Brussels holds a really special place in my heart, I lived there all throughout high school and I can attest that Brussels really is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. There are so many things to do in Brussels you could easily spend up to a week here. Having lived in Brussels for so many years, you could basically say I’m a Belgian local, so today I want to take you around and show you all the beautiful popular and hidden attraction, waiting to be uncovered by you on your next trip to Europe.
Without further ado, let us get traveling!
Table of Contents
Things to do in Brussels
1. Start Your Trip Well with Some Waffles
You can’t be missing waffles when you’re in Brussels- that’s like not drinking boba milk tea when you’re in Taiwan! Start your trip with some delicious waffles, and get one (or more!) everyday whilst you’re here- it’s literally the best things to do in Brussels.
Some places to get the best waffles in Belgium include Maison Dandoy, which opened up in 1829 in the heart of Brussels. They’ve got a long history and also specialize in cookies, this store is definitely a classic that you have to check out when in Brussels. However, my favorite places to get waffles are actually Vitalgaufre and Australian Ice Cream (ironically, I’ve never had their ice cream), which you’ll see all around Brussels.
2. Visit the Manneken Pis
Ah, the Manneken Pis, possibly the most underwhelming landmark in all of Europe. You go expecting some grand statue that’s going to leave you in awe, and then find a peeing boy literally the size of your hand. Nonetheless, visiting the Manneken Pis is still one of those things to do in Brussels that you just can’t get yourself to miss. If you’re really luck, you might get to see the peeing boy all dressed up!
3. Search for the Jeanneke Pis and the Zinneke Pis
Surely, we’ve all heard of the Manneken Pis, but did you know there are female and dog counterparts of this statue? If you closely enough whilst wandering around the city center, you might end up encountering a squatting peeing girl and really close to it, a dog with one of its leg up, peeing by a pole. Both of them were erected in the late 1900s, much later than the original Manneken Pis, which was created in 1619.
This gives you a little insight into Belgian humor, which can definitely be amusing at times. This is one of the more quirky things to do in Brussels, and my personal favorite has to be the Zinneke Pis. If you’re traveling with a dog, be sure to take them here for a photo!
4. Get Sophisticated in One of Brussel’s Many Museums
One of the things that will surely surprise you about Brussels is the extensive amount of quality museums they have to offer for such a tiny city. Everything from European history and politics to music and arts, Brussels will have all of your favorite themes covered. Some of the best museums in Brussels include the Musee Magritte, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), and the Comics Art Museum. Out of all the cool things to do in Brussels, be sure that you’re not skipping out on the museums!
Tip: Museums in Brussels are free every first Wednesday of each month.
5. Indulge in All the Free Chocolate!
Belgium is home to some of the most famous some of the most famous chocolate brands- Godiva, Neuhaus, Guylian, Leonidas… just to name a few. While Godiva certainly seems to be the most internationally popular chocolate brand out of all the ones I have just mentioned above, my personal favorite are the delicious chocolates from Neuhaus.
Did you know just around half an hour outside of the city center, there is a Neuhaus factory outlet where you can taste test an unlimited amount of chocolates for free and get chocolates in bulk for a discount? It is truly a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Be sure to visit this wonderland and get some souvenirs for your families and friends!
6. Marvel at the Most Beautiful Grand Place in All of Europe
Yup, I said it. The most beautiful Grand Place in all of Europe.
Having visited so many cities and their respective central squares, I can say with confidence that no one compares to the Grand Place in Brussels, not even close! It is one of the most iconic and stunningly beautiful squares in Europe, infused with both Gothic and Baroque inspired architecture and embellished with exquisite golden adornments, there is no other place like the Grand Place in Brussels. If you only visit one place in Brussels, it should be the Grand Place. The Grand Place encapsulates the essence of Belgian beauty and is a testament to the city’s grandeur and history.
7. Les Galeries Royales St. Hubert
Les Galeries Royales St. Hubert is a prestigious shopping center located within walking distance from the Grand Place. Dating back to 1847, it is one of the world’s first shopping malls, and definitely one of the most beautiful as well. Just like the Grand Place, Les Galeries Royales St. Hubert exudes a high-class elegance with its beautifully detailed architecture and interior.
This shopping center does sell more high-end luxury items, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But trust me, just walking through this luxurious mall will make you feel like a million bucks. So no matter if you plan on shopping or not, be sure not to miss out on Les Galeries Royales St. Hubert!
8. Dine at Chez Leon
While we’re still near the Grand Place, don’t miss out on the chance to dine at Chez Leon if you want to indulge in some authentic regional cuisine- aka, mussels and fries. Established in 1893, Chez Leon is a family-owned restaurant that is adored by both locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner date or a nice family dinner out , Chez Leon will always be one of the top choices in Brussels.
9. Find Tintin on the Walls
If you didn’t know, Tintin is a character from the famous Belgian comic, The Adventures of Tintin. Like us, Tintin has a passion for travel and is a reporter who travels all over the world and solves mysteries and gets in various adventures. You’ll be find several murals of Tintin scattered throughout the city while you wander through the streets of Brussels, giving Tintin fans a chance to immerse in the comic world. Keep an eye out for these fun murals as you explore the city to fully experience the different layers of Belgian culture.
10. Jeu de Balle Flea Market
Located in the Marolles district, the Jeu de Balle Flea Market is indubitably the most well known flea market in Brussels. You can visit from 9am to 2pm everyday (to 3pm on the weekends), and it is also the only flea market in the world that is open 365 days of the year. Here you’ll be able to find anything from beautiful antique furnitures to vinyl collections and century old books. I once bought a Grimm’s Fairytale book in Dutch here, and although I haven’t got around to reading it yet, it certainly looks stunning on my book shelf!
You could easily spend hours here digging for treasures, and it’s so much fun as well. So be sure to head over to the Jeu de Balle Flea Market if you’re a fan of vintage goods!
11. Enjoy Panoramic Views from the Atomium
The Atomium is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels, and perhaps in all of Europe. The Atomium was built in 1958 for the Brussel’s World’s Fair, and it is a fascinating mix of an architecture and a sculpture. It is truly a magnificent sight to see, and one that I assume chemistry lovers would go crazy over!
You can buy tickets to go inside the Atomium for a surreal ride through its fascinating interiors and get the most stunning view of Brussels from the top. Inside the Atomium, you’ll also be able to see some educational exhibits as well as light displays, so definitely go inside if you plan on visiting!
12. Taste French Fries in Every Flavor
Something interesting that not many people know is that French fries actually originated from Belgium. They acquired their name because during World War I, American soldiers heard the locals who were enjoying the fries speaking French, which is the main language in the Walloon region of Belgium. The soldiers mistakenly assumed that they were French, and that’s how the fries came to be known as “French fries.”
Trying out local French fries is definitely one of the best things to do in Brussels. There are so many flavors of sauces to try, it would take you a month to go through all of them. Some of my personal favorite Belgian sauces for dipping your fries in are: the classic Mayonnaise, Andalouse, and Samurai. One of the best places to get fries is Maison Antoine, it is also one of the oldest traditional fry shops in Brussels.
13. Go Crazy on the Beer
Belgium is the country of beer and there are so many varieties that it only makes sense to try as many as you can whilst you’re here. From Duvel to Stella Artois to Chimay, all of the popular beer brands you’ve heard of are very likely from Belgium. The best way to get started is with a beer tour or by seeking out a local craft beer bar or specialty store near you that offers a diverse selection of Belgian brews.
14. Have a picnic at Parc du Cinquantenaire
Parc du Cinquantenaire is a beautiful park located near the EU commission, it was designed in 1880 to celebrate the 50th independence of Belgium. You’ll find different events such as festivals, fireworks, mini markets and concerts here throughout the year. Many students and families come here during the warmer months to soak up the sunshine and have quality time together, one of the best things to do in Brussels is to have a picnic in Cinquantenaire. I personally loved to jog around Cinquantenaire, it makes for a lovely way to enjoy the park.
Whichever way you would like to see this park, it is one of the most beautiful and relaxing things to do in Brussels, be sure not to miss it!
15. Palais Royal
One of the things I can’t get over about Europe is the number of stunning castles and palaces they have. The Palais Royal of Brussels is one of the most historically significant buildings in Belgium because it has served as the official residence for the Belgian royal family. Interestingly, this palace is open to the public every year for free from the end of July to the end of August; this is when the royal family will be on vacation.
The Palais Royal was not open in 2023 due to renovations. However, they will be open again in the summer of 2024, so definitely check it out if you’re interested to see how it feels to live inside such a beautiful palace.
16. See the Birthplace of Audrey Hepburn
Everyone knows Audrey Hepburn, but not many people know that she was born in the Ixelles district Brussels. Her birth in Brussels is a point of pride for the city, there’s a golden plaque placed right outside of the house to commemorate this location. The specific address is recorded as Rue Keyenveld 48, Ixelles, and it’s also where Audrey spent the first five years of her life.
This is certainly by no means the most popular attraction in Brussels, but it’s definitely one of the things to do in Brussels that you can’t skip out on if you’re a big fan of this beautiful, iconic actress.
17. BOZAR
The Centre of Fine Arts, also known as BOZAR, is a significant cultural venue which promotes arts, culture, and creativity in multiple shapes and forms. The history of BOZAR dates back to 1928, and the building itself was designed by the prominent Belgian architect Victor Horta. Throughout the year, you’ll be able to find an extensive variety of exhibitions, concerts, performances, and galleries. The BOZAR building itself is a cultural masterpiece and worth a visit just to admire the grand architecture and its cultural significance.
18. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Often referred to as just the Brussels Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral located just nearby the Grand Place. This cathedral is dedicated to two patron saints: St. Michael, the archangel, and St. Gudula, a Belgian saint and the patroness of Brussels. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find magnificent arts and sculptures dedicated to various saints as well as beautiful stained glass windows. Visiting this cathedral is absolutely one of the best things to do in Brussels.
Where to Stay in Brussels
Most travelers stay a maximum of one to two days in Brussels. As someone who prefers slow travel, I personally think that three to four days in Brussels is a good amount of time to really immerse yourself in the culture here and enjoy the scene. No matter how many days you plan on staying in Brussels, make sure you’re staying at a comfortable hotel to get the most out of your experience here.
Some of the best hotels in Brussels are:
- Hotel Radisson RED, Brussels: If you’re a comic lover, consider staying at this unique and artistic hotel near the Palais Royale. This rooms of Hotel Radisson RED Brussels are comic themed and focuses on using art and music to connect people, you’ll sure have a wonderful time here.
- Hotel NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon: Located in the center of Brussels, HOTEL NH Brussels offers a charming and convenient place to stay to make the most of your trip in Brussels.
Save this Guide for Later…
If You Liked This Post…
Did you enjoy this post on the best things to do in Brussels? If you did and are looking for more travel adventures in Europe, check out more similar posts here:
Until next time,
Leave a Reply