21 Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium

The City of Brussels earns a reputation for its Belgian waffles, Belgian beer, and Belgian culture. Everything about this city is revered and recognized across the world as a standard of quality and hospitality. And there is no better way to enjoy that experience than by exploring the best of what Brussels has to offer. After all, Brussels boasts of being the largest municipality in all of Belgium and makes for a grand historical center in this cultural country.

Old England

The Old England building is a highly revered building that has been around for much of its history in Brussels. It is one of the most characteristic Brussels attractions. It has stood tall among the streets of downtown Brussels, Belgium, since the 1800s.

It was formerly used to house a department store and large retailer but has since been moved to house other important shops and structures such as the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM). This building is extremely well known as it follows the Art Nouveau style of architecture and is a leader in its field.

Brussels Old England building 01.jpg
By Hispalois, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Grand Place

The Grand Place is one of the most monumental things to do in Brussels. It is an important tourist destination and perhaps one of the most memorable landmarks in Brussels, Belgium. That is in large part due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. But what is this beautiful place all about?

Grand Place, also called Grand Square or Grote Markt, Brussels, Belgium finds its place among the city’s Town Hall and the King’s House with the Brussels City Museum with luxurious guildhalls along with two large edifices surrounding it by the sides.

Brussels floral carpet B.jpg
By Wouter Hagens, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Krbuoi6ABZkFQ7Df7 | Phone Number: +3225138940

Fashion and Lace Museum

The Fashion and Lace Museum finds its place among a group of historical structures and buildings amidst the heart of Brussels. The Museum, by itself, is a monumental structure that is home to more than ten thousand pieces of lace, garments, and accessories. For that very reason, the Fashion and Lace Museum stands as a matter of pride among the heart of Brussels.

Museum of Costume & Lace Brussels, Glamour 30’s Fashion expo

Address: Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zsdDfxMQNvKkBsV17 | Phone Number: +3222134450

Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon | Notre Dame Du Sablon

The Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon came to be in the year 1304. It was then that this building was commissioned to be constructed by the archers of the city. And ever since, it has stood as a remarkable Late Gothic church and a highly revered place of pilgrimage that is a very characteristic Brussels attraction.

It is also frequented by tourists and locals alike who come in to marvel at its Gothic style architecture and state of the art interiors. Some even say that it is one of the most beautiful sights the city of Brussels has to offer.

Bruxelles Notre-Dame du Sablon.jpg
By Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Rue des Sablons, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SXTeMdmGoYtLFfZS6 | Phone Number: +3222130065

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

The Brussels Cathedral is one of the most important monuments in Belgium and perhaps one of the most breathtaking things to see in Brussels. After all, the Cathedral is one of the finest marks of Brabantine Gothic architecture.

And the history behind it is just as grand as the interiors. Its history is a significant one painted across the medieval Roman Catholic story. This Roman Catholic church is officially termed the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula as a tribute to both the revered saints of the City of Brussels.

(Belgium) St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral Tower, Brussels.jpg
By Donaldytong, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Place Sainte-Gudule, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Timing: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KJ9NfX5o43GJ3vWa8 | Phone Number: +3222178345

Botanique | Le Botanique

If you are wondering what to do in Brussels, this is it. Le Botanique is a leading concert hall and exhibition center located in the heart of Brussels Belgium. Le Botanique is one of the best things to do in Brussels owing to the acts it hosts.

These include esteemed musicians such as Bon Iver, Lou Reed, Band of Horses, Arctic Monkeys, The Libertines, MGMT, Editors, Oasis, Tame Impala, and Jeff Buckley. Along with that, Le Botanique also hosts a variety of other exhibitions and art galleries including those in the space of fine arts, photography, and more.

Botanique 03.JPG
By Ben2., CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Rue Royale 236, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Belgium | Timing: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/botanique-bruxelles?share | Phone Number: +3222183732

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium | Musée Royaux Des Beaux Arts

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is a royal museum of fine arts located in the heart of Brussels. It hosts a renowned collection that consists of more than twenty thousand artworks. Each one of them is more royal and more characteristic than the other. All of them come together to represent the core of the museum and the crux of Belgium.

After all, they are some of the most important works of royal virtual arts from across the time. They represent the history and traditions of Belgium from the 15th century to the 21st century through paintings, sculptures, and a variety of drawings.

Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts Belgique 1101.jpg
By Michel wal, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium| Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nxMe7xuMT3JKhLKQ6 | Phone Number: +3225083211

Manneken Pis

This may take you by surprise. However, if you look at the Belgian sense of humor, it is not as shocking to realize that Brussels, Belgium, is home to Manneken Pis or Little Pissing Man. The Manneken Pis is a statue, public fountain, the protagonist of many interesting stories, and one of the most intriguing Brussels attractions. If you would like to steal a glimpse of the Manneken Pis statue, be sure to look out for the statue around the corner of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne.

Bruxelles Manneken Pis.jpg
By Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3DbXUSnfdYECnsqE6

Go on a Beer Tour

If there is one thing Belgians love more than anything in the world, it is this. Beer. The love of Belgians for beer and of course their own Belgian beer is known across the world. After all, they produce some of the finest beer found across the world. These beers come in a variety of different concoctions and brews.

To experience the finest Belgian beer in all of Belgium, be sure to check into leading breweries and experiment with their beer collections. The top beers include Westmalle Tripel, De Ranke XX Bitter, Duvel Tripel Hop Citra, and others.

Brussels Beer Challenge

Jubelpark | Parc du Cinquantenaire

The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a highly remarkable park in the heart of Brussels and one of the best places to visit in Brussels. Some even look at the Parc du Cinquantenaire as a national landmark that represents the crux of the Belgian culture. After all, the origins of this monumental structure lie amidst the region of Leopold II for that was when he built the Parc du Cinquantenaire to commemorate fifty years of Belgian independence.

Ever since it consistently receives visitors from across the world who come here to marvel at its beautiful interiors and take a walk through its monumental entrance. From the very entrance, you come across a giant arch that has two arms that extend towards the outside. These arms spread out and form the home for three museums i.e., an art museum, an army museum, and The Autoworld.

Brussels Cinquantenaire R03.jpg
By Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0, Link

Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CFMhbyHLkKyJk45h8

Cafe Belga

Cafe Belga is one of the coolest spots in Brussels, Belgium. This cafe is a rite of passage for all the tourists as well as locals that pass through the city of Brussels. But what is Cafe Belga? Cafe Belga is a hip brasserie set amidst the corner of the art decor Flagey ‘liner’ building. According to visitors, Cafe Belga presents a different ambiance when visiting during the day and at night.

1st LDBK Nite @ Belga Café Flagey-8428

Address: Place Eugène Flagey 18, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium | Timing: 8:00 am to 1:00 am | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wVCZganH2w1uvECNA | Phone Number: +3226403508

Comics Art Museum

If you are a comic book person wondering what to do in Brussels, this is it. The Comics Art Museum stands as a dedication to the comic books that have come and gone and those that keep coming. After all, it houses some of the best comic books found across the world.

These comic books make up the heart and soul of the Comics Art Museum and go beyond just storing comic books. Instead, the Comics Art Museum takes it up a notch with honors for the creators and heroes of these comic books along with permanent exhibitions and a diverse range of temporary exhibitions.

Comic Book Musuem

Address: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JeXUy6tkBEVjvnSK6 | Phone Number: +3222191980

Devour some Waffles

The famed Belgian waffles have made it across countries and continents and earned a name for themselves. And what better way to mark the popularity of these waffles than by enjoying them in the country of their origin? If that did catch your fancy, you should look into checking into popular waffle shops such as Maison Dandoy, Chez Albert, Wafelhuis Van Hecke, Eight And Three, and others.

Waffle with strawberries and confectioner's sugar.jpg
By Ralph Daily, CC BY 2.0, Link

Atomium

The Atomium, Brussels, originally came to be in the year 1958. The statue was built as a temporary event for Expo 58 as a place for the Brussels World Fair. The statue was never intended to become a permanent part of Brussels, but we guess the locals and tourists enjoyed it a little too much. And for good reason!

The Atomium is a monumental statue that has become an integral part of Brussels sightseeing. The statue features a gigantic iron crystal wrapped in shiny steel. The statue measures up to more than 335 feet and receives visitors who come into marvel at its monumental grandeur. And on that note, here is a fun fact for you. The Atomium, Brussels draws in more than 600, 000 visitors every year.

Atomium Belgium 1.jpg
By o palsson, CC BY 2.0, Link

Address: Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday to Monday | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/atomium-brussels?share | Phone Number: +3224754775

Musical Instruments Museum

The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) finds its home among one of the most well-known Art Nouveau buildings in all of Brussels. It is used to store a collection of more than seven thousand musical instruments. Each of these has been collected through the ages and stands as a mark of the times that have passed.

Due to its colossal collection and monumental significance, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) has earned a place for itself among the top things to do in Brussels. That is what makes this a truly unmissable sight.

Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels, Belgium.jpg
By Theedi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/brGQC2wp3aesGWzW6 | Phone Number: +3225450130

Law Courts of Brussels | Palais de Justice

Ever since the building finished construction in the year 1883, the Law Courts of Brussels has stood as the largest building in the entire world. Located among the high Town of Brussels, this monumental structure is a spectacular sight and one of the most significant places to visit in Brussels. And on that note, here is a fun fact for you – owing to its sheer size, the Law Court of Brussels also known as Palais de Justice, is visible from a majority of the part of the town.

Exterior of the Law Courts of Brussel.jpg
By Karmakolle, CC0, Link

Address: Place Poelaert 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/t1E4TAKNz4TPFgSr5 | Phone Number: +3225086111

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert | Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Ever since its inception on June 20, 1847, the spectacular Galeries Royales has stood as a place for the fashionable and a crowd favorite for Brussels sightseeing. It has hence attracted a significant crowd who seek the gallery for its collection of shops, auditoriums, cafés, and restaurants.

Galeries royales Saint-Hubert Bruxelles.JPG
By KoS, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussel, Belgium Timing: 24/7 | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kuyEY2sxkH3UB9LNA | Phone Number: +3225450990

Horta Museum

The Horta Museum finds its place among the private house and studio of Victor Horta. The Horta Museum came into being between the years of 1898 and 1901 as a place of fine architecture, inspirational tales, and traditional history. It boasts of similar designs that exist in the same realm of philosophy. These are largely inspired by Art Nouveau architecture and are home to the interior decoration that has been largely retained through the years that have passed.

Horta Museum.JPG
By Jtesla16, CC BY-SA 1.0, Link

Address: Rue Américaine 25, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CENY2ptss4E9LLgG9 | Phone Number: +3225430490

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

The Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels is a place for the curious and the inquisitive. That is for it hosts a variety of scientific exhibits each that tell a story and encourage you to raise questions about the different things in life. One of the most famous exhibits the Museum of Natural Sciences hosts is the Bernissart Iguanodons. Highly revered across the world, the Bernissart Iguanodons has played a significant role in the development of the Museum of Natural Sciences as the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe.

Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences - 2014 (9).JPG
By © Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Address: Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/X8mmoT5fjU4WaoJQ7 | Phone Number: +3226274211

Buy some Tintin souvenir at La Boutique Tintin

La Boutique Tintin is a comic book come alive for all those who enjoy immersing themselves in the world of Tintin. That is because it features Hergé’s works including a collection of lovely memorabilia and merchandise that is now considered to be quite rare. Here, you will find a massive collection that consists of Tintin products such as toys, t-shirts, mugs, figurines, and more.

La Boutique Tintin, Brussels

Address: Rue de la Colline 13, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vZWbAzGkVrB8qnqj6 | Phone Number: +3225145152

Train World

As exciting as the name suggests, Train World presents an intriguing rail experience that takes you through the history of trains almost like a story told in the times. Here, you will get a chance to experience this rich history from the very first steam locomotive to the modern-day high-speed trains. At Train World, all these experiences come together to present a universe that gives you a chance to immerse yourself in these interesting automobiles.

Train World, railway museum in Brussels 04.jpg
By NearEMPTiness, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek, Belgium | Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/trainworldmuseum?share | Phone Number: +3222247437

And there you have it. We bring to you a holistic list that takes you on a journey through the many Brussel attractions and delicious waffles that this beautiful city has to offer. All these collectively come together to make up the core of this breathtaking city. That is true for the Notre Dame Du Sablon, Le Botanique, Horta Museum, or even Manneken Pis. So, make the best of what each of them has to offer. Bookmark your favorite Brussels attractions, add them to your Brussels things to do list, and make them happen