11 Things to Do in Brussels

You’ll find Brussels rewards the curious traveler with surprises tucked around every cobblestone corner. While most visitors rush between the obvious highlights like Grand Place and Manneken Pis, the Belgian capital’s real charm lies in its blend of medieval architecture, world-class museums, and that unmistakable European café culture. From climbing into futuristic steel spheres to hunting down the city’s best chocolate shops, there’s more to discover here than you might expect.

Marvel at Grand Place’s Guild Houses and Gothic Town Hall

When you step into Brussels’ Grand Place, you’ll find yourself surrounded by one of Europe’s most spectacular architectural ensembles—a collection of ornate guild houses and a soaring Gothic town hall that showcase over 600 years of civic pride and craftsmanship.

You’ll be amazed by the Town Hall’s 96-meter bell tower topped with Archangel Michael, its façade adorned with countless sculptures of historical figures and saints.

The surrounding Baroque guild houses, rebuilt after 1695’s devastating French bombardment, display elaborate gables and gold embellishments that reflect each guild’s wealth and identity. The narrow layouts of these buildings reflect the guilds’ strategic desire for maximum frontage on the prestigious square.

Don’t miss the eastern side’s “House of the Dukes of Brabant,” where seven separate houses create one unified façade.

The neo-Gothic King’s House completes this UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece, demonstrating remarkable architectural harmony despite centuries of reconstruction.

Hunt Down Manneken Pis and His Quirky Counterparts

Just a short walk from Grand Place’s architectural splendor, you’ll discover Brussels’ most famous—and cheeky—resident: the tiny bronze Manneken Pis. Located at the corner of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne, this 50cm statue of a urinating boy has symbolized the city’s irreverent spirit since 1619.

Don’t expect grandeur—its charm lies in its modest size and playful nature.

The statue you’ll see is actually a 1965 replica; the original rests safely in Brussels City Museum after centuries of theft attempts. The statue originally served as a public water source for the city’s residents.

During special occasions, witness the statue dispensing beer or wine instead of water, and you might catch him sporting one of his 800+ costumes.

Extend your hunt by seeking his counterparts: Jeanneke Pis (the female version) and Zinneke Pis (the peeing dog).

Stroll Through Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for Chocolate and Coffee

After you’ve had your fill of bronze statues, head to the magnificent Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, where Europe’s oldest glazed shopping arcade beckons with the irresistible aroma of premium Belgian chocolate and freshly brewed coffee. This 1847 architectural gem spans 213 meters under continuous glass roofing.

It houses legendary chocolatiers like Neuhaus—inventor of the modern praline in 1912. You’ll discover Godiva, Leonidas, and Pierre Marcolini boutiques with elaborate window displays and free tastings.

Between chocolate stops, settle into historic cafés with 19th-century interiors serving espresso and Belgian waffles. The Italianate Renaissance architecture features marble facades and ornate shopfronts illuminated by natural light. This pioneering arcade helped transform Brussels into a major European city alongside Paris and London, connecting the upper and lower parts of the city through its monumental design.

Visit mid-morning through late afternoon when the glass roof creates perfect lighting for both shopping and people-watching from café terraces.

Climb Inside the Atomium’s Steel Spheres

While Brussels offers countless ground-level attractions, you’ll find one of Europe’s most unique architectural experiences towering 102 meters above the city at the Atomium. This striking structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, featuring nine interconnected steel spheres that you can explore from the inside.

Your visit follows a fixed route through five accessible spheres, starting with exhibitions about the 1950s and Expo 58.

You’ll climb about 80 steps up and 167 steps down while moving between spheres via tubes containing escalators and stairs. The central lift, originally Europe’s fastest at 5 meters per second, can transport you to the top in just 23 seconds.

The highlight awaits at the top sphere, where an elevator whisks you to the panoramic observation deck at 92 meters high, offering 360-degree views over Brussels.

The Atomium opens daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Discover Surrealist Art at the Magritte Museum

Where else can you plunge into the mind of Belgium’s most famous surrealist painter than at the Magritte Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of René Magritte’s works? You’ll find this treasure trove housed in the elegant 18th-century Hôtel du Lotto on Place Royale, just steps from Brussels-Central station.

Inside, you’ll encounter around 230 works spanning Magritte’s entire career, including iconic pieces like *The Return* and *The Empire of Light*. The museum’s three floors guide you chronologically through his artistic evolution, from well-known masterpieces to his lesser-known “vache” period.

Beyond paintings, you’ll discover gouaches, sculptures, advertising posters, and personal correspondence that reveal the artist’s creative process. The museum welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually from around the world, making it one of Brussels’ most popular cultural attractions. Audio guides help decode the symbolism behind his dreamlike imagery.

Follow the Comic Strip Route Through Brussels’ Streets

Since Brussels serves as the global capital of comic strips, you’ll discover one of Europe’s most unique outdoor art galleries by following the Comic Strip Route through the city’s streets. This citywide trail features over 50 large-scale murals painted on building façades, showcasing beloved characters like Tintin, Lucky Luke, and Asterix.

You’ll find murals concentrated in central districts like Marolles and around Grand Place. Start near Manneken Pis with the historic Broussaille mural on Rue du Marché au Charbon—the route’s first comic wall from 1991. The complete route spans 13 kilometers and can be divided into four color-coded sections for easier navigation.

Use the interactive map at parcoursbd.brussels to navigate between locations, or grab a printed map from Grand Place Tourist Info Center. The 6.3-kilometer walking loop efficiently connects major sights with comic art discoveries.

Sample Belgian Beer at Traditional Breweries and Beer Walls

How better to experience Brussels’ legendary brewing heritage than by visiting the traditional breweries and iconic beer bars that have shaped Belgium’s world-renowned beer culture? Start at Cantillon Brewery, operating since 1900, where the Van Roy family still crafts lambic, gueuze, and kriek using traditional natural fermentation. You’ll find self-guided tours and a Gueuze Museum several days weekly.

For modern craft brewing, visit Brasserie de la Senne, which revitalized Brussels’ beer scene in 2010 with authentic Belgian styles. Don’t miss the beer walls at Moeder Lambic for extensive lambic selections, or Au Bon Vieux Temps for traditional barrel-served lambics in cozy wooden-paneled surroundings. The city’s impressive beer landscape includes around 20 breweries that showcase both traditional and innovative brewing techniques.

Consider day trips to 3 Fonteinen in Beersel, just thirty minutes away, for exceptional lambic experiences in their spacious facility.

Wander Through Parc Du Cinquantenaire and Its Museums

Step into Brussels’ grandest public space at Parc du Cinquantenaire, where 30 hectares of formal French gardens stretch beneath the city’s most impressive triumphal arch.

You’ll find yourself exploring a monument to Belgian independence, created in 1880 to mark the nation’s 50th anniversary.

The towering Cinquantenaire Arch dominates the landscape at 40 meters high, crowned by a bronze quadriga sculpture representing Brabant province.

Don’t miss the world-class museums flanking the arch—dive into centuries of military history at the Royal Military Museum in the north wing, or explore ancient civilizations at the Art & History Museum in the south.

Autoworld’s vintage car collection also awaits automotive enthusiasts.

The Great Mosque adds cultural diversity to this European Quarter gem. The park showcases 15 remarkable trees that have earned recognition in the regional inventory for their exceptional botanical significance.

Explore the Musical Instrument Museum in the Old England Building

When you enter the Art Nouveau masterpiece that houses Brussels’ Musical Instrument Museum, you’ll discover one of the world’s most impressive collections of musical treasures within the former Old England department store. Paul Saintenoy’s 1899 architectural gem features intricate wrought iron, ceramic friezes, and elegant glass façades that create a stunning backdrop for over 7,000 instruments spanning centuries.

You’ll receive headphones at the entrance that automatically play audio samples as you approach specific displays across four floors.

The collection includes everything from the world’s oldest preserved saxophone to beautifully decorated Ruckers harpsichords and traditional instruments from Asia and Africa. The instruments are thoughtfully organized by different styles including mechanical, electrical, electronic, traditional, Western classical, keys, and keyboards to enhance your exploration experience. Don’t miss the rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Brussels, including the Royal Palace and Grand Place, making your cultural experience complete.

Browse Antiques and Gourmet Treats at Sablon Market

Since you’re already exploring Brussels’ cultural treasures, you’ll find the Sablon Antiques Market perfectly positioned in the heart of the city’s prestigious antiques district on Place du Grand Sablon.

Operating since 1960, this weekend market features over 40 professional dealers across 64 stalls showcasing jewelry, silverware, paintings, ceramics, Chinese porcelain, and African art.

You can browse Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM or Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM, reaching the market via Bus 27, 33, 48, or 95.

The knowledgeable dealers offer curated weekly discoveries and share fascinating historical insights about their pieces. Each exhibitor brings specialized expertise in their particular field, making it easier to find authentic pieces and learn about their provenance.

Don’t miss Thursday’s complementary gourmet market (3-9 PM) featuring fresh produce, artisanal bread, charcuterie, and wine selections.

Visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken When They’re Open

After exploring Brussels’ vibrant markets, you’ll want to plan ahead for one of the city’s most exclusive attractions—the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken. These magnificent glass structures open for just three weeks each spring, typically from mid-April to mid-May.

You’ll need to book tickets online in advance at www.koninklijke-serres-royales.be since on-site purchases aren’t available. Adult tickets cost 7 euros, while children under 12 enter free with reserved tickets.

Choose between two routes: a 2km path focusing on the greenhouses or a 3km journey through the Royal Domain gardens first.

Designed by architect Alphonse Balat for King Leopold II, the complex houses extraordinary botanical collections including historic camellias and plants from former Belgian colonies. The Winter Garden serves as a venue for royal receptions and state visits.

Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours for your visit.

The Sum Up

You’ve got enough attractions here to fill several days in Brussels, so don’t try to cram everything into one rushed visit. Start with the must-sees like Grand Place and the Atomium, then pick a few others based on your interests. If you’re into art, prioritize the Magritte Museum. Love food? Focus on the chocolate shops and local breweries. Take your time—Brussels rewards those who savor rather than sprint.