17 Amazing Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium

Tucked between its more popular neighbours of Germany, France and the Netherlands, Belgium often gets forgotten. But, the best things to do in Brussels are actually super interesting.

You can do waaaay more here than just eating chocolate and waffles (although that should certainly be on your list)! The country is full of hidden treasures in every shop window, beautiful buildings and fascinating history and architecture packed into every cobbled street. 

Absolutely perfect for a long weekend, most of the more popular sights can be seen in just 3 days. However, stay for a week to visit some of the more obscure parts of the city and the country. It also doesn’t matter what time of year you visit as the Christmas Markets will delight, just as much as the floral warmth of summer.

But, if I learned one thing from visiting Brussels, it’s definitely don’t visit while you’re on a diet because I guarantee you’ll soon be stuffing your face with all the waffles, chocolate, fries, and beer you can find!

The 17 Absolute Best Things to Do in Brussels Belgium

So, if you’re wondering what to do in Brussels, here are the 17 absolute best things to do!

1. Explore the Grand Place

Cost: Free

Brussels’ centrepiece is this magnificent square. Getting to it is almost just as wonderful as exploring it itself as you have to navigate the cutest little streets and alleyways. Built over 300 years ago, the Grand Place is the main town square in Brussels and home to its gorgeous city hall.

Whether you visit at night time or during the day, the striking art nouveau architecture will leave you speechless and the Grand Place is definitely one of the best things to see in Brussels.

There is often a market in front of the townhouse and the Brussels City Museum and the Town Hall are also in the same square. 

✅ To save money on attractions in Brussels, I recommend the Brussels Card

2. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Michael 

Cost: The Cathedral itself is free but the Crypt, Treasury, and Archaeological site are €3, €2, and €1 per person respectively.

Located in central Brussels, the Cathedral of Saint Michael is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country. One of the most important landmarks in Brussels, it was built in the 13th century and is dedicated to St. Michael and St. Gudula, the patron saints of the city.

3. Admire the Manneken Pis 

Cost: Free

This cheeky little boy is often seen in photographs of Brussels and you’ll certainly see him all over the souvenirs and trinkets you can buy from the city. The city’s most famous statue, there are many legends surrounding the little guy.

The most famous story is that Brussels’ enemies had hidden gunpowder in the city and a boy called Julien saw the lit fuse and put it out by peeing on it! They were so thankful; that they made a statue of him and he still stands proud in the city today.  

Whatever the story, the boy is famous and definitely one of the best things to see in Brussels. You can find him by taking the right-hand lane past the city hall.

Depending on what time of year you travel to Brussels, you might actually see him dressed up! The locals put him in different outfits throughout the year, and he has more than 800 costumes! 

4. Explore the Atomium 

Cost: €16 per adult. You can also buy a combination ticket for the Atomium and Mini Europe for €31.30

This is definitely one of the more touristy spots in Brussels, but where else in the world are you going to see a giant atom? The 100-meter-high model stands in Heysel Park and was made in 1958 for the Brussels World Expo.

Each of the spheres contains something different from a science centre to a space centre. It’s a pretty surreal experience walking through the tubes of the model.

For a totally unique thing to do in Brussels, dine at the Atomium restaurant for some delicious food and panoramic views over the city. 

✅ This is one of the most unique attractions in Brussels

5. Visit the Parc Du Cinquantenaire 

Cost: Free

Featuring Brussels’ Arc de Triomphe, the Parc Du Cinquantenaire is a truly beautiful spot in the city. Slightly outside the cobbled streets of the centre, the park houses Brussels’ magnificent triumphal arch and is a great place to visit in Brussels.

Whether you just want to have a picnic, eat from one of the waffle stands, or explore the incredible artefacts housed in the museum here.

It’s a pretty stunning sight regardless of the time of day. The Parc Du Cinquantenaire should definitely be on your list of the best places to visit in Brussels.  

6. Visit Mini Europe 

Cost: €19 per adult. You can also buy a combination ticket for the Atomium and Mini Europe for €31.30

If you’ve ever wanted to see minuscule versions of every single one of Europe’s major landmarks then you’ll love Mini Europe. It’s basically a miniature village but on a continental scale!

Located at the foot of the Atomium, you’ll find a mini Eiffel Tower, mini Big Ben and a mini version of Rome’s famous Colosseum, perfect if you’ve dreamed of visiting Paris, London, or Rome!

There’s a total of 350 models and some are animated! This is one of the best things to do in Brussels if you’re visiting as a family.  

✅ This is one place you need to visit in Brussels!

7. Gorge on Belgian Waffles!

Cost: Depends on how many waffles you eat!

If you plan on visiting Brussels, arrive with an empty stomach because you will definitely be leaving with it stuffed full of waffles! An absolute must-do whilst in the city of Brussels, one will never be enough and the range of different flavours will make your mouth water.

From chocolate hazelnut, banana, caramel, golden syrup, or just cinnamon sugar, it’s extremely tempting to buy all of them! Waffles are sold all over the city; in coffee houses, independent cafés and street vendors too.

So whichever flavour you don’t try the first time, you’ll have plenty of options to go back for seconds as you explore Belgium’s capital!

✅ I recommend this waffle-making workshop

8. Take a Day Trip to Bruges

Cost: Trains are around £17 return.

One of the best day trips from Brussels is to take the train to Bruges. This picturesque city is about 40 minutes from the capital and super easy to get to. Once you arrive, you’ll literally feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

One step up from Brussels in terms of winding cobblestoned alleyways, ancient, beautiful buildings and pretty canals, Bruges will definitely capture your heart. Climb the Bruges Belfry, visit San Salvator Cathedral and cruise the canals for the perfect day trip from Brussels. 

✅ Book a train ticket from Brussels to Bruges

9. Stuff Yourself with Belgian Chocolate!

Cost: Depends on how much chocolate you buy!

You almost can’t go to Belgium and not eat loads of chocolate! This is why I definitely don’t recommend visiting if you’re trying to watch what you eat!

One of the most famous and delicious chocolatiers in the world, the Belgians really know their stuff when it comes to chocolate. Well, if the hundreds of almost antique chocolate shops scattered along Brussels’ narrow alleyways are anything to go by, anyway!

The home of Godiva is in Brussels, and I certainly recommend paying that a visit and also Passion Chocolat, is one of the prettiest chocolate shops in the world. 

If you’re a real sweet tooth, you can even try one of the many chocolate tours, or visit a chocolate museum that, of course, also includes a tasting!

✅ The Choco-Story is one of the most amazing experiences in Brussels

10. Visit the Old England Building (and Musical Instruments Museum)

Cost: €15 per adult.

This old, 19^th centre department store attracts visitors from all over. Not just because of its beautiful exterior but because of its fascinating interior too! It’s now a museum that holds over 7000 musical instruments!

You can literally watch the history of music evolve over the ages. You will also have the chance to listen to many of the older instruments played. The museum also has a delightful rooftop café for when you’re done exploring, which will give you great panoramic views over Brussels.

✅ Book tickets to the Musical Instruments Museum

11. Admire the Brussels Notre Dame Cathedral

Cost: Free 

Also known as the ‘Church of our Lady’ this impressive gothic structure was built in the 15^th century. Full of beautiful stained-glass windows, thick stone columns and elaborate paintings, this is one of the best things to do in Brussels.

The name stems from the legend as it used to contain a statue of Our Lady of ‘t Stocxken, which supposedly had healing powers. This statue was then stolen by a band of thieves in a rowing boat; however, a life-size model can be seen in the church today. 

12. Wander Around the Palais de Justice

Cost: Free

The most important law court in the city, the Palais de Justice is one of the most stunning places you will see in Brussels. It’s actually the largest courthouse in all of Europe and I’m willing to bet that it’s also the grandest.

13. Explore the Royal Palace of Brussels

Cost: Free

The Royal Palace is Brussels’ equivalent of Buckingham Palace. The Royal Family’s official residence, the palace is open for tourists in the summer months except on Mondays when it’s closed to the public.

14. Wander Down Rue Des Bouchers

Cost: Free

For foodie fans, Rue Des Bouchers will be right up your street! The busiest food street in the city, you’ll find rows of great eateries. There are restaurants, cafes, ice cream and waffle shops and pubs selling more or less every type of food imaginable.

Whilst some of the prices won’t be as cheap as restaurants outside the very centre of the city, you cannot deny the quality of food here. Some restaurants literally had queues of people lined up outside their doors, waiting for a table!

Once you do get a seat, check the menu for Moules-Frites (Belgian mussels), Belgian Frites (traditional fries), or my personal favourite Flemish stew, a rich stew made from beef simmering in Belgian beer.

Utterly delicious the melt-in-the-mouth meal is the perfect end to a day’s exploring. 

15. Take a Day Trip to Ghent

Cost: Trains cost around £12 for a return

Closer to Brussels than Bruges, Ghent is a 30-minute journey by train. A beautiful city, Ghent is another perfect day trip from the capital. Especially if you’re a fan of elaborate castles, stunning city views and impressive architecture.

Be sure to visit the Gravensteen Castle, climb to the top of the Ghent Belfry and see the wonderful Saint Bavos Cathedral. A day in Ghent wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Korenmarkt to try some scrumptious street food and more of Belgium’s delicious waffles!

✅ Book a train ticket from Brussels to Ghent

16. Go on a Beer Tour!

Cost: Between £15 and £40 per person.

Another thing that Belgium is famous for is its beer and going on a beer tour is definitely one of the best things to do in Brussels. If you’re a beer fan, you’ll be in heaven here, and I recommend simply strolling through some of the best pubs in the city

You can also learn all about the history of the drink, sample many different beers, and discover how it’s made in one of the city’s many breweries. Don’t forget to try a few Belgian specialities like the Duvel or the Belgian Blonde.

✅ I guarantee you’ll love this Belgian Beer Tour in Brussels

17. Explore the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries

Cost: Free

A little like the Galleria de Vittoria Emanuel in Milan, the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries is a shopping centre that you won’t want to miss. The impressive architecture is well worth a visit. Even if you don’t buy anything, wandering through the marble strip of shops can be fascinating in itself.

Bonus – Visit the Christmas Markets 

Now, this obviously depends on what time of year you choose to visit Brussels. But I think that Brussels has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

You can easily spend hours wandering the stalls, trying all the delicious food and purchasing knick-knacks, homemade goods, arts and crafts, jars of sauce or other foodstuffs and even furniture if there’s room in your case!

You could even swap a meal at a sit-down restaurant for a variety of findings in the markets. We did this and had sausage with bacon mash and mustard, a cone of Belgian Frites, a hot dog covered in onions and, of course, a waffle for dessert!

Then, wash it all down with a warm glass of mulled wine. Delicious! 

Where to stay in Brussels

The best places to stay in Brussels are either the City Centre, Saint Gery or the Sablon or Les Marolles neighbourhood. The City Centre is the obvious choice for a lot of tourists because of its convenient proximity to public transport and Brussels’ attractions.

It will, however, be considerably more expensive to stay in the centre of the capital.  Here are a few of my top picks for where to stay in Brussels.

• £££ – Hotel le Dixseptieme – located in Sablon, this hotel is luxurious, modern, and historic, all at the same time. It features a beautiful public lounge with a roaring fireplace in the winter months and is less than a 5-minute walk to the Grand Palace.
• ££ – Boutique Hotel Saint Gery – also just a short walk from the Grand Palace, here, you’ll find a boutique hotel with a delicious downstairs tapas bar and stylish rooms with exposed brick.
• £ – B&B Hotel Brussels City – a fantastic, affordable hotel, with simple, clean rooms and a great breakfast. Just a short walk from Sablon.

✅ Discover more of the best places to stay in Brussels

Getting around Brussels

Another great thing about Brussels is that, like a lot of great European cities, it’s super easy to get around. The train systems are excellent. The overground will get you between cities like Ghent and Bruges and the Metro is great for navigating the capital.

I use Omio for booking trains between cities and it’s super easy and affordable.

Brussels’ train ticket system is a little bit like London’s in that the easiest way to get about is to purchase something called a MOBIB card. This card can be loaded (like an Oyster Card), with journey credit and then topped up as and when you need more.

The actual card costs €5 to buy for the first time. But is then valid for years, so you can use it again if you decide to return to the city. A single ticket will cost €2.10, a return €4.20 and you can also buy 24, 48 and 72-hour tickets for €7,50, €14,00, and €18,00 respectively.

This will also get you in and out of the airport which can be seriously useful as there is a direct train from the airport to the city centre. As well as trains, the city also has a reliable bus and tram network which will also work with the MOBIB card.

✅ Grab a Brussels transport card for the easiest way to get around

Is two days in Brussels Enough?

Two days was the amount of time we spent on our first trip to Brussels. The city was our layover before we jetted off to Thailand and it was a great taste of Belgium.

Two days in Brussels allowed us to explore almost all of the major tourist attractions (such as the Grand Place, Atomium, and Menneken Pis) and spend a lot of time at the Christmas markets (we visited this city in December).

With slightly longer than a couple of days, you can also take a trip to the beautiful cities of Bruges and Ghent as well as go on some type of food tour or workshop. I utterly loved the Chocolate Workshop and Beer Tours and highly recommend them if you have longer than two days in the city.

What is Brussels Known For?

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and a significant hub in the European Union is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse cultural offerings.

The city is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Place, a breathtaking square surrounded by opulent guild halls and the towering Town Hall. Brussels is also celebrated as a culinary haven, boasting exquisite chocolates, delectable waffles, and a vast array of craft beers.

Beyond its historic charm, Brussels serves as a key centre for international politics, housing the headquarters of the European Parliament, Union, and NATO.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium

Overall, I think Brussels is a fantastic European city break. It’s full of cultural marvels with beautiful buildings, fantastic architecture, and delicious food.

Honestly, if you love food, you’ll adore Brussels. Plus, with its easy connections to other European cities and its historic charm, it’s a city you’ll fall in love with and want to come back to again and again,