16 Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels lies in the north-central part of Belgium. Brussels is known for its chocolate and beer. You have to bring home chocolate to your loved ones from the airport if you are ever in Brussels, in that it tastes super delicious. Below are 16 things to do in Brussels, Belgium.

Fun Facts:

Brussels is home to 80 museums
The airport in Brussels is the largest sales outlet for chocolate in the world
The official symbol of Brussels is a yellow iris
Brussels has a car-free Sunday once a year every September. Pedestrians can roam free in the main streets of Brussels, and public art, pop-up shops, and many community events take place
Belgian waffles are beloved the world over

Food and Drinks:

1- Taste the Infamous Chocolate

Belgian chocolate is the best in the world. I am stating this from first-hand experience, as my sister worked abroad in Brussels and brought some home for us to indulge. The most popular place where they make chocolate in Brussels is Pierre Marcolini. Another great brand to try out is Neuhaus.

2- Belgian Beer Tour in Brussels

Brussels is home to 300 breweries. Belgian beers have a higher alcohol percentage. Delirium Cafe has 2000 local and international beers to try out. The Cantillon Brewery is another great place to visit in Brussels!

3- Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles are thicker and have deep pockets. The best waffle vendors include the House of Waffles and Wafelhuis van Hecke.

Landmarks:

4- Visit Grand-Place

The Grand Place is located in the central square and is known for its decorative aesthetic. It is home to statues, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The beautiful buildings make this attraction one of the best things to do in Brussels!

5- Brussels Town Hall

The town hall is one of the oldest buildings in Brussels, constructed in 1383, and is also home to several museums and galleries.

6- Castles

The Bouillon Castle in the Ardennes is the oldest in the country dating back to 988. There are thousands of castles to visit in the countryside of Belgium. There are more castles per square foot than in any other country. Castle Gravensteen is in Ghent, Belgium, and I added this place to our ‘Day Trips’ from Brussels in the section below!

Museums:

7- Atomium in Brussels

This Atomium was created by an engineer named André Waterkeyn in 1958. It now serves as a museum and art exhibit. You can take the elevator to the top of the Atomium for the best views.

8- Royal Museum of Fine Arts

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is the largest art museum in the country and is home to the famous works of Leonardo de Vinci and Claude Monet.

9- Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official residence of the King of Belgium and the official workplace of the Belgian Royal family. The palace is also home to several museums including the Royal Museum of Art and dates back to the 17th century.

10- Horta Museum

The Horta Museum was named after Victor Horta. Victor Horta was a famous architect and designer who once lived there. The Museum is filled with art and provides insight into his architecture, as you will be able to see where he lived and the buildings he created.

11- Broodhuis

This history museum of the City of Brussels is at the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium.

Cathedrals:

12- St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

This Cathedral was completed in 1850 and is covered in copper, dark grey, and black stone, stained glass windows, and beautiful paintings.

Parks:

13- Parc du Cinquantenaire

This park spans over 126 acres and is home to beautiful green grass, a lake, swimming facilities, and a fountain.

14- Brussels Park-

Brussels Park is one of the largest parks in the European Union and attracts 10 million people every year, as it is a great spot to go cycling or jogging.

Day Trips:

15- Bruges

This day trip is an hour away from Brussels. Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in Northwest Belgium. The city is beautiful as it has canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings.