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Brussels, België / Belgique / Belgien - Things to Do in Brussels

Things to Do in Brussels

Brussels, België / Belgique / Belgien - Complete Travel Guide

Brussels, the cosmopolitan capital of Belgium and the European Union, seamlessly blends medieval charm with modern political significance. This multilingual city captivates visitors with its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, world-renowned chocolate and beer culture, and the fairy-tale beauty of its UNESCO-listed Grand Place. As the de facto capital of Europe, Brussels hosts major EU institutions while maintaining its distinctly Belgian character through comic book murals, Art Nouveau masterpieces, and a thriving culinary scene. Beyond its political importance, Brussels offers an intimate European experience with tree-lined boulevards, cozy cafés, and neighborhood markets. The city's compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, from the opulent Royal Quarter to the trendy Sablon district. Whether you're admiring the intricate lacework of the Town Hall, sampling pralines from a master chocolatier, or discovering the next great Belgian brewery, Brussels provides a sophisticated yet accessible introduction to European culture and history.

Top Things to Do in Brussels

Explore the Historic Grand Place and Surrounding Medieval Streets

Marvel at one of Europe's most beautiful town squares, surrounded by ornate guild houses and the Gothic Town Hall. The cobblestone streets radiating from the Grand Place lead to hidden passages, vintage shops, and traditional taverns that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning or evening for the best photos and fewer crowds. Free to explore, but consider a 2-3 hour walking tour (€15-25) to learn about the architecture and history. The square is beautifully illuminated at night.

Indulge in Chocolate and Beer Tastings

Discover Belgium's two most famous exports through guided tastings and workshop experiences. Learn about traditional chocolate-making techniques from master chocolatiers and sample authentic Trappist beers, lambics, and craft brews in historic breweries and specialized bars.

Booking Tip: Chocolate workshops cost €25-45 and often include take-home treats. Beer tastings range from €20-40 for 4-6 samples. Book combination tours for better value, and avoid heavy meals beforehand to fully appreciate the flavors.

Discover Comic Book Culture and Street Art

Follow the Comic Book Route to find over 50 colorful murals depicting famous Belgian comic characters like Tintin and the Smurfs painted on building walls throughout the city. Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Museum to learn about the country's rich graphic novel tradition and see original artwork.

Booking Tip: The outdoor mural trail is free with a map from tourist offices. Museum entry is €10-12 for adults. Allow 3-4 hours for the full route, or focus on the city center for a shorter 90-minute walk.

Visit Royal Museums and Palaces

Explore the Royal Museums of Fine Arts complex housing works by Bruegel, Rubens, and Magritte, then stroll through the elegant Royal Quarter. During summer months, tour the opulent rooms of the Royal Palace when it opens to the public.

Booking Tip: Museum passes cost €15-20 and often include multiple venues. The Royal Palace is free but only open July-September. Purchase tickets online to skip lines, especially for the popular Magritte Museum.

Experience Art Nouveau Architecture and Local Markets

Admire the elegant curves and organic forms of Art Nouveau buildings designed by Victor Horta and others, then browse the antiques and local specialties at weekend markets in Sablon or the daily offerings at Marché du Midi. The contrast showcases Brussels' artistic heritage and contemporary local life.

Booking Tip: Architecture tours cost €15-25 and typically last 2-3 hours. Markets are free to browse but bring cash for purchases. Sablon market operates weekends, while Marché du Midi runs daily with the largest selection on Sundays.

Getting There

Brussels is exceptionally well-connected as a major European transport hub. Brussels Airport (BRU) is 12km from the city center with direct Airport Express trains taking 20 minutes (€9). High-speed trains connect Brussels to London (3.5 hours via Eurostar), Paris (3.5 hours), Amsterdam (3 hours), and other major European cities, arriving at Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi, or Brussels-Nord stations. The city is also easily accessible by car via excellent highway connections, though parking in the center can be expensive (€2-4 per hour).

Getting Around

Brussels has an efficient public transport system combining metro, trams, and buses operated by STIB/MIVB. A day pass costs €7.50 and covers all public transport within the city. The compact city center is very walkable, with most major attractions within a 20-minute walk of each other. Taxis are available but expensive (€2.40 base fare plus €1.35/km), while ride-sharing services like Uber operate throughout the city. Bike-sharing systems like Villo! offer an eco-friendly option with stations throughout the city center.

Where to Stay

Grand Place and Historic Center
Sablon and Marolles
Ixelles and Flagey
European Quarter
Sainte-Catherine
Uccle and Châtelain

Food & Dining

Brussels' dining scene ranges from traditional brasseries serving moules-frites and carbonnade flamande to innovative restaurants earning Michelin stars. The city center offers numerous cafés and bistros around Grand Place, while the Sablon area features upscale dining and wine bars. Don't miss trying authentic Belgian waffles from street vendors, sampling artisanal chocolates from renowned chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini or Leonidas, and experiencing a traditional beer café where you can pair local brews with cheese platters. The Saint-Géry and Sainte-Catherine neighborhoods offer trendy restaurants and international cuisine, while local markets provide fresh ingredients and regional specialties.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Belgium

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pasta Divina

4.6 /5
(2986 reviews) 2

A L’Angolo

4.5 /5
(2732 reviews) 2
store

Pasta Factory

4.8 /5
(1083 reviews) 2

Dolce Amaro

4.7 /5
(858 reviews) 2

Osteria Bolognese

4.7 /5
(680 reviews) 2

La Mamma

4.6 /5
(672 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

Brussels is most pleasant from April to October when temperatures are mild and outdoor café culture thrives. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, with temperatures around 15-20°C. Summer brings festivals, outdoor events, and the opening of the Royal Palace, though it can be busy with tourists. Winter has its charm with Christmas markets and cozy indoor attractions, but expect cool, damp weather. Rain is possible year-round, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Buy chocolate from smaller, family-run chocolatiers rather than tourist shops for better quality and prices
Many museums offer free entry on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month for EU residents
The Manneken Pis statue is much smaller than expected - see it but don't make it your main destination

Explore Activities in Brussels