fantastic brussels tour des sites

Home » Travel Guides » Belgium » 15 Best Brussels Tours

15 Best Brussels Tours

With a population of 11.4 million people, Brussels – the capital of Belgium – is an exciting place to be. The city has a very important role in Europe, but it’s also a top tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.

The city is mostly known for its foodie scene, which includes Belgian chocolate and plenty of beer. A popular place to indulge in these things is in the Grand-Place Square, where quaint little cafes and pubs are tucked away in 17th-century buildings.

A number of historical buildings, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, line the old streets, and the city is home to an abundance of parks and almost 100 museums.

Throughout the year, many festivals take place in Brussels, including the Brussels Summer Festival, The Iris Festival, Couleur Cafe Festival, and The International Fantastic Film Festival on Brussels.

Below are 13 of the best tours in Brussels.

1. Take a Walk Through History in Brussels

Walking tours offer visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the city and its people. This 2.5-hour walking tour of Brussels is the perfect way to see many of the iconic sites and learn more about the history and culture of the city.

Follow your knowledgeable guide as he or she leads you through the historic heart of Brussels while pointing out notable places and telling stories about life in the city.

You’ll make your way to the Atomium, a national symbol that was originally meant to only stand during Expo 58.

2. Taste the Food of Brussels

When it comes to delicious food and drink, Brussels is known for more than just chocolate and beer. Join a foodie expert guide on this food-tasting journey through the streets of Brussels.

During this three-hour tour, you will sample ten local food items, including street foods, traditional favorites, and dishes representing the city’s mix of cultures.

Enjoy some Bloempanch sausage with a local beer in a downtown cafe; chow down on fries dipped in mayo the way Belgians eat them; try a waffle with a cup of coffee in a traditional cafe.

As you make your way from place to place, pay close attention as your local guide tells stories and provides tips about the local foodie scene.

View Prices & Reviews

3. Learn all About Art Nouveau

Brussels is known for its unique architecture, which includes many buildings built in the Art Nouveau style.

During this three-hour tour, your local guide will tell you everything you need to know about this style of architecture as you make your way around various parts of the city that are home to famous examples of Art Nouveau.

Start your journey at the Grand-Place, where you will jump on a tram headed for the Bailli District. Here, in this pretty village, you will see some of the most important Art Nouveau buildings in the city.

Other notable buildings you’ll see include Old English House, Hotel Tassel, Hotel Ciamberlani, and The Beukman House.

The tour ends in front of the museum dedicated to the man who started the Art Nouveau movement, Victor Horta.

4. Take a Day Trip to Cologne and Monschau

Escape Brussels for a day of sightseeing and exploring picturesque Monschau and historic Cologne in nearby Germany.

As you make your way towards the border in the comfort of a coach, you’ll see the stunning scenery of the Eifel mountain area and get a history lesson and hear stories from your knowledgeable guide.

Your first stop will be the small town of Monschau, where you’ll have some free time to wander the cobblestone streets and alleys.

Next, you will explore the lively city of Cologne. Explore the Roman walls and see medieval buildings. Admire a beautiful cathedral and relax on the shores of the Rhine. Use your free time to do some shopping in the world-class shops and try legendary Kolsch beer in a cozy pub.

5. Explore Brussels with a Flexible Walking Tour

This two-hour tour will take you to many of the top attractions in Brussels, but it doesn’t need to follow a strict itinerary. The tour is flexible, and your guide is open to suggestions that can include venturing off the main tourist path.

As you and your local private guide make your way through the historic city, you’ll see notable sites, including the guild houses on Grand Place, Mannekin Pis Statue, and Place Royale.

Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history of the city, and how it came to be the fascinating place it is today.

6. Take a Trip to Bruges by Train

With this eight-hour tour, you’ll arrive in the medieval city of Bruges in style. Hop on a train in Brussels to make the journey to Bruges, where you’ll join a local guide on a comprehensive walking tour of the historic city.

During the tour, you’ll taste genuine Belgium chocolate and beer and admire art at the Groeningemuseum. You’ll also see famous attractions, including the Church of Our Lady, Market Square, De Halve Maan Brewery, and Benedictine Convent of the Begijnhof.

After the guided tour, you’ll have three hours to explore the city on your own. Grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or take a canal cruise before hopping back on the train for the return trip to Brussels.

7. Learn about the Great War with a Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour

Embark on a 13-hour historical journey highlighting infamous sites of the Great War. Start your journey in the comfort of a coach and make your first stop at a German Cemetery.

Next, visit the WW1 trenches and Essex Farm Cemetery, where John McCrae composed his celebrated poem “In Flanders Fields.”

Along the way, you will also stop at The Brooding Soldier, Passchendaele Battlefield, and Tyne Cot Cemetery, which is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world. You’ll also cross the border into France, where you’ll tour the Vimy Memorial.

Before heading back to Brussels, you’ll witness the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate.

8. Beautiful Tulips and Historic Delft

On this 12-hour tour into the nearby Netherlands, you’ll spend the day being immersed in scenery, history, and culture.

Join your local guide on a comfortable bus and make your way through the beautiful countryside filled with bulb fields and windmills.

Stop first in the picturesque town of Delft, where you’ll see canals and old buildings, including a church that’s home to the underground burial chamber of the Dutch Royal Family. You’ll have some free time to browse the craft shops and explore the town.

Next, you’ll make your way to the Keukenhof Estate, where you’ll learn all about tulips before being given the opportunity to explore the stunning gardens, which feature more than seven million flowers.

9. Explore the Caves of Han and a Wildlife Park

If you would like to explore the natural side of Belgium, depart Brussels and make your way to the Caves of Han, where you’ll take a tram ride to the entrance of these underground caves. See stunning natural galleries and halls lit up by LED lighting.

Next, head to the Wildlife Park, where you’ll see bears, reindeer, raccoons, and many other wild animals.

10. Discover the Heart of Europe

Take it all in with a comprehensive, eight-hour combination minivan and walking tour of Brussels. Meet your guide at your hotel and set out to see a combination of attractions both old and new.

Taste local beer and dine on traditional local fare. Pass by many architecturally-important buildings and historical sites, including Royal Palace of Laken, Atomium, Palace of Justice, Waucquez Warehouse, and the EU district.

After a lavish lunch, take a walking tour through the city center and see more historical attractions, including Grand Place, Kathelijneplein, and Place St. Cathérine.

11. Spend a Day Exploring Bruges and Ghent

If you wish to explore two of Belgium’s most charming cities in one day, this ten-hour tour takes you on a journey to Bruges and Ghent.

Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and make the 100-kilometer trip to Bruges. See many of the historic attractions that make the heart of this city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During your wanderings, you’ll get to see the Lake of Love, the former Red Light District, Church of Our Lady, Gruuthuse Palace, Markt Square, and Dijver Canal.

You’ll have some free time to explore on your own and have lunch before heading onto Ghent. Once again, you’ll explore the old city streets and see top attractions such as Castle of Gerald the Devil, Belfort, St. Nicholas’ Church, and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders.

12. Discover Upper and Lower Brussels

The city of Brussels is split into two sections – upper and lower. On this three-hour private tour, you’ll get to explore both.

Meet your guide at your hotel and make your way to the Grand Place in the Lower City. Admire historical landmarks and top attractions such as Manneken Pis, St. Catherine Square, and Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries while your guide provides you with some history of the area.

Next, you’ll climb uphill to the Upper City, where you’ll see more iconic attractions, including the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Place des Palais, and the Musical Instruments Museum.

13. Get a Taste of Brussels

Brussels is known the world over for its great-tasting beer and delicious cuisine; you can experience both on this 3.5-hour tour.

Start your culinary experience in a tucked-away Belgian Tavern, where you’ll sample your first local beer. Move onto three more taverns that are off the beaten tourist path to sample three more local beers.

Next, head to a restaurant in the center of the city and pair four more local beers with various dishes, including mussels, chocolate pie, frites, and beef stew.

14. Take a Private Tour of Antwerp

Get picked up at your hotel in a luxury vehicle and head to Antwerp for a five-hour private tour of this historic city.

Arrive first in the heart of the city where you’ll wander Marquet Square. Here, you’ll see very old houses and tour Our Lady’s Cathedral which is home to two of 17th-century artist P. P. Rubens’ paintings.

Next, you’ll visit a diamond workshop and learn about the manufacturing of diamonds and how Antwerp is one of the world’s leading producers.

Before heading back to Brussels, you’ll drive by the oldest section of the city’s harbour.

15. Go Shopping in Maasmechelen Village

The shopper’s paradise of Massmechelen Village is only a 90-minute drive from the centre of Brussels and visitors to the city can easily spend a day shopping by simply hopping on the Shopping Express coach that departs the city.

Take in the lovely scenery during the drive and upon arrival, start browsing more than 100 boutique shops and outlet stores. With deals as steep as 60% off the retail price, you’ll find local and international luxury brands at a fraction of the price you’d normally pay.

Before heading back to Brussels, enjoy a bite to eat with the help of your included EUR 20 voucher for Ellis Gourmet Burger. Also included with this tour is a EUR 50 Maasmechelen Village Gift Card and a VIP card offering 10% extra savings at select shops.

15 Best Brussels Tours:

• Take a Walk Through History in Brussels
• Taste the Food of Brussels
• Learn all About Art Nouveau
• Take a Day Trip to Cologne and Monschau
• Explore Brussels with a Flexible Walking Tour
• Take a Trip to Bruges by Train
• Learn about the Great War with a Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour
• Beautiful Tulips and Historic Delft
• Explore the Caves of Han and a Wildlife Park
• Discover the Heart of Europe
• Spend a Day Exploring Bruges and Ghent
• Discover Upper and Lower Brussels
• Get a Taste of Brussels
• Take a Private Tour of Antwerp
• Go Shopping in Maasmechelen Village

Must-see attractions in Brussels

11 March 2022

Are you a first-timer in Brussels? Don’t worry, then: you're in good hands. We've put together a list of must-see attractions for you. This way, you can discover our capital through its best-known and most valuable treasures. An excellent introduction to the city!

An absolute must: the Grand Place, and the neighbouring galleries

Visiting Brussels without spending some time in the Grand Place is simply unthinkable. Here you’ll see the town hall (one of the most beautiful in the country), the Maison du Roi , which is home to the Brussels City Museum, and a series of private houses built at the end of the 17th century. The architectural richness of this square is simply overwhelming.

Just a stone's throw away from the Grand Place are the Royal Galleries , one of the oldest covered galleries in Europe, as beautiful by day as by night.

Manneken Pis: it’s not the size that matters

Since the 15th century, the  Manneken Pis  sculpture has adorned one of the public fountains that supply the city with drinking water. Over time, this wee little man became a kind of mascot, with the people of Brussels seeing him as a symbol of the local temperament, a unique combination of mischievous, irreverent and droll. A much coveted symbol, since the present statue is a copy. The original, which has been stolen several times, is now safely housed in the Brussels City Museum . Nearby, you can discover the vast wardrobe of Manneken Pis at the GardeRobe MannekenPis Museum.

Comic Strips in the streets: the Comic Strip trail

Brussels is the undisputed capital of the comic strip. The ninth art can be found everywhere, in shops, galleries, flea markets, festivals and more. And since 1991, the city's walls have been gradually covered with frescoes that pay tribute to the authors and their many heroes. You can turn down a street and come face to face with Tintin , Cubitus, Billy and Buddy , Blake and Mortimer or Corto Maltese . In all, there are more than 80 murals immersing locals, visitors and tourists alike in the wonderful world of comics.

An 18th century masterpiece: the Royal Quarter

The Place Royale, which was built on the ashes of the Coudenberg Palace , has retained its historical function as the “executive power district”. You’ll find the Royal Palace , the “office” of the Belgian King, at the Place des Palais, bordering the Place Royale. Opposite is the Parc de Bruxelles or Royal Park. The streets bordering the park are also part of the same neoclassical ensemble. For instance, on the other side of the park, you will see the  Palace of the Nation , the seat of the Belgian Parliament. At the Place Royale, with the statue of Godfrey of Bouillon at the centre, you’ll discover the Church of St. James on Coudenberg that resembles a Greco-Roman temple and a series of similar, harmonious mansions.

Culture with a view: the Mont des Arts

The Mont des Arts is the junction between uptown and downtown Brussels and offers a delightful view in all seasons. Below, you can sit in the sumptuous gardens that lead to the statue of Albert I. The “knightly king” faces his love, Queen Elizabeth, whose statue stands on the small Place de l'Albertine on the other side of the road.The Mont des Arts is home to the KBR , the country's main library, and the KBR Museum , which houses the library of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Archives & Museum of Literature (AML). On the other side of the Mont des Arts you’ll find the Brussels Congress Centre Square . Within walking distance you’ll also find major museums and cultural institutions such as Bozar , the BELvue museum and the Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM), to name but a few.

Spotlight on the masters: the Royal Museums of Fine Arts

As beautiful from the outside as it is from the inside, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a treasure trove of art. In fact, it is the most visited museum in Brussels. Its pluralised name reflects the fact that it contains several sites, covering a variety of periods and themes. Near Place Royale, you can visit the Old Masters Museum , dedicated to European painters from the 15th to the 18th centuries, and the popular Magritte Museum . Not far away, in Ixelles, you can admire the Wiertz and Meunier museums.

The Marolles district: authentic and diverse

This district is arguably the most authentic part of Brussels. Here, you can often still hear the Brusseleir dialect being spoken. The Marolles have it all, from traditional cafés to trendy bars, family-run establishments to stylish new art galleries. Place du Jeu de Balle is the beating heart of this quarter, where the " Vieux Marché ", a gigantic flea market, is held every day.

When size does matter: the Palace of Justice

The colossal Palace of Justice was inaugurated in 1883. It was designed by the architect Joseph Poelaert, and towers over the working-class district of the Marolles at a location where, for centuries, death sentences were carried out. At the time of its construction, this monument of 40,000 m2 of usable space was the largest building ever built and it’s still one of the largest courthouses in the world today. However, restauration works have tarnished its visual spectacle since the 1980s, to the point that scaffolding had to be erected to ensure the renovation... of the scaffolding already in place! (currently not accessible)

The Atomium: the landmark

Created for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium with its 9 balls represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times!  (It is often mistakenly thought to represent an atom, but in fact each ball represents an atom of iron). The significance of this construction is to celebrate scientific discoveries and breakthroughs. Inside, you will find exhibitions and, most importantly, a stunning view of the Brussels-Capital Region from the top ball. Only a short walk away, embark on a tour of all Europe’s wonders in miniature, thanks to  Mini-Europe . Design lovers won’t want to miss the  Design Museum Brussels  only a stone’s throw away, born following the Atomium’s acquisition of a private collection.

A cultural crossroads: the European Quarter

Far from being a neighbourhood of grey and austere offices, the European Quarter combines European institutions with community life, parks, museums and more. In this district, you can attend plenary sessions in the Parliament's hemicycle and learn more about the Union thanks to the Parlamentarium , the House of European History and Experience Europe . You can also stroll through Léopold Park , a green space that recalls the days when the bourgeoisie moved in en masse from the bustling heart of the city. The district is also a landmark for fans of contemporary and Art Nouveau architecture.

Triumphal splendour: the Cinquantenaire

Built in 1880 to celebrate Belgium's 50th birthday, the Cinquantenaire attracts locals who appreciate its formal garden , history buffs who visit the Art & History Museum , car fans who flock to Autoworld and curious minds who are amazed by the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History . The latter, an often underestimated attraction, also offers access to the arches for a 360° panoramic view of the city.

Once upon a time: the Institute of Natural Sciences

The Institute of Natural Sciences tops the list of the world's best dinosaur museums, which is hardly surprising given that it houses Europe's largest dinosaur gallery. With rooms covering all aspects of life on earth, the evolution of human beings, urban species and the creatures of the seabed, the Museum has something for visitors of all ages. You can even take a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific institute to which it belongs.

The Horta House: quintessential Art Nouveau

Between 1898 et 1901, the architect Victor Horta built Horta House , which consisted of two buildings: his office and his personal home. This prolific pioneer of the Art Nouveau style was responsible for many architectural gems in Brussels. In his own house, which has been converted to a museum, you’ll find all the hallmarks of the Art Nouveau style. The house, now a museum, is one of the many Art Nouveau gems dotted along the streets of the capital .

The Koekelberg Basilica: house of the holy

Legend has it that the idea of building a national basilica in Brussels came to King Leopold II after a visit to the construction site of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris. The construction of the basilica started in 1905, only to be completed in 1970. Some see it as the largest Art Deco church in the world, others as an excessive and ostentatious folly. We’ll let you decide for yourself.

Brussels’ culinary specialities

Brussels waffles, stoemp, waterzooi… the capital of Europe’s culinary specialities are a must when you visit the Brussels-Capital Region.

The best places to eat chips in Brussels

Check out all our addresses!

The best places to buy chocolate in Brussels

As the capital of chocolate, Brussels is full of shops where you can buy this delicious speciality.

Top 10 best spots for prawn croquettes in Brussels: edition 2023

Shrimp croquettes are veritable icons of Belgian gastronomy, and are a real “must” when you visit Brussels.

Our itineraries

Are you done visiting the must-see attractions? The exploration continues. Visit our itineraries page for a more profound introduction to Brussels through its quarters or by various themes.

10 must-visit Art Nouveau houses and mansions in Brussels

Along the streets of Brussels, numerous houses and mansions bear witness to the emergence and blossoming of the iconic Art Nouveau style.

UNESCO heritage in Brussels

Qu’est-ce que le Taj Mahal et les Pyramides d’Egypte ont en commun avec la Grand-Place et d’autres lieux exceptionnels à Bruxelles ? Ils sont tous reconnus par l’Unesco. Bruxelles est admirée pour la richesse de son patrimoine, témoignage de son histoire quasi millénaire, ce qui n’a pas échappé à l’UNESCO, l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’éducation, la science et la culture.

Brussels' top 10 museums and attractions

Are you coming to Brussels and need some inspiration for your visits? Join us to discover the capital's unmissable museums and attractions, thanks to our list of the most popular, in terms of visitor numbers.

Top 10 masterpieces to discover with the Brussels Card

Discover our top 10 masterpieces to behold in Brussels with the Brussels Card.

33 Fun Things to do in Brussels (2024)

This article may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission whenever you book or purchase something through our links (at no extra cost to you!). You can find more information in our disclaimer .

Every corner of Brussels, the city of Belgium, is filled with gorgeous architecture and intriguing history. Trying to squeeze in all your plans may be exhausting on any trip to an unfamiliar place, especially when you’re in one of Belgium’s most picturesque cities .

However, I compiled this list of the best things to do in Brussels and places you can visit.

TIPS FOR BRUSSELS

• The Brussels Card : if you’re planning on visiting a couple of museums, you’re best off with a Brussels Card. This will allow you entry into no less than 49 museums for a fixed price. The Brussels Card is available in a 24-hour version (€29), a 48-hour version (€37) and a 72-hour version (€45). Order your Brussels Card here !
• International travellers : Brussels is served by Brussels Airport or Charleroi Airport. Visitors coming by train will arrive at Brussels South Station (Brussel-Zuid/Bruxelles-Midi). Book your plane tickets here or click here to book international train tickets !
• National travellers : the easiest way to get to and from other Belgian cities is by train. Book your train tickets to Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent or other places here !
• Safety : Brussels is a safe place to visit solo, as a female traveller, queer person or family. Take the usual precautions against pickpocketing though and avoid walking the streets on your own in the dead of night.
• Best time to visit : Brussels can be visited throughout the year. It’s best to bring or buy an umbrella as rain is always a possibility. The summer month can get pretty hot though in the city, so we’d recommend a trip to Brussels in autumn, winter or spring!

33 Fun Things to do in Brussels

1. tour the magnificent grand place.

Undoubtedly, visiting the Grand Place in the city’s center is among the top attractions you shouldn’t miss. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by a lot of historical buildings around it; Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for that reason.

Although there have been structures there since the 1200s, a lot of the historic buildings were built in the late 1600s. The Grand Place has survived burning and bombing and went through a lot of rebuilding and renovation, but it stayed magnificent as it ever was. They celebrate Flower Carpet Festival in Grand Place, too, so watch out for that!

Join the community! Make sure you join our Belgium Travel Planning Facebook group . This is the place to ask any questions about your trip, to be inspired, and to connect with other Belgium travelers. Click here to join !

2. Marvel at the Town Hall’s Ornate Tower

While you’re in Grand Place, marvel at Brussels’ Town Hall, which is one of Belgium’s most beautiful public structures. Being in the most beautiful square in the world, this Gothic structure stands out because of its unparalleled beauty, decorative sculptures on the wall, and the statue of Saint Michael Archangel topping its tower.

It’s spectacular, especially when you visit at night. You can visit its interior and explore the historical rooms such as the States of Brabant Room, Gothic Room, and Wedding Room. But if you weren’t able to secure tickets, you can admire its beauty from the outside and still get that chilling feeling.

3. Admire the Guild Houses Up-close

Don’t miss out on the Guild Houses in Grand Place too! They are beautiful and make the Grand Place more outstanding, but they have so much history behind those walls. During the late medieval period to the early modern period, guilds or groups of artisans and merchants dominated Brussels’ economy.

There were 9 guilds representing different sectors, and each of the Guild Houses you will see in Grand Place has different symbols that represent their guild or “nation.” For instance, Maison des Boulangers, also known as the Baker’s House or the guild of the bakers, has the symbol of St. Aubert, the patron saint of bakers.

You’ll see other buildings with symbols and emblems that represent the guild that used to make the square their headquarters.

4. Visit Museum of the City of Brussels (Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles)

Aside from the Town Hall and Guild Houses, you should also check museums in Brussels such as Brussels City Museum that’s located in Brussels’ Grand Place. Fun fact: this is where the original Mannekin Pis statue is reserved. In 1936, it was recognized as a national heritage site, followed by the recognition from UNESCO Commission as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

It displays 7,000 items which are artifacts, sculptures, photos, engravings, and many more, that tell the history of Brussels when it comes to its social, economic, technological, and artistic development. The top-floor temporary exhibitions have the goal of fostering connections between the past and the present.

The Museum of the City of Brussels pursues the enrichment of the heritage of Brussels. You can visit this museum for free with a Brussels card .

5. Tour the Royal Palace (Palais Royal)

The King’s administrative residence and main office are the Palais Royal (Royal Palace) in Brussels. Explore the magnificent Throne Room and the Goya Room, where you can see the detailed decoration and historical artworks, plus tapestries that are masterpieces of renowned artists.

Get a glimpse of the royal experience as you walk through the massive halls. It’s perfect for including in your itinerary during the summer when the Palace is open to tourists. But, if you’re in Brussels when it’s closed, like other historical buildings in the city, you can still get the same experience just soaking in its beauty from the outside.

6. Explore the Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site

Take a trip down memory lane and learn what royal life was like during the 15th and 16th centuries. A short history lesson, between the 12th and the 18th centuries, the Coudenberg Palace served as a home to Charles V and many others of the most powerful kings to rule Europe.

However, a catastrophic fire turned the palace into the ruins it is now, burning traces of this illustrious palace into ashes. You can book a tour to get a detailed experience of exploring the ruins of Coudenberg Palace, checking out recently unearthed artifacts, and learning about its previous landscape before the disastrous fire.

7. Laugh at the Quirky Pissing Statues

Brussels is full of history and impressive architecture that we cannot deny. But the city has fun sculptures and tourist attractions too! Don’t miss out on this quirky statue of a young boy pissing, also popularly known as the Mannekin, one of Belgium’s favorite sights!

This 24-inch bronze statue even has a wardrobe full of different costumes that it wears on different occasions! But, there are not one but three quirky pissing statues. Nearby is a statue of a young girl pissing on a rock called Jeanneke Pis and a pissing bronze dog named Zinneke Pis.

Don’t forget to snap a picture of these funny sculptures!

8. Get the Best View in Atomium

Ever wondered how it feels like to climb up a giant Atom and explore inside? You’ll finally get that experience in Atomium, one of the exciting theme parks in Belgium , a large silver structure that resembles an atom of an iron crystal that is magnified 165 billion times.

Atomium was constructed in 1958 and was meant to be showcased during the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. However, it became a popular tourist destination with over 600,000 visitors per year because of its unique shape.

Grab your tickets for Atomium here

Currently, it hosts exhibits that showcase the culture of Belgium and the detailed history of Atomium. It is considered a symbol of Brussels’ dedication to arts and science. One of the experiences you’ll get when you book a tour is a hypnotic journey through a sound and light exhibition.

Visiting the Atomium is a trip in itself, as it is more expensive than the other tours.

Atomium opens from 10 am to 6 pm, from Tuesdays to Sundays. Tickets cost €16.00.

9. Visit Mini Europe

Can’t travel all of Europe? You can still get the experience by visiting mini-Europe Park in Brussels, another fun theme park in Belgium ! Just right outside Atomium, you can have your mini-Europe voyage animated with a miniature of beautiful places in Europe.

Some of these miniature models are the Grand Place itself, the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré Cœur of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral of Spain, the Belém Tower of Portugal, and many more!

Grab your tickets for Mini-Europe here

You don’t only get to take a glimpse of these places, but you also learn about their history and culture. Definitely, a perfect park if you have kids with you. Who knows too? You’ll be inspired to visit the featured cities in the future.

Tickets cost €17.30.

10. Pop Into Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

If you’re up for a little window shopping, consider The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries or Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Inside this luxe shopping arcade is three more galleries, namely King’s Gallery, Princes’ Gallery, and Queen’s Gallery.

Give yourself a fashionable stroll by browsing through the cafes, luxury shops, and theaters. Prepare yourself to be tempted by chocolate shops with their delectable chocolate items. Enjoy the charm of the mid-century as you peek through different shops.

Don’t forget to look up and be in awe of its glass panel roofing. The place gives natural lighting and is perfect for Instagram pictures.

11. Bargain at Marché aux Puces (Flea Market)

If you’re in the mood for an opposite shopping experience, go to a flea market in Brussels. You can get items as cheap as one Euro per piece. Goodies are random, and you have to rummage through the boxes.

You might even score a cute teacup set or a pretty silverware you can add to your home. A different experience for both shopping places, but definitely worth it as you get to know more of Brussels as a community.

12. Do your Christmas Shopping at Brussels Christmas Market

Feel the Christmas spirit and do your Christmas shopping at Brussels Christmas Market held at Place Saint Catherine and Grand Place Square. Enjoy the Christmas lights show as you hop from one to another.

There are different goodies to choose from and delicious Belgian food to try. Perfect place to bring your kids, too, because there will be carousels, ferries wheel, and even ice skating.

13. Taste and Make Chocolates at Choco-story Brussels

Experiencing the finest Belgian chocolate is certainly at the top of your bucket list if you’re traveling to Brussels . There is no better spot to savor, shop, and feast on chocolate, given the tradition and background of chocolate crafting in Belgium.

Visit Choco-story Museum and learn how the Mayas and the Aztecs grew cocoa trees and how the beans from these trees were imported to Europe.

There’s so much history behind chocolate making, and it makes you appreciate more the hard work and craftsmanship of chocolate shops. To top it off, you get to watch as the chocolate maker prepares the praline in front of you. Make and taste your own chocolate goodies too, as the final touch of your trip to the Choco-story Museum.

Grab your tickets for Choco-Story Brussels here

Surely you won’t be able to get enough chocolates, so head over to Godiva, Maison Pierre Marcolini, and Leonidas to buy different treats. Tasting their delicious chocolates is one of the reasons why tourists visit Belgium.

Choco-Story Brussels is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Mondays to Sundays. Tickets cost €13.00.

14. Indulge Waffles at Aux Gaufres de Bruxelles

Brussels is definitely a culinary spot, especially for decadent chocolates and mouthwatering waffles. You’ll see a lot of chocolate shops and waffle trucks where you can easily get access to these delights.

But, if you want a special experience, dine in Aux Gaufres de Bruxelles and taste their delicious and filling waffles with a topping of your choice. Make sure you get your seats upstairs to get a view of the Grasmarkt.

15. Take Your Sip of Belgian Beer

Brussels is the best place to sample some of Belgium’s delicious beers , which are famous throughout the world. A beer tour is one of the fun things to do in Brussels that should be on your list.

Discover the ingredients that give Cantillon Brewery’s beer its addictive flavor by taking a guided tour and watching how a family-run business makes its beer. Aside from sipping their tasty beers, you get to learn the history of the last operating lambic brewery in Brussels.

Do you still want to enjoy Belgian beer without taking a tour? Visit Brussels Beer Project and indulge yourself in well-crafted traditional Belgian beer while you enjoy the ambiance of the beer pub.

If you want a wide selection of beer, Delirium is the place to go. They serve more than 2,000 beers, and the place is buzzing with energy. So, if you like a beer night in a packed and lively place, go to Delirium.

16. Discover the World of Trains and Cars

Located in the Southern Hall of the Cinquantenaire, Autoworld: National Car Museum houses more than 250 vehicles from different periods of history. If you’re a car enthusiast, this is the best place to go as you learn about the vehicle’s evolution and importance to the world.

Autoworld organizes exhibitions every 2-3 months that have different themes, such as Road Supercars vs. Race Edition (featuring BMW M1, Lamborghini Supertrofeo, Mercedes C111, and many more!) and The Buzz Edition (featuring 7 generations of the Volkswagen Bus).

Grab your tickets for Autoworld here

Autoworld is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays and 10am to 6 pm during Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost €13.00.

Another expo that you will love is Train World. Take a glimpse of the past by wandering through the post carriage and railway carriage. Get the chance to study up close to the oldest steam train in Belgium and high-speed trains. This is a great museum for kids, too, and anyone who loves trains and their history. Make sure these museums are part of your Brussels itinerary.

Grab your tickets for Train World here

Autoworld is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. Tickets cost €15.00.

17. Ride a Vintage Tram in Tram Museum

Even though Belgium has a long history of using trains and other forms of rail transportation, the city’s public transportation infrastructure in Brussels has been crucial to the growth of the capital.

If you want to relive the experience of riding historical trams, buses, and taxis, make sure you also check out Tram Museum. You’ll get the opportunity to tour the city aboard one of these antique vehicles and tour Cinquantenaire Park and/or Sonian Forest.

18. Discover Different Species at the Museum of Natural Sciences

You’d definitely get enough museums in Brussels, as there’s another one, but for dinosaur lovers this time! Tour different galleries, not just dinosaurs, to learn more about natural sciences. In this museum, you get to identify different species of dinosaurs and meet the famous Bernissart Iguanodons.

In the Gallery of Evolution, you will gain a deeper understanding of human evolution. You also discover more urban species that make up the world in BiodiverCITY. You’ll be amazed at the Living Planet Exhibition and the taxidermic specimens they feature. Don’t forget to explore the Mineral Hall, too, as they also display spectacular crystals.

19. Listen to Music at the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)

Situated in a beautiful historical building in Brussels, The Old England, is the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) which houses 1,200 instruments displayed in 4 galleries. Ever wonder what a dulcimer or Jewish harp sound like? Well then, take a musical journey as you listen to the different instruments playing on your ear as you study the musical history of Belgium.

You will get a multi-media guide together with your ticket. Notably, the two of the most historical pieces in this museum are the Rottenburgh alto recorder and luthéal.

Get your tickets for the Musical Instruments Museum here

Autoworld is open from 9:30am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost €15.00.

20. Learn about Military History at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History

For those who love history and the military, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History is the ideal destination in Brussels. The museum collections, which are housed in the two northernmost rooms of the historic Cinquantenaire Park, include artifacts of military and technological history that were used for two centuries, most specifically between the 6th and the 18th centuries.

The collection includes military vehicles, aircraft, and ancient weapons and swords. Belgium’s military past is brought to life with numerous paintings, sculptures, ornaments, and uniforms.

But they don’t only house military items; they also display hunting and tournament weapons that were used as status symbols of their time. The best thing about this museum is that you can view the museum for free! It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays.

You can visit the museum for free using a Brussels card .

21. Browse Victor Horta’s Works at Horta Museum (Musee Horta)

Horta Museum (Musee Horta) is not a typical museum; rather, it is Victor Horta’s house (a well-known Belgian Art Nouveau architect), which he constructed for himself between 1898 and 1901. This museum perfectly embodies the Art Nouveau design that is prominent in Belgium, which in turn made Horta, a celebrated architect.

In 2000, the UNESCO Commission acknowledged Horta Museum as UNESCO World Heritage. It also has a library that houses Horta’s personal archives, such as building plans. These documents are being used for research on Art Nouveau. If you are into Art Nouveau style and its history and development, this is a must-visit for you.

22. Know More About Surrealism at Rene Magritte Museum – Abstract Art Museum

The residence where Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte lived and produced his works is now home to the René Magritte Museum. Fun fact, it is the first abstract museum in Belgium that houses 750 art pieces.

On the two upper levels, next to the painter’s apartment, is a biographical display that centers around the life of Rene Magritte himself. On the ground floor, you can see a display of art from Alechinsky Pierre, Dubois Jean Dudant Roger, Swimberghe Gilbert, and many more.

On the second floor, the works of Baugniet Marcel-Louis, De Troyer Prosper, Lempereur-Haut Marcel, Eemans Marc, and many more can be seen. On the third level, you’ll also see art pieces made by Anthoons Willy, Collignon Georges, and many more.

Get your tickets for Magritte Museum here

Autoworld is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesdays to Sundays. Regular tickets cost €15.00, €8.00 for those younger than 23 years old. For residents of Jette, Brussels; tickets cost €5. Children under 8 years have free admission.

23. Explore BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts

A masterpiece of celebrated architect Victor Horta, BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts is a cultural venue that hosts cultural shows, exhibitions, concerts, and many more. Such events bring together scholars, artists, scientists, and ordinary citizens to spark conversations regarding culture, politics, etc.

BOZAR also aims to contribute to the following challenges of the 21st society: heritage and creation, science and research, city as citizenship, Europe as a cultural space, diversity and inclusion, art and well-being, and art and environment. So, watch out for different events and follow their calendar.

24. Stroll Around Jardin du Mont des Arts

One of the most significant cultural destinations in Brussels is the Mont des Arts, or “hill of the arts,” a public urban park that’s open to everyone. It is considered the city’s iconic vantage point because you’ll see the view of downtown Brussels when you’re up there.

You will get a fantastic view of the city, especially during sunset. Some of the few popular spots you’ll see are the Atomium, the tower of the Town Hall, and some cathedrals at the far end.

Because of its location, it’s a great Instagram hotspot! You can also stop by the Belgian Royal Film Archive, National Archives of Belgium, and Royal Museum of Fine Arts to learn more about Belgium’s culture and history.

25. Wander at Cinquantenaire Park

Brussels has a good number of parks you can relax at. One of our favorites is Cinquantenaire Park, which has a collection of French-style gardens. Aside from being a park, it also tells Brussels’ history with its museums, sculptures, and monuments.

Make sure you stop by the foundation and take a pic in front of the giant arch. There are also events and festivals that are held here, so watch out for any announcements so you can join in the fun.

26. Relax at Jardin du Petit Sablon

This beautiful flower garden, which is built in the Flemish Neo-Renaissance style and located directly across from the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon, is such an important architectural jewel of Brussels.

There are 48 statues around the garden, which represent the medieval guilds of Brussels. The guilds of sculptors, builders, slate quarry workers, and stone cutters are given special recognition as seen by their crowns.

There are also large statues at the end of the garden that features important Belgian scholars and humanists.

This garden also has the best view of Notre-Dame du Sablon, which is a historic church in Brussels. You can take a relaxing moment here, away from the hassle and bustle of the city center.

27. Is it an Illusion? Is it Not? Try Illusion Museum

If you want something new to do, enter the world of illusions and trick the human mind. Hop on a different visual experience that’s different from all the museums we’ve added to this list.

This is one of those activities in Brussels that you can do with your kids . So, don’t forget to bring them! Even your friends or colleagues can enjoy themselves here. Don’t forget to take pictures of different illusions too!

It’s a fun and interactive way of learning how illusions are done. Just don’t forget to pre-book your ticket, as it could get crowded on some days. This is expected because people always seek out something different, especially in a city like Brussels.

28. Tour Notre Dame du Sablon

Aside from the buildings and museums, you can see more of Belgium’s impressive architecture in its churches. For instance, the breathtaking Notre Dame du Sablon. This cathedral, which dominates Sablon Square in the heart of Brussels, was converted from a chapel into a Gothic church.

It is a representation of a grand Brabantine Gothic style of architecture. It is considered a medieval masterpiece because of its detailed interior and striking stained glass windows.

29. Be Amazed at the Beauty of the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Another must-see church is the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the fifth largest church in the world that can fit more than 3,000 people. Its huge green dome is the first thing you’re going to spot, even from a distance away.

At its entrance, you’ll be greeted with two towers standing tall, with green domes topping them. Don’t forget to snap pictures of the detailed pillars that have statues of four evangelists. More artworks, such as Tête du Christ bronze sculpture, can be found inside.

30. Marvel at Stained Glass Windows at St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

Another church on the list is St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule), another medieval cathedral that’s a fine example of Brabantine Gothic architecture.

Its most notable features are the two tall towers in the western façade, monumental staircase, sculpture of apostles on the columns, and series of fifteen stained glass windows. These churches should not be missed if you want to see how spectacular Brussels’ architecture is.

31. Experience European Politics at Parlamentarium

You can’t be in Europe without learning a bit about European politics. And which place should you go to better than the de facto capital of the European Union? Learn about the history of the European Union at Parlamentarium, how the European Parliament operates, and what the Union is doing to address today’s concerns.

Everyone interested, even children, can see the process of decision-making that happens in the Parliament. Parlamentarium is dynamic and interactive by design, such as the virtual trips to different parts of Europe, and can be experienced in any of the European Union’s 24 official languages.

32. Learn About Comics at the Belgian Comic Strip Center

Belgium isn’t just about architectural buildings, churches, museums, and parks; it also has an impact on the history of comics in Europe. The Belgian Comic Strip Center in Brussels is home to different Belgian comic artists and their characters.

Two of the most popular characters in Belgian comics are Tintin and the Smurfs. Take this journey to learn how comics, also known as “ninth art,” developed in Belgium and how comics are created, such as the inking and coloring process up to the publishing phase.

Be amazed at the artistic process of renowned comic artists such as Hergé and Peyo and how their works contributed a lot to comic culture in Belgium.

33. Take a Comic Strip Trail Tour

And what better way to appreciate and showcase comics than take a picture at Tintin’s mural painting during a comic strip trail tour? Brussels is not just full of medieval architecture, but it’s also home to different forms of art.

Stroll around the street of Brussels, and you’ll spot many comic book characters, from Tintin to Smurfs to Blake & Mortimer and many more. Spot the iconic fire escape scene from “The Calculus Affair” by Hergé’s and the heist scene from Lucky Luke by Morris.

This is a fun thing to do when you’re exploring Brussels with your toddlers or kids.

The strip trail extends to 60 locations, so dedicate a day to following them and taking lots of pictures or even fly a drone to capture them up close! And don’t miss out on the Comics Festival, where you can meet your favourite comic book authors and see huge balloons of your favourite characters.

Frequently Asked Questions   

Why is brussels so famous.

Brussels is famous for being Belgium’s capital and the European Union’s administrative centre. It is also known for its iconic architecture, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Grand Place. Brussels is home to international organizations and multinational companies, making it a centre for business and politics.

What is the hottest month in Brussels?

July is the hottest month of the year in Brussels, with temperatures typically reaching highs of around 24°C (72°F) during the day.

Is Brussels a walking city

Yes, Brussels is a walking city. The streets are lined with shops and restaurants, and the city centre has pedestrian-only zones, making it an ideal destination for those who prefer to explore Brussels on foot.

Is Brussels a party town?

Yes, Brussels has a vibrant nightlife scene with various bars, pubs, nightclubs, and live music venues happening every night. It also hosts some of the biggest music festivals in Europe.

Is Brussels a romantic city?

Unlike other romantic places like Paris, Brussels can be considered a romantic city. With its cobbled streets, beautiful parks and grand architecture, it is an ideal destination for couples exploring a new city together. The city’s restaurants and cafes offer plenty of opportunities to share romantic moments while sampling delicious Belgian cuisine.

What is the best area to stay in Brussels?

Brussels city centre. It’s a vibrant neighbourhood with restaurants, bars, and attractions. It’s also close to many of the city’s most famous sights, such as Grand Place and Manneken Pis. Staying here gives you easy access to everything Brussels offers.

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Brussels

Brussels has a lot to offer. This list is only a fraction of the fun things to do in Brussels. From architectural historic buildings to museums, parks, churches, and restaurants, there are a lot of options for everyone. Take this list with you as you explore Brussels , and don’t forget to have fun as you go.

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Brand Studio

Search form

• Daily & Weekly newsletters
• Buy & download The Bulletin
• Comment on our articles

Related articles

Fantastic Brussels: Bringing alive the history of the city and the Metropole Hotel

Fantastic Brussels is an immersive show that takes visitors on a journey back in time to experience the events that marked both the capital and the legendary Metropole Hotel.

Under the guidance of three young explorers - on a quest to find the hotel’s legendary guest book containing every famous name that stepped through its doors - the audience travels through four different rooms to discover the origins of the building that dates from the 1890s. Along the way, they learn about the historic episodes that had drastic consequences at home and abroad.

Both world wars, the Wall Street crash, the swinging sixties and even an interesting link to two passengers on the Titanic, are explained through stunning video-mapping, lasers and incredible miming.

For the panoramic and sensory adventure, created by Paul Licot and Benoît Meurens, visitors are equipped with headphones, which can be set to Fr, It, Sp, Eng or NL.

After passing through a curtain, visitors initially find themselves shrouded in darkness in a luxurious corridor of the hotel; music accompanys their wait. Suddenly, lasers bring the room to life and actors appear in the guise of explorers. Instead of speaking they mime, each character’s speech been pre-recorded played through the headphones.

Without giving too much away, the impressive video mapping is aligned with the unique neo-classical architecture of each room to deepen the immersion. The hotel is depicted as a living identity, providing insight into its own origins as a café built by the Wielemans brothers, owners of a local brewing company. There are 3D-modelled beer kegs projected on every wall, transporting everyone into the atmospheric brewery. Similar instances include a train travelling around the room to illustrate 20th-century Brussels and the sinking of the Titanic, while guns signify the start of World War One.

The sound backdrop via the headphones is remarkable. Whether it’s artillery going off, planes soaring or the stock exchange crashing, every noise resonates and adds to the experience. Additionally, the actors perform in total sync with the audio. As each character speaks, they move, or dance as music is played.

Overall, the 45-minute show’s technical aspects and Chaplinesque mimes shine a new light on Brussel’s history and bring the hotel’s luxurious architecture and history to life.

Fantastic Brussels Until 28 February, 12.00-21.00 Tickets €17 Métropôle Hotel Place De Brouckère

Login to comment

© 1962-2020 The Bulletin

• Cookie policy
• Terms of use
• Privacy policy
• Subscription conditions

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brussels

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 28, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Stroll through Grand Place (Grote Markt)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Grand Place, Central Brussels

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Rue de l'Etuve, Central Brussels

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Parvis Street Gudule, Central Brussels

Official site: www.cathedralisbruxellensis.be

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Place des Palais, Central Brussels

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Rue du Musée 9, Central Brussels

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

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

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

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

Address: Eeuwfeestlaan 20, Boulevard du Centenaire

Official site: http://atomium.be/

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

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

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

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

Address: Place des Palais 7, Brussels

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

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

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

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

Address: Boulevard de l' Empereur, Central Brussels

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

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

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

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

Address: Rue de la Regence, Central Brussels

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

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

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

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

Address: Avenue de la Renaissance, Central Brussels

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

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

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

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

Address: Avenue de Madrid, Laeken, Brussels

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Parvis de la Basilique 1, Koekelberg, Brussels

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Rue du Monastere, Saint Gilles, Brussels

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

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

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

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

Address: 41 Rue de l'Etuve, Brussels

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 59 Rue de l'Abbaye, 1050 Ixelles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 5 Galerie du Roi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on Belgium

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

27 Top Tourist Attractions in Brussels

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 22, 2024

The capital of Belgium might be best known as the headquarters of the European Union and the seat of the country’s Royal Family. But it is also a fabulous tourist destination.

Whether you are visiting on a day trip to stock up on chocolates and beer, spending a weekend to immerse yourself in culture, or going there for your annual holiday, you will have a wonderful time in Brussels.

The city oozes charm and sophistication. It has gorgeous Gothic churches as well as a variety of other medieval buildings. The historic tourist attractions in Brussels blend well with it’s 21st century attractions. There are many fine museums and galleries, historic statues and lovely green parks. For sure, travelers won’t lack for things to do in Brussels.

27. Place du Jeu de Balle

Also known as Vossenplein, The Place du Jeu de Balle is an historic square in the heart of the Marollen district. It is best known for a famous flea market that has operated there since 1873.

Fondly and appropriately referred to as the ‘Old Market’, this market is the only flea and antique market in the world to be open 365 days a year. When browsing through the various market stalls, you will find an eclectic mix of items for sale. They range from antique porcelain, vintage clothes and rare books to 19th-century crossbows, canvas artwork and old vinyl records.

The market is somewhere you can easily spend hours wandering around. Around the square, there are several shops you can browse in too.

26. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

If you are fascinated by history and war, you will want to visit the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History.

Located within the historic Parc du Cinquantenaire, the captivating museum takes you on a journey from the Middle Ages to the dawn of the aviation age – focusing on battle, conflict and warfare. It showcases several galleries devoted to specific exhibits like the French empire, Russian Gallery and the Navy. Visitors can also take in its magnificent aviation hall and the arms and armour gallery.

Even if you are not a fan of the military or armed forces, it is worth coming here to see the outstanding panoramic views of Brussels from the top of the Triumphal Arch, which you can access from the museum.

25. Royal Theater Toone

If you are traveling to Brussels with children or should you want to unleash the big kid in you, be sure to visit the Théâtre Royal de Toone.

Locally known as Toone, this folkloric theater specializes in puppet shows. Founded in 1830 by Antoine ‘Toone’ Genty, it is now the only authentic marionette performance still operating in the city. Notably, many of the plays they present are in Marollien or Marols. The traditional dialect of Brussels.

During the performances, other languages are spoken. These shows customarily incorporate the essence of zwanze – a quintessential form of sarcastic humor that is distinctly Brusselian. As well as the shows, the theater has a small museum of puppetry and a tavern.

24. Comic strip murals

Brussels has been synonymous with comic books since Tintin and Spirou launched around the 1930s.

Although the city hosts the iconic comic book museum – the Belgian Comic Strip Centre – it also boasts several murals devoted to characters like Lucky Luck, The Smurfs, Gaston Lagaffe, Tintin and Spirou. These murals illuminate the side of buildings and are so prevalent you can even book a guided bike or walking tour to see some of the most popular ones.

If you prefer to tour them independently, pick up a map and head off for a self-guided exploration. Be sure to have your camera ready when you check out Brousaille Wall, Victor Sackville Wall, Le Jeune Albert Wall and Olivier Rameau’s Wall.

23. Bois de la Cambre

If you want to relax during your visit to Brussels, there is no better place to do this than at The Bois de la Cambre.

One of the larger public recreational spaces in the city, the park was named after La Cambre Abbey. Its layout is reminiscent of the manicured parklands of England and features immaculately cut grass and bosky woodland. There is a lovely path to go walking or jogging on, and children will enjoy the opportunity to play on the playground or go on a pony ride.

Set within the center of the park, Chalet Robinson sits on Robinson Island. There you will find a terrific restaurant and will be able to rent out pedalos or boats and partake in a friendly game of pétanque.

22. Horta Museum

If you are a fan of the Art Nouveau movement, make sure you take the opportunity to visit The Horta Museum.

Situated on Rue Américaine, this museum is devoted to the life, vision, philosophy and work of the acclaimed architect Victor Horta. Presented in his former townhouse residence, which dates back to 1898, the museum features on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

The museum showcases permanent displays of furniture, art objects and utensils. All of which were designed by Horta and his peers. You can also see documents that convey certain aspects of his life and the time. In addition, the museum showcases temporary exhibitions that further highlight the excellence of the man and his art. If you go there, be warned photography is not allowed in the museum.

21. Parlamentarium

You might be aware of the European Parliament. But do you know what it does and how it may impact your everyday life? Well, if not, then you might want to pay a visit to the Parlamentarium .

Situated within the impressive Espace Léopold on Place du Luxembourg, this serves as the visitor center for the European Union. Opened in 2011, it features notable attractions like a role-playing game, a massive interactive floor map and a 360° cinema.

Whilst at the Parlamentarium, you can do a self-guided tour – which is available in 24 languages. During it, you will gain a deeper insight into the sometimes maligned institution and learn more about what they are doing to counter some of the continent’s most pressing issues.

20. Museum of Natural Sciences

Are you fascinated by dinosaurs? Then pencil in a trip to the Museum of Natural Sciences .

You will have to head to Rue Vautier 29 to do so. But once you are there, you will experience the wonders of The Dinosaur Hall. Officially the largest museum hall in the world solely devoted to dinosaurs, it features the famous Ishango bone that the Belgian geologist Jean de Heinzelin de Braucourt discovered in 1960 in the Belgian Congo.

Incorporated within the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, other exhibits at the museum include a collection of fossilized Iguanodon skeletons uncovered in 1878. Dinosaurs aside, you can discover more about the evolution of the human body in the Gallery of Humankind and travel back in time via the Gallery of Evolution too.

19. Cantillon Brewery

Belgium is renowned for the quality of its beer. So, if you are a fan of amber nectar, it would be churlish not to try a few local samples. One of the best places to do this in Brussels is on a tour of the Cantillon Brewery.

A traditional family-run brewery which opened in 1900, you’ll find it at Rue Gheude within the Anderlecht district of the city. It features original equipment and beer cellars used by Paul Cantillon, who founded the establishment.

Whilst there, you can tour their facility and try out some of their fabulous lambic-style beers. These include Kriek, a brew made with cherries, or Fou’ Foune, a beverage derived from apricot. If any beer takes your fancy, you can buy some from their shop.

18. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

For art lovers, The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium should be a massive drawcard during your visit to Brussels. Comprising not one but six different museums, they collectively house some of the country’s most important cultural and artistic treasures.

The six institutions are the Magritte, Oldmasters, Antoine Wiertz, Constantin Meunier, Fin-de-Siècle and modern museum. Between them, these venues showcase an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings that date back to the early 15th century.

Exploring the complex of museums is among most popular things to do in Brussels. Expect to spend a lot of your time marveling at the works of celebrated artists like Robert Campin, Rogier van der Weyden, Anthony van Dyck, Bruegel, Peter Paul Rubens and Jacob Jordaens.

17. Autoworld

If you love cars, then Autoworld is somewhere you will have to visit when you go to the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Situated in the South Hall, this fantastic vintage car museum boasts a vast collection of automobiles from Europe and the USA.

The collection spans the late 19th century up until the 1990s. It features a Bentley made in 1928 and a Cord and Bugatti from 1930. It also presents Minervas and several limousines owned by the Belgian Royal Family.

In addition, several Belgian-made vehicles like Fondu, Vivinus, Imperia and FN are on display. Along with various other sports cars, passenger cars, motorcycles, carriages and fire engines. Throughout the year, the museum also runs celebrated events for the automotive industry.

16. Royal Palace

Separated from Brussels Park by a stately square called Place des Palais, the Royal Palace is one of the city’s most impressive examples of Neoclassical architecture. As construction started in 1783 and was not completed until 1934, this should give you an idea of how expansive the building is.

Although it is the official palace of the Belgian monarchy, the king and queen do not use it as their royal residence. However, as is tradition, they open their doors to the general public for five weeks every year in July and August.

At this time, you can visit it for free and gain access to certain rooms. Some of these rooms contain state portraits of Leopold I, Napoleon, Leopold II and Louis Philippe I.

15. Serres Royales De Laeken

Brussels can get a bit nippy in the winter. So, a good place to escape this chill is The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken.

Located within the Avenue du Parc Royal, this magnificent complex of classically designed, heated greenhouses features tropical, sub-tropical and cold zones. Created in 1874 on behalf of King Leopold II, under the jurisdiction of Alphonse Balat, the complex also features arcades, pavilions and several cupolas.

It now belongs to the Belgian Royal Family, who only open it to the general public a handful of days in the year. If you can visit it when it is open, you should see its famous Royal Botanic Collection. It includes the world’s oldest and largest collection of camellias cultivated in a greenhouse setting.

14. Parc du Cinquantenaire

As previously mentioned, The Parc du Cinquantenaire is home to The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History. However, there is much more than that to Jubelpark – as it is colloquially known.

The beautiful green space covers 30 hectares within the eastern part of the city’s European Quarter. It was inaugurated in the 19th century and has beautifully landscaped grounds with fountains, ponds, waterfalls and floral gardens.

The park features a U-shaped building complex that houses numerous institutions of high cultural relevance. These include a centerpiece memorial arch, the Art & History Museum and the Autoworld vintage car. It also features a monument dedicated to Belgian Pioneers in the Congo, The Temple of Passions and the Great Mosque of Brussels.

13. Rene Magritte Museum

Art lovers should make a point of visiting the Magritte Museum . Situated on the Palace Royale, within the exquisite, neoclassical, five-storey Hôtel du Lotto, this terrific attraction presents the work of René Magritte.

An acclaimed Belgian surrealist artist, the museum features a permanent, multidisciplinary collection of his original drawings, paintings and sculptures. Amongst the notable works on display are ‘The Empire of Light’, ‘Scheherazade’ and ‘The Return’.

The museum serves as one of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium’s constituents. It is the largest archive of Magritte’s work anywhere in the world, with much of it coming from his widow’s private collection. Other exhibits include photography and short surrealist films that Magritte experimented on.

12. Train World

If you are into ferroequinology, your first stop in Brussels should be a trip to Train World .

Tucked away in the renovated buildings of the former Schaarbeek railway station, this attraction is the Belgian National Railway Company’s official museum. Overall it presents iconic steam locomotives like Le Belge and ‘L’Eléphant’, both built in 1835, and the Pays de Waes (1844). It also exhibits a railway bridge built in the 19th century and even provides an experience of what driving a train feels like.

Found at Place Princesse Elisabeth, the museum is open every day of the week except Monday. There is a restaurant onsite in case you get hungry, and you can rent audio guides in different languages whilst you are there.

11. Belgian Comic Strip Center

If you’ve seen the comic strip murals, then you should be ready to visit the Comics Art Museum. If you make it down to its Rue des Sables 20 location, you will see another Victor-Horta-designed Art Nouveau building.

For over 30 years, this terrific attraction has been championing the leading players and characters of the 9th Art. it spans four floors, and there is plenty to see here. The first floor has a comic store, library, study center, restaurant and a room honoring Victor Horta.

The first floor comprises rooms with original pages of comic books and animation, as well as an auditorium. Whilst the second has a permanent exhibition of characters and publications. The top floor is devoted to merchandising.

10. Notre Dame du Sablon

Notre Dame du Sablon is a lovely 15h century Gothic Catholic church located in the historic Sablon district of Brussels. Also known as Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon, church parishioners included Belgium’s royalty and nobility. Indeed, some royals are buried in the chapel of St. Ursula.

This gray-white church is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows that are illuminated from the inside at night. Other must-sees are the two baroque chapels with funeral symbols carved into the marble and the statue of St. Hobart that once was stolen by Antwerp and recaptured by Brussels in 1348.

9. Mini Europe

A visit to Mini Europe may remind many people of the old movie, “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium,” in which travelers make the Grand Tour of Europe in just a few days. At Mini Europe, however, they can see the best on the continent in just a few hours.

A tour of Mini Europe will take visitors from the gondolas of Venice to Big Ben in London. They can also experience Vesuvius erupting in Italy and the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. In all, Mini Europe offers 350 miniature settings that explore the best of Europe.

8. Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum is a must-visit for anyone who plays a musical instrument or just plain loves music. The museum houses more than 1,100 musical instruments, ranging from ancient to modern.

Considered one of the top musical instrument museums in the world, the museum also houses a concert hall in its uniquely designed Art Noveau and Neoclassical building. Exhibits feature keyboards, types of music from medieval to the 19th century, and mechanical and electronic instruments.

The most popular gallery features traditional musical instruments from around the world. Here, visitors may be surprised to learn the Scots weren’t the only ones who played bagpipes.

7. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

In a city replete with incredible architecture, it is a testament to how the design of The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries manages to capture people’s attention.

Lording over the Galerie du Roi 5, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, it takes the form of a trio of ornate, glazed shopping arcades. Consisting of the King’s, Queen’s and Prince’s galleries, they opened in 1847 after being designed and constructed under the project management of Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer.

Representing the Italianate Cinquecento style, this historic monument features shopfronts with glazed arches separated by two upper floors and pilasters. Among the many upscale retailers are Neuhaus chocolatiers and the revered Delvaux leather goods. The Royal Theater of the Galleries is also within the complex.

6. Mont des Arts

Cats may have nine lines, but the Mont des Arts, a hill in the center of Brussels, is giving them a run for the money. Once a densely populated neighborhood, the buildings were torn down; the land lay vacant for many years. Then a garden was put in but it, too, was torn down to make way for buildings, which include the Royal Library and Congress Palace.

A new garden shares space with the buildings today. Visitors to the “hill of the arts” will find some of the best views of Brussels from here, with the Town Hall spires reaching up into the sky.

5. Manneken Pis

The Manneken Pis is undoubtedly the most visited landmark in Brussels. While visitors may skip many of the fine museums, no one leaves Brussels without visiting the Manneken Pis: a unique water fountain that features a naked little boy urinating into a fountain.

The statue isn’t always naked, however, as it has a wardrobe that would make the Kardashians jealous: It has 900 costumes that are changed frequently. Visitors can view them at the City Museum. The small bronze statue has been amusing residents and visitors alike since the early 1600s, though there is mention of such a statue a century or two earlier.

4. Brussels Cathedral

The Brussels Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a truly magnificent structure. The main part of this Catholic chuch dates to the 11th century while the towers were constructed in the 13th century. All told, it took about 300 years to build this impressive stone church.

Named after the country’s patron saints, it is Belgium’s main church. Visitors will be awed by the beautiful stained glass windows, especially the ones by Bernard van Orley, a 16th century painter. The Last Judgment window is lit from within at night.

3. Town Hall

While many cities rush to build modern town halls, the City of Brussels is sticking with its early 15th century Gothic town hall. It is the last remaining medieval building on the Grand Place. Of course, there’s a newer addition, but it’s not as interesting.

The old town hall is decorated with 137 statues of important people, like nobles and saints, in the city’s history. Visitors will only see copies there, as the originals are in the nearby city museum. The building is topped with an elegant spire that itself is topped with a 5-meter (16-foot) high statue of the archangel Michael.

At first glance, the Atomium looks like a space-age Ferris wheel, but looks can be deceiving. This Brussels landmark actually represents a portion of an ion crystal that’s been magnified 185 billion times.

Built in 1958 as the main pavilion for the Brussels’ world fair, it was named the world’s most bizarre building in 2013 by CNN. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the Belgians love it. The Atomium consists of nine spheres, only six of which are open to the public. An elevator takes people to the top of the structure, but otherwise visitors travel between the spheres on escalators.

1. Grand Place

The Grand Place is indeed grand. As the city’s central square, it is a most visited landmark, home to two of the main attractions in Brussels, the Town Hall and City Museum, as well as former guildhalls. Also known as Grote Markt, the Grand Place was a major market place that dates back to the 10th century.

The large square is filled with a carpet made from flowers every second August. Today it’s lined with many cafes, making it a good place to sample traditional Brussels’ foods, such as moules (mussels), waffles and french fries, which originated in Belgium, not France.

Map of Things to do in Brussels

Share this post:

9 Best Day Trips from Brussels

11 Most Beautiful Regions in Belgium

18 Top Tourist Attractions in Bruges, Belgium

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Belgium

How to Travel from Paris to Amsterdam by Train

15 Best Cities to Visit in Belgium

12 Best Things to do in Ghent, Belgium

12 Best Things to do in Antwerp, Belgium

10 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

10 Best Cape Verde Islands

Reader interactions.

November 20, 2017 at 8:42 am

Just so you know, the Musical Instruments museum is not very tourist friendly if you don’t speak one of the three languages in Belgium. I lived in Belgium for 6 years and visited two years ago with a friend, and found that there was nothing written in English. Therefore, I had act like a translator for a friend. Also fun fact: there is also a peeing dog and a peeing girl statue in Brussels. If I can recommend one more thing to add to the list, it would be the Magritte Museum. Fantastic art museum of the famous surrealist painter.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

62 Fun Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium

• 3 Pinterest

Belgium’s capital is a buzzing hive of historical sights, swanky restaurants and world-class museums. If you like medieval architecture and craft beer, then you’ll love Brussels.

The city has many layers and peeling them back is all part of the adventure. It’s a place where politics and culture merge, to make you feel like you’re exploring the beating heart of Europe.

You can’t help but feel the city’s vast history oozing through its ancient walls, forts and cobbled streets, and its earliest foundations date back to the 10th century, in 979 CE.

Exploring art galleries displaying famous works of art, meandering through the hallways of palaces, and snapping inspiring photographs of centuries-old cathedrals and other structures dating to the Middle Ages, are all part of its allure.

Calling Brussels home base, there are fantastic day trips to adventure and within a couple of hours, land up in a new country entirely!

Looking for more obscure things to do in Brussels ? Then scroll down to find out where you can climb inside a giant atom, go urban diving and discover statues that pee!

1 – Begin your adventure at Grand Place

This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the center of Brussels is where you should start your explorations. Dating to the 15th century and lined with striking guild houses, Grand Place boasts the best architecture in town.

The Town Hall is the focal point, with its ornate tower providing a handy landmark if you get lost. Meanwhile, behind the doors of the magnificent Brussels City Museum , you’ll discover masterpieces and artifacts showcasing local history.

Don’t miss the Flower Carpet festival – a must-see for flowers lovers.

• walking tours in Brussels

2 – Soak up the views from the Atomium

Climbing inside a giant atom isn’t an everyday sort of experience, but it’ll be one of your most memorable Brussels moments. Constructed in 1958 for the World’s Fair, the Atomium represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It quickly became a city icon.

You can explore the spheres, which hold exhibitions and even a restaurant right at the top. The science is fascinating, but the 360-degree panoramas are even more mind-blowing.

• Atomium tours in Brussels

3 – Listen to exhibits at the Musical Instruments Museum

Architecture aficionados love visiting the Old England Building with its unusual Art Nouveau façade. Inside you’ll discover the Musical Instruments Museum , where 2000 exhibits vie for your attention.

It’s about listening as well as looking, with audio experiences transporting you to other places and times. Don’t miss the shepherds’ bagpipes, the African drums, or the quirky theremin. There might be a concert on during your visit so do check the schedule.

• Musical Instruments Museum tickets

4 – Make a pilgrimage to the Church of Our Lady of Victories

Dominating the historic center of Brussels, the Church of Our Lady of Victories in the Sablon district makes a worthy photo stop. Marvel at the flamboyant 15th-century Gothic carvings, then pop inside to appreciate the huge scale of the building. Prepare to be wowed!

See how the light brings the stained-glass windows to life, and feel at peace as you wander through the spiritual Baroque chapels.

5 – Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour

See the city sights in style as you cruise the historic streets on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You’ll be stopping at all the major landmarks, so you can pick and choose which to visit.

This is a great option for travelers who like their independence as well as hassle-free sightseeing. Will you be checking out the Grand Place or the Atomium, or is the Royal Palace more your cup of tea?

• bus tours in Brussels

6 – Explore the Palais Royal

Of all the things to do in Brussels, visiting the Royal Palace is one of the most memorable. Standing imperiously at the end of a landscaped park, the King’s residence is the heart of royal life in Belgium.

You can take a guided tour during summer and imagine for a few moments what it would be like living here. Have your fill of marble staircases, gilded mirrors and glittering staterooms as you explore.

7 – Cycle through the Parc du Cinquantenaire

Discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems as you pedal through historic neighborhoods on a small-group bike tour. Swing by the Grand Place and European Parliament before stopping for fries to keep your energy levels topped up.

The star of the show is the stately Cinquantenaire Park. Built in 1880 to celebrate 50 years of Belgian independence, these manicured gardens are dominated by the Triumphal Arch. Climb to the top and enjoy the view.

• bike tours in Brussels

8 – Browse the Musee Royaux Des Beaux Arts

Put yourself in the shoes of famous painters as you consider some of the most prestigious artworks in Europe. The Royal Museums of Fine Art are home to over 20,000 exhibits, each telling their own unique story.

Magritte Museum (#35) has the largest collection of works by the Belgian Surrealist. Fin-de-Siècle Museum will take you back to the effervescent 1900s, when Art Nouveau and impressionism ruled the roost.

The Oldmasters Museum covers the uniquely creative 15th to 18th centuries. Wiertz Museum features classic works by the controversial Romantic painter and sculptor.

Meunier Museum is dedicated to the Realist artist. And for a glimpse into the latest developments, visit the Modern Museum .

9 – Bring your significant other to Candlelight concerts

Picture a room lit up by hundreds of candles as artists on stage perform classical music ballads, famous composers are celebrated front and center or ballet signatures are performed.

If this utterly romantic feature sounds like your cup of tea, be sure to bring your honey to one of the candlelight concerts happening in Brussels for a night of romance, and culture.

These special concerts, in fact, operate worldwide, from cities around the globe from New York to Amsterdam to Abu Dhabi to Quebec, and now you can witness the spectacle while traveling in the capital city of Belgium.

Picking iconic locations around town where the performance is set up, there are multiple tribute candlelight concerts to choose from in Brussels. Sit back and enjoy an ode to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker in Auderghem, rock out to your favorite Queen songs at the Memorial of the Battle of Waterloo 1815, or fill your ears with the music of Hans Zimmer or Stromae at the Atomium.

Whatever your pick, it’ll be a night to remember.

• candlelight concerts in Brussels

Sponsored placement

All Aboard the Titanic Exhibition in Brussels

Step inside Titanic: The Exhibition, the largest of its kind in Brussels. This extensive exhibition, enriched by 260 authentic artifacts and life-size reconstructions, invites you to relive the Titanic saga and the unforgettable night of April 14, 1912. Experience the stories of passengers who witnessed that fateful night, through an immersive display designed for families and history buffs alike.

• See price & reviews

10 – Taste the best chocolate in town

Delve into the scrumptious world of Belgian chocolate on a fun-packed tour at Choco-Story Brussels . You’ll learn how the humble cocoa bean was transformed into chocolatey goodness by the Aztecs and the Mayans. It’s their legacy that allows us to indulge in this sweet treat today.

Take a tour around the museum and then get hands-on in the chocolate workshop. Making pralines and lollipops is your first step to becoming a master chocolatier.

• chocolate tasting in Brussels

11 – Relax at Brussels Park

Looking for a green space in the city center for a stroll or a picnic? Sprawling across 32 acres, the former royal hunting grounds at Brussels Park ticks all those boxes.

To enter, just find the Belgian House of Parliament and follow the wide avenue down to the large pond. You’ll enjoy views of three of the major landmarks in Brussels: the Royal Palace, the Palace of Justice, and the Place du Trône.

12 – Feel like a giant at Mini-Europe Park

One of the unmissable things to do in Brussels for families is to visit Mini-Europe Park . Travel the world as you explore the tiny kingdoms with their scale models.

See the miniatures of Big Ben in London, the Acropolis in Athens, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Visual and sound effects bring it all to life – don’t miss the eruption of Mount Vesuvius or the fall of the Berlin Wall!

• Mini-Europe park tickets

13 – Embrace politics at the Parlamentarium

Delve deep into the secretive world of politics at the world’s largest parliamentary visitor’s center in Brussels. You’ll learn all about the workings of the European Parliament as you take a self-guided tour.

The Parlamentarium is free to enter and takes you on an eye-opening journey through centuries of European history. There’s a cinema showing 360-degree views of the continent and an interactive floor map offering a virtual tour of the member countries.

14 – Go super-sleuthing in an escape room

You’ll need to muster all your detective powers to emerge triumphant from the escape rooms in Brussels. There are several themed scenarios to choose from, some indoors and others out in the city.

You might be robbing banks and escaping with swag bags, or prowling around bars in the search for redemption. Find clues and solve puzzles as you battle against the clock on your mysterious mission. Do you have what it takes?

• escape rooms in Brussels

Return to the Jurassic era at Dinos Alive

Journey back millions of years ago and encounter realistic dinosaurs that once roamed the earth. At Dinos Alive, you can walk among life-size moving replicas of a T-rex, stegosaurus and velociraptor among 80 other specimens. Interactive and educational, this is the perfect outing for families and kids!

• See price and reviews

15 – Let off steam at Train World

Surround yourself with vintage railway locomotives as you explore the city’s famous Train World at the old Schaarbeek station. A highlight is the 19th-century “Pays de Waes” – Europe’s oldest preserved steam train.

Glimpse into the past as you wander through the post carriage and visit the authentic railway cottage by the side of the tracks. You’ll discover the stories of those who worked on the trains and the passengers who used them.

• Train World tickets

16 – Walk around Mont des Arts

Connecting upper and lower Brussels, Mont des Arts has one of the best panoramas in town. Just head up the steps towards the fountain and get your camera ready! Come at sunset for a splash of romance.

Art lovers will enjoy strolling around this elegant city garden, stopping at monuments, and enjoying a bit of fresh air. Stunning architecture surrounds the park, with the bell tower of the local Neoclassical church dominating the skyline.

Directions in Google Maps

17 – Scout out unusual sculptures

Keep an eye out for some of the city’s most quirky sculptures as you explore the historic center. First up is the Manneken Pis, a bronze statuette known as “Little Julian” who tinkles into a fountain.

Next is the Jeanneke Pis, which features a young girl squatting and peeing over a limestone rock. You can see there’s a bit of a theme here! A urinating bronze dog called Het Zinneke is the grand finale.

18 – Take a day tour to Bruges and Ghent

Escape the Brussels bustle with a day trip to the enchanting cities of Bruges and Ghent . Chocolate and lace are some of Bruges’ most famous exports but strolling the cobbled streets and cruising down the canals will reveal a different side to the city. Have a breather at the Lake of Love.

Over in Ghent, there’s enough medieval architecture to make your heart flutter, with cathedrals and castles stealing the show.

Hot tip: Check out our lists of fun things to do in Ghent , and fun things to do in Bruges .

19 – Get into the groove at the Hard Rock Cafe

Soak up the American vibe at this bustling restaurant that overlooks the Grand Place. You’ll be whisked away to an era of rock and roll, as you admire the memorabilia from Madonna and Elvis that adorns the Hard Rock Cafe interior.

Feast on burgers or mac and cheese before checking out the interactive wall for a global music tour. Leave room for the scrumptious chocolate brownies!

• Hard Rock Cafe Brussels

Sip and paint in the dark at this unique workshop!

This retro-futuristic experience combines the thrill of painting with a fluorescent twist, offering a brush in one hand and a choice of drink in the other. The musical backdrop adds to the atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for friends. By the end of the night, not only will you have had an unforgettable experience, but you’ll also leave with a personal masterpiece to proudly display at home.

20 – Visit Antwerp on a day trip

Another worthy day tour from Brussels takes you to Antwerp, the diamond and fashion capital of Belgium.

You’ll explore the diamond district and learn how to cut these sparkly jewels in the workshop. Then there’s time for some retail therapy on “The Meir” before sipping artisan coffee in quaint cafes.

If you are traveling with kids, there are many family-friendly things to do in Antwerp , such as visiting the Zoo Antwerpen or taking a tour of Chocolate Nation.

Don’t miss Napoleon’s palace or the towering Gothic cathedral. Watching the sunset over the ancient port is the icing on the cake.

• Antwerp day trips from Brussels

21 – Browse the Comics Art Museum

Immerse yourself in a world of make-believe at the Comics Art Museum , which honors Belgian and internationally renowned creators. If you’re looking for quirky things to do in Brussels, this is it!

Travel through the mysterious realm of Midam, go adventuring with the Smurfs, and say hi to Tintin. The Art Nouveau building is spectacular too so remember to look up. Want some souvenirs? Then pop into the shop for comic books and figurines.

22 – Explore historic Amsterdam

Bag two countries in one day as you take a trip to The Netherlands for a jaunt around its vibrant capital city. Experience Amsterdam like a local by cycling through the quaint streets or hop on a boat for an iconic canal cruise.

Pause on a bridge for that all-important Instagram photo and admire the 17 th -century gabled houses that line the waterways. Then chill out with stroopwaffels and coffee in a trendy café.

• Amsterdam day trips from Brussels

23 – Find peace at Brussels Cathedral

Tick off the most important monument in Brussels, as you wander around the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral . Like many of its European counterparts, Brussels Cathedral is Gothic in style, with all the stained-glass windows you could wish for.

This grandiose masterpiece survived a sacking by French Revolutionaries and today is the main Catholic church in the country. Highlights include a stunning Baroque pulpit and a collection of ancient chalices and crosses.

24 – Taste local delicacies on a food tour

One of the best things to do in Brussels for foodies is to engage in a dedicated culinary tour around the city where you’ll be introduced to the local flavors and foods.

Whether you’re after a short introduction to the local cuisine or a more in-depth excursion, choose from an array of food tours — varying in time or the foodie-centric activities you will do.

There are food walking tours that span three to four hours and setting off on foot, your expert gastronomic guide leads the way to the best local taverns, cafes and restaurants where you will sample classic Belgium bites from steamed mussels to frites to Belgian chocolate to waffles.

Some tours combine sightseeing escapades in between all the dining and eating or pick a beer and food pairing adventure.

Food tours are available during the day, as well as in the evenings.

• food tours in Brussels

Stepping Into Surrealism: The Magritte Immersive Experience

“Magritte: The Immersive Experience” is an extraordinary exhibition that takes you on a vivid journey through the genius of René Magritte, from his Abstract Period to his iconic Surrealist creations. With over 300 masterpieces on display, the show utilizes cutting-edge 4K technology and virtual reality to immerse you in a 360-degree digital experience. This interactive showcase promises an unparalleled exploration of Magritte’s surreal universe, where art transcends reality.

25 – Discover Luxembourg and Dinant

Another worthy day trip from Brussels takes you over the border into Luxembourg for a whirlwind tour of the top city sights.

Feel like you’re stepping back in time as you explore the Old Town. The Royal Palace, the European Court of Justice, and Notre-Dame Cathedral are all must-sees.

You’ll stop in the pretty Belgian town of Dinant on your way back with free time to check out the ancient citadel. Don’t forget your camera!

26 – Check out Keukenhof and Delft

There’s nothing that says The Netherland more than tulips and pottery, and you can enjoy both on a day trip from Brussels.

Walk through tulip fields on the Keukenhof Estate, where reds, pinks, and yellows stretch for miles. You’ll learn about how these 7 million flowers are grown as you tour the gardens.

Over in Delft, it’s time for pretty canals, charming streets, and shopping for the exquisite local pottery in craft boutiques.

• Keukenhof day trips from Brussels

27 – Feel the thrills at Bobbejaanland

For a fun-filled family day out, head to Bobbejaanland which is just 90 minutes from Brussels. Founded by a popular Flemish musician, this quirky theme park has over 40 attractions to enjoy.

Practice your swagger in the cowboy town and brave a virtual reality journey deep inside a fiery volcano if you dare. Then hit the roller coasters in the Land of Legends or take on the Big Bang flume in your rubber ring.

28 – Breathe in the fresh air of the Sonian Forest

If trees could talk, the Sonian Forest is where you’ll find them! This ancient woodland sprawls across 5000 acres, with 40% of it lying in the Brussels area. There are several nature reserves to discover making it a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

Hike the forest trails and see what wildlife you can spot, or head to the fishing lakes and see if you can land a carp.

29 – Admire classic cars at Autoworld

Autoworld is your chance to get up close and personal with cars that were once used by Belgian royalty. See your reflection in the shiny finish of limousines and Bentleys, and imagine what it would be like to take the wheel of a 1930s Bugatti.

There are 250 vehicles to check out, giving you a peek into the transformational story of the motor car. Don’t miss the authentic workshop and the sports car paddocks.

• Autoworld tickets

Immerse yourself into the world of Banksy!

Looking for an intriguing artistic experience in the heart of the city? Step into the world of Banksy and take a journey through murals, drawings and projections in the largest collection of recreated life-size works by the acclaimed anonymous street artist. Secure your ticket now and immerse yourself in the mysteries surrounding the famed creator.

30 – Meet dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural Sciences

What do you call a tribe of Iguanodons? We’re not sure either, but it’s fun guessing as you explore the Museum of Natural Sciences . As well as gawping at the impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, you’ll learn about the evolution of humankind too.

The giant crystals in the Mineral Hall will surely grab your attention, while over in the Living Planet exhibition you’ll come closer to discovering the meaning of life.

31 – Have the ride of your life at Walibi Belgium

Scream in delight as you zoom along on some of the country’s most fearsome roller coasters. Walibi Belgium is one of the top amusement parks in the region, with something for both families and thrill-seekers.

Test your nerves on the mighty Buzzsaw and hang on tight as you plunge down the precipitous Werewolf. Meanwhile, kids can meet the kangaroo mascot, ride on mini trains, and whirl around on carousel swings.

32 – Take a trip to Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo is one of the most well-known in history books, and did you know, the small town of Waterloo is located just 30 minutes from Brussels?

For a historically-enriching activity, and an eye-opening experience, take a tour around the famous area, located south of the city.

Overthrowing Napoleon and ending the era of the Napoleonic Wars, the Battle of Waterloo took place on Sunday 18 June 1815 and there are monuments and sites to explore today that illustrate a clearer picture of the momentous occasion in time.

Warheads, begin by exploring the actual battleground where the infamous conflict took place, walk up the man-made hill, Lion’s Mound, for views, and see the Brocante du Lion monument — there is a Visitor’s Center at the start of the incline.

Stop by the Wellington Museum — once headquarters to the Duke of Wellington (a commanding officer in the battle) — or explore the opponent’s headquarters La Belle Alliance (a former inn used by Napoleon).

Investigate Hougoumont Farm where the majority of the battle took place, and pay your respects at the Gordon Monument.

A few hours are required to explore all of the historic points of interest around here.

• Waterloo day trips from Brussels

33 – Wander through Laeken Park

The former royal stomping grounds of Laeken Park now incorporate several gardens and estates. Landscaped in the English style, Laeken was the setting for the 1958 Universal Exposition.

Stroll around the fragrant Florists’ Garden, which still has greenhouses dating back to the time of King Leopold II. You’ll enjoy spectacular city views from here too.

Other highlights include the greenery theater in Osseghem Park and the Castle of Laeken which is still a royal residence.

34 – Make friends with meerkats at Pairi Daiza Zoo

Meeting the wild residents of the Zoo de Pairi Daiza is one of the top family-friendly things to do in Brussels. This animal theme park is home to thousands of creatures, including elephants, panthers, and hippos.

Journey around the world as you amble through the different habitats. You’ll understand the meaning of “cute” as the giant pandas charm you in the Chinese Gardens, while orangutans strike some poses in Ganesha’s Kingdom.

35 – Step into the mind of the artist at the Magritte Museum

Calling all of our art aficionados or lovers of the curious Surrealist movement … You’re in for a serious treat at the Magritte Museum — home to the largest collection of work by the artist himself, René Magritte.

Surrealism is all about the bizarre, and alongside Magritte, other famous artists from this 20th-century movement include Dali.

Born in 1898, Magritte began creating surrealist art in 1926, and throughout the years, he covered a variety of mixed mediums from paintings to sculptures to drawings — all of which are on display at the museum.

Home to these original artworks within the museum’s permanent collections (as well as its digitized modern exhibitions) uncover the world of the artist through more than 230 artworks on show, and those in the archives.

• Magritte Museum tickets

36 – Seek out nature at Meise Botanic Garden

Hidden away in the grounds of Bouchout Castle, you’ll find the pretty Meise Botanic Garden . Allow plenty of time for your visit as it’s one of the biggest gardens in the world with over 18,000 plant species.

Head to the glasshouses for a dose of the tropics where orchids and exotic flowers will capture your imagination. Kids love the Evolution House which recreates the land of the dinosaurs, complete with bubbling mud.

37 – Take an Art Nouveau tour

See Brussels in a different light on an immersive Art Nouveau guided tour. You’ll find out how this striking architectural style has influenced so much of the city’s visual heritage, with stops at all the top photo spots.

The Bailli district is home to some of the fanciest houses, while the Grand Place gets top marks for scale. Finish up at the Victor Horta Museum which celebrates the life of this acclaimed Belgian architect.

• art nouveau tours in Brussels

38 – Delve into history at the BELvue Museum

As the capital of both Belgium and the EU, Brussels is one of the world’s most prominent cities. That’s why the BELvue Museum is now shining a light on its history, as well as its role in democracy.

Open to everyone from schoolchildren to seniors, the BELvue Museum hosts a variety of exhibitions and over 200 unique objects, providing an opportunity to understand the city’s culture, heritage and society.

Visitors can attend for free on Wednesdays and the first Sunday of the month, making this an accessible and enlightening outing for the whole family.

39 – Delve into virtual reality

Brussels may be famous for its history, but when it comes to VR, it’s all about the future!

It’s not just the technology itself that’s impressive, but also the amazing scenarios that you can explore; you might find yourself navigating a space station, or navigating the whole spectrum of human history, right up to wild robot battles.

So strap on your headset and indulge in an adventure beyond your wildest dreams!

• VR experience in Brussels

40 – Discover hidden gems on a scavenger hunt

If you’re after fun things to do in Brussels, why not take part in a scavenger game? You’ll be following clues to some of the top landmarks in the historic center, as well as exploring well off the beaten track.

There will be challenges to solve and trivia questions to answer in order to complete your mission. This is a walking tour with a difference – will you make it to the end?

• scavenger games in Brussels

41 – Refuel at the best cafes in Brussels

After hours of city exploring, or if you’re simply searching for a cute spot to grab a coffee and catch up on a good book, here are some of the best cafes in Brussels to visit.

For some of the yummiest speculoos in town, stop by Maison Dandoy and taste their generation-old famous recipe. The equivalent of a Biscoff, stock up on the biscuits before traveling home and then sit down for a classic Belgian waffle.

Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, La Fabrique en Ville sports a delightful, aesthetically pleasing setup, and the menu gladens on all fronts. Grab a seat at the outdoor terrace on Sundays for a three-course a la carte brunch.

With a focus on specialty coffee, sip back on some of the best brews in Brussels at My Little Cup .

Specializing in Belgium fries (i.e. frites), Café Georgette has a distinctive European look and feel on the sidewalk of a cobbled street, and the foods focus on the traditional at this cafe-come-restaurant.

Donned in an Art-Nouveau architectural style, Le Cirio is a classic Belgium brasserie, serving its patrons since 1886.

42 – Be inspired at the Horta Museum

Dedicated to the life and work of one of Belgium’s most illustrious artists, the Horta Museum is a must-see for all Art Nouveau admirers. As you explore the former home and workshop of Victor Horta, take a moment to appreciate the striking interior decoration.

There are brightly colored mosaics, intricate stained-glass windows, and swirling wall embellishments that really show off the Art Nouveau style. Would you recreate the look in your house?

43 – Visit the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

Sitting imperiously in Cinquantenaire Park, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces tells the story of Belgium’s military history. There’s everything from medieval armor to an F-16 fighter jet on display.

Reach into the past as you gaze upon real army uniforms that once belonged to King Leopold I, and documents rescued from naval ships. Check out the big guns in the tank department before you leave.

44 – Fantasize at the Black Tower

Head to the Place Sainte-Catherine and check out the ancient city fortifications beside the small church.

This mysterious Black Tower is one of the few wall sections to survive the ravages of time and feels out of place overshadowed by modern developments.

Built in the 13th century, the tower is now overgrown with vegetation and looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Close your eyes and indulge in some Gothic fantasy.

45 – Travel through time at the Art and History Museum

Go on the trail of prehistoric axes and Egyptian mummies at the exquisite Art and History Museum. You’ll see a treasure trove of archaeological finds from across the world as you wander around the galleries.

Feel the weight of history as the exhibits reveal their stories to you. The Easter Island sculpture is one of the most powerful pieces, while Greek vases will conjure up visions of gods and warriors.

• Art and History Museum tickets

46 – Stroll around Petit Sablon Square

Petit Sablon Square is one of the prettiest gardens in the city. Just a short walk from the Church of Our Lady of Sablon, the square is a pocket of peace in this urban jungle.

Designed in 1890 by a local architect, the garden is watched over by 48 bronze statues paying homage to the long-lost medieval professions of Brussels. See if you can spot the stonecutter or the tallow maker as you explore.

47 – Photograph the open-air graffiti gallery of Anderlecht

To witness an explosion of color (and talent), the open-air graffiti gallery of Anderlecht — located underneath a highway inside the Parc des Etangs — is awe-inspiring.

Set up by local artists and with new graffiti masterpieces constantly being updated, snap endless photographs either of the brilliant artworks or posing alongside them.

Situated in the Anderlecht area, the Brussels Ring road crosses a bit of the park on the south side, and it’s the underneath of this pass that is covered in graffiti.

The large-scale art pieces are truly exceptional, painted or sprayed across entire blocks that comprise parts of the ring road’s foundation.

Artworks change every now and then, but the more impressive pieces are usually admired and kept up for longer, before the next artist arrives to do their thing and express their creativity.

48 – Celebrate plastic at the Design Museum Brussels

Had your fill of ancient history? Then make your way to the Design Museum Brussels for something a little more modern. The exhibitions here are dedicated to design work from the 20th and 21st centuries, with everything from plastic to scaffolding on display.

There are playful staircases, mind-boggling chairs, and galleries showcasing Belgian design. Functional yet beautiful, many of the pieces here have been seen nowhere else in the world.

• Design Museums tickets

49 – Explore the Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site

Walk in the footsteps of our ancestors as you explore the Coudenberg Palace Archaeological Site . Imagine what it must have felt like to scrape away at the soil around Place Royale and discover the remains of the former palace of Brussels.

The hairs on the back of your neck may stand to attention as you wander through the cellars and kitchens beneath the Rue Royale. Who else once roamed these corridors?

50 – Take a literal leap of faith with a round of skydiving

When you’re up in a plane, your first instinct might not be to jump out; but with a tandem skydive , that’s the whole idea!

4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above the ground, you’ll see an amazing panorama of rural Belgium and neighboring France – as you go flying towards them!

And while the parachute will help you glide safely to terra firma, the free fall beforehand is utterly exhilarating!

51 – Dive into the world of local literature at the Royal Library of Belgium

Calling all bookworms! Uncover the literary world of Belgium, or simply stop by to smell the hundreds of books (it’s totally a thing) at the Royal Library of Belgium.

Officially the country’s national housekeeping, the national scientific library is home to all varieties of Belgian publications and preserves.

Spanning a whopping 17 floors, their bookshelves display more than ‘8 million documents’, divided into categories, from Belgian bibliography to chalcography to music.

Opening recently in 2020, the KBR Museum is worth visiting and hosts the Library of the Dukes of Burgundy and manuscripts dating to the 15th century.

Afterward, pull up a rainbow-colored table and chair on the library’s rooftop terrace and enjoy the views.

52 – Visit the Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Coeur de Koekelberg

The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the fifth largest church in the world. It’s still used for major national celebrations and acts as a social and cultural hub for the community.

The church is a photogenic Art Deco monument, and the sheer size has to be seen to be believed. Climb up into the basilica dome for jaw-dropping panoramas over Brussels – this could be the best view in town!

53 – Sample traditional food at Fin de Siècle

This laid-back unassuming city eatery is a bit of an insider secret and a favorite with locals looking for a tasty evening out. Fin de Siècle serves up hearty portions of authentic Brussels cuisine, all washed down with a cold Belgian beer.

Tuck into piles of grilled shrimp and haunches of glazed ham while you reminisce about the day’s excitements. If you have room, give the tiramisu or mocha cake a whirl.

54 – Shop in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Proudly situated in the heart of the city, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert  is the most celebrated shopping mall in Brussels.

Comprised of three galleries that are among the oldest in Europe, this eye-catching arcade is home to upmarket boutiques, confectionary shops, and traditional cafés.

Purchase gifts or treat yourself to a bit of bling, before taking in a show at the onsite theater. There’s a cinema too with all the latest releases.

55 – Go beer tasting at the Cantillon Brewery

Belgium is renowned throughout the world for its delectable beers, and there’s nowhere better to try some than here in Brussels.

Take a guided tour behind the scenes at Cantillon Brewery and discover the secret ingredients that make the beer so moreish. Check out the heritage machinery and modern operations at this friendly family-run business.

Don’t leave without tasting the authentic traditional Gueuze-Lambic brew, and maybe buy a bottle to take home.

56 – Shop at Maasmechelen Village

On the hunt for a day excursion from Brussels? Heading 1.5 hours outside the city center, Maasmechelen Village is a designer outlet shopping center, loved for its big brands at affordable prices.

Built on the borderlines of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, the whimsical-themed shopping complex comprises over 100 boutique stores and there is usually some sort of sale happening throughout the year.

Covering all categories from fashion to accessories to sneakers to homeware and interior delights, time truly flies by — arrive early to avoid the masses and queues.

Versace, New Balance, Fossil, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Clarins, Swarovski and The North Face are a touch of the luxury brands to shop among.

After all the shopping, if you’re feeling peckish, pick up something on-the-go from Chez Lulu, or stop for a sit-down meal at one of the other cafes or restaurants.

• shopping in Brussels

57 – Feast on mussels at Le Chou de Bruxelles

This cheerful little eatery in the pretty Ixelles district is the place to go for traditional Belgian cuisine. Le Chou de Bruxelles is a favorite with locals, so you know your evening is going to be spot on.

Try the famous Zeeland mussels – there are at least 30 variations to choose from! Not into seafood? Then tuck into duck drizzled with cherry beer or lamb shanks simmered in Leffe. Delicious!

58 – Go urban scuba diving at Nemo 33

Did you know you can go diving in Brussels? Nemo 33 was once the deepest indoor swimming pool in the world and today makes the perfect venue for a bit of city scuba diving.

Beginners can splash around on diving courses or snorkel sessions, while the experts can explore the depths to their heart’s content. Come on in, the water is warm and there are no sharks to worry about!

59 – Enjoy the views from the historic Halle Gate

Feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale as you explore the medieval rooms inside the 600-year-old Halle Gate .

This ancient monument is all that remains of the second city wall. It’s home to a remarkable collection of artifacts and displays documenting the fortification history of Brussels.

Climb up to the top of this Neo-Gothic fort and walk along the crenelated ramparts. The views out over Brussels are superb.

60 – Experience the beer scene of Brussels on a pub crawl

Brussels knows a thing or two about beer, so going on a pub crawl or beer tasting with a local guide is a must for lovers of the iconic amber nectar. You’ll be stopping by trendy bars and authentic old taverns, including some hidden gems that few tourists ever experience.

Learn how to distinguish a Belgian beer from its European counterparts, and discover the process behind the country’s unique brewing style.

• pub crawls in Brussels

61 – Enjoy live music at Le Botanique

What do you do with a former orangery belonging to the National Botanic Garden? Why, turn it into a music venue of course!

Visiting Le Botanique is one of the top things to do in Brussels for those who enjoy live shows and art exhibitions.

It’s a great place to discover emerging artists, and in May there’s a music festival featuring international and local musicians. Book tickets in advance as it’s very popular.

62 – Watch the sunset from the best rooftop bars

As the daytime begins to draw to a close, and the sun starts to set over the horizon, head to one of Brussels’ best rooftop bars — not only limited to sunset hour!

For some of the most unique and delicious cocktails, Perché Rooftop Bar is where it’s at. Arrive for the views, take a dip in the skinny rooftop pool in summer and heat up by the fire in wintertime.

Overlooking the Grand Palace, the Secret Rooftop by Warwick is located on the sixth floor of the four-star Warwick Brussels hotel. Open from 5 PM onwards, they sure know how to make a delicious cocktail or two.

Enjoy a glass of vino and mezze-style bites at The 1040 , and the elegant setting is also home to a gorgeous restaurant. The laid-back yet charming atmosphere up on the rooftop is great for sundowners.

How to get to Brussels?

The main airport is Brussels Airport where international and domestic flights land. Before you arrive in the capital city, pre-organize airport transfers for the moment you touch down and eliminate the hassle of organizing taxis or other transport once you’re ready to leave the airport.

Upon arrival, your private driver awaits you and will transport you directly to your accommodation in comfort and ease.

Where to stay in Brussels?

Have you considered a hotel yet to make your base when traveling in Brussels? Here are some of the best hotels and boutique stays to choose from.

Boasting a great location, the Radisson Collection, Grand Place Brussels is clean and contemporary and offers rooms and suites that are ultra-spacious and comfortable.

Another winner in the middle of the city center, Hotel Amigo is filled with rich interiors and is a beautiful stay all-round.

Upmarket and with all the designer amenities from a Nespresso machine to super plush beds, the Sofitel Brussels Europe never disappoints.

With tons of restaurants and cafes nearby, travelers that prefer old-school charm, fall in love with the splendid Stanhope Hotel by Thon Hotels .

Fill your lives with pops of color at The Dominican , achieved in the bounds of colorful furniture or art decorating the walls and interiors.

Expect lovely balcony views and rooms done up in cozy, dark woods and luxurious leathers at the Eurostars Montgomery .

Away from the hustle and bustle, the five-star Juliana Hotel Brussels is built inside a gorgeous building and you can expect all the extras and comforts at this stay.

From the incredible service to the fanciful finishes, the Manos Premier hotel is a prime example of classic European design, stylishly fusing the past and present.

A perfect pick for the trendy traveler, the modern Harmon Guest House is a gorgeous boutique stay that couples especially love. Plus, if the details matter to you, the bathrooms are amazing!

• best hotels in Brussels

Visiting Brussels on a budget?

Discover the wonders that the city of Brussels hides and the local secrets with some free walking tour .

For more ways to save and if you’re visiting the city for a few days, it might be worth purchasing the Brussels City Card . This gives you free access to top attractions, discounts on some tours and in shops, as well as skip-the-line tickets.

Where to go next?

After your time in the culturally-enriching European city is done, decide where to head afterward.

The continent is great for traveling easily from one country to the next. For example, driving just a few hours from Brussels, reach nearby cities in new countries.

2.5 hours from the capital, cross the border into the Netherlands, and straight to the capital city, where there are many other fun things to do in Amsterdam from touring famous breweries to museums to historic districts.

Or, visit another major Dutch city instead, like Rotterdam , situated even closer than Amsterdam. Ideal for a day trip too, it takes one hour and 45 minutes to reach by car from Brussels.

Final thoughts?

From historical moments in time to fascinating museums that cater to all ages, whether young or old, the plethora of things to do in Brussels always leaves travelers feeling satisfied on all fronts — from the sightseeing options to the foodie scene.

Have you ever visited Brussels before? What are your favorite places to visit in the capital city of Belgium? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know.

As always, happy and safe travels!

Sunday, 23 June, 2024

Hotel Metropole in Brussels opens its doors once again for a special experience

Passengers and US airlines brace for fight over legroom

Practical information

• Address: Hotel Metropole, Place de Brouckère 31, 1000 Bruxelles
• Price: 17 euros
• Opening times: every day from 12-10 PM, entry every hour

You may be interested in reading

Will your phone soon be able to see through walls?

Westmalle Trappist brewery to welcome visitors for the first time in 2024

Gen Z’ers more likely to leave negative reviews

London architects set to bring new life to Ghent art museum

Tiger mosquitoes cause huge rise in dengue fever in Europe

These are the 10 stadiums for UEFA Euro 2024

Rogue saltwater crocodile killed and eaten by locals in northern Australia

Travellers urged to be alert as deadly flesh-eating disease surges in Japan

NOTRE APPROCHE : « A CONCRETE VISION OF FANTASY »

Tour des Sites Organisation est spécialisée dans la production de spectacles totaux en tous genres. Depuis 1992, notre organisation a créé et produit plus de 700 spectacles de grande envergure.

Chaque production est le fruit d’un service totalement intégré au sein d’une équipe qui rassemble toutes les compétences requises..

Nous prenons en charge la création (écriture, scénario, direction artistique, etc.) et la réalisation (mise en scène, production technique, suivi artistique, etc.) de chacun de nos spectacles.

À cela s’ajoute, le cas échéant, un pôle média (campagne média, actions terrain, relations presse, etc.) également géré par nos soins.

ÉVÉNEMENTS À VENIR

Avenue Georges Henri 431, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

[email protected]

Thanks for submitting!

+32 (0)2 736 01 04

Tour des sites 2024.