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Top things to do in Brussels

Attractions, tours, and activities in Brussels

Recommended museums in Brussels

Where to find art and culture in Brussels

Brussels: the city's best neighborhoods

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About Brussels

Including tips for the best time to visit Brussels

Contemporary yet rich in tradition, Brussels is home to lively bars, cobblestone streets, historical buildings and a large cosmopolitan population.

Walking around the Belgian capital is like exploring a museum – each building, street corner and statue has a story to tell. The Grand Place – a UNESCO-listed plaza surrounded by magnificent architecture, cafés and chocolate shops – is a melting pot of history, culture and modernity. Manneken Pis, a statue of a urinating boy, is a nearby popular attraction that draws tourists regularly.

Belgium is renowned for its chocolates, waffles and beer. In Brussels, a journey to discover these specialities will take you to two elite chocolate stores, Mary Chocolaterie and Neuhaus Chocolates. Later, you can have Belgian waffles at Maison Dandoy. For a truly local experience, try your waffles plain and with powdered sugar. End your day with a glass of beer at the popular Delirium café. If you want to taste something beyond beer and waffles, try the crunchy Belgian fries and a bowl of Waterzooi, a classic chicken or fish stew.

No trip to Brussels is complete without a visit to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. This architectural masterpiece is a shopping enthusiast’s paradise and houses numerous contemporary shops, cultural areas and delicious cafés. Another way to explore the city’s shopping scene is by visiting the Marolles Flea Market. From furniture and jewelry to old vinyl records and electronics, the market offers an extensive choice of antiques and is always abuzz with merchants and buyers.

Tonight

From $117 per night

This weekend

From $256 per night

Next weekend

From $191 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency € 1 = $1.07
Language French
Average weekend price $149 per night
Average weekday price $154 per night
Average stay 1 night

Points of interest in Brussels

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Brussels

Brussels reviews

What other travelers say about Brussels

10

I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend in...

June 1, 2023

I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Brussels, and I must say, it was an experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the vibrant city atmosphere to the rich history, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality, Brussels truly captivated my heart (sort of mini Paris). One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the magnificent Grand Place. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel, with its stunning guildhalls, intricate details, and the breathtaking Town Hall. The square was bustling with activity, filled with locals and tourists alike, creating an electric ambiance that was impossible to resist (check it out in the evening!!). Brussels is renowned for its culinary scene, and it certainly did not disappoint. So plan some nice restaurants. The Belgian beer culture is legendary, and I had the opportunity to visit a few traditional beer bars, where I savored an array of unique brews. Brussels also boasts an impressive art scene. I spent hours exploring the outstanding collections at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, where masterpieces by renowned artists such as Bruegel, Rubens, and Magritte were on display. No visit to Brussels would be complete without experiencing the iconic Manneken Pis. This pint-sized bronze statue, dressed in various outfits throughout the year, has become a symbol of the city's playful and irreverent spirit. In conclusion, my weekend in Brussels was an absolute delight. The city seamlessly blends its rich history and cultural heritage with a modern and vibrant atmosphere. From savoring delicious treats to immersing myself in art and history, every moment was filled with joy and discovery. I wholeheartedly recommend Brussels as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an enchanting European getaway.

Storm27
Storm27 Netherlands
10

Going to Brussels I realised that I had very little...

June 1, 2023

Going to Brussels I realised that I had very little information about the city and the country. I was pleasantly surprised (not sure why this was so) how beautiful and spread out the city is. There is old architecture (like a hybrid of Dutch and French styles) mixed with the new and it all works beautifully together. There are plenty of places to enjoy the local foods and beers and interesting museums. The city is like an open air comic book museum, which is also a great activity if you want to walk around and just enjoy the architecture and art. I stayed there for a bit over 24h, focused on chocolate, beer and art experiences and I feel like that was enough for me for a city break.

JelenaHaj
JelenaHaj Netherlands
8.0

Very close to downtown and attractions.

May 31, 2023

Very close to downtown and attractions. A little further from the EU buildings, but I used the metro to get to Schumann. This weather period was very cold outside, which to some extent reflected the temperature in the breakfast restaurant. As I was in Brussels on a business trip, the hotel staff was happy to help me with the preparation and printing of meeting materials. All in all, the people, the employees were very kind and helpful.

Mihajlo
Mihajlo North Macedonia
6.0

I don't feel like Brussels has much to offer travelers,...

May 30, 2023

I don't feel like Brussels has much to offer travelers, other than a few quirky bars and the various pissing statues. Our day trip to Ghent was far more enjoyable than the 2 days we spent solely in Brussels.

Jonathan
Jonathan United Kingdom
4.0

Brussels rather disappointed us.

May 30, 2023

Brussels rather disappointed us. We found the city rather scruffy and seemingly unloved. The pavements are littered with random rental scooters and bikes. Sadly there are many poor people in evidence on the streets looking as though they are ignored by local residents. We visited the Central Park and it was evidently not being maintained to standards found in other capital cities around the world.

Peter
Peter United Kingdom
10

Brussels is always a pleasant city to visit, always lots to...

May 24, 2023

Brussels is always a pleasant city to visit, always lots to do and sights to see. I always enjoy my time in Brussels. This time I also had a chance to go to Ghent and Bruges which are amazing cities to visit. But 4 days is enough to see everything.

ctrevisani
ctrevisani United Kingdom

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