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Brussels has long been one of Europe’s key economic and cultural hubs — a tradition which can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages.
As a result, the modern Belgian capital — and one of the European Union’s three parliamentary bases — is home to fine museums and galleries, ornate architecture, and breathtakingly beautiful parks and civic gardens. However, it’s a destination that doesn’t take itself too seriously; comic book heroes are revered alongside the masters of Flemish art. The Bruxellois love their city and you will too.
In terms of sharing the many photos you’re about to take and keeping connected with those back home, it’s worth purchasing an eSIM for your Europe trip. You’ll be able to access local mobile networks (without the hassle of inserting a physical SIM card), avoid expensive roaming charges, and enjoy the benefits of high-speed internet in many countries across the continent.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Brussels to a first visit. Let’s roll!
1. Step back in time on the Grand-Place
There’s no shortage of things to do in this city that will bring its rich history to life. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand-Place defines Brussel’s historic centre — and is the ideal spot to start your exploration. After being bombarded by French troops in 1695, the square was rebuilt in Gothic and Baroque style — and has remained largely unchanged ever since.
2. Say g’day to a Brussels Greeter
One of the best ways to explore Brussels is by pounding the pavement with a volunteer Greeter. These local residents/tour guides are passionate about their turf and will be happy share more of its backstory. You can specify your interests when booking a tour, and it’s worth bringing something along to take notes on; you’ll pick up lots of tips for dining and shopping options to return to later in your stay.
3. Visit the Parliamentarium
Along with Strasbourg and Luxembourg, Brussels is home to the EU’s European Parliament. The Parliamentarium (European Parliament Visitors’ Centre) in Brussels provides information on the history of the EU and the rather complicated workings of its legislative assembly. It’s sounds a bit dry, but you’ll actually get a lot out of the experience.
4. Research the rise of the funnies
Brussels is colloquially billed as the ‘capital of the comic strip’ — and with good reason. Belgian artists have created many global comic icons, including Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke. The must-visit Comics Art Museum has exhibitions devoted to all of Belgium’s best loved characters, and charts the rise of ‘the funnies’ as a cultural phenomenon.
There are also more than 40 large-scale murals dotted across Brussels depicting scenes from comic books. Pick-up a map from the Tourist Information Centre and head out on a comic-themed self-guided walking tour. Tintin fans will also want to visit the Hergé Museum. Located just outside of the capital, it’s dedicated to the life’s work of Georges Prosper Remi — better known as Hergé — the reporter-sleuth’s creator.
5. See Manneken-Pis
A statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain may seem an odd choice for a cultural icon, but yes, Manneken-Pis is a Belgian national treasure and one of the capital’s top sights. Therefore, you may be a little surprised to learn that the statue at the fountain is actually a stand-in. The original is on display at Brussels City Museum in Grand-Place. On special occasions, the statue is dressed in elaborate costumes selected by a special committee. His expansive wardrobe of 900+ outfits is also held by the City Museum.
6. Get to a gallery or museum
Brussels has a superb range of art and history museums, and several of them offer free entry on the first Wednesday of the month. The collection of facilities that make up the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium cover everything from the revered Flemish era of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, to the Surrealist movement. For a deep dive into Belgium’s past and democratic traditions, drop by Belvue Museum in the Museum Quarter. You’ll gain a better understanding of what makes this progressive nation tick.
You should also check out the nearby and unexpectedly interesting Musical Instruments Museum. It displays instruments dating back to the 1500s, and you can make use of an audio guide to hear what each one sounds like when played.
So important is beer in Belgian culture that in 2016 it was registered on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list. The Museum of Belgian Brewers on Grand-Place is dedicated to the history and development of Belgian beer — from brews produced by Trappist monks in the 17th century, to modern craft beers.
7. Feast on fresh seafood
Seafood sits at the centre of Brussels’ culinary scene, and the national dish of moules-frites (mussels with chips) is a fixture on bistro menus across the city. The best seafood restaurants are found around Quai aux Briques (known to locals as the ‘fish markets’), and stalwart Francois is arguably the most popular option. Whatever the weather, Brussels locals stand at outdoor tables devouring takeaway fish and chips from Mer du Nord.
8. Savour a sweet treat
When it’s time for a sugar hit, you can’t go wrong with a Belgian waffle. There are two types to choose from: the thick and sticky gaufre (typically served hot with no toppings), or the light and crispy liege. The ridiculously popular Waffle Factory will see you right.
If that doesn’t satiate your sweet tooth, a piece or three of fine Belgium chocolate certainly will. Brussels is the world capital of chocolate-making and is jam-packed with talented chocolatiers (many of which can be found around Grand-Place). Big names include Neuhaus (the inventor of the praline), Godiva, and Leonidas — all of which have a number of stores in the capital.
9. Go to the park(s)
Counter your holiday diet of waffles, chocolate, and beer with some gentle exercise in any of Brussels’ delightful green spaces. Cinquantenaire Park offers an extensive network of beautifully maintained gardens to dally in, while the tree-lined alleys of Osseghem Park and Laeken Park are ideal for a shady stroll. Nearby you’ll find the Atomium — another of the city’s signature attractions.
Thousands of trees line the pathways of pretty Elisabeth Park. The pathways are laid out to form the monogram of King Leopold II, who commissioned the building of the park in the late 19th century. You’ll need the use of a helicopter to appreciate the full effect!
Brussels Park is a great spot to take a break from sightseeing and watch the world go by. Food trucks can be found in close proximity to the manicured Jardin du Mont des Arts, making it ideal for enjoying a casual lunch.
10. Do a day trip to Ghent and Bruges
Looking to explore further afield during your stay in Brussels? The stunning historic towns of Ghent and Bruges are both situated within easy reach of the capital, and can be combined into one great day out. Book a day tour and visit top heritage sites like St Bavo’s Cathedral, St Nicholas’ Church, and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders.
This post was published thanks to Holafly.
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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of top things to do in Brussels on a first visit? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
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About the writer
Louise Reynolds made up her mind at the age of about four that she would one day travel the world — and has so far visited around 30 countries across five continents and the Pacific. A hopeless Francophile, she has a particular love for France, its language and pretty much all things French. Louise’s favourite way to see the world is on foot and her boots have taken her walking on famous trails in Europe, South America and New Zealand. She also has a passion for her home state of Victoria and loves exploring its diverse regions.
