Things To Do In Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, a small country located in the heart of Europe. As the official capital of the European Union, Brussels is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Home to the world-famous Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, Brussels is a city full of life and culture. With its historical monuments, picturesque canals, vibrant nightlife, and international cuisine, Brussels is an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore all that Europe has to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Brussels.

Explore Grand Place

Grand Place is the beating heart of Brussels and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Located in the city center, Grand Place is surrounded by 17th century buildings with ornate facades and stunning gilded roofs. Every day, throngs of tourists and locals alike flock to this grand square to marvel at its architectural beauty and enjoy the many cafes and restaurants that line the perimeter. On special occasions, the square is decorated with elaborate floral displays and illuminated by thousands of tiny lights.

Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Brussels is a beautiful example of classic Belgian architecture. Built in the 18th century, the palace was once home to the French King Leopold I and is now the official residence of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. Visitors can explore the palace’s impressive interiors, which are filled with artworks, tapestries, and furniture from various periods in Belgian history. The palace also features a lovely garden with blooming flowers and lush trees.

Explore Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is one of Brussels’ most popular attractions and a great place to learn about the city’s vibrant art scene. Located in the city center, the museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary artworks by renowned artists from around the world. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which feature an array of multimedia works including paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and installations.

Go Shopping at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is one of Brussels’ most iconic shopping destinations and a great place to buy souvenirs or authentic Belgian products. Located in the heart of Brussels’ old town, this 19th century shopping arcade is home to numerous boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and movie theaters. The ornate architecture, high ceilings, and grand staircases make this shopping center a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique shopping experience.

Take a Boat Ride on Brussels’ Canals

Brussels’ canals are a great way to explore the city and see it from a different perspective. Hop aboard one of the many boat tours that depart from the dock near Grand Place and cruise along the many canals and waterways that crisscross this beautiful city. Enjoy views of historical monuments, picturesque bridges and quays, and charming waterfront cafes as you sail along on your boat ride.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Taste your way around Brussels by visiting some of its most popular restaurants. From traditional Belgian dishes such as moules frites (mussels with French fries) to modern fusion cuisine, there is something for everyone in Brussels’ culinary scene. Sample some of the city’s iconic dishes such as waffles, waterzooi (a creamy fish stew), or stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables). Wash it all down with some local beer or delicious Belgian chocolate!

Visit Atomium

Atomium is one of Brussels’ most recognizable landmarks and a great way to learn about modern science and technology. This iconic structure was built for the 1958 World’s Fair and consists of nine connected spheres representing atoms in an iron crystal lattice. Visitors can take an elevator to the top sphere for breathtaking views of Brussels or explore interactive exhibits about science and technology inside the spheres themselves.

Discover Mini-Europe

Mini-Europe is a miniature park located in Brussels that features scale models of some of Europe’s most famous landmarks and monuments. This fun park allows visitors to explore Europe without leaving Belgium! View life-size replicas of monuments such as Big Ben in London or Saint Mark’s Square in Venice, or take a spin on Europe’s fastest rollercoaster! Mini-Europe is a great way to experience Europe in miniature form.

Visit Chocolate Museum

No trip to Belgium is complete without a visit to its famous chocolate museum! This museum celebrates Belgium’s long tradition of chocolate-making and features interactive exhibits about chocolate-making processes, interactive tastings, and even demonstrations by master chocolatiers. Learn about different types of chocolate from around the world or sample some delicious treats from local chocolatiers!

Popular Tours

Old Town Walking Tour

The Old Town Walking Tour is a great way for visitors to learn about Brussels’ long history and rich cultural heritage. On this tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, visitors will explore some of Brussels’ most important monuments while learning fascinating facts about this vibrant city. See landmarks such as Grand Place or St Michael Cathedral while enjoying stories about Brussels’ past. Book Old Town Walking Tour here.

Beer Tasting Tour

Experience some of Belgium’s world-famous beer on this Beer Tasting Tour! Led by an experienced beer sommelier, this tour takes visitors on a journey through Brussels’ vibrant beer culture. Sample some of Belgium’s finest brews while learning about the history and production process of beer from your knowledgeable guide. Book Beer Tasting Tour here.

Food Tour

Experience some of Belgium’s finest cuisine on this Food Tour! Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour takes visitors on a journey through Brussels’ vibrant food culture. Sample some of Belgium’s most iconic dishes such as moules frites (mussels with French fries) or waffles while learning about the history and production process of these traditional dishes from your knowledgeable guide. Book Food Tour here.

Architecture Tour

Discover Brussels’ stunning architecture on this Architecture Tour! Led by an experienced guide, this tour takes visitors on a journey through Brussels architectural history from medieval times to modern day. View some of Brussels’ most iconic buildings such as Grand Place or Atomium while learning about the city’s unique architectural styles from your knowledgeable guide. Book Architecture Tour here.

Whether you’re looking for culture, history, food, or adventure, there’s something for everyone in Brussels! With its vibrant nightlife, world-class museums and galleries, tasty local cuisine, and stunning architecture, Brussels is sure to delight visitors of all ages!