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Welcome to Brussels, the friendly capital of Europe! Renowned for its chocolate, waffles, and Trappist beers, this human-scale city offers a unique blend of medieval history and modernity. From the majestic Grand-Place to the bohemian neighborhoods, Brussels is brimming with cultural and gastronomic treasures that charm every visitor. Here’s a complete guide to help you plan your trip: first, a FAQ answering the most frequently asked questions about Brussels, then our suggestions for the best things to do in the Belgian capital. Finally, you know the drill.
🗒️ Time of year, hotels: what you need to know before visiting Brussels
Before we get into things to do in Brussels, here are some useful tips.
What is the best time to visit Brussels?
The best time to visit Brussels is generally from spring to autumn. Summer (June to August) offers mild weather and long, sunny days – ideal for relaxing on terraces and enjoying the many festivals. Spring, around April and May, is also pleasant: it’s the season when the famous Royal Greenhouses of Laeken (open for a few weeks each spring) and the cherry blossoms in Cinquantenaire Park are in bloom. In winter, the weather is cold and damp, but December has its charm with the Winter Wonders festival and the Christmas markets illuminating the Grand-Place. In short, to combine pleasant weather with events, choose May-June or September, and if you don’t mind the cold, the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Brussels are magical.
✈️ How to get from Brussels airport to the city centre? We tell you everything in this article .
How many days do you need to visit Brussels?
Three full days are recommended to discover Brussels at a comfortable pace. In three days, you can dedicate one day to the historic center (Grand-Place and surrounding area), another to more outlying sites like the Atomium in Laeken, and the third to museums or the European Quarter.
With just two days, focus on the highlights of the city center and the Atomium. If you enjoy museums, consider adding a fourth day for visits to places like the Belgian Comic Strip Center or Train World. Keep in mind that Brussels is also an excellent base for day trips to Bruges or Ghent if you have more time. A long weekend will give you a good overview of the city and its surroundings.
How to get around in Brussels?
Brussels is an easy city to navigate. The city center is relatively compact and easily explored on foot. For longer distances, the city boasts excellent public transport: an integrated network of metro, trams, and buses covering the entire metropolitan area. The STIB/MIVB company offers single tickets and passes (24h, 48h, etc.) valid on all modes of transport – convenient for tourists. The metro and trams efficiently serve major points of interest, while buses complete the network. Services operate from approximately 5 a.m. to midnight, with a limited night bus service (Noctis) on Fridays and Saturdays.
Furthermore, Brussels offers bike-sharing (Villo) and scooter-sharing solutions , ideal for getting around the city center quickly. Finally, avoid using your car if possible – traffic can be heavy and parking expensive. In short, alternate between walking and public transport for a stress-free stay.
Where to stay in Brussels?
For a good night’s sleep in Brussels, three addresses are unanimously recommended: Hotel Amigo (100 m from the Grand-Place), a palace with a contemporary-classical style and impeccable service; Stanhope Hotel Brussels by Thon Hotels , a discreet 5-star boutique hotel between the center and the European Quarter, appreciated for its inner courtyard and its carefully prepared breakfast; The Hotel Brussels (Louise district), a tall design building offering spectacular panoramic views, a rooftop spa and easy access to museums and shops.
Is Brussels an expensive city?
Brussels has a moderate cost of living compared to other European capitals. While it may seem expensive for some tourist attractions, there are plenty of ways to save money. Accommodation is generally cheaper than in Paris or Amsterdam, especially on weekends (many hotels offer promotions because business travelers are less prevalent). Furthermore, many museums offer free admission on the first Wednesday of the month – a great opportunity to take advantage of this.
When it comes to food, you’ll find everything from gourmet restaurants to very affordable street food stalls. A cone of fries from a stand or a crispy waffle makes for a cheap and typical snack. Public transport is reasonably priced (a day pass costs around €7.50). Overall, you can enjoy Brussels to the fullest on a moderate budget. By planning ahead and taking advantage of special offers (free museums, happy hours, etc.), Brussels won’t break the bank.
What language is spoken in Brussels?
Ah yes, that’s a good question! Brussels is officially bilingual: both French and Dutch (Flemish) have official language status. In practice, French is the most commonly spoken language by the majority of Brussels residents, while Dutch is the native language of a minority. Public signs, street names, and official documents are always bilingual (for example, Rue Royale – Koningsstraat).
The good news for international tourists is that English is widely understood in the European capital. It’s also worth noting that many Brussels residents speak other languages (Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, etc.), reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan nature.
🔝 What are the must-see things to do in Brussels?
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and see what there is to do in Brussels. Only the must-sees, of course.
Admire the Grand-Place of Brussels
This is THE iconic location in the capital, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Surrounded by the opulent facades of the former merchant guilds, the Grand-Place dazzles with its architectural unity dating from the late 17th century. Here you’ll see the Gothic Town Hall, with its 96-meter tower, and the King’s House (which houses the City Museum). Each building boasts a wealth of gilding, statues, and sculpted details, testifying to Brussels’ prosperity during the Baroque era.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the Grand-Place is the historic heart of the city, a hub for events and folklore. In summer of even-numbered years, a vast carpet of flowers is laid out, and in winter, the square is illuminated by a giant Christmas tree and a sound and light show. Sit on a café terrace to admire the lively atmosphere and surrounding architecture. In the evening, the square is subtly lit, creating a magical ambiance. Tip: Don’t miss the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert just steps away – this elegant 19th-century covered arcade is one of the oldest in Europe and houses luxury boutiques, bookstores, and chocolatiers.
See the Manneken Pis, the most mischievous of Brussels residents
Just a few streets from the Grand-Place stands a small statue that is a source of great pride for the locals: Manneken Pis. This 15th-century fountain, depicting a little boy urinating, perfectly embodies the rebellious spirit and humor of Brussels. At first glance, its modest size (barely 55 cm) surprises tourists – yet “This little peeing man” has been a beloved symbol of Brussels for centuries. The original statuette having been stolen several times, the one we see today is a copy (the original is kept in the City Museum). Tradition dictates that Manneken Pis be dressed up for special occasions: he has a wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes!
A dedicated museum, the Manneken Pis Wardrobe, displays a selection of his unusual outfits. The statue even has a “little sister” – Jeanneke-Pis, a little girl crouching in an alley of the Îlot Sacré – and a dog, Zinneke-Pis, more recent creations that complete this amusing family.
Go up into the Atomium
The other unmissable symbol of Brussels. Built for the 1958 World’s Fair, the Atomium represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times! Its nine metal spheres connected by tubes give this 102-meter-high monument a unique, futuristic look. Initially intended to be temporary, it has become a permanent and cherished feature of the Brussels landscape. Inside, you can take a high-speed elevator (at the time the fastest in Europe) that leads to the top sphere, where a panoramic platform offers a 360° view of Brussels and its surroundings. On a clear day, the Atomium is even visible from the city center and vice versa.
Around the monument, Osseghem Park is a pleasant place for a stroll. Nearby are Mini-Europe, a model park featuring miniature replicas of European monuments, and the Design Museum Brussels (with a collection dedicated to plastic design). The Atomium is illuminated in the evening by hundreds of LEDs – a sight to behold if you’re staying in the area.
Stroll through the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries
Before modern shopping malls, Brussels innovated by opening one of the first covered arcades in Europe in 1847. The Galeries Saint-Hubert, with their elegant glass roof and series of arcades, remain a must-see, just steps from the Grand-Place. It comprises three adjoining galleries (Royale, du Roi, and de la Reine) housing luxury boutiques, leather goods shops, jewelers, and prestigious chocolatiers. It was here, for example, that Neuhaus invented the praline in 1912 in its historic shop, making Brussels the chocolate capital.
Don’t miss the tempting window displays of Marcolini, Méert, and Leonidas, offering pralines, truffles, and macarons. Besides sweets, the Galeries also house the Théâtre des Galeries and bookstores where Hergé used to buy comic books.
Visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (and the Magritte Museum)
Brussels is a delight for art lovers. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium complex houses several world-renowned collections, totaling over 20,000 works from the 15th century to the present day. The main building near the Place Royale houses the Old Masters Museum, featuring Flemish Primitives (Memling, Bosch, Bruegel, etc.) and classical masters, as well as the very popular Magritte Museum, dedicated to the Belgian surrealist genius René Magritte. The latter, opened in 2009, displays over 200 works (oils, gouaches, drawings) by Magritte and immerses visitors in a dreamlike world of bowler hats and pipes that aren’t quite pipes.
In the modern wing, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum showcases Brussels’ Art Nouveau and Symbolism (with works by Horta, Guimard, and Khnopff, for example). Finally, nearby, the smaller Wiertz Museum and Meunier Museum complete the collection in the Luxembourg district.
Relaxing in Cinquantenaire Park
To the east of the city center, the European Quarter boasts a vast park dominated by a triumphal stone arch: the Cinquantenaire Park. This park was laid out to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence in 1880. Its imposing three-arched triumphal arch was inaugurated in 1905, providing a monumental gateway visible from afar. The park’s formal gardens, flowerbeds, and fountains are popular with joggers and families seeking a peaceful respite in nature.
But the Cinquantenaire also houses several major museums in its symmetrical neoclassical wings: the Art & History Museum (formerly the Cinquantenaire Museum) with impressive archaeological and ethnographic collections, Autoworld dedicated to the history of the automobile (more than 250 vintage cars exhibited in a large hall), and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces which traces the military history of Belgium and the world, including an aviation hall full of vintage aircraft.
Explore the Sablon district, a kingdom of antique shops and chocolate
Not far from the city center, the Grand Sablon is a chic and picturesque neighborhood, a must-see for foodies and bargain hunters. In the heart of Brussels’ antiques district, the Place du Grand Sablon hosts a renowned antiques market every weekend (since 1960) where dealers offer silverware, jewelry, works of art, and antique trinkets. Strolling among the stalls on Saturday or Sunday mornings is a true pleasure for anyone who enjoys discovering treasures from the past.
Around the square, numerous art galleries and permanent antique shops contribute to the elegant atmosphere. But the Sablon is just as famous for its master chocolatiers. Here you’ll find prestigious names like Pierre Marcolini (who opened his first shop here), Godiva, Neuhaus, and the Wittamer pastry shop, official supplier to the Court, known for its éclairs and entremets.
A tradition dictates that one enjoys a chocolate or a macaron on a terrace in the Place du Sablon while admiring the Notre-Dame du Sablon church. Indeed, this 15th-century church, built in the Brabantine Gothic style, is one of the most beautiful in Belgium, with its resplendent stained-glass windows and its history linked to the archers of Brussels.
Immerse yourself in the authentic Marolles district
Continuing our list of things to do in Brussels. In contrast to the upscale Sablon district, the nearby Marolles neighborhood offers a vibrant and diverse glimpse into the city’s working-class character. It’s the most authentic area to experience the Brussels atmosphere of “zwanze” (local banter). Here, the Brussels dialect is still spoken in the bistros, you can browse the flea markets, and admire the large, colorful walls. The soul of the Marolles is embodied in the Place du Jeu de Balle, home to the legendary Old Flea Market, which has been held daily for over a century.
From dawn, antique dealers and onlookers gather to rummage through a jumble of eclectic objects – dishes, old books, vintage clothing, antique furniture – in search of a bargain. It’s a real spectacle and a deeply rooted tradition, attracting locals and tourists alike. After the flea market, take a stroll through the narrow streets of the Marolles district: Rue Haute and Rue Blaes are teeming with antique shops, booksellers, trendy secondhand stores, as well as comic strip murals and street art adorning the facades. At lunchtime, settle down in an authentic tavern to enjoy a plate of moules-frites (mussels and fries) or stoemp-saucisse (mashed vegetables and sausage) among the regulars.
The district also contains curiosities such as the panoramic elevator of the Marolles (behind the Palace of Justice) which takes you free of charge to the esplanade of Place Poelaert – offering a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Brussels.
Explore the city following the comic book trail
Brussels is the world capital of comics, the famous 9th art. Belgian comic book heroes are everywhere in the city, thanks in particular to the Comics Trail: since 1991, more than 80 giant murals have been painted on the gables of buildings in homage to comic book characters. You might stumble upon Tintin and Snowy climbing a facade, Lucky Luke shooting faster than his shadow, Gaston Lagaffe making a series of blunders on a wall, or Blake and Mortimer, the Smurfs, Asterix and Obelix, Corto Maltese, and many others brightening up Brussels’ walls. Grab a map of the trail (available at the tourist office or online) and set off to find the murals in the city center, the Marolles district, and beyond. It’s a fun way to explore the city! The complete circuit is several kilometers long, but you can easily break it down into shorter sections.
On your way, stop at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, a museum housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. It traces the history of Belgian (Tintin, Spirou, Marsupilami, etc.) and international comics, with original artwork and recreated sets. Another must-see for fans is the Brüsel shop (Boulevard Anspach) or Multi BD (Rue du Midi) to find albums and merchandise.
Discover the European Quarter
Between the Schuman roundabout and Place du Luxembourg, the European Quarter is home to the institutions that make the EU tick. To understand Europe from the inside, focus on three free and complementary visits. At the European Parliament, access to the hemicycle (by appointment, with ID) allows you to observe the legislative process from the galleries. The Parlamentarium, a high-tech visitor center, offers a clear interactive experience (maps, testimonials, media) on the history and workings of the EU, ideal for families.
In the tranquil setting of Leopold Park, the House of European History puts two centuries of the continent’s history into perspective, with the help of multilingual audio guides. At the end of the day, head to Place du Luxembourg (“Plux”) for the quintessential Brussels after-work experience: crowded terraces, conversations in ten languages, and a direct view of the Parliament’s glass facade. A microcosm of Europe on a human scale, nestled between institutions, museums, and green spaces.
Sample Belgian specialties: beer, waffles, chocolate…
A visit to Brussels wouldn’t be complete without indulging your taste buds. Belgium is a small country with a renowned gastronomy, influenced by a wide range of cultures. A must-do: savor a Belgian beer in a traditional pub. Belgian beer culture is so rich that it has been recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016! Whether you prefer dark, pale, amber, Trappist, or lambic, there’s something for everyone. The selection is vast – over 1,000 different Belgian beers – and some bars, like the famous Delirium Café, even boast over 2,000 beers on their menu (a Guinness World Record).
Another must-try: fries, of course! Here, they’re traditionally eaten in a paper cone, accompanied by a generous amount of sauce (Andalusian, Samurai, American, etc.). There’s no shortage of renowned “fries stands” – Maison Antoine in Etterbeek, Frit Flagey in Ixelles. For something sweet, treat yourself to a Belgian waffle. There are two main types: the Brussels waffle, rectangular, light, and crispy, often served warm with icing sugar or whipped cream on a terrace in the Grand-Place, and the Liège waffle, thicker, caramelized, and soft, perfect for snacking on while strolling.
It’s also impossible to ignore Belgian chocolate: Brussels is brimming with artisanal chocolatiers and renowned brands (Neuhaus, Godiva, Marcolini, Leonidas, etc.). Treat yourself to a box of pralines (chocolate bites filled with ganache, cream, or praline) – a Belgian invention dating back to 1912 – or visit the Choco-Story museum to learn all about cocoa.
Discover Brussels’ Art Nouveau in the footsteps of Victor Horta
Did you know that Brussels was the birthplace of Art Nouveau? In the 1890s and 1900s, visionary architects like Victor Horta and Paul Hankar revolutionized architecture by incorporating organic curves, stained glass, and elegant ironwork into sumptuous townhouses. Several of these Art Nouveau houses are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. The best way to admire them is to stroll through the Ixelles/Saint-Gilles and Bailli districts. A must-see is the Horta Museum, housed in Victor Horta’s own former home and studio. Built between 1898 and 1901, this residence is an absolute masterpiece of the Art Nouveau style – you can admire the mosaic floors, the stained glass windows, the magnificent staircase, and the built-in furniture designed by Horta.
Continue your pilgrimage by passing the Hôtel Tassel, the Hôtel Solvay, or the Hôtel van Eetvelde – three more Horta creations listed as UNESCO “major houses.” The Hôtel Solvay (Avenue Louise) can now be visited by reservation, offering the rare chance to see an intact Art Nouveau interior. Nearby, the Maison Cauchie (1905) boasts a superb façade adorned with sgraffito (wall decorations) and can be visited on certain weekends. The Châtelain district is also full of buildings with sinuous wrought-iron balconies and floral motifs – look out for the asymmetrical doors and windows typical of the style.
By following this guide to 12 things to do in Brussels, you’ll get a great overview of the richness of this human-scale European capital. From historical monuments to excellent restaurants, from artists’ alleyways to world-renowned museums, Brussels charms with its warm atmosphere and eclectic character. Enjoy your exploration, or as they say in Brussels: salukes !