12 Things to Do in Brussels: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

Looking for the best things to do in Brussels? Our guide highlights the city’s top attractions, the most exciting neighbourhoods to explore, and all the practical information you need to plan your trip.

Brussels: the capital of Belgium, the de facto capital of the EU, the comic strip capital of the world, and with legitimate claims to being the capital of chocolate, beer, waffles, surrealist art, and tiny statues.

If you need a capital, Brussels is your capital contender.

But it sometimes gets a bad rap.

In 2008, TripAdvisor published a survey concluding that Brussels was the most boring city in Europe. Here in the UK, it’s a byword for criticisms of the EU, and when you first arrive on the (very efficient) Eurostar, you may notice it’s a bit scruffy in places.

I’ll be perfectly honest with you: if you’re visiting from the United States, you’ll probably find Bruges far more beautiful, Antwerp more interesting, and Ghent a charming place to admire.

But there are a few things about Brussels we really loved.

Firstly, there are some standout attractions that are fairly unique to Brussels. The Comic Strip Museum, the Magritte Museum and Belgian Beer World are excellent sites, well worth a visit.

Secondly, Brussels has some cool neighbourhoods where you can escape the tourist crowds within a 10-minute walk from Grand-Place.

This guide covers what we think are the best things to do in Brussels. We’ve focused on attractions in an area very walkable from the historic centre, which means we haven’t included a few attractions that are slightly further out.

We think this is the best way to do Brussels.

MAP

As you can see from the map below, we have mostly covered the best things to do around the historical centre of Brussels. All the sites covered are walkable.

USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.  

TOP THINGS TO DO IN BRUSSELS

1. BELGIAN BEER WORLD & THE BEER LAB

Belgian Beer World is an interactive museum dedicated to Belgian beer culture. The exhibition covers the history of beer, brewing processes, and different zones where you can explore all things beer.

You can interact with the ingredients that go into beer, find out what type of beer you’d like and get a feel for just how important beer is to the Belgian psyche.

It’s slightly odd that the museum feels like it’s targeted at kids, but I enjoyed walking around and checking out the exhibitions.

There are two great reasons to visit on your next trip to Brussels.

Firstly, the museum is housed in La Bourse, the former Brussels Stock Exchange. The building is a grand neoclassical feature of the city with ornate decoration, statues and a huge leafy atrium in the middle.

Secondly, at the end of the museum tour, you get a free tasting of a beer of your choice from the rooftop terrace bar, the Beer Lab.

Apart from all the amazing beers you can try, the Beer Lab is a fantastic bar. They have 150 Belgian beers on tap and an open-air terrace with excellent views of Brussels. Bar snacks are available if you want to make a night of it.

Entry: Belgian Beer World is included on the Brussels Card, which is well worth getting if you are spending a few days in Brussels. We have more about this at the end of this article.

Beer Lab: You can skip the museum and head straight to the bar instead. The entrance is at the back of the building; take the lift to the top floor. The location is on the map above.

2. GRAND PLACE (GROTE MARKT)

Grand Place (or Grote Markt) is the main central square in Brussels. It’s surrounded by beautiful guild houses, including the Town Hall and the King’s House.

The square has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, but has been a magnet for tourists for much longer.

There is a mass of tourist-focused cafes on the square and the streets immediately surrounding it. It’s a vibrant part of the city but it’s very busy and full of tourists, so the restaurants are priced accordingly.

We were there during the annual Belgium Beer Weekend (which we highly recommend) so it had even more of a party atmosphere than usual.

3. CITY HALL

The City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) is a stunning example of local Gothic architecture with pointed arches, stone carvings, spires and detailed statues.

It’s a beautiful building to admire from the outside, but you can also do a self-guided audio tour of the grand rooms inside.

The audio tour (which is extremely corny) takes you through room after room. They are all very elaborate, but it does get a little monotonous after a while, so we started skipping through fairly briskly.

The highlights are the Gothic Hall and the beautiful Wedding Hall, which are both worth a little more time.

You need to book a timeslot in advance to visit the City Hall, either online here or via the machines inside the ticket office at the Town Hall.

If you book online and you are using the Brussels Card, select the Brussels Card ticket, which will allow you to reserve a timeslot without paying. You’ll need to show your Brussels Card when you arrive for your timeslot.

We booked tickets from the office in the morning, and there were plenty of available slots that afternoon.

When we arrived, there was a long queue to get our tickets checked at a desk, which looked like somewhere you would be able to buy a ticket from if you needed to. This is not the case, and several people got sent back to the machines to buy a ticket and had to queue again.

Make sure you book a ticket in advance.

4. BELGIAN COMIC STRIP CENTRE

The Comic Strip Centre was the highlight of my last trip to Brussels, and I wouldn’t even call myself a massive comic book fan.

The museum is in a classic Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta, a Belgian designer and one of the founders of Art Nouveau. It’s a very cool building with a large central atrium, a glass dome and Art Nouveau’s signature decorative iron, glass and mosaic.

A permanent exhibition celebrates Belgium’s leading position in the comic world, which unsurprisingly features the Smurfs and Tintin.

We loved the blend of architecture and pop culture, and the museum includes original art, themed rooms, cool animation and plenty of old comics.

The Belgian Comic Strip Centre is included on the Brussels Card.

5. OLD MASTERS MUSEUM & MUSÉE MAGRITTE

The Old Masters Museum and the Magritte Museum are part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Both are included in one entry ticket (both are also included on the Brussels Card) and we highly recommend both of them.

The Magritte Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Belgium’s most famous surrealist artist, René Magritte. It houses the largest collection of his works, but it’s still a very manageable size.

They have mostly paintings and drawings, but there are also some of his photographs and early films. If you’re a fan of surrealist art, you’ll love the Magritte collection.

The Old Masters Museum features European paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries, with a focus on Flemish and Belgian artists.

Some of the standouts include the Pieter Bruegel the Elder collection and the colossal works by Peter Paul Rubens.

The great thing about the Old Masters and Magritte Museums being on the one ticket is that you can spend more or less time in whichever gallery interests you the most.

Both museums are included on the Brussels Card.

6. MANNEKEN PIS

Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a naked boy peeing into a fountain.

The current statue was made by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder in 1619. Because it was stolen and vandalised several times, the version you see on the corner of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne is a copy. The original is in the City Museum of Brussels.

Over time, Manneken Pis has become a symbol of Brussels: irreverent, playful and self-mocking.

The little statue has a wardrobe of around 1,000 costumes which you’ll find him dressed in on special occasions.

If you want to get a selfie in front of Manneken Pis, you will be battling one of the busiest tourist spots in the city.

7. ROYAL SAINT-HUBERT GALLERIES

The Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries is one of Europe’s oldest glazed shopping arcades. It is made up of three arcades in central Brussels that form a long, elegant, covered promenade, close to the Grand-Place.

The galleries have luxury boutiques, chocolate shops, speciality shops, jewellers and bookshops.

There is also a wide selection of cafes and restaurants, which make a great place to sit down and people-watch.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IF YOU HAVE TIME

8. BRUSSELS CITY MUSEUM

The Brussels City Museum is located in the historic King’s House on the Grand Place.

It has a wide selection of artefacts showcasing the history of Brussels, including paintings, tapestries, sculptures, maps and models of the city.

Some of the audio guides in Brussels were very lame, but this one I actually found interesting.

It’s a beautiful old house to stroll around, but most people are here to see the original Manneken Pis, who is proudly on display behind a glass cabinet along with several of his favourite costumes.

The Brussels City Museum is included on the Brussels Card.

9. ST. MICHAEL & ST. GUDULA CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula is a colossal example of Gothic architecture in the heart of Brussels.

It’s dedicated to the two patron saints of the city and was completed in the 16th century after 300 years of construction.

The stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Last Judgement and the Holy Trinity are beautiful.

It’s free to enter the cathedral, but you can also go into the Crypt (€3); see remnants of the original 11th-century church in the Archaeological Site (€1); and visit the Treasury (€2).

10. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS MUSEUM

Housed in another stunning Art Nouveau building, the Musical Instruments Museum has around 1,200 musical instruments on display at any one time, from a collection of over 8,000.

There are some fascinating instruments that explain the evolution of music and showcase craftsmanship and cultural differences in musical tastes.

An audio guide is provided which allows you to listen to a sample of music from each instrument. My favourite was the Chitarrone.

There isn’t a lot of information apart from the audio of the instruments, so we’d probably say this is only really for people with a keen interest in musical instruments.

The Musical Instruments Museum is included on the Brussels Card.

11. ROYAL PALACE OF BRUSSELS

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium. It features a Neoclassical façade with grand columns, and beautiful gardens and the Parc de Bruxelles (Warandepark) flank it.

You can usually visit the ornate rooms; however, it’s currently closed for renovations, so we didn’t get to go in on our last visit.

It’s near the Musical Instruments Museum, the Old Masters Museum, and the Magritte Museum, so it’s worth snapping a photo while you’re in the area.

12. ÉGLISE NOTRE-DAME DU SABLON & SQUARE DU PETIT SABLON

Notre-Dame du Sablon is one of the most striking Gothic churches in Brussels.

Eleven tall stained-glass windows give it brightness and dramatic proportions, while ornate Baroque side chapels added by noble patrons create a small, intimate space.

The soaring choir is stunning with more stained-glass and ornate woodwork.

The church is free to visit, and there are a couple of other points of interest nearby:

Sablon Antiques Market – The Marché des Antiquaires du Sablon takes place at Place du Grand Sablon on Saturdays (9:00-17:00) and Sundays (9:00-15:00). In addition to antiques, there are vintage clothes, crafts and bric-a-brac.

Square du Petit Sablon – Just opposite the church, Petit Sablon Square is a small, elegant public garden with 48 statues representing the crafts of Brussels and others celebrating Belgian humanists of the 16th century.

NEIGHBOURHOODS & COFFEE

That completes the main tourist attractions we think are worth visiting in Brussels. What we liked most about Brussels was exploring the different neighbourhoods.

Here are some of the main areas you might want to navigate towards.

SABLON / ZAVEL

Sablon is an elegant part of Brussels with the twin squares of Grand and Petit Sablon (mentioned above) at the centre. You’ll find beautiful architecture alongside antique dealers, luxury chocolate shops and upmarket patisseries.

Some of the best streets to explore are:

• Rue de Rollebeek: A restaurant-lined street connecting Sablon to Marolles.
• Rue des Minimes: Great for antique shops and art galleries.
• Rue de la Régence: Elegant boulevard linking Sablon to the Royal Palace and museums.

MAROLLES

Marolles is a quirky local neighbourhood with worn facades, cool cafes and bars and plenty of edge and character.

There’s a daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle and you’ll find local art galleries, street art, record stores and cafes where locals hang out.

Some of the best streets are:

• Rue Haute (Hoogstraat): The main street in Marolles with cool art shops, cafes, galleries and concept stores.
• Rue Blaes: Good for antiques, vintage stores, and design boutiques.
• Rue des Renards: A cool bohemian-feeling street with indie shops.

ÎLOT SACRÉ

This is the historic core around Grand Place and the most touristy part of the city. Locals will no doubt roll their eyes at including this area in our guide, but as a visitor, you’ll want to stroll around at least and check it out.

This is the UNESCO World Heritage Zone and it’s pedestrian-friendly with narrow streets lined with bars, restaurants, beer halls and cafes.

The restaurant quality and prices are targeted at tourists.

• Rue des Bouchers: This is the most popular street, lined with restaurants and bars. It’s busy but there’s no denying it has atmosphere. We ate at Le Marmiton which was very good.
• Rue du Marché aux Herbes: A busy pedestrian shopping street.
• Impasse de la Fidélité: This is a little alley with Jeanneke Pis (the female version of Manneken Pis) and Delirium Café, a popular beer hall with over 2,000 beers.

SAINT-GÉRY

Saint-Géry is another neighbourhood we really liked. It’s within easy walking distance of Grand-Place and Îlot Sacré but it feels primarily local, with cafes spilling out onto the streets in the evening.

• Rue Sainte Catherine: The area around Rue Sainte Catherine and Place Sainte-Catherine is packed with local bars and cafes.
• Rue Antoine Dansaert: Great for Belgian fashion, concept stores, and trendy restaurants.
• Rue de Flandre (Vlaamsesteenweg): Cool cafés, bistros, and a lively vibe.

COFFEE & BRUNCH

We found plenty of cafes in Brussels that advertised speciality coffee with all the right signifiers, so I think the city’s coffee scene is generally pretty good.

But there’s only so much coffee you can consume, so here are the cafes we can personally vouch for:

• Frank – Australian, design-focused café with the best coffee we had in Brussels. The brunch menu is great if you’re looking for something a bit different.
• Kaffabar – Speciality coffee spot in the city centre, known for quality beans and skilled baristas. They have a good value breakfast deal.
• Bouche – Charming café in the museum district with artisanal pastries. I thought the coffee was pretty good.
• Café du Sablon – Elegant café near the Sablon squares; perfect for people-watching.

PLANNING & LOGISTICS

WHEN TO GO?

The best time to visit Brussels is during the shoulder seasons: April-June and September-October.

From April to June, the weather is mild, the gardens are in bloom, and the crowds are manageable.

In September and October, you may start to get clear, crisp days, and visitor numbers will be lower at this time as well.

Brussels is a popular European destination over Christmas with markets and cozy cafes, but the weather will be cold and damp, and it can get very busy.

Peak season is July-August when the weather is around 15-23°C (59-73°F). It can be very busy, especially around Grand-Place and Sablon.

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED?

A 2-day visit is enough to explore the city’s highlights and main attractions around the central area of Grand-Place and Îlot Sacré. We also had time to explore Sablon, Marolles, and Saint-Géry.

We had time to wander cobbled streets, sample chocolates and waffles, try plenty of beer, and enjoy the best museums and galleries.

This wouldn’t leave time for the Atomium, Mini Europe, the European Quarter, the Design Museum, and Autoworld, which are all further out of the central area. If you wanted to include these things as well, you’ll need 3 to 4 days.

HOW TO GET THERE?

The best way to get to Brussels is by train. Belgium has an excellent rail network that is fast, efficient, and generally good value.

Here are the most common train routes to Brussels:

• From London: Eurostar to Brussels (2 hours), then connecting train (total 3-4 hours)
• From Amsterdam: 3-4 hours with one connection in Brussels or Antwerp
• From Paris: Thalys to Brussels, then connecting train (total 4 hours)

All your train journeys can be booked via thetrainline.com or omio.com. Both platforms accept international cards.

GETTING AROUND

Central Brussels is compact; most historic districts, squares, and landmarks are within 10–20 minutes on foot.

We saw all the sights listed in this guide on foot and didn’t need to use public transport at all.

However, it’s possible to include public transport on the Brussels Card if you decide to save your legs a little. More information about the card is below.

There are two main train stations in Brussels where you’ll probably be starting your trip from. Bruxelles-Central (Brussel-Centraal) is a 5-minute walk to Grand-Place; Bruxelles-Midi (Brussel-Zuid) is a 15-20 minute walk to Grand-Place.

WHERE TO STAY

• Pillows City Hotel (€€€) – A stylish 4-star hotel close to Brussels Central Station with modern rooms.
• Fleur de Ville (€€€€) – Elegant hotel in the heart of Brussels with a fitness centre, shared lounge and restaurant.
• Urban Yard Hotel (€€) – A boutique hotel located less than 5 minutes from Brussels Midi station, perfect if you are arriving on the Eurostar.

BRUSSELS CARD

The Brussels Card includes entry to 46 museums, plus discounts on many others, with options to include travel passes and the hop-on-hop-off bus.

The current prices of the card are:

• 24-hour pass: €39
• 48-hour pass: €51
• 72-hour pass: €57

Unlimited access to public transport is roughly €9 extra per day. In my experience, this wasn’t necessary because Brussels is a very walkable city. I didn’t need to use public transport at all, including getting to and from the train station.

All the main museums in Brussels charge admission, so the pass is well worth it if you plan on visiting more than 3 museums or galleries per day.

You can buy your Brussels Card online here and present the QR code on your smartphone at the first museum you visit. Your pass starts from the entry to your first museum.

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Contactless payment was accepted everywhere. We literally didn’t even have any euros with us, and it was never a problem.
• French and Dutch are the official languages, but English is widely spoken.
• It’s a compact city, and you’ll do a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes.
• Central Brussels is generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.

MORE BELGIUM GUIDES

• We’ve covered all the best things to do in Bruges on our 1 or 2 day itinerary.
• Discover the best things to do in Antwerp.
• Our guide to visiting Mechelen.
• How to visit Ghent on a day trip.
• What to do in Leuven, Belgium.