If you are traveling to Brussels for the first time, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
This city has so much to offer.
Cities like Paris or Amsterdam often overshadow Belgium’s capital, but once you arrive, you will see it deserves credit in its own right.
Brussels blends ornate medieval squares, surreal art museums, quirky statues, incredible chocolate shops, and some of the best waffles you’ll ever eat.
Whether you are visiting Brussels, Belgium, for a weekend or adding it to a larger European trip, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Brussels.
Brussels is centrally located in the country with excellent train connections, making it a great base for visiting Belgium and exploring nearby historic cities.
If you are planning a trip and building your Brussels bucket list, here are some of the top tourist attractions Brussels visitors should not miss.
If this is your first time, you might find my article helpful: Traveling to Belgium: 21 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting.
Things To Do In Brussels: Ultimate Guide To Traveling To Brussels
Explore the Grand Place
One of the absolute must-see attractions in Brussels is the breathtaking Grand Place.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits at the historic heart of the city and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
The buildings surrounding the square date back to the late 1600s and feature elaborate gold detailing, ornate carvings, and dramatic guild house façades.
The square is dominated by the Gothic Brussels Town Hall with its towering spire rising high above the rooftops.
It is a photographer’s dream.
When traveling to Brussels, this is almost always the first stop visitors make.
During the day, the square is lively with cafés and visitors.
At night, the buildings seem to glow under soft lighting. It takes on a magical quality.
Walking tours are a great way to learn more about the square.
Check out this Walking Tour in Brussels, it’s a great way to see all the sites.
Visit the Famous Manneken Pis
One of the quirkiest things to do in Brussels is to visit the famous Manneken Pis statue.
This tiny bronze statue of a boy peeing into a fountain has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Brussels, Belgium.
The statue dates back to the early 1600s and represents the playful humor that Brussels is known for.
An interesting fact is that the statue has hundreds of costumes.
On certain holidays or celebrations, the statue is dressed in themed outfits ranging from historical costumes to sports uniforms.
This is a classic stop when visiting Brussels and is a really quick pit stop.
Traveling to Brussels: Eat Authentic Belgian Waffles
Trying waffles is one of the most delicious things to do in Brussels. An absolute must!
Brussels waffles are light and crispy, while Liège waffles are denser and sweeter with caramelized sugar baked into the dough.
You will find waffle shops throughout the city, particularly around the Grand Place.
Maison Dandoy and Le Funambule are two of the most famous spots to try them.
Food tours are a great way to explore the city’s food scene when traveling to Brussels.
You can even take a Waffle Making Workshop, which sounds like a lot of fun.
Walk Through the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert
The Galeries Royales Saint Hubert is a wonderful place to visit when traveling to Brussels.
It is one for the photographers among you.
Opened in 1847, this beautiful glass-covered shopping arcade is one of the oldest in Europe.
The vaulted glass ceiling fills the space with natural light, and the marble floors and ornate storefronts just add to the atmosphere.
The galleries are filled with cafés, luxury boutiques, bookstores, and some of the best chocolate shops in Belgium.
Even if you are not planning to shop, wandering through the galleries is easily one of the most charming things to do in Brussels.
Traveling to Brussels: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or beaches you happen to visit along the way.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.
Traveling to Brussels: See the Futuristic Atomium
One of the most unique tourist attractions Brussels offers is the Atomium.
Built for the 1958 World Expo, the structure represents an iron crystal magnified billions of times.
Visitors can travel through the giant steel spheres using escalator tubes and elevators to explore exhibitions and observation decks.
The views from the top sphere provide incredible views across Brussels.
Get 48 Museums, Atomium, and Discounts Card
Things to do in Brussels: Follow the Brussels Comic Strip Route
Belgium has a deep comic book heritage, and one of the most fun things to do in Brussels is spotting the comic murals scattered across the city.
Characters like Tintin and the Smurfs were created by Belgian artists.
And today, more than sixty murals decorate buildings throughout Brussels.
Walking the Comic Strip Route is a fun way to explore neighborhoods beyond the historic center.
Check out the Brussels: The comic book walls walking tour
Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels serves as the official palace of the Belgian monarchy.
Although the royal family lives elsewhere, the palace is used for state ceremonies and official events.
During the summer months, the palace opens to visitors, allowing you to explore its grand halls and elegant interior rooms.
The palace sits directly across from Brussels Park, making it a pleasant area to explore while visiting Brussels, Belgium.
Traveling to Brussels: Explore the Magritte Museum
Art lovers will find plenty of cultural things to do in Brussels, and the Magritte Museum is one of the highlights.
René Magritte was one of the most famous surrealist artists in the world.
His paintings often combine ordinary objects in unexpected ways, creating dreamlike scenes.
The museum contains the largest collection of his work anywhere.
Get a museum discount card before you go.
Things to do in Brussels: Tasting Belgian Chocolate
Belgium is famous worldwide for its chocolate.
Tasting it is easily one of the best things to do in Brussels.
Many famous chocolatiers began here, including Neuhaus, Godiva, and Pierre Marcolini.
Chocolate tasting tours offer the chance to sample different styles while learning about the history of Belgian chocolate.
Take this Chocolate Appreciation and Tasting Walking Tour
Visit Mont des Arts when traveling to Brussels
Mont des Arts offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Brussels, Belgium.
The landscaped gardens here provide a stunning view of the historic center, including the iconic Town Hall tower.
It’s a great place to just be and lose some time.
It is especially beautiful in the evening when the gardens and surrounding buildings are softly illuminated.
Explore the Sablon District
The Sablon district is one of the most charming neighborhoods to explore when traveling to Brussels.
This elegant area is known for antique shops, art galleries, chocolate boutiques, and stylish cafés.
Yes, more chocolate!
The beautiful Notre-Dame du Sablon church is also located here and is well worth visiting.
On weekends, the area hosts a lively antique market that attracts visitors and collectors from around Europe.
Take a Day Trip to Bruges or Ghent
One of the best things about traveling to Brussels is how easy it is to explore the rest of Belgium.
Two of the most popular day trips are Bruges and Ghent, both less than an hour away by train.
Bruges feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale with canals and cobblestone streets.
Ghent offers historic architecture with a lively student atmosphere.
Check Out From Brussels: Guided Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent
Where To Stay In Brussels: Best Hotels For Your Trip
Choosing the right hotel can make your experience traveling to Brussels much easier.
Staying near the historic center allows you to walk to many of the best things to do in Brussels.
Here are five excellent hotels for all budgets.
Hotel Amigo Luxury hotel steps from the Grand Place Book Now.
NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon Stylish hotel in the Sablon district Book Now
Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre Modern hotel near the central station. Book Now
The Hotel Brussels High-rise hotel with incredible city views. Book Now
Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Place Charming boutique hotel in the historic center. Book Now
Here are some European Vacation Tips that might help you plan your trip: Europe Vacation Tips: 18 Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Europe.
Traveling to Belgium: 21 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting