or learn which food to try and souvenirs to buy on your next trip to Europe
Brussels travel guide
Guide me through Brussels
Belgian’s capital boasts splendid architecture, rich history, and an incredible food scene. Stroll through one of the world’s most beautiful squares, sample local treads in food trucks, chocolate shops, or cutting-edge restaurants, try Belgium’s famous beer, and find some of Brussel’s hidden and fun gems around your way through this hip and historic city.
Not yet sure where to travel after Brussels?
Brussels Top 5
Indulge in chocolate, fries, and waffles
Stroll the Grand Place
Find Manneken Pis
Admire Comic Art
Visit a museum
Best things to do in Brussels
The Highlights
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Brussels’ most popular attraction is its Grand Place. It’s undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful squares, lit up beautifully during the night and home to the Town Hall and the King’s House (Maison du Roi).
Look for the symbol of the city called Manneken Pis, a statue of a little boy peeing! Jeanneke Pis, its female pendant, and Zinneke Pis are the other two of three urinating statues of the city.
You will find some architectural gems while walking through Belgium’s historical capital. See Brussels’ Stock Exchange, the Palace of Justice, and the Royal Palace from the outside, while visiting St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral and Galeries Royale St. Hubert by all means from the inside. Another impressive building, Villa Empain, is a beautiful art deco home with changing art exhibits.
Find the Klokkenspel van de Kunstberg, an elaborated carillon featuring 12 historical figures located at the Council Palace. If you pass by the Pathé Palace Cinema, have a peek inside this charming building from 1913.
There are many options for taking in the hip, historic and modern atmosphere of Brussels. Hang out at the Grand Sablon, a square ringed by old mansions and cafes, or Egmont Park, a beautiful oasis between historical landmarks and filled with statues commemorating Peter Pan. Visit Mont des Arts, a small neighborhood located on a hill in the center with landscaped gardens and striking architecture.
A bit further outside the city center, the Heysel area is a neighborhood worth exploring. It’s home to the famous Atomium of Brussels and a fun miniature museum of Europe’s main attractions called Mini Europe.
For those who are into politics, pay a visit to the European Parliament where you have the chance to watch a parliamentary session in the debating chamber or tour the building. Or learn some history at Waterloo, the historic battlefield of Napoleon’s final battle against Europe.
Special things to see in Brussels
The Parks
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When it comes to lush green spaces, Belgium’s capital has plenty to offer. Parc de Bruxelles, the former royal hunting ground with statues, fountains, and open-air stages is the perfect place for a stroll directly opposite the Royal Palace. Brussels’ Botanical Garden features the Botanique Cultural Center in a former greenhouse, which nowadays hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and theatre performances in a special setting. Relax in the Parc du Cinquantenaire, a 19th-century urban landscape park with flower gardens, fountains, and museums. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Parc de Laeken, with its castle and greenhouses.
Best museums to visit in Brussels
Museums
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Belgium’s capital offers a museum for every taste! Visit the Brussels City Museum, the House of European History, the Sewer museum, the BELvue Museum, the Jewish Museum, the Belgian Museum of Freemasonry, or the Horta Museum to gain insight into Brussels’ history and architecture.
Two interesting museums boasting archaeological sites are the Porte de Hal Museum in a 14th-century city gate featuring great city views from the ramparts and Palais du Coudenberg, a museum and excavation site with uncovered medieval castle foundations.
If you are a fan of art, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Art History Museum make great choices.
To learn about more specific topics, visit the Choco-Story Brussels, the Natural History Museum, the Musical Instrument Museum, the Fashion & Lace Museum, or AutoWorld displaying vintage cars. Learn about Belgian comic book culture in the Comic Book Museum or spot some of the incredible comic-style street art around town.
Best food to try in Brussels
Local Delicacies
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When it comes to delicious treads, Brussels is a foodie paradise. If you find yourself lucky enough to be in Brussels on a Sunday, stroll the Gare du Midi market and bring some appetite! To learn more about Belgian beer, take an educative tour at Cantillon Brewery followed by a tasting. Don’t leave the city without sampling waffles, chocolate, fries, muscles, croquettes, and Belgian beer. For later, the best place to go is Délirium Café.
Your best bet to getting delicious Belgian waffles and fries is from one of the food trucks on the street. Ask how fresh they are since you want them hot off the press or beef fat, respectively.
Last but not least – eat chocolate! Godiva, Leonidas, and Neuhaus are famous addresses when it comes to supreme chocolate. But try Chocolaterie Mary, Maison Pierre Marcolini, and Galler-Chocolatier for some special treats like natural pink chocolate and interesting flavor combinations.
Best travel tips for Brussels
Useful travel tips
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To enjoy Belgium’s capital the most, here is some general information to begin with.
To save some travel money, visit Brussels’ museums when they are free (the first Sunday of the month), use student discounts or get the plat du jour – the dish of the day – in a restaurant during lunchtime.
Since Brussels is filled with history and hidden gems, it’s highly recommended to take a free walking tour to get to know the essence of the European capital – don’t forget to tip your guide at the end.
If you are into shopping, try out the Marolles Flea Market (every morning from 8 am to 2 pm) or visit Rue Bailli with its vintage and boutique shops.
Brussels’ market scene is big. Every day, there is another afternoon food market in different neighborhoods.
A great way to see the city from another perspective is to follow Brussels’ comic book walk to spot some of the city’s best comic-style street art or to take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel for an incredible view of the city.
Transportation tips for Brussels
Transportation
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Brussels’ public transport system is extensive and it’s the best way to get around. Validate your ticket every time you take public transportation to avoid a fine. There is an airport bus that connects the airport to the city center. Another great way to explore the city is by bike. There are bike rentals all over town.
How to spend 24 hours in Brussels
24 hours in Brussels
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The best way to get to know the city is to take a free walking tour in the morning, grab fries and waffles for lunch and have a break in Egmont Park or Grand Sablon. Thereafter, plan an activity in the afternoon such as a visit to a museum, a tour of Cantillon Brewery, or exploring the Heysel area.
If you can’t join a free walking tour, here is a great option to spend a day in Brussels:
Get up early and stroll the historic center. Start your tour at Mannekin Pis and make your way to the Grand Place. Continue your walk by passing Brussels’ Stock Exchange and enter Galeries Royale St. Hubert. Afterwards, visit St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral and stroll the Mont des Arts neighborhood. Make your way to the Royal Palace and marvel at the Palace of Justice for a grand final.
Grab Belgian fries and waffles for lunch at one of the food trucks or visit a market. Have a break at Egmont Park or people-watch and sit in a café at Grand Sablon. Enter a chocolate shop on your way.
Visit a museum, take the tour at Cantillon Brewery or visit the Heysel neighborhood in the afternoon. End your day with a Belgian beer at Delirium Cafe.