The capital of Belgium, Brussels is often overlooked by tourists during their Europe trips. The capital city has a rich history, massive medieval architecture, stunning art museums, beautiful cathedrals, and delicious eatery joints and you will be surprised to know that there the so many other fantastic things to do in Brussels.
The city has many layers of adventures with a balance of medieval and modern charm. Tasting the classic Belgian beer, delicious waffles, and flavorful chocolates is a must on your trip to Brussels.
Although French and Dutch are the official languages spoken in Brussels, most of the locals understand and speak good English.
1. 11 Fun Things to do in Brussels
The city of Brussels has a lot to offer to its tourists. Every corner of this city has something interesting to discover thus making Brussels one of the most exciting cities to visit in Europe.
There are so many cool and fun things to do in Brussels that you won’t get bored for a minute.
Here are the top and must things to do in Brussels on your vacation and fall in love with this amazing city of history, art, architecture, and nightlife.
1.1. Visit the Grand Place
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Grand Place in Brussels’s heart. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most touristy things to do in Brussels.
The stunning architecture of the Grand Palace is a historic landmark thus making it one of the prettiest squares in Europe.
Additionally, besides the Grand Place, the central square is surrounded by the lavish Royal Palace and the Brussels Town Hall, several art nouveau buildings, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Some of the best shops selling chocolates, waffles, and desserts are located in this square, and trying these delights is a must thing to do in Brussels.
If you are visiting the city between November and January, do not miss the magical sound and light show at the Grand Place.
1.2. Catch a Sight of the Manneken Pis
One of the most popular landmarks and statues in Brussels is the Manneken Pis where an effigy of a small boy can be seen peeing. The landmark is very easy to locate and the boy can be seen in different interesting costumes throughout the year.
The peeing boy statue symbolizes the calm disposition of the locals in the city and is one of the most touristic things to do in Brussels.
Image by Mike Popp from Pixabay Copyright 2014
Besides the Manneken Pis, there are other two not-so-popular peeing statues in Brussels which include the Zinneke Pis and Jeanneke Pis. Seeing the peeing statues is one of the most amusing things to do in Brussels.
Another fun fact is that the Manneken Pis produces beer instead of water during special events and occasions to celebrate with the locals and tourists. Doesn’t it sound interesting?
1.3. See the Brussels Atomium
One of the most iconic and futuristic structures in Brussels is the massive and beautiful Atomium constructed in the year of 1958.
There are 9 spheres in total attached by tubes and you can go to the highest sphere and get an amazing view of the city of Brussels.
Even if you do not want to visit the topmost Atomium sphere, you can experience the picturesque panoramic views of the Atomium structure.
Image by Waldo Miguez from Pixabay Copyright 2016
Although the Brussels Atomium is located on the outskirts of the city, tourists do not miss the opportunity to visit this amazing landmark and take some Instagram-able photos for a walk down memory lane.
It is one of the most common things to do in Brussels by tourists.
1.4. Visit the Comics Art Museum
Did you know that the city of Brussels is the home and capital of famous comic strips including TinTin from the Adventures of TinTin?
The Comics Art Museum has some quirky pieces of art and architecture from all the renowned creators and famous artists of Belgium and all over the world.
Also, you can collect some memorable souvenirs or have a look at the shops selling interesting comic figurines and comic books.
Image by Vinson Tan ( 楊 祖 武 ) from Pixabay Copyright 2018
If you are a comic fanatic, visiting this art museum is one of the most exciting and fun things to do in Brussels.
1.5. Explore the Royal Museums
The best way to learn about the rich European history of Belgium is through art. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts is a collective group of six art museums and galleries that features the art nouveau architecture and fine arts of Belgium.
If you are an art lover, visiting the art museums and admiring the statues, sculptures, paintings, and carvings is one of the best things to do in Brussels.
Image by Paolo Trabattoni from Pixabay Copyright 2020
You get to know a lot about the medieval history of Belgium by exploring these art galleries.
If you require audio guides, you need to spend a small fee which will help you to have an in-depth knowledge of the different sections of the art galleries.
1.6. Taste the Belgian Beer
The first thing that comes to mind during your trip to Belgium is Belgian beer. If you want to taste the classic Belgian beer, I recommend you to visit Delirium Cafe.
You are surely going to thank your taste buds after trying out their beers. It is an ideal and perfect place for all beer lovers and one of the must things to do in Brussels.
Besides the classic beer, the atmosphere of the bar is lively and exciting which makes it a great place for dinner or having a pint of beer after a long day sightseeing.
Image by logikslut0 from Pixabay Copyright 2015
Cafe Mort Subite is also a very popular joint to taste some classic and great beers along with a varied food menu including traditional Belgian cuisine.
Additionally, experience a guided tour at the Cantillon Brewery to discover the secret beer-making process and taste the traditional Gueuze-Lambic brew.
1.7. Get Around Parc du Cinquantenaire
If you enjoy bike tours during a vacation, do explore the hidden landmarks in Brussels including the European Parliament and Grand Place, and going on a bike ride is one of the very popular touristy things to do in Brussels.
Additionally, you also get to see the Cinquantenaire Park which was constructed in the year 1880, and where you get to enjoy the amazing city view, once you are at the top of Triumphal Arch.
Image by Ernesto Velázquez from Pixabay Copyright 2021
Enjoy a relaxing brunch with your family or just take some family pictures on your visit to Cinquantenaire Park. The park is beautifully settled in the heart of the Royal Palace, National Palace, and Palace of Justice.
During the summer, please make sure to visit the famous music festival named Rock Werchter conducted annually at the park.
1.8. Explore the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is mainly used for all the important national and cultural celebrations and is the fifth largest church in the whole wide world.
One of the top attractions of this basilica is the dome called Mont des Arts which allows tourists to get photogenic and panoramic views of the beautiful city.
The moonlight and the city lights make the dome of the church look more pretty and magical during the night. Visiting the Sacre Coeur is one of the interesting things to do in Brussels.
1.9. Shop at the Galleries Royales Saint-Hubert
The Galleries Royales Saint Hubert is situated at the heart of Brussels, and shopping here is one of the must things to do in Brussels. These galleries in this aesthetic shopping arcade are some of the oldest in the world.
The arcade is home to more than 200 varieties of shops, boutiques, traditional cafes, restaurants, and confectionary shops.
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay Copyright 2018
It is a lovely place for shopping, collecting souvenirs, and buying gift items for your family and friends. If you are looking for traditional Belgian lace, you are in the correct place.
Several chocolate shops at this arcade sell authentic and delectable chocolate from Belgium.
1.10. Visit Mini Europe
One of the popular and coolest things to do in Brussels is to visit Mini Europe. From the Eiffel Tower of Paris to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Mini Europe has got you all covered.
Mini Europe gives you in-depth learning of European culture covering all the iconic landmarks from all the European cities in a miniature version at a scale of 1:25.
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay Copyright 2018
The Mini Europe park is a must-visit if you want to explore the whole of Europe in a stipulated time. Additionally, the park has facilities for restaurants, cafes, and roller coasters.
The restaurants at this park serve food from different European countries including Italy, Spain, and France.
1.11. Discover the Choco-Story Brussels
We all know Belgians and their obsession with chocolates. You will find chocolates at every nook and corner of the city and thus, visiting the Chocolate Museum of Brussels, the Choco-Story is one of the most fun things to do in Brussels.
It is a chocolate lovers’ paradise. Take a tour around the museum and acquire knowledge about the history and the manufacture of Belgian chocolates.
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay Copyright 2018
You get to taste-test some lip-smacking locally produced chocolates at the museum. You also get to see live illustrations of how chocolates are produced by a chocolatier.
2. Conclusion
To conclude, there are several more things to do in Brussels which include discovering the Sablon neighborhood or exploring the Musical Instruments Museum of Brussels. The city welcomes tourists with open hands and gives everyone the vacation of a lifetime.
Brussels is modern but also maintains its traditional history and touch, thus making the city very unique. The museums, iconic landmarks, and delectable cuisines make Brussels one of the most famous and loved holiday destinations.
Last Updated on by Steffy Michael
