27 must-do things in Brussels

What better way to start the week than by filling up on delicious fries from Maison Antoine? A true institution, this spot has been delighting Belgian foodies and visitors from all walks of life since 1948. Whether Andalusian-style, spicy, or with the classic ketchup-mayonnaise combo, here, you can devour fries with every sauce imaginable! And if you’re not a fan of the snack bar, don’t worry: the menu also offers skewers, a wide selection of burgers, and even a veggie option for hot dogs.

To top it all off, the establishment is recommended by the Royal Palace, which it has had the opportunity to serve on two occasions. A truly princely meal that has the advantage of satisfying every budget.

Whether with friends, family, or even coworkers, BIGc stands out as Brussels’ largest indoor multi-activity center. The perfect spot to spice up a birthday, organize a team-building event, or simply treat yourself to an adrenaline-filled afternoon without worrying about the weather. On the agenda: 8 activities under one roof, from Prison Island—that super-fun mix of escape game and physical challenges—to next-gen HyperBowling, plus laser tag, laser karting, karaoke booths, arcade games, pool, and even a play area for the little ones. A massive spot where it’s impossible to get bored, even for the most hard-to-please groups.

Don’t let its size fool you. Standing just 50 centimeters tall, the Manneken-Pis (literally “the little man who pees” in Brussels dialect) is the symbol of the city. Perched between the Étuve and the Chêne since 1388, the statue is surrounded by legends, each more zany than the last. Unfortunately a victim of its own success, it has been stolen on several occasions and has thus been replaced by a replica since 1619. You’ll find its lesser-known female counterpart, named Jeanneke Pis, just a stone’s throw from the Grand Place.

A mysterious artist who has become famous worldwide for his street art, Banksy’s identity remains unknown to this day. Following the resounding success of the exhibition “The World of Banksy,” it has now been brought to life in a museum dedicated to him: the Banksy Museum.

Housed in a former 900-square-meter textile factory, the permanent exhibition takes you on an immersive journey through the artist’s entire body of work in life-size form. A colorful visual experience in an unusual setting that will delight all street art enthusiasts!

Chocolate lovers, get ready. While Belgian chocolate’s reputation speaks for itself, it would be a shame to limit yourself to just tasting it. At Choco Story Brussels, located on Rue de l’Étuve, kids and adults alike can make their own chocolate bars! With the chocolate bar workshop, start your visit to the chocolate museum at a leisurely pace and extend the fun with an hour-long making workshop led by a master chocolatier. What more could you ask for?

Have you always dreamed of being the hero (or the villain) of a court case? Now you can, thanks to this immersive experience that puts you directly in the shoes of a juror. Forget the distance of crime novels: here, you’ll witness a live trial, where talented actors present evidence of a crime of passion or a massive fraud.

The plot unfolds before your eyes, and all eyes are on you. After listening to the closing arguments and examining the evidence, the entire audience deliberates and delivers the final verdict. May justice be served… or not! An evening that is both bewildering and thrilling, promising lively discussions after the show.

You can’t call yourself a true Brussels local without having set foot in Délirium and ordered a pint. With a world record of 2,000 international beers on the menu—ranging from famous Belgian Abbey beers to stronger or fruitier varieties, including those with chocolate notes—the bar meets all your needs thanks to a team of bartenders dedicated to guiding you on your beer-tasting journey. All this in an underground atmosphere divided into different sections, each with its own music. A beer lover’s paradise, in short!

Located in the heart of the city, the Grand-Place is the pride of the Belgians, as its beauty has charmed generations over the years. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little gem of Gothic and Baroque architecture has witnessed some of the country’s most significant historical events.

Today, the square —sometimes described as the most beautiful in Europe —retains an administrative function thanks to its magnificent City Hall and also hosts numerous festive events throughout the year.

For an evening that exudes the spirit of New Orleans without leaving the country, head to The Jazz Room. In an intimate setting, bathed in soft lighting, you don’t just listen to the music—you feel it. This venue takes you on a journey through the richest genres, from fiery tributes to raw blues to powerful soul.

Let yourself be carried away by exceptional musicians who put a fresh spin on New Orleans and swing classics. It’s the perfect spot for fans of captivating melodies andimmersive musical experiences.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Laeken Cemetery offers an unexpected immersion inArt Nouveau and history. Nicknamed the“Little Père-Lachaise,” it houses an incredibly rich funerary heritage, featuring vaulted tombs and majestic Art Nouveau sculptures. It is also home to the Church of Our Lady of Laeken and the entrance to the royal vault. A melancholic, artistic, and free stroll, perfect for lovers of architecture and tranquility.

Need a change of scenery? Head up high and admire a panoramic view of the capital fromthe Atomium! A subtle blend of sculpture and architectural feat, the building resembles a crystal lattice of iron and towers over the city from a height of 102 meters.

With over 600,000 visitors a year—making it the most visited tourist attraction in Brussels— the venue also serves as a cultural center, hosting various exhibitions focused on the country and digital arts. Breathtaking!

How can we talk about Brussels without mentioning its incredible nightlife? A must-visit on the Brussels nightlife scene, Spirito is one of the city’s most renowned clubs. Housed in a former Anglican church, the decor is absolutely majestic and promises to keep you dancing to Latin, hip-hop, house, and rap beats until dawn.

From Queen to Ludovico Einaudi, Adele, and Coldplay, Candlelight concerts continue to light up your evenings by the glow of hundreds of candles in Brussels’ most iconic venues. At the Concert Noble, the Prigogine Hall at the Atomium, or the Salons du 25, rediscover your favorite artists through exceptional musical tributes presented in an intimate setting. A moment of pure magic to share with your loved ones right away!

Thanks to NEMO33, you no longer need to go on vacation to go diving! One of the deepest pools in the world is right at your fingertips, on Rue de la Stalle in Uccle. With a depth of 33 meters and a temperature of 33 degrees, the pool is a dream come true for all divers and freedivers who want to swim in clear water in a safe environment all year round.

Also known as the Royal Park, Brussels Park is the city’s green lung. Designed in the 18th century on the ruins of the park once belonging to the Dukes of Burgundy and the Governors of the Netherlands, it owes its prestige to its location, just a stone’s throw from Place des Palais, and to its neoclassical aesthetic featuring wide, symmetrical avenues. Perfect for relaxing on sunny days.

It’s the ultimate life-size video game-style action game in Brussels! Dive into a real-life team adventure and navigate through 7 challenge rooms combining lasers, sensors, and physical and mental missions. Work together, score points, and push your limits to thwart the plan of the scientist behind the experiment. Perfect for friends, families, and teams on a team-building outing looking for a fast-paced, competitive, and unforgettable activity.

Although shopping costs money, simply visiting these historic arcades is an experience in itself and costs nothing. Opened in 1847, the Galeries Saint-Hubert are among the oldest and most elegant in Europe. With their magnificent glass roof and richly ornamented facades, they offer a chic and bright refuge, ideal on rainy days.

Stroll beneath the immense glass roof, among luxury chocolatiers, antique bookstores, and designer boutiques. It’s the perfect place to admire the light, soak in the cozy atmosphere of a bygone era, and watch the hustle and bustle of Brussels while staying dry and warm.

Everyone knows the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, but true insiders head to the Galeries Bortier, located right next door. Darker and more discreet, they have retained an old-fashioned charm and are home to a collection of antique bookstores and secondhand bookshops. It’s the perfect place to unearth a rare book, a forgotten old comic, or an art book, away from the hustle and bustle, in an atmosphere that smells of yellowed paper and secrets.

And why not venture off the beaten path and visit a museum like no other? Here it is! At Tour & Taxis, a 1,500-square-meter multisensory journey filled withoptical illusions and magic tricks awaits you, ready to mesmerize you! On the agenda: a hall of mirrors, a vortex, trompe-l’oeil galore… So, are you ready for a mind-bending experience?

While you’re in the park, take the opportunity to swing by Kiosk Radio! Located in the heart of Royal Park, this community radio station plays a wide-ranging playlist nonstop! From jazz to experimental, rock to electronic music. The station features live DJ sets, mixes of all genres, and interviews with local and international artists. All in a friendly atmosphere where musicians and music lovers from the park often gather.

Ballet of Lights is a new way to rediscover classical dance. These performances offer a modern and luminous reinterpretation of timeless tales, such as Peter Pan or Sleeping Beauty, from a breathtaking visual perspective.

Let yourself be swept away by the grace of the dancers, whose every movement is intensified by the play of light. It is an experience brimming with passion and emotion, making the art of ballet accessible to all and transporting you to another world through the universal language of dance.

Looking for a family activity? Head to the Belgian Comic Strip Center, a venue dedicated to the 9th art right in the heart of the city. Meet your favorite comic book characters and relive your childhood with Tintin illustrations, all kinds of games, and 3D reconstructions. The perfect Sunday outing for young and old alike!

Why not extend your immersion in comics outdoors? Brussels pays tribute to its favorite art form with a trail of murals scattered across the city’s walls. These gigantic murals celebrate iconic characters like Tintin, Spirou, and Lucky Luke with striking realism.

Grab a map or simply follow the directions for a fun and photo-worthy stroll that will often take you off the beaten path of the city center. It’s a unique way to explore the city while feeling like a kid again—and of course, it’s completely free!

What would Brussels be without the street art that adorns its streets?Urban art lovers, explore the Chaussée de Boondael, the Tanneurs Tunnels, or the giants of Anderlecht. They showcase the work of 15 graffiti artists on walls up to 9 meters high. Impressive murals that will leave you in awe.

Every morning, Place du Jeu de Balle comes alive and transforms into a vintage flea market. It’s brimming with trinkets, old furniture, and secondhand clothing. Surrounded by bustling terraces, the square has a warm, unique atmosphere that lets you combine shopping with relaxation. A real treat for those who love to hunt for bargains (and chill out) without breaking the bank.

Considered the“best-kept architectural gem of Brussels,” the Aegidium is a former palace of festivities and entertainment in Saint-Gilles, whose façade blends Art Nouveau and Neo-Moorish styles. Although often closed, its façade alone is worth the detour. If you’re lucky, you can go inside during special events or open houses to explore the interior, a true testament to Brussels’ forgotten splendor. A truly “secret” spot to keep an eye on.

Although Mont des Arts is located right in the center, many visitors forget to fully experience it. This esplanade is the ideal spot for a panoramic break. Climb the hill that connects the lower city to the upper city to admire a breathtaking view of the historic heart of Brussels, with the spire ofCity Hall silhouetted against the horizon. Surrounded by well-maintained gardens, the spot is perfect for a moment of relaxation. It’s also bordered by the Royal Library, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM)—whose Art Nouveau façade is simply stunning.