The Best Things to Do in Brussels

Brussels might not top everyone’s European bucket list, but this vibrant Belgian capital deserves far more attention than it gets. Beyond its reputation as the administrative heart of the EU lies a city brimming with architectural marvels, world-class museums, and culinary delights that will satisfy even the most discerning travelers.

As someone who’s explored Brussels extensively across multiple seasons, I’ve discovered that this city rewards those willing to look beyond the obvious. From the magnificent Grand Place to hidden chocolate shops and quirky comic book murals, Brussels offers a perfect blend of iconic landmarks and offbeat experiences.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from must-see attractions to local favorites, practical tips, and seasonal considerations to help you plan the perfect Brussels adventure. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, you’ll discover why Brussels deserves a prominent spot on your travel itinerary.

Before diving into specific attractions, let’s talk about the Brussels Card – a valuable tool for maximizing your visit. This city pass grants access to over 49 museums and attractions, making it an excellent investment if you plan to explore Brussels thoroughly.

Throughout this guide, I’ll highlight which attractions are included with the Brussels Card, helping you determine if it’s worth purchasing for your specific itinerary.

Brussels’ magnificent central square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. Surrounded by ornate guild houses, the Gothic Town Hall, and the King’s House (now the Brussels City Museum), Grand Place showcases the city’s rich architectural heritage.

The square is particularly magical in the evening when the buildings are illuminated, creating a golden glow against the night sky. If you’re visiting in August, you might catch the biennial Flower Carpet event, when the entire square is transformed with a stunning design made from begonias.

Housed in the King’s House (Maison du Roi) on Grand Place, the Brussels City Museum chronicles the city’s fascinating history through paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and models. One of the museum’s highlights is the original Manneken Pis statue, safely preserved indoors after the outdoor version was repeatedly stolen and vandalized.

The museum provides excellent context for understanding Brussels’ evolution from medieval town to modern capital. Don’t miss the detailed scale model showing how the city looked in the Middle Ages.

No visit to Brussels is complete without seeing the city’s most famous (if somewhat underwhelming) symbol – Manneken Pis. This small bronze statue of a urinating boy dates back to 1619, though the current outdoor version is a replica.

What many visitors don’t realize is that Manneken Pis has two companions scattered around the city:

For a deeper dive into this quirky cultural icon, visit GardeRobe MannekenPis, a museum displaying over 1,000 costumes created for the statue. The little fellow gets dressed up several times a week for special occasions!

Step into one of Europe’s oldest and most elegant shopping arcades. Built in 1847, the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert feature a stunning glass roof, marble details, and a collection of luxury boutiques, chocolate shops, cafés, and theaters.

The galleries consist of three sections: Galerie du Roi (King’s Gallery), Galerie de la Reine (Queen’s Gallery), and the smaller Galerie des Princes (Princes’ Gallery). Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, the architectural beauty alone makes this a worthwhile stop.

Don’t miss Tropismes, a charming bookshop in the Galerie des Princes with mirrored walls and ornate ceilings that make it one of Brussels’ most photogenic spots.

Brussels boasts an impressive array of museums catering to every interest. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Belgium has given the world iconic comic characters like Tintin, the Smurfs, and Asterix. Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, the Comic Strip Center celebrates this rich heritage with original drawings, themed exhibitions, and interactive displays.

The museum’s architecture is a highlight in itself, featuring a beautiful glass dome and Art Nouveau details. Even if you’re not a comic enthusiast, the building and cultural significance make this a worthwhile visit.

Part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts complex, the Magritte Museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by René Magritte, Belgium’s famous surrealist painter. The museum presents a chronological journey through Magritte’s artistic development, featuring over 200 works including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs.

Even if you’re only familiar with Magritte’s famous pipe painting (“This is not a pipe”), you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for his thought-provoking art that challenges perception and reality.

Housed in another magnificent Art Nouveau building (the former Old England department store), the Musical Instruments Museum displays over 1,200 historical and modern instruments from around the world.

What makes this museum special is the audio guide that allows you to hear each instrument being played as you view it. The rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of Brussels, making it a perfect spot for lunch or coffee after exploring the exhibits.

Car enthusiasts will appreciate this impressive collection of over 250 vintage automobiles housed in the beautiful Cinquantenaire Park. From early 20th-century models to classic sports cars, the museum traces the evolution of automotive design and technology.

The collection includes vehicles used by the Belgian royal family and rare models from both European and American manufacturers. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions focusing on particular brands or eras.

Brussels is a paradise for food lovers, with several iconic Belgian specialties you simply must try:

Belgian chocolate is world-renowned for its quality and craftsmanship. While touristy chocolate shops abound, seek out authentic chocolatiers for the best experience. Consider these renowned establishments:

With over 800 varieties of beer, Belgium takes brewing seriously. Brussels offers numerous places to sample this liquid heritage:

There are two distinct types of Belgian waffles to try:

For authentic waffles, avoid places advertising “BEST PRICE” or displaying waffles piled high with excessive toppings. Instead, look for small vendors where locals queue up.

Belgian fries are twice-fried to perfection and traditionally served in a paper cone with a dollop of mayonnaise. For the best experience, visit a dedicated “friterie” or “fritkot” such as:

This Belgian national dish consists of mussels steamed in white wine or beer, served with a side of frites. The best places to try authentic moules-frites include:

Beyond the main tourist areas, Brussels’ diverse neighborhoods offer unique experiences:

This elegant district is known for its antique shops, art galleries, and chocolate boutiques. Visit the Gothic Church of Our Lady of Sablon, stroll through the picturesque Petit Sablon garden, and browse the weekend antique market at Grand Sablon square.

Sablon is also home to some of Brussels’ finest chocolate shops, making it perfect for a self-guided chocolate tour.

Once a working-class neighborhood, Marolles has transformed into a trendy area with vintage shops, flea markets, and hip cafés. Don’t miss the daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle, where you can hunt for antiques and curiosities.

For panoramic city views, take the public elevator from Marolles up to the Palace of Justice.

This vibrant area centers around the former market halls (now converted into a cultural center) and features numerous bars, restaurants, and designer boutiques. It’s especially lively in the evenings when locals gather for drinks and dinner.

Rue Antoine Dansaert, the main shopping street, showcases Belgian fashion designers and concept stores.

Brussels celebrates its comic heritage with over 50 murals scattered throughout the city center. Grab a map from the tourist office and embark on a self-guided tour to discover colorful depictions of Tintin, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke, and other Belgian comic characters adorning building facades.

This iconic structure, built for the 1958 World’s Fair, has become a symbol of Brussels. The 102-meter tall construction represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and houses exhibitions on its history and Belgian design.

Visitors can explore several of the spheres connected by escalators and enjoy panoramic views from the top sphere, which also houses a restaurant.

Located next to the Atomium, Mini-Europe features meticulously crafted 1:25 scale models of famous European landmarks. Walk from the Eiffel Tower to Big Ben in minutes as you explore over 350 miniature buildings representing all EU member states.

Interactive elements like erupting Vesuvius and the Berlin Wall falling make this especially engaging for families.

Brussels is a treasure trove of Art Nouveau architecture, largely thanks to Victor Horta and his contemporaries. Notable examples include:

The neighborhoods of Ixelles and Saint-Gilles contain the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings.

Belgium’s compact size makes it easy to explore other cities from Brussels:

Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a perfectly preserved medieval city with picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and Gothic architecture. Just a 1-hour train ride from Brussels, it makes for an ideal day trip.

Less touristy than Bruges but equally charming, Ghent combines medieval architecture with a vibrant university town atmosphere. Highlights include the imposing Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral (home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece), and the picturesque Graslei harbor.

Belgium’s second-largest city is known for its fashion scene, diamond district, and connection to Rubens. The stunning Central Station, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the renovated harbor area make Antwerp a worthwhile day trip from Brussels.

Brussels has an excellent public transportation system consisting of metros, trams, and buses. The historic center is compact and walkable, but public transport is useful for reaching attractions further out like the Atomium.

Brussels offers accommodation options for every budget. Here are some recommended neighborhoods:

Brussels can be visited year-round, but each season offers different experiences:

After multiple visits to Brussels across different seasons, I can confidently say that this city deserves more recognition than it often receives. While it may lack the immediate charm of Bruges or Paris, Brussels rewards travelers who look beyond the surface with its unique blend of history, art, gastronomy, and quirky character.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend city break or using Brussels as a base to explore Belgium, this underrated capital offers enough variety to satisfy history buffs, art lovers, foodies, and architecture enthusiasts alike. With excellent transportation connections to other Belgian cities and European capitals, Brussels makes an ideal addition to any European itinerary.