Brussels is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Belgium! As the capital, it’s a bustling city filled with history, culture, and incredible food—not to mention a great base for exploring more underrated parts of the country.
Living in Lille, I’ve taken three day trips to Brussels, and while it’s not my favorite Belgian city, I’ve had some truly unforgettable experiences here. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just looking for the best places to explore, this guide covers the top 10 things to do in Brussels—from iconic landmarks to hidden gems you might not have considered.
I hope you get a chance to cross some of them off your bucket list!
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Things to do in Brussels: Overview
DON’T FORGET: Get the right travel medical insurance before your trip – you never know when you might need it. SafetyWing is affordable, user-friendly, and has been my go-to for years!
TL;DR – Quick Tips for First Time Visitors:
🗺️ CAN’T MISS: Chocolate-making workshop, the Grand Place, and trying the local specialties
✨ Pro tip: Get the Brussels Card to visit multiple attractions for a cheaper price
🏨 Find affordable, central places to stay in Brussels to make the most of your time
💸 Save money: use a travel-friendly credit card like Wise to hold multiple currencies on one card
10 Things to do in Brussels
Take a picture in the Grand Place
No visit to Brussels is complete without stopping by the Grand Place, the city’s stunning central square. Considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, it’s surrounded by ornate Baroque buildings with intricate gold detailing and is one of the best things to do in Brussels. There are several important buildings surrounding the square including the Town Hall and Brussels City Museum.
It is quite magnificent and is my personal favorite photo spot in the city.
Throughout the year, Grand Place hosts seasonal events—from a massive Christmas tree in winter to a stunning flower carpet in summer. I know you can’t control the weather, BUT if you’re able to visit on a sunny day you won’t be disappointed. The gold details sparkle and shine in the sunlight- it’s magical to see!
Take a chocolate-making class
Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate, but why just buy it when you can learn to make it yourself? One of my favorite things to do in Brussels was taking a chocolate-making class, and I still recommend it to everyone visiting!
Cooking classes have become one of my favorite activities I try to do while traveling. And my very first one was in Brussels!
In just 2.5 hours, I learned how to craft 30 Belgian chocolates (which I got to take home!) and even enjoyed a delicious cup of authentic Belgian hot chocolate at the end. It was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in all of my visits to Belgium, especially as a chocolate lover, and it was the perfect souvenir to take home with me!
➡️ Book the exact workshop we took here ⬅️
Visit Manneken Pis
One of the most famous attractions in Brussels is also one of the smallest—Manneken Pis, a tiny statue of a peeing boy that has somehow become the city’s mascot. You’ll find it plastered on postcards, magnets, and souvenirs all over Brussels!
But why do we care so much about this little statue? The statue dates back to 1388, and while its origin remains a mystery, legends claim the boy saved Brussels from disaster, whether by extinguishing a fire or distracting enemies in battle. For more information about this iconic statue, you can read more here!
And over the years, this little statue has gathered quite a sizeable wardrobe. The statue now has 1,000 costumes since the tradition began in 1698. You can find the statue’s outfits in the Brussels City Museum (entrance included in the Brussels Card) in the Grand Place.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss Jeanneke Pis (a female counterpart) and Het Zinneke (a peeing dog statue) for a quirky little scavenger hunt!
Do a tour of the Old Town
The best way to introduce yourself to a new city? Take a tour with a local! Whether you choose a historical tour, a guided food tour, a bus tour, or even a chocolate tour, having a local expert show you around adds so much value to your visit.
My choice of tour was actually a walking tour of the different chocolatiers. (no surprise there!), which combined city history with visits to some of Brussels’ best chocolatiers. We walked through some of the most authentic and historic chocolate shops in the city, sampling chocolates along the way!
It was on this tour that I learned an important insider tip:
🚨 Avoid Leonidas chocolates! While widely available, they’re mass-produced for tourists and are no longer considered authentic Belgian chocolates. Instead, visit Galler, Mary, or Neuhaus—with Galler being the best budget-friendly option!
Try the local foods
Trying the local foods is a MUST when searching for things to do in Brussels! I’ve already talked a lot about chocolate so far, but let’s not forget there are other iconic foods to try in Belgium:
- 🍟 Belgian Fries (Frites) – The ultimate street food, served in a friterie with a choice of unique sauces. You can also try other unique fast food specialties such as the fricadelle. Be adventurous—try some new sauces!
- 🧇 Brussels Waffles vs. Belgian Waffles – Belgian waffles are thick and smaller, but Brussels waffles are crispier and lighter—both are a must-try! I mean, you can’t come to Belgium without getting a waffle!
- 🍽 Moules Frites (Mussels & Fries) – Belgium’s national dish, best enjoyed with a side of fries and a cold Belgian beer.
💡 Did you know? If you’re a fan of Moules Frites, you should also visit Lille, France, during Braderie weekend in September. The entire city serves mussels and fries, and restaurants compete to create the biggest piles of empty shells—it’s a fun foodie experience!
Enjoy a bike ride to Atomium
Another iconic thing to do in Brussels is visit the Atomium, a giant silver structure resembling an atom, located in Heysel Park outside the city center. Originally built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, it was meant to symbolize the “peaceful use of atomic energy”—pretty cool, right?
Today, visitors go to ride to the top for panoramic views of the city. Since it’s quite a distance from Grand Place (over an hour’s walk), renting a bike is a great way to get there while exploring more of the city along the way!
Visit a museum
On my most recent visit, I checked out the Happiness Expo, an incredible interactive art exhibition about how art and color impact our emotions. Although this particular expo ended in 2024, it’s just an example of the cool, interesting museums and events to check out while you’re in Brussels.
Other great museums to check out in Brussels:
- 🎨 Belgian Comic Strip Center – A must-visit for comic book fans, featuring Tintin and The Smurfs!
- 🚗 Autoworld – A paradise for car enthusiasts, showcasing classic and vintage cars.
- 🏛️ Brussels City Museum – Located in Grand Place, perfect for history buffs and where you can check out Manneken Piss costume collection!
- 👗 Fashion & Lace Museum – Belgian lace is known around the world, and here is where you can take a closer look at its heritage and history!
- 🎺 Brussels Musical Instrument Museum – Houses a fascinating collection of over 8,000 instruments!
Stop by the Royal Palace
Did you know Belgium has a king and queen? You can even visit the Royal Palace in Brussels! While it’s not their official residence, it serves as the administrative headquarters of the monarchy.
It’s closed for renovations in 2023 but will reopen in 2024. Keep in mind that tours inside are only available in summer and require reservations in advance. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping by to admire the stunning architecture.
Wander around the Gallery of Saint Hubert
Located near Grand Place, the Gallery of Saint Hubert is Brussels’ answer to the elegant shopping arcades of Paris and London. This covered shopping street, dating back to the 1830s, features a beautiful glass roof and luxury storefronts. Its another favourite spot for photos in Brussels.
Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth visiting to admire the architecture, and I always window shop at some of Brussels’ best chocolatiers! Early in the morning is usually when it is less busy.
Try some local beers
Last but not least, a trip to Belgium isn’t complete without trying the local beers! I’ve mentioned Belgium’s favorite foods but now it’s time to talk about Belgium’s favorite drink! There are so many pubs to visit in Brussels that will give you the chance to enjoy Belgian beers – so it’s probably the easiest thing to accomplish off of this list of things to do in Brussels.
Some of the best spots to grab a beer:
- 🍺 Delirium Café – Famous for having over 2,000 beers on the menu!
- 🍺 Brussels Beer Project – A modern brewery with unique craft beers.
- 🍺 Cantillon Brewery – Known for traditional lambic and gueuze beers.
- 🍺 Poechenellekelder – A cozy pub with great beer and a quirky interior.
Now, I am by no means a beer connoisseur, and if I’m honest, I don’t really like beer. BUT, for those of you who can’t wait to try some Belgian beers on your visit to Brussels, here is a list of 10 of the best craft beer bars in Brussels courtesy of the Guardian!
Tips for visiting Brussels
📆 How many days are enough to visit Brussels? After three visits to Brussels, I can confidently say you can see most of the city’s main attractions in just one day. Of course, having extra time allows for deeper exploration, guided tours, and even a few day trips. But if you’re short on time and wondering how long you need to get the most out of Brussels, one day is enough to cover the highlights!
🏨 Find a centrally located place to stay. If you’re limited on time, booking a hotel in Central Brussels will help you maximize your visit. Brussels is a very walkable city, and aside from the Atomium, most major attractions are within easy walking distance. Staying centrally means you can make the most of your trip without relying too much on public transport. Check out these top-rated hotels in Central Brussels!
🇧🇪 Plan an extra day or two to take day trips. Belgium is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, and there’s so much more to see beyond Brussels. If your itinerary allows, consider adding a couple of extra days to explore nearby towns like Bruges, Ghent, Dinant, or Antwerp—all of which make for easy and worthwhile day trips! Brussels’ central location makes it an ideal base for discovering more of Belgium.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Bruges Christmas Market: FAQs & Visitor Tips
PRO TIP: Use Omio to find the most affordable trains and buses! I’ve been using them for over 5 years and all throughout my time living in Europe!
Enjoy your time in Brussels
Brussels is a city that blends history, culture, and delicious food, making it the top-visited destination in Belgium. From strolling through the stunning Grand Place and indulging in Belgian waffles and frites to exploring fascinating museums and iconic landmarks like Atomium, there’s no shortage of things to do.
If you’re short on time, one full day is enough to experience the highlights, but if you have extra time, there’s plenty more to see! Visiting a few museums, taking a food or beer tour, and exploring nearby cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp will make your trip even more memorable.
While Brussels is an excellent base, you can also consider basing yourself in Lille, France – another underrated destination in Europe. Lille has access to many hidden and well-known gems in Belgium so this is a great chance to explore another city in France that deserves more attention!
READ MORE: Best train trips from Lille to Belgium
