Are you going to Brussels for the first time? Then you must check out these experiences.
Brussels is more than just politics and parliamentary buildings. It is indeed home to both NATO and the EU headquarters, but it is also a charming and colorful city with a playful and humorous vibe.
Here are 10 suggestions for things to do in Brussels if it’s your first time visiting the city. And the best part? Much of it is completely free!
1. Be Impressed by the Grand-Place
The “Main Square” in Brussels is called Grand-Place in French and Grote Markt in Dutch. It is one of the city’s most visited attractions and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The square is very central, so you will likely cross it several times during your trip.
The Grand-Place is surrounded by historic buildings in various styles. Among the most famous are the Town Hall, which was built in the 15th century, and the so-called “Bread House” (Broodhuis), which is now called Maison de Roi.
The Bread House was originally a wooden building where bakers sold their bread at the market. Later, it was replaced by the Duke’s House, and today it is a museum that provides insight into Brussels’ history from the Middle Ages to the present.
2. Visit the Cathédrale des Saints Michel et Gudule
Belgium has many Gothic churches, which are my favorite architectural style. One of these is Belgium’s cathedral and national church built in Brabantine Gothic style. The towers are built in French Gothic style and resemble Notre Dame in Paris.
This is the national church where royal weddings and funerals take place, and the chapel is dedicated to St. Michael, the city’s patron saint.
Price: Free
3. Explore the Sablon Area
Notre Dame du Sablon is another great Gothic church from the 1300s. Right next to the church is Park de Sablon, as well as some of the city’s best antique shops, chocolate shops, and trendy bars.
Price: Free
4. Giggle at Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is one of the more original attractions in Brussels. It is nothing less than a bronze sculpture of a little boy urinating. The statue is a replica of the original, designed by Jerome Duquesnoy in 1619.
The little boy has quite a large wardrobe, with over 1000 different outfits for various occasions.
You can see the original statue and his wardrobe at the Musee de la Ville (city museum) in La Maison du Roi at Grand-Place. The replica is just a short walk from Grand-Place.
And not only that – there are two other peeing sculptures in Brussels.
Jeanneke Pis is Manneke Pis’ “sister”. She is located in a side street called Impasse de la Fidélité, right next to the famous bar Delirium.
Het Zinneke, or Zinneke Pis, shows a dog urinating on a lamppost. It is located at the corner of Rue des Chartreux and Rue de Vieux Marché.
5. Stroll Around the Marolles
Marolles, or Marollen, is one of Brussels’ oldest neighborhoods, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. From Marolles, you can see the impressive building Le Palais de Justice in the background. This was once the largest courthouse in the world and is larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Marolles is a delightful mix of old and new. At Place Jeu de Balle, there is a large flea market every day from 7 AM to 2 PM, and along Rue Haute, you’ll find everything from antique shops and art galleries to street art, cafes, and restaurants.
6. Taste 10 Different Beers – Every Day
Belgium must be one of Europe’s best beer cities. Are you in the mood for a light summer beer or a fruity IPA? How about a beer flavored with coconut or banana? Or maybe a green beer with cactus flavor?
You can join a guided beer tour or book a beer tasting at restaurants and bars. Read our guide to Belgian beers here.
7. Indulge in Belgian Waffles, Fries, and Chocolate
Belgium is famous for its waffles, chocolate, and fries. They also have many delicious stews, fish dishes, and mussels in all varieties. We have created a separate post about all the delicious Belgian food you have to try!
8. Follow a Comic Strip Route
Did you know that Belgium is the birthplace of both Tintin, Asterix & Obelix, and the Smurfs? Brussels is known as the capital of comic strips, and these fictional characters pop up everywhere in the city. From large murals to small figures on a street corner, in restaurant interiors, and shop windows.
You can follow different “comic strip routes” that take you to some of the most famous murals or create your own route. This was a very fun and unique way to discover Brussels!
There is even a dedicated comic strip museum called the Comic Strip Center. Here you can learn about the history and significance of comic strips in Europe and the world through the ages, and different styles and techniques.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
Price: 13 Euros
9. Window Shop at the Royale Saint-Hubert Galleries
The Royale Saint-Hubert Galleries consist of three shopping centers gathered under a glass roof: King’s Gallery, Queen’s Gallery, and Prince’s Gallery. It was designed as early as 1847 and is the oldest shopping arcade in Europe. Here you will find exclusive shops with everything from toys, bags, and chocolate, as well as several restaurants.
10. Take the Elevator up in the Atomium
The Atomium is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels. The sculpture was created in 1958 for the Brussels World Expo and is a model of an atom over 100 meters high.
Inside the atom, there is a museum, and you can take the elevator up where you get a nice view in several directions. There is also a bar.
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
Price: 16 Euros
How to get there: Take line 6 to Heizel or line 1 to Gare de L’Ouest.
How Many Days Do I Need in Brussels?
One of the advantages of Brussels is that many attractions are within walking distance of each other. This means that you can cover quite a bit in a long weekend. However, the city has a lovely atmosphere, and there are enough things to do in Brussels to fill an entire week.
If you have more time, we also recommend a day trip to Ghent or Bruges.
Please share or pin if you like our post. Thank you for the support!
