Discovering The Vibrant Heart Of Europe: The Ultimate Guide To Things To Do In Brussels

A detailed guide for splendid things to do in Brussels.

Brussels, the de facto headquarters of the European Union and the nation’s capital of Belgium, is one of the most appreciated travel destinations in Europe. International politicians and daring tourists alike enjoy playing in the city’s Gothic and Baroque-style squares, which are surrounded by historic streets. Regular servings of chocolate and beer are well worth the money, and authentic brasseries serve robust Belgian comfort food. Due to the influx of museums, marketplaces, parks, restaurants, and boutiques brought about by ethnic influences, it has now become an explorable destination. There are multiple things to do in Brussels which promise a unique experience.

Top 10 Things To Do In Brussels

Here is the list of the top 10 things To Do In Brussels:

1. Explore The Comic Strip Path

 Exploring the Comic characters is one of the enjoyable things to do in Brussels.

Photo: Ferran Cornellà / Wikimedia Commons

Astérix, Obelix, Tintin, and The Smurfs are all well-known comic book characters that originated in Belgium. Additionally, they continue to play a significant role in everyday life in Brussels, which firmly claims to be the world’s “comic book capital.” Located in a stunning art-nouveau structure created by Victor Horta, the Comic Art Museum offers a complimentary sampling in its central hallway. Brussels now has more than 80 murals, which have been periodically added to the capital’s walls since 1991! Walk on the Comic Strip Path and live your childhood again.

Length: 5 kilometers
Murals: The Smurfs, Lucky Luce, Tintin, Astérix, Spike & Suzy

2. View Jardin Mont Des Arts

Seeing the lights at Mont des Arts is one of the dignified things to do in Brussels

Photo: Edison McCullen / Wikimedia Commons

The Mont des Arts garden, which lies beneath Place Royale, offers a verdant bridge connecting the city’s upper and lower reaches, as well as the Royal Quarter and the Grand Place. Constructed in anticipation of the year 1910 Universal Exhibition, it was modified in the 1950s to become a component of the Mont des Arts, a large urban complex. There is a gallery of offices and shops within the complex. There are amenities like benches, fountains, and a skatepark at Jardin Mont des Arts. Skating is one of the most joyful things to do in Brussels. The gardens look the best during summer and spring evenings when they are in full bloom.

Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM

3. Chocolate Treat At The Neuhaus Factory Store

One of the delectable things to do in Brussels is to indulge in chocolate bliss.

Photo: Mk2010 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Belgian Chocolate is renowned worldwide for its deliciousness. The creator of the concept, Jean Neuhaus, is still known as Belgium’s most renowned Maître chocolatier. Utilizing the highest quality natural components from the world’s best locations along with distinctive flavours and sensations continues to be the company’s formula for success. Many stores provide free samples of their chocolate before you buy it, but for a true feast, visit the Neuhaus Outlet Shop on the western suburbs of Brussels (take the subway to Erasmus).

Address: Postweg 2, 1602 Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

4. Wandering Through The Sonian Forest

A momentous thing to do in Brussels is to see the views of the Sonian Forest

Photo: Trougnouf / Wikimedia Commons

The expansive and incredibly tranquil Sonian Forest, which is only a short metro ride from the city centre, offers a wonderfully peaceful respite from the bustle of downtown. The towering pine and oak forest, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, is explored by miles of walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails. This is a fantastic thing to do in Brussels. Although each season has its own charm, autumn is the most breathtaking due to the chaos of golden and brown and the shifting leaves.

Address: Sonian Forest Foundation 1170 Watermael- Boitsfort

5. Explore The Place Du Jeu De Balle Flea Market

Purchasing antiques from the market is one of the special things to do in Brussels

Photo: DimiTalen / Wikimedia Commons

Every morning, the cobblestoned Place du Jeu-de-Balle is filled with vintage collectables, LPs, ceramic plates, old maps, and sufficient comic books to fill a library. Brussels’ most well-known flea market has been held in the historic market square in the Marolles area since 1873. The custom continues to this day, although astute consumers are aware that Sunday mornings yield the greatest bargains. You can get a good overview of Brussels culture for the cost of a coffee at the sidewalk cafes that line the square.

Address: Pl. du Jeu de Balle 79, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Timings: 9 AM – 2 PM

6. Visit Matonge To Experience Central Africa

Visiting Matongé is one of the notable things to do in Brussels.

Photo: Varech / Wikimedia Commons

The African district in Brussels is called Matongé. This district has just one lane and two galleries. While Tervuren’s Africa Museum provides some insight into the grim history, a walk through Matongé reveals the more positive aspects of Belgian as well as Congolese traditions. In the 1950s, when students travelled to Brussels for school, Matongé’s Congolese roots were grown. 70 years later, the bustling Matongé area is filled with stores, hair salons, and eateries managed and owned by various African communities. Set out to explore stores selling a variety of goods, from vibrant colourful linens to tropical fruit and spicy chillies. It begins at Porte de Namur station.

Address: Chau. de Wavre 33, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM

7. Walk Through The Palace Of Justice Halls

Range over through the Palace of Justice, explorable things to do in Brussels.

Photo: Romainberth / Wikimedia Commons

The Palace of Justice, a hilltop structure visible throughout Brussels, was the biggest structure around the globe when it was finished in 1883. This huge domed courthouse, larger than St. Peter’s in Rome is designed to resemble the pyramids of the Egyptian pharaohs. It expresses the government’s immense power. Visiting the complex’s neoclassical riches is a browsing thing to do in Brussels. Don’t miss the elegantly columned centre lobby, which is 100 meters (330 feet) high. Some rooms are closed during court sessions.

Address: Pl. Poelaert 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM

8. Make A Quick Diversion To Atomium

Discover the Atomium, an unavoidable thing to do in Brussels.

Photo: Horst J. Meuter / Wikimedia Commons

The Atomium is a model construction in Brussels that was created by designers André and Jean Polak and engineer André Waterkeyn. In 1958, it was constructed for the World Exhibition in the capital city of Belgium. It is an “unavoidable icon of Brussels” which perfectly captures its essence. Take an exciting tour of the famous Atomium in Brussels and explore its spheres, tubes, and exhibits. Stroll through the current and upcoming exhibitions to learn about the history of the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair symbol.

Address: Pl. de l’Atomium 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Duration: 2 hours

9. Explore The Royal Palace Of Brussels

Exploring the Royal Palace is one of the blissful things to do in Brussels.

Photo: Karelj / Wikimedia Commons

The official home of the Belgian Royal Family is the magnificent 18th-century palace known as the Royal Palace of Brussels. The palace is accessible to the general public and is situated in the centre of Brussels, near the famous Grand Place. Visiting the magnificent halls and apartments, such as the King’s garden and the throne room, is a blissful thing to do in Brussels. Some of Europe’s best art can be found in the Royal Library and Museum. It’s an excellent spot to take an appetizer and recharge yourself after a day of touring because there are lots of cafés and restaurants close by.

Address: Rue Brederode 16, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Explore: Large Antichamber; Venice Staircase; Rooms of Goya

10. Wandering Through A Gorgeous Park

Strolling through the parks is one of the memorable things to do in Brussels.

Photo: Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons

The city’s most well-known and often visited park is the Cinquantenaire Park. It was made for the 1880 Universal Exposition to commemorate the half-century mark of Belgium’s independence. This park has a number of museums. These include the Museum of Art and History, the Museum of Military History, and Autoworld (the Automobile Museum). Nonetheless, Brussels Park is the city centre’s biggest park and the main social area. The Royal Palace and the Parliament are among the main sights of Brussels that surround it because it is located in the centre of the Quartier Royal. Located in a Brussels suburb, this thing is unquestionably a worthwhile thing to do in Brussels.

Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM

In a city as boastful as Brussels, with its captivating Grand Place and fancy chocolate stores, it’s a welcome reminder that some of the most amazing experiences are completely free. A stunning jog down the Comic Strip Trail. Museum days where you may dine yourself on Magritte’s surrealist paintings, flea market discoveries, and Instagrammable sunset views. Some of the greatest activities in Brussels that cost very little or nothing at all include these and more. For more information on things to do in Brussels, follow TripXL.

Cover Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Because of its multiculturalism, Brussels offers a wide range of experiences and activities, so you won't run out of things to do. During your vacation, take in the city's cuisine, museums of art and history, and architecture, especially Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, and Art Deco.
Although one may certainly see the city in a single day, I would advise spending two or three days to truly experience the atmosphere.
Travel to Brussels in the spring (March to May) for pleasant, sunny weather ideal for outdoor pursuits, or in the winter (October to December) for the ice rinks and Christmas markets.
In the city, Ixelles and Saint-Giles are the most popular places to stay because they are close to upscale shops, galleries, and the city's well-known Art Nouveau structures.
Brussels has some of the best things to offer: custom furniture, home decor, Belgian Beer, Honey, Speculoos Spread, Lindt chocolates, women's clothing, luxury fashion wear, watches, sunglasses, antiques, art pieces, knickknacks, jewellery, accessories, and more.

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