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 27 absolutely must-do things to do in the European capital.
1. 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 every sauce! 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.
📍 Address: 1 place Jourdan 1040 Etterbeek
2. 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, just a stone’s throw from the Grand-Place.
📍 Address: Rue de l’Étuve, 1000 Brussels
3. 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!
📍 Address: 28 rue de Laeken, 1000 Brussels
4. 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, located 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. What do the people want?
📍 Address: 41 rue de l’Etuve, 1000 Brussels
5. Plunge into the heart of a trial with The Jury Experience
Ever dreamed of being the hero (or executioner) 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’re witnessing a live trial, where talented actors present the evidence of a crime of passion or a vast swindle.
The plot unfolds before your very eyes, and all eyes are on you. After listening to the pleadings and examining the evidence, the entire audience deliberates and pronounces the final verdict. Whether justice is done… or not! An evening that’s both disconcerting and fascinating, and promises lively debate after the show.
📍 Address: Espace Lumen
6. Drink a beer at Délirium
It’s impossible to call yourself a Brussels native 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. Beer heaven, in short!
📍 Address: 4 imp. de la Fidélité, 1000 Brussels
7. 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 greats 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.
8. Vibrate to the sound of brass instruments in The Jazz Room
For an evening that breathes New Orleans without leaving the country, head for The Jazz Room. In an intimate setting, lulled by subdued lighting, you don’t just listen to the music: you feel it. The Jazz Room takes you on a journey to the heart of the richest genres, from fiery tributes to raw blues to powerful soul.
Let yourself be transported by exceptional musicians revisiting the classics of New Orleans and Swing. It’s the ideal place for lovers of intoxicating melodies and profound sound experiences.
📍 Address: La Tricoterie – Fabrique De Liens
9. Visit Laeken Cemetery
Far from the hustle and bustle of the center, Laeken Cemetery offers an unexpected immersion in Art Nouveau and history. Nicknamed the“Little Père-Lachaise“, it’s home to an incredibly rich funerary heritage, with majestic Art Nouveau-style vaults and sculptures. This is also the site of the Notre-Dame de Laeken church and the entrance to the royal vault. A melancholy, artistic and free stroll, perfect for lovers of architecture and tranquillity.
📍 Address: Parvis Notre Dame, 1020 Brussels
10. 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 meters 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!
📍 Address: 1 Pl. de l’Atomium, 1020 Brussels
11. 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.
📍Address: 18 rue de Stassart, 1050 Ixelles
12. 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 Concert Noble, the Atomium’s Salle Prigogine 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!
13. 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 all divers and apneists who want to swim in clear water in a safe environment all year round.
📍 Address: 333 rue de Stalle, 1180 Uccle
14. 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.
15. Challenge Lab
Brussels’ ultimate life-size video-game-style action game! Immerse yourself in a real-life team adventure and take on 7 challenge rooms featuring lasers, sensors and physical and mental missions. Collaborate, score points and push your limits to outwit the scientist behind the experiment. Perfect for friends, families and teambuilding teams looking for a fast-paced, competitive and unforgettable activity.
16. Get lost in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Although shopping costs money, simply visiting these historic galleries is an experience in itself and costs nothing. Inaugurated in 1847, the Galeries Saint-Hubert are among the oldest and most elegant in Europe. With their magnificent glass roof and richly ornate facades, they offer a chic, light-filled refuge, ideal for rainy days.
Stroll under the immense glass roof, between luxury chocolatiers, antique bookshops and designer boutiques. It’s the perfect place to admire the light, feel the muffled atmosphere of another time, and watch the hustle and bustle of Brussels while staying warm and dry.
17. Browse for literary treasures at Galeries Bortier
Everyone knows the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, but the real insiders head for the Galeries Bortier next door. Darker and more discreet, they have retained an old-fashioned charm and house a collection of antique bookshops and bouquinistes. It’s the ideal place to unearth a rare book, a forgotten comic or an art edition, away from the hustle and bustle, in an atmosphere that smells of yellowed paper and secrecy.
18. Test the WOM, a museum of illusions
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 journey 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?
📍 Address: Tour & Taxis, avenue du Port 86C
19. Enjoy the music at Kiosk Radio
While you’re in the park, take a trip to Kiosk Radio! Located in the heart of the Parc Royal, this community radio station broadcasts an extensive playlist! 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.
📍 Address: 10 pl. des Palais, 1000 Brussels
20. Experience the grace of dance with Ballet of Lights
Ballet of Lights is a new way of rediscovering classical dance. These shows offer a modern and luminous reinterpretation of timeless tales, such as Peter Pan or Sleeping Beauty, from a breathtaking visual angle.
Let yourself be carried away by the grace of the dancers, whose every movement is intensified by the play of light. It’s 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.
📍 Address: Espace Lumen
21. Fall back into childhood at the Musée de la BD
Looking for a family activity? Then head to the Belgian Comic Strip Center, a place dedicated to the 9th art right 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!
📍 Address: 20 rue des Sables, 1000 Brussels
22. Read a giant comic strip on the Comic Strip Trail
Why not extend your immersion in comics outdoors? Brussels pays tribute to its favorite art form with a mural trail scattered across the city walls. These gigantic murals celebrate cult characters such as Tintin, Spirou and Lucky Luke with striking realism.
Grab a map or simply follow the signs for a fun, photographic stroll that often takes you off the beaten track of the city center. It’s a unique way to explore the city and relive your childhood, and it’s totally free!
23. 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. They bring together the work of 15 graffiti artists on walls up to 9 meters high. These impressive frescoes will blow your mind.
24. 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. Trinkets, old furniture and second-hand clothes abound. Surrounded by lively terraces, the square has its own warm ambience, making it an ideal place to combine shopping and relaxation. A godsend for those who like to bargain (and bargain-hunt) without breaking the bank.
25. Admire the forgotten splendor of the Aegidium
Considered “Brussels’ best-kept architectural gem“, the Aegidium is a former party and entertainment palace in Saint-Gilles, whose façade combines Art Nouveau and Neo-Moorish styles. Although often closed, its façade alone is well worth a visit. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to enter on special events or open days to discover the interior, a true testament to Brussels’ forgotten splendor. A truly “secret” place to watch out for.
26. Get some height on the Mont des Arts esplanade
Although the Mont des Arts is centrally located, many visitors forget to experience it fully. This esplanade is the ideal place for a panoramic break. Stand on the hill that connects the lower and upper parts of the city for a breathtaking view of the historic heart of Brussels, with the spire of theHôtel de Ville looming large on the horizon. Surrounded by well-kept gardens, it’s the perfect place to relax. What’s more, it’s bordered by the Royal Library, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM) – with its splendid Art Nouveau façade.