What to do in Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union is a vibrant city rich in culture and history. From picturesque parks to world-famous museums, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
In this blog post, we provide an overview of some of the best sights to visit while sightseeing in Brussels. Are you looking for a nice book about Brussels? Then we can recommend The Lonely Planet Pocket Brussels – Bruges.
More information about how to get around in Brussels can be found here. Are you planning to visit many museums? Then this Brussels City Card can undoubtedly give you a lot of benefits. You can visit no fewer than 49 museums with this card! Another must-visit city in Belgium is Ghent, one of the nicest cities in Belgium. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Brussels. When you’re traveling in Belgium, you should also consider going to the southern part, the Ardennes.
But now, let’s dive into the best things to visit in Brussels.
Manneken Pis statue
No trip to Brussels would be complete without a visit to Manneken Pis – one of the city’s most iconic symbols. This small bronze statue is located near the Grote Markt and depicts a little boy urinating in a fountain basin. Although it may seem bizarre, this statue is very popular among locals and tourists alike.
It has become so popular that it even has a wardrobe with over 900 costumes! Fun fact: Manneken Pis was created in 1619!
You can find Manneken Pis on the corner of Stoofstraat and Eikstraat, close to the Grote Markt. In addition to Manneken Pis, you also have Jeanneken Pis, which you can find in the Rue de Bouchers.
Jubelpark
This beautiful park was inaugurated in 1880 to celebrate Belgium’s 50th anniversary as an independent nation. It has elegant gardens, lush greenery, and several monuments, including a triumphal arch that pays tribute to Leopold II.
There are also several museums on site, such as the Royal Museum of Military History and Autoworld – showcasing classic cars from all eras. Visitors can also take a stroll around the lake or visit the many cafes and restaurants on the edge of the park.
You can also bring your picnic and enjoy it on one of the benches in the Cinquantenaire Park, one of the nicest sights in Brussels.
Grand Place
The Grand Place is one of Brussels’ most famous sights – and it’s easy to understand why! This spectacularly beautiful square dates back to the 13th century and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998.
Here you will not only find beautiful Gothic architecture but also regular festivals such as the Fête de la bière (Beer Festival), where visitors can taste the best Belgian beers! Be sure to take the time to explore this iconic spot – you won’t regret it!
The Atomium
With its impressive height of 102 meters, the Atomium is an unmissable attraction in Brussels. The spherical structure, built as a memorial to science and atomic energy, consists of nine interconnected spheres.
You also have a fantastic view of the Brussels skyline. You can take the elevator to the top, a truly unique experience. You will find a café, and temporary exhibitions, and the Atomium is an unmissable symbol for the culture and architecture of Brussels.
The Atomium is located in Heyzel Park in the west of Brussels. You can easily reach it via public transport or you can buy a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus.
You can purchase tickets for the Atomium (museums and viewing platform) online in advance. This way you avoid the long queues at the entrance.
The Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels is beautiful to see both inside and out. It is currently occupied by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and is the official residence of the Belgian royal family. This historic palace dates from the 19th century and is a symbol of royal society in Belgium. It is one of the nicest sights in Brussels.
Although access to the interior is usually restricted, open days are held throughout the year, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience a slice of royal opulence and view works of art dating back more than 170 years.
So if you’re in Brussels at the right time, why not take a stroll through this grand residence? In the summer from July 23 to August 28, you can visit the Royal Palace. More information about the Royal Palace can be found on the official website of the Royal House.
The Brussels Comics Route
In our Belgian capital, you will find a rich comic strip history. Belgium has no fewer than 750 cartoonists! This comic strip route takes you past 50 places in Brussels and pays tribute to well-known and lesser-known cartoon characters.
You can find the exact route via this link. Along the way, you will meet none other than Tintin, Asterix, Suske Wiske or Lucky Luke.
Visit the Art Nouveau houses of Victor Horta
Victor Horta was a pivotal figure in the Art Nouveau movement, and his influence is still felt. Visiting the Brussels houses he designed more than a hundred years ago is an important part of understanding the development of this artistic movement.
With a visit to the Tassel House, one of Horta’s earliest projects, and the Victor Horta House, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, you will gain insight into how Art Nouveau developed and its long-lasting influence on European aesthetics.
These two architectural gems offer a unique opportunity to appreciate Art Nouveau and the garden and interior design of that time. Whether you’re an avid admirer of Horta or simply want to understand how his genius changed thinking about beauty, you won’t be disappointed. You also have the Autrique house (1893), the Van Eetvelde house (1895), and the Solvay house (1894).
All the houses are quite far apart, but you can easily reach them with the hop-on hop-off bus. This way you can immediately discover all the best things to do in Brussels. There is also a complete art nouveau tour that you can follow in Brussels. You pay €30 per person, tickets for this interesting art-nouveau tour can be found on Get Your Guide.
The Kunstberg or Mont Des Arts
The Mont des Arts in Brussels is a beautiful place to visit. From the top, you have a beautiful view of the city of Brussels. With its combination of greenery, statues, and fountains, it is an oasis of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of city life.
You can explore art galleries and museums or just take time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. During the summer you will also find music festivals and street performances on the Kunstberg.
From Central Station, it is only a 2-minute walk to the Kunstberg. More information about the activities and events on the Kunstberg can be found on their website.
Bring a visit to Mini Europa
The Mini Europa Park in Brussels is a truly special experience. Not only is it close to the Atomium, it also showcases hundreds of famous buildings from countries across the European Union. There is something for everyone to experience and admire in this miniature park: from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, visitors are transported throughout Europe.
This way you can immediately discover the rich history and diversity of Europe through fascinating sights. It’s a fun way to get to know Europe a little better in one day – perfect for those looking for an educational yet fun experience!
An entrance ticket for Mini Europe costs $17.5 for an adult, children pay $12.3.
Museum of Natural Sciences
The Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels is one of the unmissable sights in Brussels for those who want to explore the history of life on Earth. Located in the heart of Belgium, this beautiful museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of specimens and artifacts related to prehistory and the natural sciences.
With more than 30 million objects from past and present, visitors can explore topics such as evolution, paleontology, zoology, botany, geology, mineralogy, and more.
The Museum of Natural Sciences also features specialized galleries with temporary exhibitions on a range of scientific topics with multimedia explorations and interactive activities using state-of-the-art technology. From the fascinating exhibitions to the extensive educational programs for both children and adults, the Museum of Natural Sciences offers something for everyone interested in learning about our living planet.
More information about which exhibitions are currently on can be found here. You can also follow different courses depending on your interests and the ages of the children. Tickets cost €13 for adults and €5 for children. Did you know that you can explore the museum in advance via Google Street View? If you need more inspiration for day trips, you should check out our article on the best day trips in Belgium.
The European Parliament
One of the sights in Brussels is the European Parliament. The iconic building, commonly referred to as ‘the semi-circle’, offers a beautiful window into the democratic process of the European Union and its Member States. Your guide will take you through the halls and showrooms, and provide an overview of how decisions are made within the EU.
In addition to this educational information, your guide can also provide insight into local history, culture, and politics. After your visit, you will have a much better understanding of how decisions within this powerful legislature impact our daily lives.
In the Parlamentarium you will discover the history of European integration, its impact on our daily lives, and of course the functioning of the European Parliament through a dynamic, interactive multimedia tour.
Sint- Gorikshallen
The Halls of Saint George in Brussels have a long history of markets within their walls. The St. Gorik Market dates back centuries and was a popular destination during its peak. Unfortunately, things quieted down after World War II and stopped completely in 1977.
However, in 1987 the architectural wonder was declared a protected heritage site and subsequently revived. Visitors to the halls today are treated to a range of experiences ranging from vintage markets to information and exhibition spaces.
It’s no surprise that the great halls of St. Gery have become such an iconic Brussels landmark, as they offer a fascinating mix of history and modern amenities.
More information about the markets available can be found on the website of the Sint-Gorikshallen.
Tours and other fun sights in Brussels
Are you still looking for other activities in Brussels that you can book online in advance? Then take a look at the options below.
Spend the night in Brussels
Are you planning to spend a night in Brussels and have a nice weekend of it? Then take a look at the accommodation options below. If you’re not staying in Brussels, have a look at our most original places to stay in Belgium.
- BB X2 Brussels: you will find spacious rooms in the center of Brussels, just 350 meters from Manneken Pis and the Grote Markt. The rooms are all stylishly finished and can be booked from €120. View prices and availability here.
- Pillows City Hotel Brussels: The 4-star Pillows City Hotel Brussels Center is located in the center of Brussels, just 100 meters from Brussels Central Station and the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral. You can book from €175. Check here for prices and availability.
- Latroupe Grand Place Hostel: this nice hostel can be found on the Grand Place in Brussels. A continental breakfast is served every morning. For a family room for 4 people, you pay approximately €140. View prices and availability here.
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