15 must-do things to do in Brussels

If you first fall in love with Brussels for its tasty waffles, international atmosphere and friendly locals, you’ll stay for a whole host of other reasons. From its impressive Gothic architecture on the Grand-Place to its permanent cultural offering, its vintage flea market and streets decorated with street-art, discover 15 must-do things to do in the European capital.

Taste the fries at Maison Antoine

What better way to start the week than by filling your belly with delicious fries from Maison Antoine? A veritable institution, the place has been delighting gourmets from Belgium and beyond since 1948. Andalusian, spicy or with the great classic ketchup-mayonnaise, here we devour French fries with all kinds of sauces! And if you’re not a snack fan, don’t panic: the menu also offers kebabs, a wide choice of burgers and even a veggie option on hot dogs.

To top it all off, the establishment is recommended by the Palais Royal, which it has served on two occasions. A true prince’s meal, with the added benefit of satisfying every pocketbook.

📍 1 place Jourdan 1040 Etterbeek

Admire the famous Manneken-Pis

Don’t let its size fool you. At 50 centimetres tall, the Manneken-Pis (literally “the little man who pisses” in Brussels) is the symbol of the city. Throned between the Etuve 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 several times and replaced by a copy since 1619. You’ll find its lesser-known female version, the Jeanneke Pis, a stone’s throw from the Grand-Place.

📍 Rue de l’Étuve, 1000 Brussels

Visit the Banksy Museum

A mysterious artist made world-famous for his street-art, Banksy’s identity remains unknown to this day. After the great success of the exhibition “The World of Banksy”, it is now being shown in a museum dedicated to him: the Banksy Museum.

Housed in a 900m2 former fabric factory, the permanent exhibition plunges you into an immersive journey through his life-size work. A colorful visual experience in an atypical location that will delight all street-art enthusiasts!

📍 28 rue de Laeken, 1000 Brussels

Make your own chocolate at Choco Story

Chocolate lovers, you’re not ready yet. The reputation of Belgian chocolate is well established, but it would be a shame to limit yourself to tasting it. At Choco Story Brussels, on Rue de l’Étuve, young and old alike can make their own chocolate bars! Start your visit to the chocolate museum with the Choco Story workshop, and make the pleasure last with an hour-long workshop in the presence of a master chocolatier. Que demande le peuple?

📍41 rue de l’Etuve, 1000 Brussels

Drink a beer at Délirium

It’s impossible to call yourself a Brussels citizen without having set foot in and ordered a pint at Le Délirium. With a world-record 2,000 international beers on the menu, ranging from the famous Belgian Abbeys to stronger, fruitier beers and those with a chocolate aroma, the bar caters for all your requirements, thanks to a team of bartenders determined to guide you in your quest. All in an underground atmosphere divided into different sections, each with its own music. In short, beer heaven!

📍 4 imp. de la Fidélité, 1000 Brussels

Take a walk around the Grand-Place

Located in the heart of the city, the Grand-Place is a source of pride for the Belgians, as its aesthetics have charmed the greatest over the years. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little jewel of Gothic and Baroque architecture has witnessed some of the country’s greatest historical events.

Today, what is sometimes described as Europe’s most beautiful square retains an administrative function thanks to its magnificent Town Hall, and hosts numerous festive events throughout the year.

Get some height at the Atomium

Need a change of scenery? Take to the skies and admire a panoramic view of the capital from the Atomium! A subtle blend of sculpture and architectural prowess, the building is a mesh of iron crystal, towering 102 metres above the city.

With over 600,000 visitors a year, making it Brussels’ most visited tourist attraction, the site also serves as a cultural center, offering a variety of exhibitions on the country and the digital arts. Breathtaking!

📍 1 Pl. de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels

Party the night away at Spirito

How can you talk about Brussels without mentioning its incredible nightlife? Spirito is one of the city’s most famous clubs, and a must for Brussels nightlife. Housed in a former Anglican church, the setting is absolutely majestic and promises to keep you dancing to Latino, hip hop, house and rap until dawn.

18 rue de Stassart, 1050 Ixelles

Attend a candlelight concert with Candlelight

From Queen and Ludivico Einaudi to Adèle and Coldplay, Candlelight concerts continue to illuminate your evenings by the light of hundreds of candles in Brussels’ most emblematic venues. At the Concert Noble, the Atomium’s Prigogine Hall or the Salons du 25, rediscover your favorite artists through exceptional musical tributes offered in the most intimate of atmospheres. A moment of pure magic to share with your nearest and dearest!

Diving at NEMO33

Thanks to NEMO33, you don’t have to go on vacation to dive! One of the world’s deepest pools is just around the corner, on rue de la Stalle in Uccle. With a depth of 33 meters and a temperature of 33 degrees, the pool will delight divers and freedivers who want to swim in clear water in a safe environment all year round.

📍 333 rue de Stalle, 1180 Uccle

Fresh air at Parc de Bruxelles

Also known as the Parc Royal, the Parc de Bruxelles is the city’s green lung. Designed in the 18th century on the ruins of the park once occupied by the Dukes of Burgundy and the Governors of the Netherlands, it owes its prestige to its location, just a stone’s throw from the Place des Palais, and to its neo-classical aestheticism with wide, symmetrical paths. Perfect for relaxing on a sunny day.

Try WOM, a museum of illusions

And why not get off the beaten track and visit a museum like no other? Here it is! In Tour & Taxis, a 1500-square-meter multi-sensory tour of optical illusions and magic tricks awaits you, ready to hypnotize you! On the program: a hall of mirrors, a vortex, trompe-l’oeil galore… So, are you ready for a bewildering experience?

📍Tour & Taxis, avenue du Port 86C

Enjoy the music at Kiosk Radio

While you’re in the park, take a trip to Kiosk Radio! In the heart of the Parc Royal, this community radio station broadcasts a wide playlist ranging from jazz to experimental, rock to electronic music. The station programs live DJ sets, mixes of all kinds and interviews with local and international artists. All in a convivial atmosphere where musicians and music lovers from the park frequently meet.

📍 10 pl. des Palais, 1000 Brussels

Fall back into childhood at the Musée de la BD

Looking for a family activity? Then head for the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, the place dedicated to the 9th art in the heart of the city! Meet up with your favorite comic strip characters and fall back into childhood with Tintin illustrations, games of all kinds and 3D reconstructions. The ideal Sunday outing for young and old alike!

📍 20 rue des Sables, 1000 Brussels

Stroll the streets decorated with street-art

What would Brussels be without the street art that adorns its streets?Urban art lovers, take a stroll along the Boondael causeway, the Tanneurs tunnels or the giants of Anderlecht, which bring together the work of 15 graffiti artists on walls up to 9 meters high. These impressive frescoes will blow your mind.

Stroll through the flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle

Every morning, the Place du Jeu de Balle comes alive with a vintage flea market brimming with knick-knacks, old furniture and second-hand clothes. Surrounded by lively terraces, the square boasts its own warm ambience, allowing shoppers to combine shopping with relaxation. A godsend for those who like to bargain (and bargain-hunt) without breaking the bank.

Weekend diary: what to do in Brussels this weekend?