Best Things to do in Brussels Belgium

Looking for an adventure in Europe? Look no further than Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. It’s one of the cities often overlooked in Europe but it’s an amazing place to visit, and there are so many things to do in Brussels.

Known for its beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and rich history, Brussels has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a foodie looking to indulge in some Belgian chocolate and beer, an art lover seeking out the city’s comic strip murals, or a history buff interested in the European Parliament and other landmarks, there’s plenty to see and do. 

Brussels was home to some of the biggest names in Art Nouveau – the likes of Henry Van de Velde and Victor Horta – and their legacy is everywhere you look. Keep an eye out for the trademark curves and flourishes in wood, metal and stained glass, with ornate mosaics above every other doorway. Without further ado, let’s get right into some what to see Brussels.

Things to Do in Brussels – FAQ

What are the best things to do in Brussels?

When in Brussels, make sure to visit iconic landmarks like the Grand Place, Atomium, and Cinquantenaire. Explore the city centre on a walking tour and indulge in delicious belgian waffles and beers. Don’t miss out on attractions like Manneken Pis and the European Parliament.

When is the best time to visit Brussels?

The best time to visit Brussels is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are in full swing. The city comes alive with festivals and events during this time.

What are some museum options in Brussels?

Brussels offers a wide range of museums to explore, including the Horta Museum, Belgian Comic Strip Center, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. Get a glimpse of history at the Belgian Military Museum and the Musical Instruments Museum.

How can I spend one day in Brussels?

If you have just one day in Brussels, start your day at the Grand Place, visit the Atomium, explore the Parc du Cinquantenaire, and end the day with a stroll through the arte Nouveau buildings of the city.

Where can I find the best Belgian chocolate in Brussels?

Indulge in the delicious Belgian chocolate at specialty chocolate shops like Neuhaus, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini while exploring

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Things to see in Brussels

If you’re visiting Brussels, Belgium’s capital, for just one day, there are plenty of things to do in this vibrant city. Start your day with a free walking tour of the city centre to get a feel for the historic buildings in Brussels. Don’t miss a visit to Manneken Pis, one of Brussels’ most famous attractions, located in the central square. Explore the Galeries and Shopping Arcade for some unique boutique finds.

For history buffs, a trip to the Military Museum or the History Museum is a must. In the Parc du Cinquantenaire, you’ll find the impressive Autoworld museum and the Palais du Cinquantenaire. Consider taking a guided tour of the Horta Museum or the Sablon area for a deeper dive into Brussels attractions.

During the summer months, why not take a day trip to Bruges and Ghent, both near Brussels, for a taste of Belgium’s charm? Alternatively, spend your day at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, relaxing in the park or exploring the fine arts exhibits. Public transport in Central Brussels is convenient, so getting around won’t be a problem. At night, head to the Notre Dame area for some delicious Trappist beer at one of Brussels’ cozy bars.

Visit Atomium

One of the must see in Brussels is the most famous landmark in Brussels is Atomium. It’s a unique structure that is sure to catch your eye, making it a must-do thing when you’re in Brussels. Atomium is a 102-metre-tall iron atom, with nine interconnected spheres. You can actually go inside, where you can explore a range of exhibitions that focus on science, technology and design. But one of the best parts is the view from the top sphere. It’s breathtaking. 

Admire the Grand Place

The Grand Place is the beating heart of Brussels, and it’s one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It would be impossible to visit Brussels without heading to the Grand Place, it’s one of the reasons Brussels is worth visiting. This is without a doubet one of the top things to do in Brussels.

The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s made up of stunning buildings, including the Town Hall and the King’s House, which are both incredible examples of architecture. In the modern day, the Grand Place is also home to numerous cafes and restaurants, so it’s the perfect place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. Like loads of Europe’s landmarks like the Colosseum or Eiffel Tower, the Grand Place is particularly beautiful at night when the buildings are illuminated.

Enjoy some Belgian Chocolate

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, and there’s no better place to indulge than in Brussels. There are countless chocolatiers throughout the city, quite literally around every corner, and each has its own unique recipes and flavours. There are so many options to choose from, and when it comes to chocolate, there’s something for everyone in Brussels.

Visit the Brussels City Museum

La Maison du Roi (The King’s House) is the home of the Museum and it is a neo-Gothic building that dates back to the 19th century.

Since the 19th century, the varied collections have been enriched by significant donations, archaeological excavations and the systematic collection of objects and works of art illustrating the social, economic, intellectual, artistic and urban development of the city. 

Frites and waffles in Brussels

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper food trip to Brussels if you didn’t get the chance to have some frites. Some say that Belgian frites are authentic, original french fries. Others say that Belgian fries are cut much thicker than French fries and that they hold a myriad of sauces much better.

One historic explanation is that during WWI when the Americans began to arrive to liberate Belgium they had fries but since the language of the time was French the fries became “French fries”. But what does it matter really a great frite or a great French fry the Belgians have elevated the humble potato stick to new heights.

Everybody loves a waffle but in Belgium once again they have raised the bar. Belgian waffles have a much deep pocket all the better to hold those yummy accompaniments. From a chocolate sauce to fresh fruit Belgian waffles reign supreme and can be purchased virtually everywhere as street food all over Brussels.

See Mannekin Pis

Looking for famous landmarks and what to do in Brussels? The Mannekin Pis is a small bronze statue of a little boy peeing, and it’s another one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels. Brussels is definitely underrated compared to other European cities, there are so many landmarks in the city. Mannekin Pis has been a symbol of the city for centuries, and there are many legends and stories about its origin. It’s also usually dressed in a variety of costumes throughout the year, adding to the uniqueness. No matter your thoughts, there’s no denying the statue is a great spot for a photo op!

See Jeanneke Pis & Zinneke Pis

In addition to the Mannekin Pis, one of the things to see Brussels is two other quirky peeing statues, bringing it to three throughout Brussels. The Jeanneke Pis is a small statue of a girl peeing, located on a side street near the Grand Place. And the Zinneke Pis is a statue of a dog peeing, located in the St. Catherine neighbourhood. While these statues aren’t as famous as the Mannekin Pis, they’re still worth seeking out if you’re looking for a unique and offbeat sightseeing experience.

Visit the Cathedral of St. Michael and Gudula

The Cathedral of St. Michael and Gudula is one of the most impressive churches in the city, making it one of the best things to do in Brussels. The church is a beautiful building inside and out, and it’s been a place of worship for over a thousand years. The cathedral is home to many works of art, including stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings. It’s also a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city as the inside is so quiet. 

Enjoy some Belgian beer

As well as chocolate, Belgium is famous for its beer too. It makes sense as German beer is excellent and Belgium is one of the countries that border Germany. Being the capital, Brussels is the perfect place to try some of the best brews in the country. There are countless bars and cafes throughout the city that serve a wide variety of beers, and enjoying a pint of Belgian beer in Brussels is an absolute must-do.

See the Cinquaintenaire Arch

The Cinquaintenaire Arch is one of the most impressive monuments in the Belgian capital, and seeing it is another of the best things to do in Brussels. It’s a triumphal arch that was built in the 19th century to commemorate Belgium’s independence. It’s located in Cinquaintenaire Park, hence the name, which is a beautiful green space that’s perfect for a picnic or a walk. The arch is definitely worth seeing, and it’s a great spot for taking photos too. It’s as good as the Arc de Triomphe, but nowhere near as popular.

Margritte Museum

The Musée Magritte Museum, located in the heart of Brussels, brings together the world’s largest collection of the renowned surrealist artist René Magritte: 230 works and archives are displayed.

Visit Brussels Palace

Yet another Brussels landmark is the Brussels Palace, as said earlier, there are so so many things to see in Brussels. The palace is the official residence of the Belgian royal family and is surrounded by a large park, which is open to the public. You can stroll through the park, take a picnic (there are lots of great spots in Brussels!), or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Like the Cinquaintenaire Arch, it also provides a good location for taking some pictures. 

Musical Instruments Museum

In a beautifully restored complex in Brussels, of which one part is Art Nouveau and the other, neoclassical in design, 1200 most interesting instruments are assembled in 4 galleries, enhanced by images, sound and text panels. The Museum of Musical Instruments (MMI) is one of the most beautiful examples of the Art Nouveau architecture that Brussels is famous for.

Visit Brussels Zoo

One of the best things to do in Brussels for families or couples – or animal lovers – is to head to Brussels Zoo. It’s one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Europe, with a wide variety of animals from across the globe. The zoo is a great place to spend a day and there are plenty of interactive exhibits that are sure to keep kids entertained. It’s an incredibly modern zoo, and there are also several restaurants and cafes on-site, so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re there too.

Explore Mini Europe

Right beside Atomium is Mini Europe which is a unique park that features miniature replicas of some of the most famous landmarks in Europe. Mini Europe is another must-do thing in Brussels, and as it’s so close to Atomium, you can buy tickets that include access to both attractions. The attraction offers exactly what the name suggests, and some of the landmarks that you can see at Mini Europe include the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

See Brussels from Mont des Arts

One of the best views over Brussels aside from the view from Atomium, which is a little outside the centre of the city, is from Mont des Arts. Translated literally as Mountain of Art, you know exactly what to expect. The shrubbery and greenery are beautiful, particularly in the summer and the view from the top with the Brussels skyline in the background is beautiful. Once again, it’s also a great spot for taking photos, especially at sunset. So be sure you don’t forget to bring your camera!

Visit the European Parliament

No matter how many days in Brussels you have, you need to make a trip to the EU Parliament. The European Parliament is the legislative branch of the European Union, and one of the 3 is located in Brussels (the other two are in Strasbourg and Luxembourg). You are able to take a tour of the Parliament, which includes a visit to the Hemicycle, where Members of Parliament debate and vote on legislation as seen on TV. It’s quite surreal to sit in the room where so many crucial decisions have been made over the previous decades.

The Belgian Comic Strip Centre 

For over 30 years this Museum has been home to the comic arts. The regularly updated permanent exhibitions and a diversified programme of temporary exhibitions enable visitors to discover the countless aspects of comics art. Enhanced by an exceptional Art Nouveau home designed by Victor Horta, the Comics Art Museum is just as much a tribute to the pioneers as a glimpse of contemporary comics art.

Walk the comic strip route

Brussels is known for its comic strip art and one of the best ways to see it is by taking the comic strip route. Throughout the city, there are a number of official comic strip murals and the route takes you past over 50 murals featuring popular characters such as Tintin, Lucky Luke, and the Smurfs, who were created in Brussels. It’s a great way to see the city and learn about its comic strip culture. Brussels locals resonate with the characters as they don’t take themself too seriously and enjoy a bit of humour!

Learn a bit of history at Parlamentarium

Next to the European Parliament is the Parlamentarium, which is an interactive museum that tells the story of the European Parliament and its role in shaping the future of Europe. It also teaches the history of Europe itself, which is fascinating. Visitors can learn about how the EU works, and what its goals are too. The museum is really modern with loads of interactive exhibits, films, and audiovisual displays that make learning about politics and history fun and engaging. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in history/politics or just want to learn something new.

Things to do in Brussels: Conclusion

Brussels is a city with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. One of my top places to visit in Brussels is the Brussels Town Hall, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. You can also spend a couple of hours at the Old Masters Museum to learn about the history of Belgian art. Another must-see is Place du Brussels Central, a square that was the site of the 1958 World Fair. Free guided tours are available, making it a great way to learn about Brussels and its history. Make sure to visit in May and September for the best weather.

There are plenty of activities in Brussels to keep you entertained, from exploring the affordable places to see to eating and drinking your way around Brussels. September and October are particularly lovely times to visit, as the weather is usually clear and cool. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, there are plenty of attractions in Brussels to keep you busy.

Hopefully, this guide has inspired you to visit this beautiful city and experience all that Brussels has to offer. From the iconic Atomium to the mouth-watering Belgian chocolate, from the majestic Grand Place to the fascinating European Parliament, there’s so much to see and do in Brussels.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip now and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

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