21 Amazing Things to Do in Brussels

Are you ready to explore Brussels, one of Europe’s and Belgium’s most unique cities? It is a stunning metropolis with so many amazing activities from sampling Belgian beers and discovering art nouveau buildings to exploring the iconic Atomium, seeing Manneken Pis, and taking a Belgian chocolate tour.

In this comprehensive guide of ‘things to do in Brussels’ you can find all that, plus a dive into the city’s culture through cafe hangouts, Comic Book Route adventures, staying at comic-inspired hotels, visiting Bozar and more – there’s something for everyone. Read on to discover your personal must-see places and experiences!

Short Summary

• Climb The Atomium for a unique view of Brussels.

• Explore Grand Place and its centuries-old cobblestoned squares.

• Taste Belgian beers and explore the Royal Palace, Manneken Pis, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, and more!

Climb The Atomium

It’s an awesome structure designed to look like an iron crystal – pretty cool, right? The Atomium is a popular tourist attraction in Brussels that was built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. This modern, art nouveau building is a must-see for anyone visiting Brussels. Visitors can climb up the nine spheres to reach the top and take in the breathtaking views of the city.

Inside, you’ll find a restaurant, a viewing gallery, and a museum dedicated to the 1958 World’s Fair. The top level of the Atomium is the highest point of the structure, with a restaurant and a viewing gallery that offers stunning views of the landscape. It’s a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of Brussels and the surrounding area.

For those looking to stay longer, there’s a hotel located inside the Atomium, too. When visiting the Atomium, be sure to buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and consider bringing a camera to capture the stunning architecture.

Explore Grand Place

Grand Place is an iconic spot in Brussels, Belgium, and for good reason. It’s UNESCO-listed and boasts a cobblestoned square with stunning Gothic and Baroque-style buildings. Grand Place has been around since the 1200s and the impressive architecture you see today was built in the late 1600s.

When visiting Grand Place, you can’t miss the 15th Century city hall and the six guild halls. To get a more in-depth understanding of the area, head over to the Brussels City Museum for some local history.

Be sure to also check out Grand Place at night, especially during the Winter Wonders light show for a truly magical experience.

Taste Belgian Beers

Beer has been a part of Brussels’ story since way back when, and it’s easy to see why – Belgian beer is world-renowned for its unique taste and quality. Whether you’re a beer lover or just looking for a unique experience in Brussels, there’s plenty to explore.

If you’re looking for a great beer experience in Brussels, you can’t go wrong with A Mort Subite, Moeder Lambic, or Poechenellekelder. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, check out the Delirium bar – it’s got over 2000 beers on its list and is pretty hard to miss with its pink elephant logo!

For the ultimate beer lover’s experience in Brussels, check out one of the city’s top pubs and get a history lesson on beer, or take a tour of one of the breweries to see how it’s made.

If you’re looking for a beer-tasting experience in Brussels, you should check out Cantillon Brewery and Museum, A Mort Subite, Moeder Lambic, and Poechenellekelder. They all offer beer-tasting tours that are sure to be a great time!

Visit The Royal Palace

It’s a pretty sweet spot – a majestic building that stands tall over Brussels Park. The Royal Palace of Brussels is a popular tourist attraction, and it was once the official residence of the Belgian royal family. It’s still used today for official events, making it a must-see if you’re visiting Brussels.

Inside, the most impressive room has a ceiling that’s totally decked out with beetle wings, creating an incredible mosaic. If you’re looking to explore the Royal Palace, you’re in luck! It’s open to the public during the summer months, usually from late July to late August, so you can take in the grandeur of the Palais for free.

See Manneken Pis

It’s a famous statue of a little guy taking a leak, and it’s located right near the Grand-Place – just south of it. This iconic statue in Brussels has been around since 1619 and is currently in its 1965 version. It’s a popular tourist attraction and a fun way to explore the city.

Manneken. Pis is dressed up in costumes at certain times, so you can get some great photos with this little guy. About 5 minutes should do it to check out this fun spot in Brussels.

Tour St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

This 600-year-old Gothic cathedral, named after the patron saints of Brussels, St. Michael and St. Gudula, is like a mini Notre Dame. It is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with Baroque and Gothic chapels.

Inside, visitors can admire beautiful stained glass windows, statues, paintings, and a new Grenzing organ. Past visitors have described it as “amazing” and “stunning”, raving about the gorgeous stained glass windows in particular.

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Brussels.

Have a Waffle at Maison Dandoy

If you’re looking for the yummiest waffles in Brussels, you gotta head to Maison Dandoy. Maison Dandoy whips up their waffles fresh, while other stands just reheat ’em. Oh, the possibilities! You can top your waffle with ice cream, hot chocolate sauce, caramel, and other sweet treats. Yum!

If you’re looking for the Maison Dandoy with an upstairs tearoom, you’ll find it on Rue Charles Buls. It’s definitely worth taking your time to enjoy the waffles in the upstairs tearoom at Maison Dandoy on Rue Charles Buls.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, Maison Dandoy is the perfect spot for a taste of Belgian waffle heaven.

Follow the Comic Book Route

It’s a cool street art route that celebrates the comic characters and authors from around here. Pretty awesome, right? The Comic Book Route is a great way to explore Brussels and its culture with over 50 spots in town displaying the Comic Book Route artworks.

If you’re looking to spot some Tintin references in Brussels, you’ll find them in the city center, including on Rue de l’Etuve. To make sure you don’t miss any of the awesome comic strip murals, you can grab a comic book map of the city to help you explore.

So why not hunt for comic book murals when you’re out and about in Brussels – it’s a fun way to get around and you can check out 10 of the artworks right in the city center.

Visit the Comics Art Museum

The Comics Art Museum is the perfect spot for comic book lovers of all ages to discover the history of Belgian comics and the talent behind them. Located just a short stroll away from the Grand Place, this museum houses permanent and temporary collections, plus a library with more than 60,000 works.

Visitors can explore the exhibitions and check out original artwork while learning about the comics they grew up with and the history of Belgian comics. Recent visitors were full of praise for the museum, feeling nostalgic as they peeked into the world of comics.

Art aficionados and comic book fans alike will love their visit to the Comics Art Museum.

Stay at a Comic-Inspired Hotel

Radisson Red Brussels is the hotel to stay at if you’re looking for a unique, comic-inspired experience. This fun and lively hotel is full of comic-inspired decor, from the lobby to the suites. The atmosphere at the Radisson Red Brussels is one of fun and cheer; it’s sure to make your stay in Brussels memorable.

From the colorful comic strip wallpaper to the framed Belgian comic strips, every aspect of the hotel is designed to give you a comic book-inspired experience. Whether you’re a fan of Belgian comic books or just looking for a unique place to stay, the Radisson Red Brussels is the perfect place to stay during your trip to Brussels.

Visit the Bourse

The Bourse is the Brussels Stock Exchange, right in the center of Brussels on Boulevard Anspach. It’s been around since 1801 when Napoleon gave it the green light. Today, the Bourse is a popular tourist attraction and the perfect place to explore Brussels’ history. Inside its four walls, visitors can find a variety of sculptures and art galleries.

The Bourse is currently hosting some pretty special exhibits, and soon a beer museum will be opening up! So, if you’re looking for a unique experience while visiting Brussels, the Bourse is definitely worth a visit.

From its rich history to its modern-day attractions, the Bourse is sure to provide something for everyone. Plus, with the many Christmas markets and art galleries located in the area, the Bourse is the perfect place to start your exploration of Brussels.

Enjoy Café Culture at Le Cirio

Le Cirio is a grand café with a long history that dates back to 1886. This café is a favorite among locals, who come here to enjoy the unique atmosphere and indulge in the house specialty, the half en half. This delightful combination of still and sparkling wines is served right at your table. Inside, you can admire the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, and the patio out back is a great spot for people watching.

The atmosphere at Le Cirio is a great way to soak up some of the local culture, and it’s the perfect spot for a beer tour or a meal at the on-site restaurant. The café also hosts art galleries, so there’s plenty to explore while you enjoy your drinks.

Learn about World Affairs at the Parlamentarium

The European Union’s Parliamentarium is the perfect place to learn about world affairs in Brussels. Located in the European Quarter, it’s home to a variety of EU offices, ministries, and institutions. This popular tourist attraction is a great way to explore the history of European Union and its current actions.

At the Parliamentarium, visitors can watch mini-docs about how being part of the EU has made a difference to everyday people. They can also learn about the European Parliament and its members, as well as explore European history. The museum also provides a wealth of information about the armed forces and military history. It’s definitely worth visiting!

See the View at Mont des Arts

Mont des Arts is a hill that divides the upper and lower parts of Brussels. From its peak, you can see a stunning view of the city, including the Town Hall spire and the geometric garden. It’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city!

Monts des Arts is full of lush greenery and gorgeous sculptures, plus it has plenty of activities that art lovers will appreciate – you can check out concerts at Bozar, watch movies at Cinematek, and explore the exhibitions at the Royal Museums of the Fine Arts and the Musical Instrument Museum.

Those looking for a unique cultural experience won’t be disappointed at Mont des Arts!

Find Art Nouveau Buildings

Art Nouveau architecture is a unique and visually stunning style found in many places around the world, but Brussels is arguably the epicenter of it. This style of architecture is all about the details and natural light, taking inspiration from nature and the unique. Architect Victor Horta was the one who brought Art Nouveau to Brussels, and he was a major player in the Art Nouveau movement in Brussels.

If you’re looking for the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Brussels, you’ll find them in the Saint-Gilles area. Some of the must-see spots here include the Horta Museum, the Old England Building, and a bunch of private homes and buildings designed by Victor Horta and his pals. You’ll be blown away by the stunning paintings, intricate balconies, and other amazing decorations on display when you take a tour of Victor Horta and his contemporaries’ private homes and buildings.

Plus, you can get some amazing panoramic views of the city from the cafe on the roof of the Old England Building.

Go on a Belgian Beer Crawl

It’s a fun tour of Brussels’ bars and breweries where you can sample some of the best Belgian beer around. If you’re looking to get the full Belgian Beer Crawl experience, you should definitely check out Delirium Cafe, Cantillon Brewery, and Moeder Lambic. These spots offer a wide range of Belgian beer styles for beer lovers to try.

Belgium has been brewing beer since way back in the Middle Ages, and some of the classic Belgian beer styles were created in abbeys. At Cantillon Brewery, you can check out how they make their lambic beer the old-school way. It’s all about wild yeast and bacteria, then aging it in oak barrels for up to three years.

So if you’re a beer lover looking to explore Brussels, the Belgian Beer Crawl is a great way to experience the city and its beer.

Stroll Through Cinquantenaire Park

Cinquantenaire Park is a historic park located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. It’s home to stunning architecture, like the Triumphal Arch, and a number of museums, such as the Art and History Museums and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History.

Visitors to Cinquantenaire Park can spend their time picnicking, cycling, and attending various events, making it a great spot to explore. There are also some unique attractions worth checking out, such as the car tunnel underneath the park and the airplane hangar at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, where visitors can find 130 aircraft.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your visit, it’s worth carving out a few hours to explore the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History.

Visit Bozar

Bozar is a remarkable cultural center located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. Offering a variety of activities, it’s the perfect place to explore the city’s art and culture. The building itself is an example of Art Nouveau architecture, so its beauty alone is worth seeing. Inside, you can catch art exhibitions, live music performances, and movies at the cinema. Plus, if you have a Brussels Card, entry is completely free!

In addition to the art and music, Bozar also has a Musical Instrument Museum, a Magritte Museum, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center, making it a popular tourist attraction for those interested in exploring the culture of Brussels. Whether you’re into art, music, or comics, Bozar has something for everyone and is definitely worth visiting. So if you’re looking for something fun to do in the Belgian capital, Bozar should definitely be at the top of your list.

Take a Chocolate Tour of Brussels

The Chocolate Tour of Brussels is the perfect way to experience the city’s rich history with chocolate. From family-run chocolate makers to well-known brands, Brussels has been crafting delicious chocolate since the 1700s. It’s no wonder the city is now a mecca for chocoholics, with Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas all offering up some of the tastiest treats around.

If you’re keen to sample some of the best chocolate in Brussels, you can book a tour through one of the many companies offering them, such as Brussels Chocolate Tours or Chocolate Walking Tours of Brussels. Just make sure to book ahead of time to guarantee your spot!

Check out the Fashion & Lace Museum

The Fashion and Lace Museum in Brussels is a must-see for art aficionados and fashionistas alike. It houses a huge collection of historical costumes and fashion, including lace and outfits from centuries past. The exhibitions also switch up regularly, so there’s always something new to check out. Visitors can explore the museum and admire the intricate craftsmanship of the pieces on display.

Furthermore, the Fashion and Lace Museum also archives and looks after all kinds of fashionable dress and accessories, including those for men, women, and children. You can expect to find a ton of cool historical costumes and fashion waiting to be discovered. The museum also puts on rotating exhibitions that always keep things fresh and interesting.

The exhibitions are presented in an interesting and informative way, making it a great spot for history buffs and fashion lovers alike. So don’t miss out on this awesome spot in Brussels – check out the Costume Museum!

Admire Le Botanique

Le Botanique is a cultural hub in Brussels, with an old-school greenhouse from the 19th century. This is the perfect place to catch a variety of performing arts shows. Surrounded by tranquil gardens, Le Botanique is an ideal spot for tourists to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also included in the Brussels Card.

The architecture of Le Botanique is worth admiring. Art nouveau buildings, including the Hotel de Ville, are a visual treat, and the Magritte Museum is another popular spot. Visiting this area is a great way to explore Brussels and its stunning architecture. You can wander the streets and admire the art nouveau buildings here, as well as Notre Dame du Sablon, the Royal Palace, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and Brussels Park. The Old Masters Museum and Mont des Arts are also worth visiting.

With its art galleries, Grand Place, and art nouveau architecture, Le Botanique is a must-visit on any walking tour of Brussels. It’s a popular tourist attraction that’s definitely worth visiting!

Shop at the Jeu de Balle Flea Market

The Jeu de Balle Flea Market is a daily flea market that takes place in the Marolles district of Brussels, Belgium. It’s the spot to go if you’re looking for some unique finds! You can find all kinds of awesome vintage and one-of-a-kind items, like artwork, crockery, wood carvings, armchairs, and art deco coffee tables.

If you’re feeling peckish, you can grab a bite or a drink at the market. Atelier en Ville (closed for now due to the pandemic) has coffee and bagels, and Le Marseillais has pastis.

Whether you’re looking for a unique item to add to your home or just want to browse and experience the atmosphere, the Jeu de Balle Flea Market is the place to be.

Have Fun at Chasseurs Ardennais Market

Chasseurs Ardennais Market is a weekly farmers market that pops up every Friday at Place des Chasseurs Ardennais in Schaerbeek, Brussels. It’s the perfect spot to have some fun and get your weekend started! The atmosphere at the market is incredibly upbeat and inviting, with food trucks, mobile wine bars, and terraces nearby.

Plus, there are plenty of goodies to pick up – from succulent roasted chicken to fresh flowers, fruits and veggies, and delicious cheeses! So if you’re looking for something to do on a Friday night, why not head over to the Chasseurs Ardennais Market and grab some fresh local produce?

You won’t regret it!

Summary

It’s no secret that Brussels is one of the most vibrant, diverse and happening places in Europe, if not the world. From centuries-old cobblestoned squares to the iconic Atomium structure, there are breathtaking sights around every corner just waiting to be explored. Whether it’s taking a tour of art galleries, admiring stunning Art Nouveau buildings or tasting some delectable Belgian beers, Brussels has something for everyone.

Forget about everything you know about markets—from the buzzing flea markets like Jeu de Balle to the foodie-approved Chasseur Ardennais Market, you’re sure to have a blast checking out all the unique finds. And if beer isn’t your thing, try taking a chocolate tour of the city’s renowned chocolatiers for a sweet experience. And don’t forget about The Royal Palace of Brussels and St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, which have been around for hundreds of years and offer absolutely majestic experiences.

There’s never a dull moment in Brussels. Whether it’s time-travelling on the Comic Book Route or soaking in the art and culture at Bozar, there’s plenty to keep you learning and entertained. So grab your camera and Brussels Card and prepare to explore the nuances of this amazing city!

Frequently Asked Questions