Things to do & places to visit in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a city of vast variety and diversity, making it an excellent destination for any type of visitor. No matter where you look, history and beauty are the principal components giving Brussels its unique vibe. The architecture, together with the city’s folklore, catch every visitor’s eye, revealing how the classic spots have adapted to take on a very modern twist. Brussels makes each traveler find a home away from home.

Brussels #2 destination in Belgium 2023. The average rating score is 4.26 based on 130.5k traveler reviews, of 216 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Brussels, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 23:53.

Brussels Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (25)

• Gardens
• Forests
• Architectural Buildings
• Spas
• Historic Sites
• Convention Centers
• Monuments & Statues
• Castles
• Natural History Museums
• History Museums
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Historic Walking Areas
• Parks
• Speciality Museums
• Government Buildings
• Speciality & Gift Shops
• Breweries
• Religious Sites
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Shopping Malls
• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Department Stores
• Art Museums
• Miniature Golf
• Military Museums

Upcoming events in Brussels 3

Date	Event	Location	Price	Category
Thu May 16 2024 at 05:00 pm to Sun May 19 2024 at 10:00 pm (GMT+02:00)	StrEat Fest 2024	Brussels		Cooking
Thu May 16 2024 at 08:00 pm (GMT+02:00)	Lewis Black 2024 Tour	Brussels		Comedy
Mon Jun 10 2024 at 06:30 pm to 10:00 pm (GMT+02:00)	VLERICK BRUSSELS CAMPUS - PROGRESS CLUB - Leadership lessons from arts	Brussels	EUR 95	Fine Arts

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 4.5 Grand Place (34.8k reviews)
   - Expensive but worth it for an evening
   Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   Considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, the ornate Grand Place is the center of Brussels, where many historic buildings dating from the 17th century are located. See more..
   
2. 4.5 Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (10.0k reviews)
   - A must-visit for any 1st time Brussels tourist
   Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
   
   
   Wander through the Les Galeries Saint Hubert, a gorgeous glass roofed arcade in the center of Brussels. Lined with cafes, theaters and luxury stores, the Les Galeries Saint Hubert also has the distinction of being the first covered shopping arcade in Europe. See more..
   
3. 4.5 St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule) (5.125 reviews)
   - Stunning cathedral
   Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
   
   
   This is an absolutely stunning cathedral in the heart of Brussels. If you come in via the train station, this is a very close walk - you can't miss it rising up over the nearby park. There are tons of beautiful stained glass windows and many side chapels and monuments/dedications throughout the building. If you time it right, the sun shining through the windows will leave color splashed all over the stone, which is gorgeous. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) (4.080 reviews)
   - Music Lovers Visit!
   Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
   
   
   The entrance to the building is a jewel of the Art Nouveau style, while the rest is in perfect harmony with the neoclassical ensemble on the Place Royale, and just around the corner from the Grand-Place and Central Station, no less! With a wealth of some 9.000 instruments, some 1.200 of which are on permanent exhibit, the museum's reputation is mainly built on its extraordinary collections. Once inside, you'll embark on a true tour of the musical world. After your visit, the instruments and their history will no longer hold any secrets: from the viola da gamba from the Court of Brussels to the 20th century theremin, and even including the African Kora! The mim is nothing other than a place to experience music. A visitor's guidance system allows you to explore the thematic tours to the tune of the melodious sound of the instruments presented. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Parlamentarium (3.459 reviews)
   - Very interesting in parts, but not very well organized
   Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Government Buildings
   
   
   FREE ENTRY. Experience the European Parliament in Brussels like never before. At our Visitors' Centre, children and adults alike get to discover what the European institutions that represent them are all about in a refreshingly new way: the Parlamentarium. Our Portable Media Guides take our visitors through an interactive journey of European integration, revealing the impact this process has had on the everyday lives of Europeans. As the first ever citizens' exhibition to do so, the Parlamentarium caters to all 24 official languages of the European Union, and is completely free! Our facilities and multimedia guides have been designed to be fully accessible to those with special needs. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) (3.354 reviews)
   - Impressive Architecture with Great History
   Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
   
   
   We took the guided English tour and learned a lot about the building, the city, and the country. The tour guide was the best. He basically told a story with lots of humor and important tidbits to make the tour most enjoyable. The rooms are impressive and one can see the evolution of the building throughout the different centuries. The tour staff is lovely. Very friendly and kind people. The tour lasts about 50 min and well worth the price of admission. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Parc du Cinquantenaire (2.384 reviews)
   - Impressive celebration of Independence!
   Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
   
   
   Planned by King Leopold in the late 19th century, this park holds imposing monuments including the Triumphal Arch, Exposition Halls and the Bordiau Halls, which house the prestigious Museum of Art and History. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History (2.370 reviews)
   - History Buffs Delight
   Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums
   
   
   The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History is the perfect stop for history and military enthusiasts. Located in the two northernmost halls of the Cinquantenaire Park historic complex, the museum collections comprise more than 10 centuries of military and technology history, ranging from suits of armor, antique firearms and swords to armored vehicles and airplanes. Numerous paintings, sculptures, decorations, and military uniforms bring back to life the military history of this area. Admission is free. Closed on Mondays. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Notre Dame du Sablon (2.017 reviews)
   - A gem of 15th-century Gothic architecture in Brussels
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
   
   
   Dominating the Sablon Square in the center of Brussels, this church was transformed from a chapel into a major gothic church starting in 1436 through the beginning of the 16th century, and truly exemplifies the Brabantine gothic style of architecture. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Autoworld (1.859 reviews) from $13.74
    - Worth a visit
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    More than 250 vehicles cover the story of the automobile history since its early days. One zone is dedicated to sports and racing cars, while "Belgium at Autoworld" tells the love story between Belgium and the automobile industry. A different themed temporary exhibition is organized every 2-3 months! Discover this museum in the Southern Hall of the Cinquantenaire in Brussels, one of the most beautiful architectural buildings of Belgium. Autoworld, more than a museum! See more..
    
11. 4.5 Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (1.761 reviews)
    - An Impressive Art Collection - A Must Visit For Art Enthusiasts
    Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums
    
    
    Considered one of Brussels' greatest museums, it houses an extensive collection of works from the Flemish School, featuring a number of masterpieces by Peter Bruegel. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Rene Magritte Museum - Abstract Art Museum (1.708 reviews)
    - Fantastic - really must see the works of this great Belgium artist
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Museums
    
    
    The René Magritte Museum occupies the house in which the Belgian surrealist painter worked nearly 24 years of his life. Beside the apartment where the painter lived, a biographical exhibition is spread on the two upper floors. Since 2019, a new wing presents a selection of 200 works of Belgian abstract Art. Don't get this museum mixed up with the Magritte Museum (collection of paintings), which is a wing of the Fine Arts Museum (City center). See more..
    
13. 4.5 Horta Museum (Musee Horta) (1.662 reviews)
    - A true masterpiece.
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    This is not a museum in the traditional sense: the museum itself is actually the house that Victor Horta built for himself in the late 1890s, which truly exemplifies the Art Nouveau style that made Horta into one of the most acclaimed architects in Belgium. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Museum of Natural Sciences (1.645 reviews)
    - Beyond expectation a great museum
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Meet the famous Bernissart Iguanodons in the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe, learn about the human body and how we evolved in the Gallery of Humankind and go back in time in the Gallery of Evolution. You can also find out about urban species in BiodiverCITY, discover specimens which illustrate the Museum’s history in the 250 years of Natural Sciences hall, admire the magnificent crystals in the Mineral Hall, and experience something new every year by visiting our temporary exhibitions or by taking part in one of our Education Service’s interactive activities. During Belgian School Holidays: Tuesday > Sunday: 10.00 > 18.00 During the Belgian school year: Tuesday > Friday: 9.30 > 17.00 | Week-end : 10.00 > 18.00 See more..
    
15. 4.5 Jardin du Petit Sablon (1.409 reviews)
    - A charming little garden
    Gardens
    
    
    The Petit Sablon Jardin is certainly one of the most loved gardens in the city. A peaceful oasis and very elegant place. While it’s not enormous, there’s plenty to see .....48 statues representing the medieval guilds. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Train World (1.193 reviews) from $16.06
    - Had fun.
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    Train world is a unique rail experience that will take you from the very first steam locomotives to high-speed trains! It’s a universe that calls on all the senses to understand the railways in its multiple dimensions. It is an active outing for all ages. Walk among the locomotives, climb aboard 100 year old trains, visit a small railway house and cross a genuine railway bridge. You can even experience what it feels like to drive a train! See more..
    
17. 4.5 Serres Royales De Laeken (1.125 reviews)
    - Stunning!
    Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
    
    
    A must see when in Brussels! (and when they open, because it's not open the whole year round! So you might want to check the website first) See more..
    
18. 4.5 Guild Houses (999 reviews)
    - Rows of Baroque guild houses at Grand Place
    Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Grand Place in Lower Town of Brussels is probably one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It is lined with delightful buildings including a fair number of guild houses built in the late 17th-century after the French Bombardment. They are heavily ornamented, ornate gilded facades that are delightful to look at while visiting the Grand Place. Give time to look over each and you will begin to see unique sculptures, symbols and the trade and industry represented by the respective guilds. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Cantillon Brewery (973 reviews)
    - Excellent tour of the old family brewery with tasing lambic beers
    Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Breweries
    
    
    Discover the fabulous family brewery of the Cantillon Brewery, where Lambic, Gueuze and Kriek have been made since 1900. Also home to the Brussels museum of the Gueuze. Open from Monday till Saturday, except on Wednesday, from 10:00AM. Last entrance at 04:00PM (we close at 05:00PM) See more..
    
20. 4.5 Mont des Arts (830 reviews)
    - Wonderful park near city center
    Spent More than 3 hours Historic Walking Areas
    
    
    A beautiful park with good views. It’s a mixture of very well kept and in need of some work. It can be very quiet depending on the day but tends to be very busy on sunny weekend days. Also there were several events in the park the month we were here so there could be a lot of activity on those days too. The view from the top of the steps is very nice. It’s close to the center so a good little walk to stop by and see. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Brussels Comics Museum (823 reviews)
    - Very very good
    Sunday: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
    
    
    Where comics come to life! Brussels Comics Museum will immerse you in a private collection of figurines from the world of Belgian comics (Tintin, Spirou, The Smurfs...), American comics (Spider-Man, Batman...) and many others. You will also find these characters in other formats: with video games, explanatory videos or during a projection of cartoons in a period movie theater. This immersive, sound-enhanced tour will appeal to the whole family. It will bring back many memories for adults and will also be suitable for the youngest: the visit is easily accessible, with very visual and colorful displays. It is located in Brussels, behind the large statue of the White Smurf in the Horta Gallery on level -1. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Sonian Forest (473 reviews)
    - Go – and get lost!
    Forests
    
    
    While walking through the Sonian Forest, I couldn't believe I was just a couple of kilometres away from the busy, bustling inner city of Brussels. Somewhere I must've walked through a portal to a very different place! I reached the forest by taking tram 44 from the Montgomery tram stop, itself reachable by many trams and buses. Once it reached its final stop, it was easiest to get to the forest by walking through the Tervuren Park. Like many other Unesco world heritage sites – especially ones that are free to visit, like this one – it really is hard to summarise the breadth of the experience succinctly. All I'm going to say: Go – and get lost! And when you leave: Return, return, return. It's nature lovers' heaven, really. See more..
    
23. 4.5 illusion Brussels (424 reviews)
    - Amazing experience
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
    
    
    Illusion Brussels presents itself as a small museum of the incredible. Each element presented will seem impossible or counter-intuitive to you. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Musee des Beaux-Arts d'Ixelles (204 reviews)
    - Museum closed for renovation.
    Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums
    
    
    The museum is closed. CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS AND EXPANSION The Museum of Ixelles will benefit from renovations and expansion between March 5th 2018 and 2021. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Parc Josaphat (201 reviews)
    - Underrated gem!
    Parks
    
    
    Officially one of my favourite places in Brussels – and part of me doesn't want to tell anyone about it; I want it all to myself! ;) I've visited Parc Josaphat in summer, autumn, winter and spring, and it's truly a magical gem that both young and old will enjoy – come rain or shine. If you're looking for a peaceful place to stroll, or you'd like a spot to read a book on your back, Parc Josaphat really is the place to go. Tip: It's easily accessible via public transport. Bus 65 and 66, as well as tram 7 all run along it. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Rouge Cloitre Park (128 reviews)
    - History combined with nature
    Parks
    
    
    The remains of a monastery, together with the woods and ponds make for a lovely park. I’ve visited it twice, once in spring and again in August. You can make some nice walks along the ponds, and if you want to, continue to the Soignes Forest. The park is well maintained, the old buildings have been restored over the years and got a new destination, like an exhibition space, art shops and a tavern (I’m not 100% sure, but I think only open in the weekend). There is also a play area for the kids where a pirate ship is the big attraction. Draft horses, a donkey, chicken and ducks can also be seen. As the park is located at the outskirts of Brussels, you can get there easily by public transport. Metro line 5 and tram 94 stop at Herrmann-Debroux, about 200 meters from the entrance to the park. Several busses also stop in the neighbourhood. See more..
    
27. 4.5 Leonidas Cora Woluwe (127 reviews)
    - Gotta love this place
    Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops
    
    
    You just gotta love every chocolate shop in Brussels! This is also one of the unique ones, writing it's own story. All the goodies are simply delicious. And not to neglect- from all the "hot coutur chocolate shops" they have the most reasonable prices. So if planning to buy loads of sweet presents- this is the place for you! And no, they don not lose on the quallity on account of the lower price. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Musee Constantin Meunier (50 reviews)
    - At last, a living museum, thanks to his guard !
    Sunday: Art Museums
    
    
    Meunier museum is too small to show the big collection of works of the Belgian artist famous for his monumental bronze sculptures, whose some are exhibited in the former Meunier's workshop, at the bottom of the museum. Figures of the heroic labour of the industrial revolution, tribute to the popular classes of the late nineteenth century ... with something sensual inherited from Rodin ... This worths already a four on Tripadvisor. The last star is given to the fantastic museum guard. Richard Boterman (Butterman in English) learnt the Meunier's life and explains it with great verve, making this place a living world, joyful, filled with something very Belgian. Most of museums are places of solitude, where the guards are unfriendly (aaah, the Bozar!), Mr. Boterman makes this museum an oasis in Brussels. And moreover, it's free ! See more..
    
29. 4.5 Jérôme Grimonpon Chocolatier (36 reviews)
    - best chocolate maker of belgium 2012
    Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Department Stores
    
    
    Located in the heart of the town of Uccle, artisanal chocolate "Jerome Grimonpon Chocolate Factory" offers a wide range of chocolates, pralines, fruit pulp and put in craft mouths. Discover the chocolate concocted by Jerome Grimonpon, Best Artisan Chocolatier of Belgium 2012. I put in the service of your taste buds all my creativity and my passion for chocolate and offers many products such as pralines cabinets, shelves greediest ones than others, chocolate spread, chocolate put in mouth ... Through my chocolate creations, I make you travel around the world since my chocolates and pralines are made from beans from different countries: Madagascar, Tanzania, Africa and many others. On request, I can achieve, for private or professional event, a creation of your fully customized choice. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Parc de Woluwe (34 reviews)
    - a gem in the city outskirts
    Spent 1-2 hours Parks
    
    
    What a privilege to go for a walk in a marvellous parc nearby the city ! Parc de la Woluwe is easy to reach by public transport too. See more..