Are you looking for new activities to try in the Belgian capital to get the new year off to a good start? Not sure what to do in Brussels this weekend from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, January 18, 2025? Brussels Secret has found a selection of great ideas and activities for you , each one more original than the last. Exhibitions, festivals, immersive experiences, family activities, gourmet spots to try… We tell you everything here!
Stroll through the creative market at the Grand Hospice
This Saturday, the Grand Hospice comes alive with a residents’ market full of local finds and crafts. From jewelry and second-hand goods to Brussels-made bike bags, discover the neighborhood’s creativity in a relaxed atmosphere. The atmosphere continues with a flash tattoo day and Bobby Watson’s exhibition at Le Cyclope. And from 6 p.m., it’s time for the CACHE-CASH evening, combining a bar, culture, and Tunisian delicacies.
📍Address: Rue du Grand Hospice 7, 1000 Brussels
📆 Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Exploring art through the prism of gender
© Fine Arts Belgium
This weekend, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium invite you to revisit art history in a new light. The guided exhibition Art x Gender subtly questions gender stereotypes in the museum’s collections. Alongside Virginie Mamet, discover how the works reflect or challenge representations of women and men. A free and engaging tour, perfect for those curious about art and equality.
📍Address: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels
📆 Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Celebrate Amazigh New Year at Espace Magh
This weekend, head to Espace Magh for a festive journey into the heart of Amazigh culture. Local designers and artisans will be exhibiting their unique pieces, blending tradition and modernity. Stroll around, chat with the artists, and support authentic craftsmanship while sampling some homemade delicacies. Music, a friendly atmosphere, and new discoveries are guaranteed for a great start to the year.
📍Address: Rue du Poinçon 17, 1000 Brussels
📆 Date: Saturday, January 17, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Running (and eating) galettes in Brussels
This Sunday, the Galettathon returns for a second edition that is even more delicious and festive. Between strides, runners stop at the best bakeries in Brussels to savor the famous galette des Rois. Choose between a half marathon or a full marathon with six to seven sweet stops along the way. A unique and free event combining sport, pleasure, and epiphany in the heart of the capital.
📍Address: Brussels (various locations)
📆 Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Explore the must-see exhibitions in Brussels this weekend
We’ve selected the best exhibitions to see this weekend in the capital. From the poetic world of Khalil Gibran, an immersive experience about love, to the fascinating retrospective on Goya at Bozar, there’s something for everyone. The Design Museum Brussels also surprises with an unprecedented encounter between comics and design. A perfect weekend to be inspired by art in all its forms.
📍Address: Bozar, Design Museum Brussels, LaVallée, etc.
📆 Dates: This weekend
Lifting the veil on the Secret Cabaret
This winter, Brussels is ablaze with the new Secret Cabaret, an immersive show on the edge of reality. Between illusion and poetry, the Master of Time guides spectators through a magical world. Acrobats, storytellers, and magicians bring the mythical Magic Mirror, lost in the mists of time, back to life. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Brussels cabaret.
📍Address: Gare Maritime, 11 Rue Picard, 1000 Brussels
📆 Dates: Until January 26, 2026
Warm up with a fondue
When the cold sets in, Brussels literally melts… with pleasure! From Savoyard fondues to traditional raclettes or truffle-infused versions, the capital is full of places to warm up with friends. Whether in a pop-up chalet or around a lively table, autumn in Brussels is best enjoyed with a spoon, in good spirits and conviviality. Here are our favorite places to enjoy a good fondue or a delicious raclette in Brussels!
Rediscover the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula in a new light
It’s one of the most dazzling events of the winter: LUMINISCENCE illuminates the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, a masterpiece of Brabant Gothic architecture, with an immersive spectacle of monumental proportions. After a resounding success with more than a million spectators worldwide, a new chapter has begun in Brussels. Combining narration,music, and 360-degree video mapping, this completely unique experience is a must-see this season.
Dates: multiple dates
Location: Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula, Place Sainte-Gudule, Brussels, 1000
Enjoy a hot drink in one of Brussels’ coziest tea rooms
Is it gray and cold outside? This weekend, treat yourself to a comforting gourmet break with a cup of tea. Discover five must-visit places to enjoy teas from around the world, homemade pastries, and a warm atmosphere. From traditional to modern, each salon offers a unique experience, perfect for tea time alone or with friends. Ideal for relaxing, discovering new flavors, and enjoying a cozy moment in the heart of the capital.
Take part in an immersive personality test at MOIR
A stone’s throw from the Grand Place, MOIR invites you to try its self-discovery experience, “Explore The True You.” Walk through seven rooms where you move, play, and make choices… and each decision you make shapes your spiritual animal, revealed at the end of the experience in a striking holographic show. Your totem animal, entertaining in appearance but revealing in depth, is a reflection of your personality. The experience is captivating and highly recommended!
📍Address: in the heart of the capital, a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, 32 Rue du Marché aux Poulets, Brussels
📆 Dates: multiple dates
Escape to Lila29: the chic rooftop overlooking Brussels
© @lila29brussels (IG)
Perched on the 29th floor of The Standard hotel, Lila29 offers breathtaking views of Brussels. This new rooftop bar charms with its chic and relaxed atmosphere, refined Iberian cuisine, and creative cocktails. Perfect for a stylish aperitif or dinner at the top, with the added bonus of sunset views over the city. Find out more here!
📍 Address: Boulevard Roi Albert II 30, 1000 Brussels
Immerse yourself in the jazz atmosphere at the Toots Jazz Club
Fancy a weekend of swing? Head to the Toots Jazz Club, the new musical hotspot nestled a stone’s throw from the Grand-Place. Led by pianist Joachim Caffonnette, this welcoming venue celebrates Brussels’ lively, daring and festive jazz scene, with jam sessions, musical aperitifs and boozy evenings. A new HQ where you can tap your feet, raise a glass… and zwanzon.
📍Address: Rue des Chapeliers 6, 1000 Brussels
Try a multisensory experience with friends
Head to Ixelles for an absolutely sensational experience with your friends. For two hours, you’ll be immersed in a whirlwind of laughter, fear, and XXL emotions through challenges in the dark and ultra-colorful workshops. In teams of 4 to 60 people, you’ll take on crazy challenges to push the limits of your five senses and collect as many sensory amulets as possible. So, are you ready to challenge yourself and your friends? Let’s go!
📍Address: SENSAS Brussels – 65 rue de Livourne, 1050 Ixelles
Hunt for treasures at Brussels’ flea markets
This weekend, go treasure hunting in Brussels’ flea markets and second-hand shops. Among forgotten vinyl records, retro furniture, and vintage posters, you’ll find unique items to revamp your interior without breaking the bank. A charming stroll full of finds, with an eco-friendly bonus. Discover our favorite flea markets in this article!
Be amazed by the optical illusions and magic tricks at WOM
It’s the weekend and all you want to do is turn your head upside down? Do it literally at WOM (World of Mind)! This new kind of experience invites visitors to turn their heads upside down and overturns their perception of space through a series of stunning optical illusions. In an incredible 1,500 m² space, try out the hall of mirrors, the vortex, the inverted room, Ames’ room, the Flight (levitation experience), the infinity room, and other ingenious sleight of hand. It’s an opportunity to immortalize the moment and amaze your friends and family!
📍Address: WOM, Tour & Taxis Shed 4 bis – Avenue du Port 86C, Brussels, 1000
📆Dates: multiple dates
Have a good laugh at the Kings of Comedy Club
For a hilarious evening in Brussels, head to the Kings of Comedy Club, a little piece of America nestled in the heart of the capital. Inspired by the famous comedy clubs of New York, this unusual venue offers an intimate stage and a cozy atmosphere.Amidst laughter and good cheer, enjoy a cocktail at the bar while discovering the talents of Belgian and international comedians. Looking for an original outing with friends or as a couple? This activity promises a unique experience combining stand-up comedy, conviviality, and the spirit of Brussels!
📍Address: Ixelles and Saint-Gilles
📆 Dates: check out the program!
Take on the challenge with The Challenge Lab
It’s the ultimate life-size video game action game in Brussels! Immerse yourself in a real-life team adventure and navigate through seven challenge rooms combining lasers, sensors, and physical and mental missions. Collaborate, score points, and push your limits to foil the scientist’s plan behind the experiment. Perfect for friends, families, and team-building groups looking for a fast-paced, competitive, and unforgettable activity.
📍Address: Rue de l’Ecuyer 63-65, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
📆 Dates: multiple dates
Enjoy the gourmet atmosphere of a Sunday brunch
Sunday brunch is a must for foodies in Brussels. From La Fabrique en Ville to Chalet Robinson and POZ, the Belgian capital is full of tempting places to enjoy a delicious brunch in a relaxed atmosphere. Avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, or crispy waffles —you’re sure to find something you love among our list of favorite places to brunch.
This weekend, treat yourself to a delicious waffle in Brussels
© Maison Dandoy
In Brussels, waffles are the city’s official comfort food: crispy or fluffy, they’re impossible to resist. To warm your heart this weekend, we’ve found the best places to eat really good waffles, without having to choose between Brussels and Liège styles. The kind of simple and ultra-comforting tip we love.
Treat yourself to a gastronomic experience in one of the city’s best restaurants
Immerse yourself in Brussels’ culinary world by treating yourself to an unforgettable gastronomic experience in one of the capital’s best restaurants. You’ll be amazed by the quality of the ingredients, the creativity of the chefs, and the unique atmosphere that makes every meal an exceptional moment. To discover our favorite restaurants, check out our article dedicated to the cream of Brussels’ gastronomic scene here!
Treat yourself to a magical musical interlude with Candlelight concerts this weekend in Brussels
Want to experience concerts in a different way? That’s what the Candlelight concept, which has taken the world by storm in recent years, offers. Surrounded by a sea of candles, the greatest classics of music are reinterpreted by pianists or string quartets. In legendary venues in Brussels, rediscover Queen, Abba, and Hans Zimmer as you’ve never heard them before! So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!
📍Address: Concert Noble / Planetarium of the Royal Observatory of Belgium
📆 Date: several times available over the weekend