Things to Do in Brussels
Top monuments, churches, parks and architecture in Brussels. Discover the best things to see and do in Brussels with prices, maps and opening times.
Brussels is a city packed with history, culture and charm. The capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union, Brussels boasts striking Gothic and modern architecture, offering a unique blend of old and new as you walk the city's streets. Strolling through the iconic Grand Place, exploring the Atomium or admiring the surrealist art of René Magritte, there is plenty to experience in Brussels, not to mention the delicious Belgian cuisine, famous for its chocolates, waffles, french fries and craft beers.
Ready to discover the city for yourself? Whether you're into art, history, politics or gastronomy, this guide will bring you through the top spots and the most interesting experiences in this vibrant capital city.
Brussels Must-Sees
When exploring Brussels, there are certain landmarks in the city that you have to pass by. The heart of the city is Grand Place, said by many to be the most beautiful square in the world, defined by a number of beautiful historic buildings, including guild halls and the city hall. You can learn more about the history of Grand Place and a number of the other top landmarks as part of this Free Tour of Brussels. Just a stone's throw away, you'll come across the Royal Galleries, one of the oldest galleries in Europe, and home to a selection of luxury boutiques, Belgian chocolate shops and various eateries. Next, make your way to the iconic 15th-century sculpture of the Manneken Pis. This symbol of the city adorns one of the city's public drinking fountains and is almost constantly surrounded by tourists.
The Atomium is another must-see of the city, a true icon of modern architecture that provides a fantastic panoramic view of the city. Also, be sure to check out the Royal Palace and the Cinquantenaire Palace. Many of these landmarks can be seen as part of this Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, if the walking tour isn't your thing!
Historic Monuments and Landmarks
As a vibrant city rich in history, Brussels boasts a wealth of attractions and monuments not to be missed. Crowd pleasers include the aforementioned Grand Place, the beating heart of the city and one of the most beautiful squares in the world and the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Belgium, are places of value and rich history. For an insight into Belgian humour, don't miss the Manneken Pis, the famous statue of the urinating boy. Interestingly, the statue which stands in the city today is a replica! The original Mannekin Pis can be found in the Brussels City Museum. Another key landmark is the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon—a remarkable 15th-century Late Gothic church.
If you're a history buff, looking for a deeper insight into these monuments, have a look at our Private City Tour of Brussels.
Brussels' Best Museums: History, Art & Culture
One of the highlights of a visit to Brussels is the many museums to visit in the city. In terms of art, The Magritte Museum is a must for lovers of the surrealist style, with an extensive collection of works by the renowned painter René Magritte. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium offers a vast collection of art from the 15th century to the present, including masterpieces by Rubens, Picasso, Monet and many more.
The Brussels City Museum provides an interesting insight into the city, in fact, the original Mannekin Pis can be found in this museum, and the version which adorns the fountain in the city is a replica! Train World is another interesting establishment, home to a selection of steam engines, interesting information and even a simulator. Alternatively, grab tickets to tickets to Choco Story: Chocolate Museum, which includes a tasting of some of the city's finest chocolate or the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
Many of these museums are included with the Brussels Card, which includes admission to 49 museums in the city.
Day Trips and Excursions
While you're staying in Brussels, we highly recommend making your way to some of the other charming cities in Belgium, such as Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. Check out Civitatis' day trips from Brussels:
