Things to do in Brussels

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

La Grand Place featuring a castle, street scenes and a square or plaza
Place du Grand Sablon
Photo provided by Visit Brussels
Mont des Arts showing a park and a city as well as a couple
Brussels featuring a city, heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Brussels Attractions

Brussels, the center and capital of Europe, offers so much to tourists that many people find it hard to stay for only a short amount of time. Historical landmarks, beer houses, and art museums are just some of the many things to do in Brussels.

While there are many Brussels excursions to experience during your vacation, the best place to visit when you first touch down is the Rue des Bouchers. Avid shoppers will appreciate the mixture local shopping spots and high end retailers which call the Rue des Bouchers home. Be sure to stop by one of the local coffee shops for a warm cappuccino before you begin your shopping spree.

Because Brussels is also known as a major art city, Expedia recommends tourists visit some the city's many Art Nouveau buildings which were built over one hundred years ago. Located in Brussels' historical district, each one of these structures was designed and built by 19th century artists and architects. Those who are interested in visiting this area would find it wise to take one of the many Brussels tours available.

One of the top tourist places to visit in the city is the Atomium. Built during the 1958 Worlds Fair, tourists can take an escalator all the way to the top of this structure to enjoy beautiful sunset views of this wonderful city and some of the countryside of Belgium. The Atomium is known as one of the best Brussels activities and should not be missed.

For their love of comics, Brussels is also known as the Comic City. People come from all over the world to take tours of the many comic museums, including the famous Belgian Comic Strip Center. This must see attraction will both educate and entertain you at the same time. Read about the unique history of comic strips in Belgium while enjoying some of the many entertaining stories during the tour.

For the adults in your family, don't forget to taste some of Belgium's famous locally brewed beer. Some of the breweries in Brussels have been unchanged in over one hundred years.

The easiest way to enjoy the many attractions in Brussels is to take a guided tour. A map will be needed for those who wish to venture out on their own.


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What to do in Brussels

Free Things to Do in Brussels

A visit to Brussels need not cost a fortune. You can leave your wallet at home if you go to:

MIMA - Chock-full of exhibits and artifacts, this place is a wonderland for hungry minds.

Broussaille - If you'd love to learn more about the artistic and cultural side of the area, organize a visit.

Jeanneke Pis - Architecture connoisseur or not, you're certain to be awed by this landmark's modern-day design.

Brussels City Hall - Roam around this historic place and find out a few secrets from yesteryear.

La Grand Place - See for yourself why locals and travelers alike are enamored by the unique vibe of this place.

Royal Library of Belgium - If you're eager to check out a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, this place is worth visiting.

Notre Dame da la Chapelle - Connect with your spiritual side or simply lose yourself in the tranquil atmosphere at this holy place.

Brussels Park - No matter if you know your lilies from lilacs, you won't struggle to find beauty in this glorious display.

Things to Do in Brussels with Kids

There are lots of outstanding experiences in Brussels that the entire gang will enjoy. These are a few of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Brussels? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Brussels

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Brussels

Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk featuring night scenes, heritage architecture and a city

Grand-Place

While visiting Grand-Place, you might make a stop by sights like La Grand Place and The King's House.

Grand-Place
La Grand Place showing a castle, heritage architecture and night scenes

Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk

4.5/5(46 area reviews)

Take time in Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk to visit attractions like La Grand Place and Rue des Bouchers. You might also appreciate the interesting museums, and you can hop on the metro at Bourse-Beurs Station to see more of the city.

Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk
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Ixelles

Explore the vibrant Matongé district, boasting diverse shops and eateries, or unwind at scenic spots like Ixelles Ponds and Tenbosch Park. Don't miss the Art Nouveau houses by Victor Horta!

Ixelles
Jubilee Park which includes heritage architecture and a park

European Quarter

4.5/5(130 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in European Quarter. Spend some time visiting top spots like Schumanplein, and catch the metro at Maalbeek-Maelbeek Station or Arts-Loi - Kunst-Wet Station to see more of the area.

European Quarter
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Sint-Gillis

Discover architectural gems like Art Nouveau houses by Victor Horta and Paul Hankar, and explore the Horta Museum in this multicultural municipality. Enjoy easy access to public transport, including trams and buses, for seamless exploration.

Sint-Gillis
Brussels Park which includes a garden

Quartier Royal - Koninklijke Wijk

Get to know Quartier Royal - Koninklijke Wijk and its many features like its museums and live music. You might want to explore sights like BELvue Museum and Royal Palace of Brussels, and you can jump on the metro at Palais Tram Stop or Royale Tram Stop to get around the city.

Quartier Royal - Koninklijke Wijk

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Brussels

Frequently asked questions

Is Brussels worth visiting?
Offering a mix of bars and pubs and dining, there are plenty of things to do in Brussels. When you're here, check out Royal Palace of Brussels, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Brussels?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Royal Palace of Brussels and Mini-Europe, spend the rest of your day discovering Brussels's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Brussels?
Royal Palace of Brussels is one of the top tourist attractions in Brussels and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Brussels?
Three days in Brussels is enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers stay for three days on average. Royal Palace of Brussels, Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and Belgian Comic Strip Center are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Antwerp.
Is Brussels a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Brussels is a great destination to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Royal Palace of Brussels and Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Then take a stroll through Lower Town, located 0.3 miles from the center, and Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk, which is roughly 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Brussels with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Brussels with kids.

What to do in Brussels for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Brussels, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Cantillon Brewery or Brussels Event Brewery.
Are there free things to do in Brussels?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Brussels. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Cinquantenaire Park is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.