0 km
from city center 1 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Grand Place is the central pedestrianized square of Brussels and is often considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located a short walk from the Central Station (Gare Centrale), it is surrounded by ornate facades of the guild houses and the Town Hall, and looks regal, especially at night when the square is beautifully illuminated. During summer, it becomes home to the famous Flower Carpet and during winter it showcases Christmas markets, concerts, folklore celebrations, and sound-and-light shows.

5 km
from city center 2 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Atomium, one of Brussels' most famous landmarks, is a striking structure standing 102 meters high in the Laeken district, about 4 miles north of the city center. It is a unique structure featuring nine interconnected spheres, five of which are accessible. Inside, the Atomium houses exhibitions on science, design, and its history, while the top sphere offers breathtaking views of Brussels and the surrounding areas. As it is a bit far away from the center, it can be combined with nearby Mini-Europe. Wait time and stairs can challenging for some people.

3 km
from city center 3 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Cinquantenaire Park is a sprawling 30-hectare urban park located in the European Quarter of Brussels. It is known for its iconic Triumphal Arch, a grand structure with three arches and a bronze quadriga at the top, offering panoramic views of the city. The park is also home to prominent museums such as the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art & History Museum, and Autoworld. The park’s vast green spaces, flowerbeds, fountains, and tree-lined paths provide a peaceful escape, perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, or outdoor activities.

1 km
from city center 4 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Mannekken Pis, translating to ‘peeing little man’, is a fountain and a symbol of the city's playful spirit. It is one of Brussels' most famous landmarks. Located at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne, just a short walk from the Grand Place, this 58 cm statue is quite small and is also famous for its costumes, which change frequently to celebrate special occasions or cultural events. The neighborhood is a hub of activity, filled with cafés, restaurants, chocolate shops, and souvenir stores. Consider visiting early morning to avoid crowds.

1 km
from city center 5 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a stunning 13th-century, Gothic-style cathedral and one of Brussels' most iconic landmarks. Located on Parvis Sainte-Gudule, it is just a short walk from popular attractions like the Grand Place and Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. It is renowned for its impressive Gothic architecture, with towering spires, intricate sculptures, and beautiful stained glass windows that date back over 500 years. Though the entry is free one can also explore the crypt and archaeological remains of the earlier church here, for a charge.

1 km
from city center 6 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Belgian Comic Strip Center is a unique museum dedicated to the art and history of comic books, located at Rue des Sables 20, just a short walk from the Grand Place in Brussels. Belgium is famous for its comic book heritage, being the birthplace of iconic characters like Tintin, The Smurfs, and Astérix, and this museum pays tribute to the rich tradition of European comics. The museum lacks air conditioning, making it uncomfortable on warm afternoons, especially on the top floors. Also, illustrations mostly focus on Belgian comics and are either in French or Dutch.

5 km
from city center 7 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

A miniature park, better known as the open-air museum is located next to Atomium in Bruparck. Located near the iconic Atomium, it showcases popular landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The models are interactive, with features like moving trains, boats, and even an erupting Mount Vesuvius. As the park is vast, exploring can take up to 2-3 hours. It can be combined with your trip to Atomium by purchasing a combined ticket to both attractions.

1 km
from city center 8 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is a magnificent neoclassical building located in city center across Brussels Park. While it is not the residence of the Belgian royal family, it serves as the king's administrative headquarters and hosts official functions. It is open only in summer its interiors can be visited for free but the palace’s façade and gardens are ideal for taking memorable photos.

9 km
from city center 9 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Royal Gallery of Saint Huber is one of Europe’s oldest and most elegant covered shopping arcades. This 230-meter-long glass-covered shopping street offers a safe exploration of cafes, theatres, libraries, elegant chocolate stops, and luxury shopping stores, especially on a rainy day. Most of these establishments are high-end. but there are some affordable dining options and gift shops. Located on a short walk from the Grand Place, it is mostly visited for its exquisite glass ceiling, arched windows, and ornamental details.

0 km
from city center 10 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Brussels Town Hall is a stunning Gothic building located in the Grand Place. Constructed in the 15th century, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks with its intricately carved facade, soaring 96-meter spire, and rich history. Inside, the Town Hall boasts opulent rooms filled with tapestries, paintings, and Gothic woodwork. Visit during the evening to see the Town Hall beautifully illuminated or opt for early morning tours to avoid crowds.

1 km
from city center 11 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Villa Empain is an exquisite Art Deco villa located in the upscale Solbosch district of Brussels, near the Bois de la Cambre park. Built in 1930, it was designed by Swiss architect Michel Polak for Baron Louis Empain, heir to a wealthy Belgian industrial family. The villa hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing a mix of historical and contemporary art, including themes like Icons and Trees for Memories. It boasts beautiful gardens with a swimming pool, one of Belgium’s first private pools.

1 km
from city center 12 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Brussels Park is the largest urban park in central Brussels. Located between the Royal Palace and the Belgian Federal Parliament, it hosts occasional events, including live music at Kiosk Radio and seasonal activities like parades and fairs. There are several statues and sculptures scattered across the park and a playground with slides, swings, and a sandpit. It has an onsite restaurant and close to attractions like the BELvue Museum, Musical Instruments Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.

3 km
from city center 13 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Basilica of the Sacred Heart or the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is inspired by its counterpart in Paris. It is an impressive architectural and cultural landmark located in the Koekelberg district, on the outskirts of Brussels. This basilica is the fifth largest church in the world, measuring 89 meters in height and 167 meters in length. Although the entry to the church is free, you can go up to its observation deck offering some of the best views in Brussels, for a charge.

0 km
from city center 14 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Discover the essence of Belgium’s world-famous beer culture with a Brussels beer tour. These guided tours offer a curated exploration of iconic bars or traditional breweries across downtown Brussels. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about beer history, brewing techniques, and the significance of beer in Belgian culture. Most tours begin in central Brussels and typically last 2.5 to 3 hours. Participants should carry an ID as proof of drinking age to the beer tasting.

1 km
from city center 15 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Square of Petit Sablon is a charming and beautifully landscaped garden located in the Sablon district, just south of the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon. Designed in the Flemish neo-Renaissance style in the late 19th century, the square is an open-air museum with its symmetrical layout and intricate statues. You can have a relaxed break or picnic sitting on one of the many benches in the park. Also, walking on the grass is prohibited.

1 km
from city center 16 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (RMFAB) is one of the top cultural attractions in Brussels, located in the Royal Quarter near the Place Royale and Brussels-Central station. It includes six museums, four of which are open to visitors: the Old masters Museum, Magritte Museum, Fin-de-Siècle Museum, and Modern Museum. You can also visit the museum shop for art-related items or stop by nearby cafes at Place du Sablon. Magritte Museum visitors with online tickets should enter via Place Royale 2.

1 km
from city center 17 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Notre Dame du Sablon is a stunning Late Gothic church located in the upscale Sablon district of Brussels. The church is renowned for its elegant Brabantine Gothic architecture and 11 vibrant stained-glass windows, each 15 meters high. Opposite the church lies a pond with a fountain and a park where benches are available to sit and relax. After your visit, explore the surrounding area known for its chocolate shops, antique stores, and vibrant restaurants.

1 km
from city center 18 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Mont des Arts, or the "Mount of the Arts," is a picturesque and historic area located between the Royal Palace and the Grand Place, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city. Known for its manicured gardens, artistic monuments, and proximity to cultural landmarks, it is free to visit and accessible 24 hours a day. You can catch street artists or musicians often performing in the area. It is also popular for its beautiful sunsets.

4 km
from city center 19 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Train World is a railway museum located in Schaerbeek Station, about 2.5 miles northeast of central Brussels. Train World is renowned for its unique presentation, combining historical accuracy with modern interactive elements. Key highlights include Pays de Waes, the oldest remaining steam engine in Europe and Le Belge, the first locomotive built in Belgium. Audio guides are available in various languages and it also features an onsite restaurant.

2 km
from city center 20 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Autoworld is a renowned automobile museum located in the South Hall of Parc du Cinquantenaire (Jubelpark) in Brussels. This museum showcases an impressive collection of over 250 vehicles from the late 19th century to the 1990s, including vintage horse-drawn carriages, luxury limousines, sports cars, motorcycles, and Formula 1 vehicles. There is also an onsite cafe available.

0 km
from city center 21 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Brussels City Museum, located in the Maison du Roi (King's House) on the Grand Place, is home to an extensive collection of exhibits, including tapestries, ceramics, sculptures, and maps that detail Brussels' urban development. A declared UNESCO World Heritage site, it is most popular for showcasing the original statue of Manneken-Pis and its 600+ costumes. Also, for EUR 2 extra, you can access the balcony for a panoramic view of the Grand Place, particularly during special events like the Flower Carpet display.

2 km
from city center 22 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels is a renowned museum dedicated to the wonders of nature, evolution, and biodiversity. Located near the European Parliament, it is home to Europe’s largest exhibition on dinosaurs, featuring fossilized skeletons of Iguanodons discovered in Belgium in 1878. Visitors can also see life-sized models and a replica of the largest male T. rex. With over 38 million specimens, the museum has one of the largest natural history collections in Europe. It also features a shop and cafe onsite.

1 km
from city center 23 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Brussels, part of the Royal Museums of Art and History, is a renowned museum showcasing a vast and diverse collection of over 8,000 musical instruments from around the world. Located in the stunning Art Nouveau Old England building, this museum is just a short walk from the Grand-Place and Central Station. The top-floor restaurant offers stunning views of Brussels.

88 km
from city center 24 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Saint John’s Hospital, located in central Bruges near the Church of Our Lady, is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe. Dating back to the 12th century, it served as a place of care and shelter for the sick and travelers. Today, it is a museum showcasing centuries of medical history, religious art, and Flemish masterpieces, making it one of Bruges' most captivating historical attractions. The old hospital pharmacy and herb garden also offer a glimpse into historical medicine, showcasing apothecary jars, tools, and recipes used centuries ago.

4 km
from city center 25 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

La Cambre Abbey, located in the Ixelles district of Brussels, is a historic monastery surrounded by beautiful gardens. These green spaces are perfect for picnics, reading, or birdwatching. The abbey is a remarkable example of Gothic and 18th-century architecture. Visitors can explore the abbey church, cloisters, and other buildings, highlighting its rich historical evolution. Parts of the abbey are used as schools, so maintain quiet in these sections.

1 km
from city center 26 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Belgium's rich chocolate heritage is best experienced through hands-on workshops, which allow participants to craft their own Belgian chocolates from scratch. Typically lasting around 2.5 hours, These workshops can be booked online, with local agencies or some chocolate shops. Upon request, they can be adapted for vegan, dairy-free, or nut-free diets at no additional cost. However, options for sugar-free, white chocolate, or milk chocolate workshops are not available.

1 km
from city center 27 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Magritte Museum in Central Brussels is one of the three Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.Located in the Place Royale in central Brussels it is dedicated to the life and works of René Magritte, Belgium's most renowned surrealist artist. It houses the largest collection of his masterpieces. Visitors with online tickets can enter from Place Royale 2. To buy ticket go to the ticket desk at the main entrance (Rue de la Régence 3).

0 km
from city center 28 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Jeanneke Pis is a charming and quirky fountain sculpture in Brussels, located in a small alley near the famous Grand Place. This cheeky little statue is the playful female counterpart to the city’s iconic Manneken Pis. Created in 1987 by artist Denis-Adrien Debouvrie, Jeanneke Pis adds a modern, humorous touch to the historic center of Brussels. It is surrounded by bustling restaurants and bars and can be easily missed, so keep an eye on direction. It is located near Delirium Cafe, a world-famous beer bar.

1 km
from city center 29 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Place Royale is a historic neoclassical square located between the Royal Palace and the Mont des Arts in Brussels. Built in the late 18th century, this elegant square is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks and serves as a gateway to several key attractions like Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Musical Instruments Museum. It also draws visitors due to its photogenic setting, featuring cobbled streets, blue stone pavements, and stately buildings. While it’s walkable, the incline from Grand Place may be challenging for some.

2 km
from city center 30 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Cantillon Brewery is a family-owned lambic brewery, located in the Anderlecht district, a short distance from the city center. It is one of the last traditional lambic breweries in Brussels and showcases historic brewing equipment. Here, you can learn about the lambic brewing process, and witness the production in action during operating days. Self-guided tours, guided tours, and beer tastings experiences are available. Tours can get crowded, especially on weekends.

1 km
from city center 31 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

The Fashion and Lace Museum in Brussels is a small but charming museum that showcases a vast collection of carefully preserved and curated garments and lace pieces. It is located near the Grand Place and showcases the evolution of fashion and lace-making in Belgium and Europe. It hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works by notable fashion designers like Diane Von Furstenberg and Paco Rabanne. The museum is small and can get busy during peak hours. Reservations are recommended for large groups.

1 km
from city center 32 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Choco-Story Brussels is a unique museum dedicated to the history and art of chocolate, located in the heart of Brussels at Rue de l’Etuve 41, just steps away from the iconic Manneken Pis statue. The museum offers chocolate-making workshops where visitors can craft their own chocolates and take them home. Audio guide can be rented at the museum, if you bring your headphones. Entry to the workshops is via a time-bound ticket. Notably, tasting chocolate is part of the Choco-Story Brussels museum tour, and you can buy it from the gift shop.

1 km
from city center 33 out of 33
Things To Do in Brussels

Coudenberg Palace, located beneath Brussels' Place Royale, is the archaeological site of the former palace of the Dukes of Brabant and a key center of power in the region from the 12th century onward. Coudenberg Palace lies directly under Place Royale, near some of Brussels' most famous landmarks, including the BELvue Museum and the Magritte Museum. Entry to the Coudenberg ruins is through the BELvue Museum. The underground terrain can be uneven and cool.