FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Brussels will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Brussels.
READ Complete Belgium Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
READ One Day in Brussels, a Detailed Itinerary
100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Brussels Belgium
Not to Miss Landmarks in Brussels
- Check out the Gothic architecture of Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Enjoy the city view from Mont des Arts, especially at sunset.
- Say hello to Manneken Pis, a famous bronze statue of a little boy urinating.
- Visit the iconic Atomium and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Tour the Royal Palace of Brussels, the official residence of the Belgian royal family.
- Take the lift to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for views of Avenuede Terruren.
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Brussels
- Walk the Comic Strip Route.
- Tour Town Hall and climb the tower for city views.
- Rub the arm of the Everard ‘T Serclaes for good luck.
- Visit the gorgeous Palace of Justice.
- Watch a traditional Belgian beer brewing demonstration at a local brewery.
- Learn how to make Belgian waffles and eat your creations.
- Wander the cobblestoned Quartier de l Îlot Sacré.
- Wander the art nouveau homes in the Ixelles and St Gilles districts.
- Ride the glass elevator at Square Breughel L’ancien for panoramic views.
- Tour the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
- See the stained-glass windows at the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula.
- Take a chocolate walking tour.
- Wander through the famous landmarks at Visit Mini-Europe.
- Visit the European Parliament Hemicycle and see where the EU debates happen.
- Check out the headquarters of the European Commission at the Berlaymont Building.
- Visit the Castle of Laeken, the former residence of the Belgian royal family.
- Photograph the Brussels Stock Exchange.
- See Grand Place illuminated at night.
- Explore Brussels Metro Station art.
- Check out the ruins of the old medieval city wall and Anneessens Tower.
- Explore the Halle Gate.
Best Museums in Brussels
- Learn about the history of the EU at the Parlamentarium.
- See the collection of Manneken Pis costumes at GardeRobe MannekenPis.
- Visit the Museum of the City of Brussels to learn the city’s history.
- Watch a demonstration with a master chocolatier at the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate.
- Check out the Old Masters Room at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
- Browse the comic strip art collection at the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
- Explore avant-garde art at the Contemporary Art Center.
- Learn more about European history at the House of European History.
- Discover the surrealist masterpieces of the famous Belgian painter at the Magritte Museum.
- See the Dinosaur Gallery and learn about evolution at the Natural Science Museum.
- Learn about the Belgian monarchy at the BELvue Museum.
- Browse African art and artifacts at the Royal Museum for Central Africa.
- Check out the 7k instruments and learn about the history of music at the Musical Instruments Museum.
- Explore the Museum of Modern Art (MIMA) and experience its innovative exhibitions.
- Visit the Belgian Brewers Museum to see 18th-century equipment.
- Take a tour of the Parlamentarium and gain insights into the European Union’s work.
- See the collection of vintage cars at the Autoworld Museum.
- Visit the Horta Museum, dedicated to the life and works of renowned Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta.
Brussels Parks and Outdoor Activities
- Relax and enjoy a picnic in the picturesque Parc du Cinquantenaire.
- Explore the stunning gardens of the Royal Palace of Brussels.
- Rent a bicycle and ride along the scenic trails of Forêt de Soignes.
- Take a boat tour along Brussels’ canals.
- Stroll through the Botanical Garden of Brussels.
- Relax in the Jardin du Petit Sablon sculpture garden.
- Enjoy a walk through the Parc du Bruxelles, located in front of the Royal Palace.
- Walk under a canopy of cherry blossoms in Josaphat Park, in late March.
- Visit Tenbosch Park, a small but picturesque green space with a lovely pond.
- Relax, feed the ducks, and people-watch at Parc Leopold.
- Visit the Japanese Tower and Garden.
- Take a walk through Egmont Park and relax next to a fountain.
Shopping in Brussels
- Buy a souvenir from the Smurf Store.
- Purchase souvenir chocolates in Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.
- Browse the Marolles flea market.
- Do some high-end window shopping on Avenue Louise.
- Discover Belgian fashion designers at the Rue Antoine Dansaert.
- Go antique shopping in the Sablon district.
- Check out Marché du Midi, the Sunday morning market.
Where to Eat in Brussels
- Have lunch at the Old England Building rooftop café and enjoy panoramic views.
- Eat frites with mayonnaise at Frit Flagey or Maison Antoine.
- Take a break on the top floor of Aroma Coffee Lounge for views of Grand Place.
- Take a Belgian beer-tasting tour.
- Enjoy a Belgian meal at Café Belga.
- Experience Belgian tea at Maison Dandy Tea Room.
- Visit the boutique chocolatiers in Place du Grand Sablon.
- Eat Belgian waffles at Maison Dandoy or Vitalgaufre.
- Visit the lively Marolles district and explore the bustling flea market while savoring Belgian street food.
- Eat mussels and fries at Chez Léon.
- Treat yourself to a Michelin-starred restaurant at Comme Chez Soi.
Brussels Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Have a beer at Play Label’s rooftop bar or a cocktail at Skybar and enjoy the view.
- Enjoy a Belgian beer tasting at Delirium Café, Cantillon Brewery, or À la Mort Subite.
- Dance the night away at Madame Mustache, Fuse, C12, or Bloody Louis.
- Listen to live music at Botanique, Magasin4, or Classic Rock.
- Spend a night out on the town in Rue des Bouchers, Place Saint-Géry, or Place Flagey.
- Relax in a traditional Belgian pub at Moeder Lambic Fontainas.
- Attend a live jazz performance at the famous Music Village.
- Have a unique night out at the Poechenellekelder Puppet Bar.
Instagrammable Places in Brussels: Lookouts, View Points and Selfies
- Photograph Mannekin Pis, Jeanneke Pis, and Zinneke Pis.
- Photograph St Michael slaying the devil on the Town Hall’s spire.
- Head to the 5th floor of the National Library for city views.
- Take selfies at Galeries Royales Saint Hubert arcade.
- Photograph the art nouveau Old England Building and the steelwork on the Huis Saint-Cyr.
- Video the Belgian flag at the Arcade du Cinquantenaire.
Special Events
- The Bi-annual Flower Carpet occurs in mid-August.
- A Carnaval Parade is held on Ash Wednesday.
- The Summer Music Festival is held in August.
- Santa comes to town during the late November Christmas Parade.
- The Festival of Lights is in February.
- Belgian Beer Weekend occurs in September.
Check the Brussels Board of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening this weekend.
Day Trips from Brussels
Can you squeeze another day or two into your exploration of Belgium? Consider a visit to Bruges, Ghent, and/or Antwerp. Each city is easy to reach by train and has plenty of fun things to do. Ghent Belgium is a port city full of Gothic buildings, cobblestone streets, canals, waterfront cafes, a castle, waffles, Gruut Beer, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
READ One Day in Ghent Belgium: Must-See Sights and Experiences
Bruges Belgium has been called an open-air museum and is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The historic pedestrian-only city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is also nicknamed Venice of the North due to its canals lined by weeping willow trees and white swans. You will find lots of folklore, chocolate shops, and lace boutiques in this fairytale city.
READ One Day in Bruges Belgium: Must-See Sights and Experiences
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city. It is also the world’s diamond capital. Antwerp Belgium is gritty and a favorite of the hipster crowd. You will find coffee cafes, second-hand stores, art galleries, and vinyl record shops. In 2019, Lonely Planet awarded Antwerp as a Top 10 City in its Best in Travel Awards.
READ How to Spend One Day in Antwerp Belgium
Plan Your Trip to Brussels Belgium
Why Visit Brussels Belgium
Brussels had approximately 3 million visitors last year. Brussels is well known for its beer, chocolate, waffles, the UNESCO Grand Place, iconic Manneken Pis, and Atomium. Brussels is also full of history, museums, fun attractions, and great shopping.
How Many Days in Brussels is Enough
3 days in Brussels is enough to experience the city and take a day trip to Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take another day trip.
Is Brussels Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Belgium is medium. Brussels has a medium risk for pickpockets, muggings, and scams. There is a high risk of a terrorist attack. Check their website for more information.
Best Time to Visit Brussels
The high season in Belgium is June to August, expect high prices and crowds. The shoulder season is April-May and September to October. The low season is November through March, crowds are low and temperatures are moderately chilly. Snow is rare in Belgium but rain is common. Christmas Markets are held from November to December and Carnival is held from February to March.
How to Get to Brussels
Brussels Airport (BRU) is located in Zaventem. There is a nonstop flight from NYC (7 hours), Washington DC (7.5 hours), and Chicago (8 hours). Brussels Airport is 25 minutes from the city by train and costs about $11. A bus ride will take about 35 minutes and costs $3. A taxi ride is about 15 minutes and costs around $40. Uber is also available in Brussels. Brussels is well connected to Europe by train.
How to Get Around Brussels
Brussels is a walkable city with an integrated bus-tram-metro system operated by STIB-MIVB. STIB-MIVB has an app and various ticket options.
Where to Stay in Brussels
I stayed at the Aris Grand-Place Hotel. I chose it because it was mid-priced in a great location. It was a five-minute walk from the Brussel-Centraal train station, the gorgeous Saint Hubert Kraliyet Galerileri was next door and Grand Place was a quick minute walk down a side street. However, I booked the loft and do not recommend that room, it was difficult to get to and did not have internet access. Note, the hotel entrance is behind the Lloyd Coffee Eatery.
What Should I Budget for Brussels
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $150 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for Brussels
Brussels is a casual city. Most tourists wear jeans, shorts, and cotton T-shirts. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes. Bring a nice outfit if you plan to go clubbing or have a romantic night out.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Brussels
Brussels is full of romantic restaurants, consider a reservation at La Villa in the Sky or Comme Chez Soi. A canal cruise, watching the sunset cocktails at Mont des Arts, or enjoying sunset cocktails at Skybar are also great options.
Things to Do in Brussels with Young Children
Children will enjoy the Atomium, Mini Europe, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the cities pissing statues (Mannekin Pis, Jeanneke Pis, and Zinneke Pis).
Things to do in Brussels with Young Adults
Young adults will enjoy the Chocolate Museum, Comic Strip Museum, and Comic Strip Route.
Visiting More Belgium Cities?
Check out our Belgium Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!
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