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Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a city of contradictions. On the one hand, it’s a hub of international politics and diplomacy, home to the European Union headquarters and numerous other institutions. On the other hand, it’s a place where you can stuff your face with delicious waffles, chocolate, and beer until you feel like you’re going to burst. The city’s old town is a charming maze of narrow streets, medieval architecture, and more chocolate shops than you can shake a stick at.
And speaking of sticks, the Belgians have a thing for fries. Seriously, they eat them with everything. Want a burger? Get some fries with that. Pizza? Fries, please. It’s like they have a secret society devoted entirely to the worship of the potato. But don’t let all the food distract you from the fact that Brussels is also a city with a rich history and culture. From Grand Place to grand galleries, there are plenty of things to see and do.
We visited Brussels during our Belgium road trip and explored the best places to visit. We only planned one day in the Belgian capital during our road trip. That was a wrong decision because there wasn’t enough time to explore. We decided to book a trip to London once we moved there to celebrate our move. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a good time, Brussels has something for everyone. So, read on to discover the best things to do in Brussels!
1 | Visit Grand Place
Grand Place is one of Belgium’s finest squares and is also considered one of the finest squares in Europe. It’s pretty breathtaking, and its grandeur is remarkable. Located in the heart of the city, the Grand Place is surrounded by stunning architecture spanning several centuries, which is why it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter the square, you’ll be struck by the impressive guild halls that line its perimeter. These ornate buildings, each with its own unique style and history, are a testament to Brussels’s wealth and power in the Middle Ages.
In the centre of the square, you’ll find the iconic Brussels Town Hall. This magnificent Gothic structure is impressive, with its intricate spires and ornate facade. But it’s not just the buildings that make the Grand Place worth visiting. The square also features a vibrant atmosphere and cafes, enhancing its lively ambience.
2 | Explore With the Brussels Card
There are tons of museums in Brussels. Few are free, but many are worth visiting. Thankfully, the Brussels Card helps keep your Brussels trip budget-friendly. The Brussels Card can be bought for 24, 48 and 72-hour periods and gives you access to around 50 museums, discounts on other things, including tours, a free Brussels guide, a free city map, the option to add the hop-on hop-off bus, unlimited public transport and skip-the-line access to Atonium, plus there’s a free app. You get a lot of value for your money with the Brussels Card, even if you don’t get the add-ons. Some notable things to do in Brussels with the Brussels Card are:
- Atomium
- Comic Strip Museum
- Museum of Natural Sciences
- Botanique
- Autoworld
- Museum of the City of Brussels
- GardeRobe MannekenPis
- Choco-Story Brussels
- War Heritage Institute
- Musical Instruments Museum
3 | Take a Free Walking Tour
We love a walking tour and jump on one whenever we can. They are a great way to explore the city with someone who knows more about the place than you do. They are often filled with fascinating facts, history, some humour, and a local’s knowledge of places to eat and drink. Thankfully, Brussels city centre isn’t overly large, so the walking tour takes you to many interesting places in a short time. It’s a great way to explore Brussels without the effort of finding things for yourself! Ha! It’s worth noting the tours aren’t necessarily free – they are tip-based, and you give what you think the tour was worth.
4 | Find Manneken Pis
Our tour guide said Manneken Pis is Brussels’ most underwhelming tourist attraction, but we disagree. But what is Manneken Pis, we hear you ask? It’s a quirky little statue of a urinating boy that has become a beloved symbol of Brussels. Standing just 61 cm tall, this little fellow has been around since the 17th century and has quite a storied history. Legend has it that he was named after a young boy who, during a siege of the city, bravely urinated on a burning fuse that would have destroyed the city’s defences. Thus, the Manneken Pis was born – a symbol of defiance and bravery.
He also has thousands of outfits, and there’s even a museum to visit to see some of them, called GardeRobe MannekenPis. Strangely enough, there are two more urinating statues to add to the weird collection of urinating statues around Brussels: Jeanneke Pis (a urinating girl) and Zinneke Pis (a urinating dog).
5 | Visit Parlamentarium
I (Joel) have been to the European Parliament numerous times while serving as the Prime Minister’s photographer. Like most trips, I never got to enjoy the places I visited with the PM, so it was nice to revisit the European Parliament as a tourist. Surprisingly, Parlementarium is interesting. It’s highly interactive, inspiring, and offers valuable insights into European politics and how the EU is a force for good. Parlementarium is free to visit and should be booked online. You can turn up, but you won’t get in if it’s busy. You’ll also get given an audio guide to self-direct your way around the museum. Allow around 90 minutes for your visit.
6 | Eat at Wolf Food Market
In an old bank is a foodie’s paradise that goes by the name of Wolf, probably because of The Wolf of Wall Street. Wolf is not to be missed if you’re a foodie or a craft beer enthusiast. It has the best atmosphere and food, taking you on a culinary world tour. On offer at Wolf are sushi, pizza, pasta, Lebanese bread, burgers, Thai, Greek, and vegan options, plus many other choices, including a dessert bar. There’s also a microbrewery producing Wolf’s very own Flow beer. The food and beer are excellent, and the atmosphere is relaxed. What’s not to love?
7 | Eat Frites at Café Georgette
Belgium is famous for frites, or chips, as we know them in the UK 🍟. And believe it or not, French fries are not French; they are Belgian. And you can’t visit Belgium without eating some frites. They are often served in a cornet (or cone) with some delicious sauce, and the best place to get your fill is from Café Georgette. The frites are skin-on and, according to our tour guide, are cooked in beef dripping, which makes them not vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, so be aware.
8 | Drink Belgian Beer at Delirium
Another thing the Belgians are famous for is beer 🍻 There are tons of places around the city to get a great beer. Delirium Village is one of those places. It has a great atmosphere and decor, and claims to have thousands of bottled beers. Delirium Village has around eight bars, but Delirium Taphouse is the coolest. Wolf is another destination worth visiting. They offer their own Flow beer from their on-site microbrewery.
9 | Visit Parc du Cinquantenaire & Triumphal Arch
When you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle and busy streets of Brussels, it’s time to head out to Parc du Cinquantenaire for some fresh air. Located in the European Quarter of Brussels, Parc du Cinquantenaire is a park featuring lush greenery, scenic paths, and awe-inspiring landmarks. The park is a tranquil oasis in the bustling city, perfect for picnics, strolls, and relaxation. Several museums are in the park, including the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History and Autoworld. If you’re looking for a beautiful, historically rich destination in Brussels, the Parc du Cinquantenaire and its Triumphal Arch are not to be missed.
The park’s centrepiece is the Triumphal Arch, a grand monument built in the early 1900s to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian Independence. It was built just in time for the 75th anniversary of Belgian Independence! The arch is nearly 50 meters high and features intricate carvings and sculptures representing various aspects of Belgian history.
10 | Eat Neuhaus Belgian Chocolate
Much like frites and beer, a visit to Belgium wouldn’t be complete without getting a taste of some delicious chocolate, for which the Belgians are world-famous. And like frites and beer, there are plenty of places to get your fill, but one or two stand out. Neuhaus Chocolates is one of those places. The original shop opened in 1857 and is still in operation today, but more interestingly, it’s the home of the praline. What started with a pharmacist covering medicine in chocolate developed into the praline we know today. You will find Neuhaus Chocolates next on our list of things to do in Brussels.
11 | Wander Through Galeries Royals St Hubert
The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is a little gem right in the heart of Brussels. The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is a stunning covered arcade filled with high-end shops, theatres, cafes and a couple of notable chocolate shops – Neuhaus Chocolates and Mary Chocolatier.
Built during the mid-1800s, the arcade is named after Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, mathematicians, opticians and metalworkers. Walking through the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is like stepping into a world of elegance and luxury, with the stunning glass ceiling and fancy ornate architecture. If you’re looking for a picturesque and elegant shopping destination in Brussels, the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is a must-visit!
12 | Visit Cathédrale des Sts Michel et Gudule
Located in the heart of Brussels, just a short walk from Grand Place, is St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. It’s an impressive Gothic cathedral dating back to the 11th century, dedicated to the patron saints of Brussels, St. Michael and St. Gudula. As you approach the cathedral, you’ll be awestruck by the stunning facade, with its towering spires and intricate details.
The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, with soaring ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows, and ornate altarpieces. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful place to reflect, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is not to be missed.
13 | Explore the Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens are a small but lovely bit of green space with winding cobbled paths, wildlife and, of course, plants. The Botanic Garden of Brussels, also known as the Jardin Botanique de Bruxelles, offers a little peace and nature in the heart of the city. Founded in 1826, the garden spans 6 hectares and is home to thousands of plant species from around the world.
As you enter the garden, you’ll be greeted by a lush green oasis filled with fragrant flowers and trees. The winding paths lead you through different themed sections of the garden, which are French, Italian and English, each with its own unique charm.
In addition to the many plant species, the garden is also home to a fantastic building known as Le Botanique. Le Botanique is a former glasshouse that was used for the botanical garden. Today, it hosts a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including concerts, performances, art exhibitions, and film screenings.
14 | Find the Street Art
If you love street art, Brussels has tons of it to admire. From colourful murals to intricate stencils to eye-catching graffiti, the city is home to some impressive art. You’ll find everything from whimsical characters to thought-provoking political messages, all beautifully executed in various styles and techniques.
One of Brussels’ most famous street art pieces is the iconic mural of Tintin, the beloved Belgian comic book character. You’ll find this colourful tribute on the side of a building in the Rue de l’Etuve, not far from the famous Manneken Pis statue. It’s a must-see for fans of Tintin and comic book lovers in general, or if you appreciate a bit of artwork. But we encourage you to stroll through the city’s backstreets and alleyways because you’ll find loads of random bits all over the place, each worth a snap. There are even a couple of art trails to follow if you’d prefer a guide.
15 | Check Out the Royal Palace of Brussels
Did you know Belgium has a monarch? No? Well, they do! The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium and a magnificent architectural landmark located next to the Parc de Bruxelles, just a short walk from Grand Place. The palace was built in the 19th century in the neoclassical style, and its grandeur and elegance are pretty impressive.
But even if you can’t make it inside, the palace’s exterior is still well worth a visit. In addition to serving as the royal residence, the palace plays an essential role in Belgian politics and diplomacy. It’s where the King receives foreign dignitaries and hosts state dinners and other official events.
Things to do in Brussels Map
Is Brussels worth visiting?
Absolutely! There are plenty of things to do in Brussels to keep you occupied for a few days, and it’s highly accessible, which contributes to a great visit.
What is Brussels famous for?
In addition to housing numerous European Union institutions, such as NATO headquarters, Brussels is known for its medieval Grand Place, Manneken Pis statue, and Atomium.
How many days do I need in Brussels?
This depends on the type of trip you’re planning, but we recommend at least three days to explore all Brussels has to offer. It’s not a massive city in relation to its tourist attractions, but there are a lot of them to visit.
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