πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Brussels, Belgium

Things to Do in Brussels

Top attractions, hidden gems, and free activities. Everything you need for the perfect Brussels experience.

8
Attractions
0
Free Activities
16h
Total Time
$80
Top 10 Cost
⭐

Must-See in Brussels

#1
🏰
Grand Place

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Surrounded by ornate Gothic and Baroque guildhalls, the stunning Town Hall, and the Maison du Roi (Brussels City Museum). The square transforms throughout the year with the famous Flower Carpet in summer and magical Christmas markets in winter. Spectacular when illuminated at night. Free to visit and a must-see starting point for exploring Brussels.

⏱️ 1.5h
#2
β›ͺ
Atomium

Brussels' most iconic landmark, built for the 1958 World Expo. This striking 102-meter structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Take Europe's fastest elevator to the top sphere for panoramic city views. Inside, explore permanent exhibitions on the Expo's history and Belgian design. The structure sparkles magically at night with thousands of lights. Located in Heysel, easily accessible by metro.

⏱️ 2h
#3
πŸ›οΈ
Belgian Comic Strip Center

A unique museum celebrating Belgium's rich comic book heritage in a stunning Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. Discover the origins of iconic characters like Tintin, The Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. Features over 200 original artworks, temporary exhibitions, and a comprehensive library. Perfect for comic fans and architecture lovers alike. Located near Grand Place in the city center.

⏱️ 2.5h
πŸ“…
If You Have 1 Day
The essential Brussels experience
  • 1Grand Place1.5h
  • 2Atomium2h
  • 3Belgian Comic Strip Center2.5h
  • 4Royal Museums of Fine Arts4h
Total: ~10 hoursEst. cost: ~$40
πŸ—“οΈ
Weekend Itinerary
2 days of Brussels highlights

Day 1

  • Grand Place
  • Atomium
  • Belgian Comic Strip Center
  • Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Day 2

  • Manneken Pis
  • Parc du Cinquantenaire
  • Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert
  • Mini-Europe
Total: ~16 hoursEst. cost: ~$80
πŸ’°

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$30
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* Estimates based on typical entry fees. Actual prices may vary.

All Attractions

🏰

Grand Place

historical

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Surrounded by ornate Gothic and Baroque guildhalls, the stunning Town Hall, and the Maison du Roi (Brussels City Museum). The square transforms throughout the year with the famous Flower Carpet in summer and magical Christmas markets in winter. Spectacular when illuminated at night. Free to visit and a must-see starting point for exploring Brussels.

⏱️ 1.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1.5h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
β›ͺ

Atomium

architecture

Brussels' most iconic landmark, built for the 1958 World Expo. This striking 102-meter structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Take Europe's fastest elevator to the top sphere for panoramic city views. Inside, explore permanent exhibitions on the Expo's history and Belgian design. The structure sparkles magically at night with thousands of lights. Located in Heysel, easily accessible by metro.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ›οΈ

Belgian Comic Strip Center

museum

A unique museum celebrating Belgium's rich comic book heritage in a stunning Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. Discover the origins of iconic characters like Tintin, The Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. Features over 200 original artworks, temporary exhibitions, and a comprehensive library. Perfect for comic fans and architecture lovers alike. Located near Grand Place in the city center.

⏱️ 2.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2.5h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ›οΈ

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

museum

One of Europe's most important art museum complexes, housing over 20,000 works spanning six centuries. Includes the Old Masters Museum (Bruegel, Rubens), Modern Museum (Magritte, DalΓ­), and the dedicated Magritte Museum with 200+ works by the surrealist master. The stunning building offers a journey through Belgian and international art history. Allow a full day to explore all sections.

⏱️ 4h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration4h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🏰

Manneken Pis

historical

Brussels' beloved and cheeky symbol - a small bronze fountain sculpture of a little boy urinating. Despite its modest 61cm height, it's been a city mascot since the 15th century and owns over 1,000 costumes displayed at the Brussels City Museum. Several times a week he's dressed in themed outfits. Free to view, located steps from Grand Place. Don't miss his female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis, nearby.

⏱️ 30min

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration30min
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🌳

Parc du Cinquantenaire

park

A magnificent 30-hectare park dominated by a triumphant arch, built to celebrate Belgium's 50th anniversary. Perfect for afternoon breaks from work - bring your laptop to the grass or jog the paths. Houses three museums: Art & History, Military, and Autoworld. The arcades offer shelter on rainy days. Popular with locals for picnics, sports, and relaxation. Free to enter the park itself.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
β›ͺ

Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert

architecture

One of Europe's oldest and most elegant covered shopping arcades, opened in 1847. The 200-meter glass-roofed gallery features luxury chocolatiers (Neuhaus, Godiva), upscale boutiques, cozy cafés, and the historic Cinéma des Galeries. Beautiful Art Nouveau and neoclassical architecture makes it perfect for a rainy day stroll. Located just off Grand Place, connecting to the ThéÒtre Royal.

⏱️ 1h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ“

Mini-Europe

entertainment

An open-air miniature park showcasing over 350 detailed models of famous European landmarks at 1:25 scale. See the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Acropolis, and more - some with moving parts like erupting Vesuvius and running trains. Educational and fun for all ages. Located next to the Atomium, making for an easy combined visit. Interactive elements and multimedia displays enhance the experience.

⏱️ 2.5h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2.5h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ—ΊοΈ

πŸ’‘ Sightseeing Tips for Brussels

1

Book popular sites in advance. Major attractions sell out weeks aheadβ€”book online to avoid disappointment.

2

Go early or late. Major attractions are packed midday. Visit at opening time or after 5pm for smaller crowds.

3

Look for free entry days. Many museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings.

4

Get a city pass. If you're visiting multiple attractions, city passes often save money and include transport.

πŸ”— More About Brussels

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