28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Brussels (Belgium)

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is one of the best cities in Europe.

Here, you’ll encounter rich culture, fascinating historical sites, and some very lovely people.

We want you to have the best experience in Brussels imaginable, so we’ve made this list of the 28 top things to do there.

1. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre

One of the best things to do in Brussels is to visit the Belgian Comic Strip Centre.

You might not realize this, but comic books have a massive importance in Belgium.

So many great stories and characters have sprung from Belgian authors and illustrators.

For instance, the iconic Tintin was created by a Belgian cartoonist, Hergé.

Going to the Belgian Comic Strip Centre is one of the most fun things to do in Brussels.

Here you can check out galleries on the various histories of comics as well as ones highlighting different notable figures in the industry.

There are also some excellent temporary exhibitions displayed here.

If you’re looking for rewarding activities in Brussels, come to the Belgian Comic Strip Centre.

It’s open from Tuesdays to Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission starts at €8.

Address: Rue des Sables 20, Brussels 1000, Belgium

2. Brussels City Museum

The Brussels City Museum is what to see to really learn about how far Brussels has come.

It’s full of fun and significant pieces chronicling the impressive history of this impressive city.

Come to Grand-Place so you can see this amazing museum for yourself.

When you plan your trip, you need to consider the Brussels City Museum.

It’s located in the “Maison du Roi” and certainly feels historical from the outside.

When you enter, you’ll get to see all kinds of great pieces from Brussels’ story.

Each of its floors shows different qualities, including artistic talent and how people lived during times like The Middle Ages.

Come to the Brussels City Museum for a splendid education.

It’s open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is €8 for adults, €6 for seniors, €4 for students, and free for anyone under 18.

Address: Grand Place 2, Brussels 1000, Belgium

3. Maison Dandoy

The waffles you get in Belgium might not be the Belgian waffles you have at your favorite brunch spot, but they’re definitely delicious.

One of the best places to go for these is Maison Dandoy.

It’s one of the biggest tourist attractions for waffles and other dandy delights.

Coming to Maison Dandoy is what to do in Brussels if you love great food.

It’s not the most sophisticated food, but the flavor and love are all there.

Try their renowned waffles, or just have a nice cup of tea.

It’s places like Maison Dandoy that make Brussels such an excellent place to visit.

We hope that you’re able to make at least one visit and really soak up the environment and see how lovely it is.

Maison Dandoy lets you feel at home, even when you’re pretty far away.

Address: Rue au Beurre 31, Brussels 1000, Belgium

4. BELvue Museum

The BELvue Museum is one of the most intriguing museums in Belgium.

This is another museum that teaches all about Belgium’s history.

It’s also a beautiful place itself, with each room and hall having its own sort of charm and atmosphere.

The BELvue Museum is one of the top sights in Brussels.

There’s so much goodness in the collection, from sports memorabilia to pristine decorative pieces.

This is all done with the noble goal of showing just how much this city has to teach us.

When you’re at the BELvue Museum, you’re amongst some of the coolest stuff in Belgium.

The BELvue Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is €7 for adults, €6 for seniors, €5 for young people, ages 18 to 25, and free for anyone under 18.

Address: Place des Palais 7, Brussels 1000, Belgium

5. Coudenberg

Want to see what was one a crucial part of Belgium’s government?

Come to the Coudenberg in Brussels.

This was where many important figures worked, including counts and emperors.

For centuries, the Coudenberg helped to shape Belgium and beyond.

It’s now one of the most fun tourist attractions in the city.

This is what to see in Brussels for an invaluable history lesson.

This was once home of the Palace of Brussels.

As the palace stood upon this hill, it looked absolutely extraordinary.

A fire ravaged it in 1731, and the Place-Royal was built over the remains.

However, you still see what survived of the palace thanks to the BELvue Museum.

You can feel like an archaeologist doing an excavation.

Coudenberg is massively important to Brussels’ history, and it should never be forgotten

Address: Place des Palais 7, Brussels 1000, Belgium

6. The Bourse

Although The Bourse is the stock exchange in Belgium, you don’t need to know much about the economy to enjoy seeing it.

That’s because its appeal goes beyond stocks.

It’s a marvelous building that also features some remarkable exhibitions.

The Bourse is one of Brussels’ best sites.

Acclaimed sculptor Rodin helped to design the outside of the building.

In-person trading at The Bourse hasn’t occurred since 1996.

Today, it is primarily used for events, such as musical performances.

When you see The Bourse, you’ll see why so many people are drawn to it and want to host events there.

It looks so powerful on the outside and inside.

Visit The Bourse so you can see one of the most remarkable buildings in all of Belgium.

Address: Place de la Bourse, Brussels 1000, Belgium

7. Madame Mustache

There are so many great clubs in Brussels.

However, if you want to check out a must see one, come to Madame Mustache.

This is an awesome place to have a few drinks and meet some great people.

You’ll also be sure to love the service and entertainment here.

Madame Mustache is one of the most fun places to visit in Belgium.

If you have specific music tastes, you’ll hopefully find something to your liking.

Where else can you find swing music and DJ performances?

Take the time to enjoy some good Belgian beer as you cheer on these amazing entertainers.

Vacation is for kicking back, and going to Madame Mustache in Brussels lets you do just that.

Remember to act responsibly and keep yourself safe.

Madame Mustache is open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Address: Quai au Bois à Brûler 5/7, Brussels 1000, Belgium

8. Maison de la Bellone

Dating back to the late 15th century, the Maison de la Bellone is one of the coolest places to see in Brussels.

It looks beautiful, inside and out.

A significant arts institution, the Maison de la Bellone is a significant piece of Belgium’s cultural essence.

Belgium is one of the best countries to visit thanks to places like Maison de la Bellone.

This site was first built in the late 15th century.

Originally, it was owned by husband and wife Nicolas Bally and Gertrude de Smeth.

Today, Maidson de la Ballone is an excellent place for performances and preservation.

An experience like a concert in its courtyard is something you absolutely cannot pass up.

When you’re at Maison de la Bellone, you’re amongst beauty of the highest order.

Let yourself be entranced by each aspect of this space, past and present.

It’s open on Mondays from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. and from Tuesdays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: Rue de Flandre 46, Brussels 1000, Belgium

9. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

There’s perhaps no religious building in Belgium as important as the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels.

Originally just honoring St. Michael, this cathedral has expanded over the centuries.

This should be on any bucket list of churches to see.

The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a must see place for Catholics and others.

It’s one of the most stunning Brussels attractions.

The first iteration seems to go back as early as the 8th century.

Although it wasn’t named as a cathedral until 1961, it has long been a major religious institution.

You can still come here for Sunday Mass or certain Saturdays, go up the cathedral’s famous pair of towers.

You don’t need to be Catholic to appreciate the wonders of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula.

It’s an amazing place that continues to draw in visitors.

The cathedral is open from Mondays to Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Place Sainte-Gudule, Brussels 1000, Belgium

10. Cafe Belga

Most big cities have at least one iconic eatery where you’ll find a large crowd most any night.

For Brussels, that’s Cafe Belga.

Come here if you want to get a solid bite to eat and encounter some wonderful local flavor.

It’s tourist attractions like this that make Brussels such a fun place to visit.

Eating at Cafe Belga is one of the best activities in Brussels.

It’s where to go for all kinds of delicious menu options, including coffee and croissants.

There’s a lot of fun people-watching to experience as well.

Cafe Belga can be a great place to cap off a busy day.

Experiences like Cafe Belga need to be savored.

You might be reminded of places back home or other buzzing cafes you’ve been to, but there’s none quite like this.

Any given visit is going to give you something to think back on fondly, whether you’re coming for breakfast or a late-night treat.

Cafe Belga is open every day from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Address: Place Eugène Flagey 18, Brussels 1050, Belgium

11. Magritte Museum

René Magritte was one of the most dynamic Belgian artists ever.

His surrealist style made for some absolutely unforgettable pieces.

The Magritte Museum in Brussels is one of the top tourist attractions in Belgium.

Here’s you can see all sorts of amazing works and learn about Magritte’s legacy.

There are plenty of amazing things to see at the Magritte Museum, thanks to Magritte’s talent and the museum’s curation.

Many of the best pieces show Magritte’s skill in depicting female figures.

This is part of the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, which also includes the Oldmasters and Wiertz Museums.

You might not know much of anything about René Magritte.

However, the Magritte Museum only asks that you be willing to learn.

You’ll hopefully be amazed by the work you see here and want to learn more.

The Magritte Museum is open from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is €10 for adults, €8 for seniors, €3 for students, and free for visitors under 19.

Address: Place Royale 1, Brussels 1000, Belgium

12. Notre Dame Du Sablon

Notre Dame Du Sablon is one of the biggest points of interest in Brussels.

Its a remarkable cathedral that goes back hundreds of years.

It’s one of the most incredible sites in Belgium, as you’ll see when you learn more about its history.

Going to Notre Dame Du Sablon is what to do if you want to learn about Brussels’ religious history.

It was first built in the 15th century and may remind you of the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula.

While this isn’t one of the biggest cathedrals, qualities like its pulpit and stained-glass windows definitely make it a sight to behold.

Notre Dame Du Sablon’s majesty is more than clear.

This cathedral is open from Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There’s no cost for admission.

Address: Rue des Sablons, Brussels 1000, Belgium

13. Musical Instrument Museum

Music is like a language that transcends barriers.

It’s in large thanks to musical instruments that we’re able to have such communication.

The Musical Instrument Museum, located in Brussels, showcases thousands of beautiful instruments.

It’s one of the top places to visit if you’re a musician.

You can still have fun at the Musical Instrument Museum, musician or not.

There are lots of unusual things here that could really tickle your fancy.

Human history is full of creative passions, and musical instruments, be they percussion, woodwind, string, or something else, have let people really express themselves.

A visit to this museum might just inspire you to get your own musical act off the ground.

If nothing else, you can see the origins of different types of modern instruments.

If you’re looking for activities to do with music lovers in Brussels, come to the Musical Instrument Museum.

There’s just so much to be excited by here.

Admission is €10 for adults, ages 19 to 64, €8 for seniors, €4 for art students and unemployed people, and free for people 18 and younger.

Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, Brussels 1000, Belgium

14. Le Botanique

Le Botanique is great for people who love nature and culture.

This was once Brussels’ botanical gardens but could now be better described as a greenhouse that hosts events.

It’s still one of the best places to visit, and they definitely haven’t forgotten their plant-based roots.

Going to Le Botanique is unquestionably one of the top things to do in Brussels.

The flora really helps to amplify the excitement of whatever event you’re seeing.

This is especially true for seeing concerts.

You might feel like you’ve been brought to a new world when you’re at this amazing Brussels venue.

For an invigorating Brussels experience, come to Le Botanique.

It’s unique and exquisite.

Le Botanique is open from Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

You can get admission by purchasing a €28 Brussels Card, which also allows for admission to many other hotspots, including no-cost entry to 41 different museums.

Address: Rue Royale 236, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, Brussels 1210, Belgium

15. La Grand-Place

La Grand-Place is arguably the most famous part of Brussels.

This square is host to the local Town Hall, stores, and places to eat and learn.

Just about any Brussels travel guide you read will talk about La Grand-Place.

When you come here, you’ll see exactly why it’s so revered.

The sights and activities of La Grand-Place are numerous.

Among the best things to do here are to see concerts or special events like the Brussels Christmas tree installation.

It’s also a great place to congregate and enjoy the company of your fellow people.

Whether you’re at La Grand-Place for a special occasion or just for the fun of it, this is a really awesome site.

La Grand-Place isn’t the only great about Brussels.

However, it’s definitely one of the greatest.

Address: Grand Place Brussels Main Square, Brussels 1000, Belgium

16. Royal Palace of Brussels

If you’re in Brussels during the summer, come see the Royal Palace of Brussels.

Used by Belgium’s royal clan, it’s truly fit for a king and a queen.

Royal Palace of Brussels is gorgeous and mightily impressive.

Royal Palace of Brussels is where to go if you really want to feel amazed by Belgium’s history.

This is also part of La Grand-Place, and you can certainly see why royalty would want this building in such a prestigious location.

While this isn’t where the king and queen actually live, it is used for special occasions.

Visiting the Royal Palace of Brussels is only possible during the summer.

However, you can still get a good glimpse at this massive palace from outside.

The Royal Palace of Brussels is a true Brussels phenomenon.

Address: Rue Brederode 16, Brussels 1000, Belgium

17. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

Those who love learning about the military needs to come to this museum.

It’s part of the famed Cinquantenaire Park, but it’d be worth visiting no matter what.

This is one of the best things to do in Brussels if you have any military members in your group.

One of the top places to visit in the world for learning about the military, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History has many phenomenal exhibitions.

Here, you can check out collections dedicated to Dutch and Russian military history as well as aviation.

There’s a lot more where that came from.

This museum provides one of the most comprehensive looks into the military world you’ll ever get.

Going to the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is one of the best experiences in Brussels.

It’s open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to the museum is €10 for adults and €8 for students, teachers, and guests ages six to 19.

Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels 1000, Belgium

18. Atomium

With a name that sounds like a comic book hero, Atomium is one of the best things to see in Brussels.

Part of Heysel Park, Atomium is a massive replica of an atom.

When you’re sightseeing in Brussels, Atomium needs to be part of your plan.

The Atomium is a fun place to see and take pictures in front of.

It was originally brought in as part of a World’s Fair exhibition.

Today, it is a major icon for an iconic city.

It’s also a great place to come if you’re a real science geek, as you can think of how much power is within one atom.

Think about how much power is within one mind, and how much creative power matters to getting things done.

Atomium stands for many things.

There’s the wonders of science, the splendor of Brussels, and the overall strength of the human spirit.

Address: Square de l’Atomium, Brussels 1020, Belgium

19. Brussels Gueuze Museum

When you’re tasting delicious beer, especially in Belgium, it’s worth taking a time to appreciate how it was made and how techniques have advanced over the centuries.

The Brussels Gueuze Museum lets you see how incredible beer production is.

Part of the Cantillon Brewery, it’s a must-visit place for any beer lover.

Going to the Brussels Gueuze Museum is something you must do if you really care about beer.

They use old-fashioned means to brew their Lambic, and these are ways that work.

You can really taste how much love is put into every batch.

Belgium’s Senne Valley provides the bacteria and yeast that makes lambics possible.

The taste is distinct and this museum is the best place to see how it all comes together.

For more than a century, this brewery has been a wonder for Brussels, and it should continue to be so.

The Brussels Gueuze Museum is a delicious and satisfying experience.

We hope that you’re able to enjoy the delights here.

When you’re around people who have dedicated their lives to making sure a legacy persists, it’s difficult to not be moved.

This museum is open on Mondays and Tuesdays and from Thursdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: Rue Gheude 56, Brussels 1070, Belgium

20. Manneken Pis

You may see some statues in Brussels that will leave you very contemplative.

The Manneken Pis is a little bit different.

However, seeing it is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Brussels.

You definitely won’t be able to get it off your mind.

This statue’s name translates in Flemish to “little pee man.”

It’s easy to see why, as it depicts a small boy urinating.

Made of bronze and standing only 24 inches tall, it’s not exactly what most people would call “high art.”

However, it has a proud legacy in Brussels.

During different times of the year, such as during Christmas, it will be dressed in appropriate garb.

There are even times when beer will flow forth.

We totally understand if you don’t want to associate beer with that, though.

Manneken Pis is an attraction you can’t help but appreciate.

It might have you shaking your head a little bit, but if you can loosen up, you can enjoy it.

Manneken Pis is located near Brussels’ town hall.

Address: 46 Rue de l’Etuve corner of rue du Chene and rue de l’Etuve, Brussels 1000, Belgium

21. Train World

Among the top things to do in Brussels with family is going to Train World.

This is a really cool museum that shows how important trains are to Belgium.

There’s so much greatness to be uncovered, and Train World lets you learn about in a fun manner.

Train World is one of the most fun places to visit for train enthusiasts.

It does an excellent job of teaching visitors about trains, from steam-powered to modern technologies.

Places like their two rehabilitated train stations really show just how much train travel has mattered for people over the centuries.

Thanks to breakthroughs in technology, train commuters have been able to get to work and travel safely and efficiently.

Train World teaches all about these feats and others.

Visitors to Train World are treated to amazing sights and knowledge.

You might want to ride more trains after coming here.

Train World is located in the municipality of Schaerbeek and is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is €12 for adults, €9 for seniors and children, and free for children six and under.

Address: Place Princesse Elisabeth 5 1030 Schaarbeek, Schaerbeek, Brussels 1030, Belgium

22. Old England Building

The Old England Building is one of the most interesting buildings in Brussels.

It’s actually not all that old, having been built in 1899.

What was once a department store is now housing the Musical Instrument Museum.

Its design also makes it one of the greatest points of interest in Brussels.

One of the main attractions in Brussels, the Old England Building has so much worth appreciating about it.

The iron design is full of power.

You can also get an excellent meal at the cafe on top.

Let it never be said that Belgians don’t know how to find multiple uses for things.

The Old England Building represents new opportunities and how much one building can provide for a city.

There’s no telling exactly the future holds for it, but it should be something great.

After all, they have a reputation to uphold.

Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, Brussels 1000, Belgium

23. MIMA

The Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art is one of the top 10 art museums in Brussels.

Be advised, however, this is a very eclectic museum.

This should be your bucket list if you love original art.

The MIMA is one of the best Brussels attractions for art.

While it’s a fairly new museum, having opened in 2016, it has quickly become an important part of the cultural scene in Belgium.

In its permanent collection are around 90 pieces.

Different mediums are spotlighted here, from photography to acrylics to charcoal.

Special exhibitions like “Zoo” are also especially captivating.

When you come to MIMA, you might find yourself saying “Oh my” at many of the pieces.

Address: Quai du Hainaut 39-41 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Brussels 1080, Belgium

24. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

While this attraction does feature greenhouses, it goes much further than that.

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken is one of King Leopold II’s most impressive works.

It’s a sprawling estate that should fill you with amazement, both at its beauty and its ambition.

You can have an amazing time when you’re at the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken.

Even compared to other great Brussels attractions, the Royal Greenhouse of Laeken stands out.

The Royal Castle of Laeken is where the royal family resides, and this installation is a great addition for any estate, even a royal one.

There are amazing plants here, including ones King Leopold II originally brought in.

The sturdy pavilions add even more eye candy to the experience.

We especially love visiting the Winter Garden, with its amazing palm trees.

Going to the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken is one of the top experiences you can have in Brussels.

It’s only open to the public for a few weeks during the spring.

Therefore, you should keep this in mind when scheduling your trip.

Address: Avenue du Parc Royal 61, Brussels 1020, Belgium

25. Brussels Beer Tasting Tour

There are lots of great places for beer in Brussels, but the best experience is drinking and learning.

A Brussels Beer Tasting Tour takes you to various hot spots for a cold one.

This is one of the top Brussels attractions, as you’ll get to enjoy your favorite beverage and learn all kinds of great things about it.

A beer tasting tour is one of the best travel hacks for visiting this city.

You can stop by some of the coolest places for beer in one of the coolest cities for it.

There are many tours to choose from, but our favorite is the Beer Tasting Experience.

This introduces you to five different beers in an hour.

You can really swoon at all the flavors and be wowed by all the cool things you get to learn about beer.

Whichever beer tour you pick, we hope you find one you can really enjoy.

It’s one thing to go out for a beer.

It’s quite another to be able to enjoy an excellent curated experience like this.

Address: Rue des Foulons 30, Brussels 1000, Belgium

26. Autoworld

Another great museum at the Cinquantenaire is Autoworld.

It’s an excellent attraction for car lovers in Brussels.

You can also have a lot of fun if your knowledge of cars is quite limited.

There are lots of amazing vehicles and fascinating pieces of history to learn about.

Autoworld is what to see if you love cars or want to nurture some budding enthusiasm.

On display are cars that blown away with their colors and builds.

You’ll get to learn about the importance of cars over the years, from their use in transportation, competition, or simply as status symbols.

There are also motorcycles and trucks showcased here.

This museum really does feel like another world.

We take cars for granted, but there was a time when their presence just seemed like something out of a sci-fi pipe dream.

We can appreciate Autoworld for how it shows us the evolution of this technology.

Autoworld is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is €12 for adults, €10 for seniors, €9 for students and disabled people, and €5 for children, ages six to 11.

Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, Brussels 1000, Belgium

27. Fashion & Lace Museum

Numerous sophisticated outfits have been made out of lace.

In Belgium’s fashion world, this material has been very important.

The Fashion & Lace Museum is an excellent place to learn about the crucial role Belgium played in popularizing lace.

One of the top places to visit for learning about fashion, this museum has amazing displays and equally amazing stories.

The thousands of pieces in their collection go back as far as the 16th century.

When you’re here, you can see how much the right material and the right eye can create a piece of clothing that’s more akin to a work of art.

No one knows lace quite like Brussels, and the Fashion & Lace Museum reiterates this.

You can be spellbound by these garments and find yourself learning a lot about fashion here.

The Fashion & Lace Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free if you have a Brussels Card.

Address: Rue de la Violette 12, Brussels 1000, Belgium

28. Parc du Cinquantenaire

As we’ve mentioned, there are all kinds of great things at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, but the park itself is plenty great.

It’s a huge pentagon park that’s full of attractions, including a gorgeous archway.

Really, though, the entire park should be seen as one giant attraction.

Spending time at the Parc du Cinquantenaire is both fun and rewarding.

This is 74 acres of unspoiled beauty.

The human-made additions increase the aesthetic appeal.

It’s great to come here to explore the various gardens, see special events like fireworks, or just hang out.

Parc du Cinquantenaire is amazing.

It was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence.

When you come here, you’ll see it’s a more-than-fitting tribute.

Address: Avenue de la Renaissance, Brussels 1000, Belgium

Start Planning Your Trip To Brussels

We hope we’ve shown you how much fun can be in Brussels.

There are great activities that teach you all about this region’s amazing history in a fun way.

With excellent sightseeing and all sorts of must do experiences, Brussels is a very special city for very special people.

Take along a good travel guide and look forward to all the wonderful experiences you’ll get to have in Brussels, Belgium.