two Belgium itinerary options that hit the highlights of the country. There is the main 5 days option for those short on time and the full week itinerary which is what I did.

Belgium is a bit of a hidden gem with fewer crowds than neighbouring France. It’s also easier to do on a budget with lots of great hostels that aren’t too expensive. You can find more budget travel tips and recommendations in my Belgium backpacking guide .

5 day Belgium itinerary

Here’s the basic run down of where to go and how long to stay, keep reading for what to do when you get there.

2 days in Brussels

2 days in bruges, 1 day in ghent.

Travel times and costs are at the end.

Brussels is the Belgian capital, the European capital and most importantly in my mind, the chocolate capital.  It’s definitely where you’ll find the most tourists in Belgium but all you need to do is walk a few blocks from the main square and you’ll find awesome hidden laneways and local cafes.

Here are some things to know before visiting Brussels .

Things to do

The top attraction in Brussels is a statue of a small boy taking a piss into a fountain. Weird? Yes, but the Mannekin Pis is iconic. 

There are plenty of more substantive activities in Brussels too. I found a tour of the European Parliament fascinating, although if you weren’t a politics major you might not be as keen.

On the main square, there is the Grand Palace which is a bit like a mini-Versailles and super impressive for its size. Absolutely spend some time there. 

The royal family don’t currently live in the Grand Palace instead, their official home is the Royal Palace which is open for tours as well but only during summer. The Royal Palace looks even more impressive and is fronted by gardens which you can explore on a walk.

When in Belgium it’s almost mandatory to overindulge in Belgian chocolate and the Brussels city layout makes it super easy as the main square is lined with cholate stores and so is nearly every street running off it.

You can’t really go wrong so just wander into a few stores that smell good and grab some pralines to go. Otherwise, you can book one of the many chocolate tours .

If you run out of inspiration for your 2 days in Brussels, consider a day trip from Brussals by train .

Where to stay in Brussels

Brussels can be a bit tricky to find the right balance of accommodation in as you want to be close to the old town centre but not actually inside as it gets crowded and very touristy. Your best bet is closer to the Royal Palace area.

• Hostel – Sleep Well Brussels is in the perfect spot on the fringe of the old centre with free walking tours on offer
• Mid-range hotel – EasyHotel is the Easy Jet of hotels, cheap, convenient and does the job
• Top hotel – Radisson Collection Grand Place is recently renovated with an awesome restaurant on site

The historic centre of Bruges is itself a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a quietly pretty place, full of cobblestoned streets and canals that have earnt the town the name ‘Venice of the North’. Bruges is a small town and it’s the kind of place where you want to slow down and take your time exploring. 

The centrepiece is the Bruges Markt, the main square, which faces the Belfry of Bruges tower. For a couple of euros, you can climb up the Belfry tower and get great views of the town. If you don’t love heights, then grab a table in the square, drink some coffee and while away an afternoon.

In terms of attractions, there is everything from churches and museums to some very cute old windmills. I’d suggest picking two or three to do each day you’re there.

Bruges has some quite quirky museums that are a bit of fun to explore and give you a break from paintings. If you have a stronger stomach, try the Torture Museum, it’s medieval in the worst way. 

Then there’s the very Belgian museum of fries or Frietmuseum and the aspirational diamonds museum (Diamantmuseum).

Finally, as it’s the Venice of the North, a canal tour is a must in Bruges. It’s the most peaceful way to see the town and you might even have some of the local swans join your tour. There are 5 landing spots in the town centre where you can jump on a boat.

Where to stay in Bruges

You can stay anywhere within the old city walls as it’s all within walking distance. Top picks are:

• Hostel – St Christopher’s Inn Bauhaus is the friendliest hostel I’ve ever stayed in and it has a pub downstairs
• Mid-range hotel – Hotel du Theatre is only 250m from Bruges’ main square and while small, it’s very budget-friendly and well-kitted out
• Top hotel – The medieval Duke’s Palace has been converted to a luxury hotel and staying there is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed

Ghent is the most beautiful town in Belgium in my mind. It’s centred around the Lys/Leie river and is full of stunning gothic buildings with plenty of spires and gargoyles.

The region that Ghent is in is Flanders and the dukes and counts of Flanders were very powerful back in medieval times. You can visit their fortress, Gravensteen (meaning Castle of the Counts) in Ghent and see how the knights once lived.

The audio tour there is particularly good for telling you all about how the castle’s inhabitants used to live in a not boring way as it’s voiced by a local comedian. There are also great views of the town from the fortress walls. Tickets (which include the audio guide) cost 12 euros for adults or 7 Euros for youth.

The riverside area is Ghent’s food and drink hotspot, with lots of restaurants and beer gardens with outdoor seating. You can wander along the river walk or settle in and enjoy people-watching.

Like most European cities, Ghent also has an incredible church. Saint Nicholas’s church in the main square is over 800 years old and absolutely stunning. The church also acts as a gallery with several large panel paintings inside.

Where to stay in Ghent

I would suggest staying on the opposite side of the river to the main attractions so that you can get off the tourist drag, see a bit more of the city and pay a bit less. However, aiming to be within 2 or 3 blocks of the river is ideal so that you don’t need to bother with taxis.

• Hostel – Hostel Uppelink , this cosy hostel is right on the river with the best views just outside the front door.
• Mid-range hotel – Novatel Gent Centrum is another chain option that’s more on the budget frindly side and close to the action
• Top hotel – Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel will make you feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury with it’s belnd of historic building and modern facilities

7 days in Belgium itinerary

To extend the Belgium trip out to a one week itinerary, add an extra day in Ghent and a day in Antwerp. Here’s what that 7 day Belgium itinerary looks like:

• 2 days Brussels
• 2 days Bruges
• 2 days Ghent
• 1 day Antwerp

Day 2 in Ghent

For the extra day in Ghent, you could sign up for a beer tour to try Belgium’s most famous product. I’m not a big beer drinker but it’s hard to avoid in Belgium and you’ve got to appreciate how much the Belgians love their beer. There are some fairly cheap options like this one on Viator or this one on Get Your Guide.

Alternatively, there are plenty more, castles, churches and abbeys to explore like the curiously named Gerald the Devil Castle and St Bavo’s Abbey.

For something a bit different, you can visit Ghent’s Graffiti Street and check out some of the other street art in the town, much of which is inspired by historic painters. There is a map of all the art locations  here .

1 Day in Antwerp

Antwerp is Belgium’s second-biggest city and a historic centre of trade dating and the diamond industry. 

To be totally honest, Antwerp was my least favourite spot in Belgium but that was mostly because a big chunk of the city, including the street I was staying on, was under construction. Since most of this has now been completed it should be a lot easier to get around and less noisy and messy. 

Antwerp has the big city feel of Brussels but with more of a commercial feel than the political centre that Brussels is. If you want to do some shopping in Belgium, then Antwerp is definitely the place to go, specifically the Stadsfeestzaal Shopping Centre.

Other than retail therapy, Antwerp has lots of historic and cultural attractions. The top two I would suggest prioritising for one day there are the Cathedral and Rubenshuis.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp

The Cathedral of Our Lady also called De Kathedraal, is found in the centre of Handschoenmarkt (Glove Market), a square in the Historic Centre of Antwerp. This stunning Gothic building was completed in 1521, after nearly 170 years of construction and the belfry is a UNESCO world heritage site. 

The Cathedral is open for visitors every day and entry costs 8 Euros for adults. Children can enter for free. In true Belgian style, the Cathedral has an attached bistro where you can try the Cathedral beer, which comes in blonde and dark varieties.

Rubens House

Rubens House or Rubenshuis is the former home of Dutch painter Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens is one of the most famous European artists and was highly influential in the Baroque painting movement. His works are often quite dark and include lots of portraits. You can see some of his paintings at the house, which has been restored into a small museum in honour of the artist.

Rubens House is open from Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am –5 pm and entry is 8 euros per person.

Where to stay in Antwerp

I recommend staying as close as possible to the historic centre of Antwerp as that’s where most of the attractions are and it’s walking distance from the main train station. Some good options are:

• Hostel – The Ash has easily the best location of all the Antwerp hostels although the vibe is a bit average
• Mid-range hotel – Hampton by Hilton is a reliable chain hotel that’s convenient to the station and the centre city
• Top hotel – Hotel FRANQ is a boutique hotel with stunning modern decor super close to the central city

Getting around Belgium

The easiest way to get around Belgium using these itineraries is via trains. The train system in Belgium is great, there are intercity and international trains running super frequently and the stations are generally very close to the town centres. The exception is Bruges where you’ll need to grab a taxi or local bus to get to/from the train station.

The train fares within Belgium are cheap and you can get youth discounts if you’re under 26. However, as soon as you get on an international connection the prices shoot up.  

For this trip, I just bought tickets at each station as I went. You definitely didn’t need to book in advance or show up early as trains run so often.

Multi-trip tickets are available, but they don’t make financial sense if you’re just doing this itinerary. If you are planning to stay longer, the multi-trip tickets get you 10 trips within Belgium for a fixed price of 55 Euro for youth or 87 Euro for adults. 

Travel times and costs 

Costs are based on second-class travel and may change from when I’m writing this.

Happy travelling!

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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