Things to do in Brussels
Discover the best attractions and experiences Brussels has to offer
Historic Monuments
Brussels blends medieval charm with grandiose architecture. Here are the must-see historic landmarks.
Grand Place
Brussels' UNESCO-listed central square framed by gilded guild houses and the impressive Town Hall.
Manneken Pis
The tiny bronze statue that has become a symbolic and playful symbol of the city.
Atomium
Iconic stainless-steel spheres offering panoramic city views and a glimpse of mid-century optimism.
Royal Palace of Brussels
The official residence of the Belgian king during certain seasons, set in the green Parc de Bruxelles.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
A Gothic masterpiece with soaring arches and stunning stained glass near the city center.
Museums
Delve into Belgium’s rich artistic and cultural heritage at these top museums.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
A world-class collection spanning old masters to contemporary art.
Magritte Museum
Dedicated to the surrealist René Magritte, with a comprehensive display of his works.
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Celebrating Belgium’s beloved cartoonists through playful exhibitions and original art.
Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)
A striking building housing a vast global collection of instruments.
Religious Monuments
Religious architecture adds a spiritual layer to Brussels’ cityscape.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Gothic cathedral with soaring towers and beautiful stained glass.
Church of Our Lady of the Sablon (Notre-Dame du Sablon)
Elegant 15th–16th-century church in the historic Sablon district.
Église Saint-Nicolas
Historic church near the Bourse with a Gothic interior.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Koekelberg Basilica)
One of Europe’s largest churches with a distinctive dome and city views.
National & Theme Parks
Take a breather in parks and miniature worlds around Brussels.
Mini-Europe
A miniature park in Bruparck featuring tiny replicas of Europe’s landmarks.
Walibi Belgium
Thrill-focused theme park with roller coasters and family attractions in nearby Wavre.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Urban green space with grand arches, museums, and plenty of picnic spots.
Neighborhoods
Explore varied districts that shape Brussels’ atmosphere—from historic cores to multicultural neighborhoods.
Marolles
A historic, bohemian neighborhood around Place du Jeu de Balle with vintage markets.
Ixelles (Elsene)
A lively, multicultural district with chic cafés, markets, and elegant townhouses.
Sablon
Chic antiques quarter with elegant churches, gardens, and cafés.
European Quarter
The heart of Brussels’ institutions and a dynamic, cosmopolitan area.
Free Things to Do
Brussels is great on a budget—these experiences are free or easy to enjoy without cost.
Grand Place stroll
Wander Brussels’ grand square to admire the ornate architecture.
Mont des Arts
Take in city views from the elevated terrace and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Relax in the city’s central park with impressive arches and green space.
Place du Jeu de Balle flea market
Explore vintage finds and daily life in Marolles.
Gastronomy
Brussels’ cuisine shines with chocolate, waffles, and world-class beers.
Belgian chocolates tasting
Sample chocolates from renowned chocolatiers like Neuhaus, Godiva, or Pierre Marcolini.
Belgian waffles at a local shop
Try a warm, fluffy waffle topped with regional extras.
Cantillon Lambic beer tasting
Taste traditional lambic ales at the Cantillon Brewery.
Dandoy shop for waffles and speculoos
Enjoy classic Brussels waffles and spiced biscuits at a historic shop.
Nightlife
As night falls, Brussels comes alive with bars, clubs, and cozy cafés.
Delirium Café
A legendary beer bar with hundreds of varieties and a lively crowd.
La Mort Subite
Historic café known for its Deco interior and classic Belgian beers.
Moeder Lambic
Popular beer bar offering a curated selection of Belgian ales.
Cafe Belga
Vibrant, casual spot in Ixelles for people-watching and drinks.
Entertainment
Cultural stages and music venues showcase Brussels’ vibrant performance scene.
La Monnaie (Theatre Royal de la Monnaie)
Belgium’s national opera house with top-tier productions.
Ancienne Belgique
Iconic Brussels concert venue hosting international acts.
Cirque Royal
Historic venue for concerts and live performances.
Le Botanique
Cultural complex and music venue housed in a renovated greenhouse.
Sports
Sports fans can catch a game or tour the city’s stadiums.
King Baudouin Stadium
Brussels’ national stadium hosting football matches and major events.
Constant Vanden Stock Stadium (Lotto Park)
Home ground of RSC Anderlecht with a loyal fan atmosphere.
Off the Track
Dig deeper with off-the-beaten-path experiences that reveal Brussels’ hidden side.
Brussels Comic Strip Route
Follow the city’s famous comic-strip murals in an open-air gallery.
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
A dazzling set of glasshouses in a royal park, opened on select days.
Soignes Forest cycling route
Escape the city with a serene ride through the Sonian Forest nearby.
Hidden courtyards of Marolles
Peep into tucked-away courtyards and small alleys behind the main streets.