Things to Do Near Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in Europe. With its rich history, cultural highlights, and lively nightlife, Brussels is a great destination for first-time visitors looking for an exciting experience. From its world-renowned museums to its iconic landmarks and delicious food, Brussels has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening stroll or an action-packed day out, here are some of the best things to do near Brussels.

Explore the Historic City Center

The best way to start your exploration of Brussels is to take a walk through the city center. Here you’ll find some of Brussels’ most iconic sites and attractions such as the Grand Place, the Manneken Pis statue, the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, and the Royal Palace. The Grand Place is especially impressive; it’s a beautiful square surrounded by tall buildings with ornate facades and detailed sculptures, which makes it one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The Manneken Pis is a small bronze statue of a peeing child that has become a symbol of Brussels. You’ll also find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants here so you can take a break and soak up the atmosphere of this historic city center.

Experience Belgian Cuisine

No visit to Brussels would be complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Belgian food is hearty and filling, with dishes like stoemp (mashed potatoes with carrots and onions), waterzooi (a creamy fish stew), and moules-frites (mussels with fries) being among the most popular. Of course, you can’t visit Belgium without sampling some of its famous waffles, beers, and chocolates. For a truly unique experience, why not head to one of Brussels’ many beer halls or friteries (chip shops) and enjoy an authentic Belgian meal?

Visit the Atomium and Mini-Europe

The Atomium is one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks. This giant steel structure was built to represent an atom molecule and serves as a reminder of Belgium’s scientific achievements. Inside, you’ll find nine spheres connected by escalators, each containing a different exhibition. There’s also the Mini-Europe park nearby which features miniature replicas of famous monuments and buildings from all over Europe. Here you can learn about the history and culture of different countries in an interactive way, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.

Take a Boat Tour of the Canals

One of the best ways to explore Brussels is from the water. There are several boat tours available that will take you along the canals and past some of Brussels’ most iconic sights such as the Atomium, the Royal Palace, and the Manneken Pis statue. It’s an enjoyable way to get an overview of the city and you’ll get some great photo opportunities too!

Explore the Art Nouveau Architecture

Brussels is home to some incredible Art Nouveau architecture. It started as an architectural movement in Belgium in the late 19th century and today you can still find some great examples of this style around the city. The Horta Museum is a great place to start; it’s a converted Art Nouveau house that was designed by renowned architect Victor Horta in 1900. Other examples include the Maison Autrique and the Maison Cauchie; both are beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture that are well worth visiting.

Discover Brussels’ Museums

Brussels has some great museums that are perfect for those who want to learn more about its history and culture. The most popular one is the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts which houses one of Europe’s largest art collections with works by artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens. Other museums worth a visit include the Belgian Comic Strip Center which celebrates Belgium’s love of comic books and cartoons; the BELvue Museum which tells the story of Belgium’s history through interactive exhibits; and the Magritte Museum which features works by surrealist artist René Magritte.

Take a Day Trip to Bruges

Bruges is just a short train ride away from Brussels and it’s one of Belgium’s most picturesque cities. The old town is full of stunning architecture, canals, cobbled streets, and medieval churches so it’s a great place to spend a day. You can also take a boat tour along Bruges’ canals for some great views of this beautiful city. Make sure you try some Belgian chocolate while you’re there too!

Book an Antwerp City Tour

Antwerp is another great city to visit while you’re in Brussels. It’s known as the diamond capital of the world due to its large diamond industry so it’s a great place to browse for jewelry if that’s your thing. There are also plenty of other attractions here such as the historic Grote Markt square, the Royal Palace, and several excellent museums including the Plantin-Moretus Museum where you can learn all about Antwerp’s printing heritage. Book an Antwerp City Tour to explore all these sights and learn more about this fascinating city.

Book a Walking Tour of Brussels

If you want to get the most out of your time in Brussels then a walking tour is the perfect way to do it. You’ll get to explore all the best sights with an experienced guide who will bring the city’s history to life with interesting stories and anecdotes. Book a Walking Tour of Brussels to see everything from the Grand Place to Manneken Pis in one go!

Book a Chocolate Tour

Belgium is famous for its delicious chocolate so why not indulge your sweet tooth by taking a chocolate tour? You’ll get to visit some of Brussels’ most famous chocolate shops where you can sample different types of chocolate and learn about their history from your knowledgeable guide. Book a Chocolate Tour around Brussels to experience this sweet treat like never before!

Visit La Grand Place at Night

The Grand Place is even more stunning at night when its ornate buildings are illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. It’s a great spot for a romantic evening stroll or just to sit back and soak up all that beauty.

Conclusion

There are plenty of great things to do near Brussels that are sure to make your visit an unforgettable one. From exploring its iconic sights to sampling delicious local cuisine, there’s something for everyone here! Whether you’re looking for an action-packed day out or a romantic evening stroll, there are plenty of activities that will help make your trip to Brussels truly special!