Doable Things to Do in Brussels Belgium

Planning to visit Brussels for a day? Are you looking for the best things to do in Brussels? This guide covers the main Brussels attractions (and beyond)! You may be even tempted to extend your trip.

There is such a diverse range of things to see in Brussels that it can be a bit overwhelming to segregate and prioritize the best activities especially if you just spend a day in Brussels. I had an added responsibility of making the Brussels experience enjoyable for my kids too.

This was my third cross country Europe vacation with my family. We self-planned the entire road trip itinerary of 17 days through five countries. You can have a look at the plan here: Europe vacation with my family

Best Things to Do in Brussels

Belgium Wall

Coming to the big plan of exploring Brussels, let us do a bit of time travel and visit the Belgium Wall – Fortifications of Brussels located a short way from the magnificent Grand Place, along Boulevard De L’ Empereur. ‘Tour Anneessens’ is one of the most historic landmarks in Belgium. The tower and defensive walls date back to the beginning of the 13th century. It’s named in honour of Francois Anneessens. A grand piece of architecture worth visiting in Brussels!

Anneessens Tower Boulevard Brussels

Le Grande Place

Now proceed to The Grand Place, Brussels’ central square, renowned for its stunning architecture. Le Grande Place is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a focal point for events, celebrations, and cultural gatherings. Gentle CAUTION – you will lose track of time here.

Manneken Pis

4 minutes of walking distance from Grand Place you will find the Manneken Pis, a whole bunch of tourists clicking away at the peeing naked boy. It is possible to see it dressed during certain times of the year. A calendar is published every month on what outfits would be worn by Manneken Pis. The outfits are meant to celebrate the different events, National Days on specific dates.

(If this is the original and not a replica, it is the one built by the sculptor Jérôme Dulquesnoy the Elder and installed in 1619.) The quirky story about the statue goes like this:

The statuette depicts a young boy who saved Brussels from disaster. The enemy was at the gates ready to bring down the city walls with gunpowder. Fortunately, the little boy who happened to be around desperately needed to relieve himself and in doing so he extinguished the fuse.

Originally, this 50 cm statue served as the means by which many Bruxellois received water.

Jeanneke-Pis

You can see Jeanneke-Pis, another peeing statue of a naked little girl crouching down to urinate. She is believed to be the sister of Manneken-Pis. It is located within a small niche in the outer wall of a small alleyway off Rue des Bouchers.

Zinneke Pis

Another wee-themed statue is that of Het Zinneke (Zinneke Pis), a dog urinating, the smallest of all. It is believed the dog belongs to Manneken Pis and his younger sibling.

Comic Book Mural Tour

Did you know Brussels is the birthplace of the world-famous comic character Tintin? Yes, this comic character was created by Hergé. Comic book mural tour is one of the most interesting things to do in Brussels with kids. You can read more about it here: Comic Strip Mural Tour

Visit the Belgian Comic Strip Center

The Belgian Comic Strip Center is housed in a stunning 1906 building, designed by Victor Horta. Inside you get to see the:

• a rotating exhibition of 200 original comic strip drawings
• documents of evolution and popularity of Belgian and French comic strips
• collection includes original manuscripts, draft sketches, and imaginative reconstructions of beloved sets

Comic Book Mural Tour

Triumphal Arch, Brussels

A triumphal arch with three arches and a bronze quadriga at its summit offers a stunning view. The capital arch was commissioned by King Leopold II in 1880 to commemorate Belgium’s independence for a national exhibition. The arch’s intricate carvings and statues are impressive.

Triumphal Arch in Brussels Belgium

Parc Du Cinquantenaire

Right at the entrance is the above iconic triumphal arch, a symbol of Belgium’s national pride and historical significance. Stroll through the charming pathways and well-manicured gardens. The wide paths lead to the Pavilion of Human Passions designed by Victor Horta, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art & History Museum and Autoworld, the car museum.

Beguinage Church Brussels

Brussels Beguinage is included in the UNESCO list, it is one among the 13 beguinages. The Flemish béguinages are a series of 13 sites in the Flanders Region of Belgium. Located on place du Béguinage, it is a reminder of the existence and functioning of the beguines; the community composed a miniature village of individual dwelling with a mill, laundry, and flower and vegetable garden. You can visit the Church of St John the Baptist at Beguinage that has stunning interior.

Brussels Cathedral

The Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula is a must see in Brussels given that it is the main Catholic church in Belgium.
Location: It is very close to the city centre.
Timings: From Monday to Friday: 7 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 8.30 AM to 6 PM (last entry until 3:30 pm)
Sunday: 8.30 AM to 6 PM (last entry until 2 pm)
Tickets: Free entry. Tickets to the treasury of the Cathedral: € 2 (£ 1.70), Crypt: € 3 (£ 2.60)

St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral

Musical Instruments Museum

This museum has 1200 interesting instruments assembled in 4 galleries, enhanced by images, sound and text panels. The building housing the museum is unique – one part is Art Nouveau and the other, neoclassical in design. After the museum tour head to the rooftop café for great panoramic views over Brussels.

Koninklijk Paleis van Brussel – Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace (Palais Royal), official residence of the Belgian Royal family, is the most important building in Brussels. What to see:

• The grand façade, a good spot for photo-ops
• Ceremonial Change of the Guard takes place every day at about 2:30pm
• Free guided tours of the palace’s interior conducted from late July to late August (Booking is required.)

Royal palace Brussels

Brussels Fine Art Museum

This museum of fine art is an association of six art centres, which are considered the best not just in Brussels but all of Belgium. 2,000 paintings, drawings and sculptures that date from the beginning of the 15th century until the present day fill these museums. Visiting all of them can take more than a day, so choose the museums that really interest you.

• the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art are most visited ones
• Constantin Meunier Museum and Antoine Wiertz Museum are much smaller and are situated in another part of town.
• the Magritte Museum and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum are adjacent to the main building and are a lot more recent

What to eat in Brussels? – Drinks and Food in Brussels

I am sure you will agree with me that tasting local dishes is a delightful and essential part of any travel experience! As a multicultural city, Brussels offers a delectable array of culinary delights that you must try. Here’s an elaboration on the must-try food in Brussels:

Belgian Chocolates

Brussels is renowned for its world-class chocolates. The city is home to numerous artisanal chocolatiers, each offering a unique selection of mouth watering chocolates. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit a chocolatier’s shop and indulge in these delectable creations that have made Belgium famous worldwide.

Belgian Waffles

A trip to Bruxelles wouldn’t be complete without savoring authentic Belgian waffles. These delectable treats come in two varieties: the Brussels waffle (light, crispy, and rectangular) and the Liège waffle (doughy, caramelized, and usually round). Enjoy them with a dusting of powdered sugar or topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or Belgian chocolate sauce.

Belgian Fries

Last but not least, indulge in Belgian fries, known as “frites.” Contrary to the name, these fries are uniquely Belgian and are a must-try.

Belgian Drinks

Among the various Belgian drinks to be tried are:

Belgium Beer – Belgium has a rich beer tradition, and Bruxelles offers an excellent selection of local brews to try, like the Trappist beers brewed by monks, Abbey beers with centuries-old recipes, or unique fruit lambics.

Belgian Gin – While Belgian beer takes the spotlight, don’t overlook the country’s gin offerings. Belgian gin, also known as genever or jenever, has a long history dating back centuries. It is a traditional spirit crafted with juniper berries and other botanicals, resulting in a distinct and flavorful drink.

Food in Brussels

Shopping in Brussels

Another interesting activity that you will love including in your list of top things to do in Brussels is – SHOPPING. Shopping what?… you may wonder, so I have a list of cool things you can pick up as souvenirs from Brussels.

Brussels Lace

Brussels has a rich lace-making tradition, and lace products make for elegant and timeless souvenirs. Brussels lace is a type of pillow lace that originated in and around Brussels. They are unique. Look for delicately crafted lace tablecloths, doilies, or handkerchiefs to take home as a reminder of your visit.

Miniature statues of Manneken-Pis, which is a kind of symbol of Belgium.

Belgium Chocolates

Artisanal chocolatiers in Brussels create exquisite chocolates in various shapes, flavors, and fillings. Take them back home in beautifully crafted boxes or as individual treats.

Comic Books

Comic Books, comic book collectible statues, figures, and fine art prints. Brussels’ status as the comic book capital of Europe makes comic books and graphic novels ideal souvenirs for comic enthusiasts.

Brussels Sprouts-themed Gifts

A playful and humorous souvenir from Brussels is anything related to Brussels sprouts. While they are not originally from Bruxelles, the city has willingly adopted this vegetable as a mascot. Look for Brussels sprouts-themed items like magnets, pins, and t-shirts.

Art Nouveau-Inspired Posters

Look for Art Nouveau-inspired posters, postcards, and decorative items that pay homage to the city’s architectural heritage.

Belgian Beers

Belgium is renowned for its beer culture. Buy specialty beers in unique beer gift packs or opt for a traditional beer glass as a souvenir.

Brussels Souvenirs – Laces, Chocolates, Comic books, Belgian Beer

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