What to Do in Brussels: 15 ‘Musts’ in an Underrated City

Brussels, the Belgian capital city, is perhaps best known for being the seat of the EU. It’s the administrative, commercial, and financial heart of Belgium, and also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, from world-class museums and galleries to theaters and festivals. All of that, alongside its historic architecture, bustling squares, and diverse culinary offerings make it a fantastic city to visit. History buffs, art lovers, and foodies will find no shortage of things to do in Brussels—and still, this city remains slightly underrated in travel blogs and websites. Today at Civitatis, we’re going to run through what to do in Brussels, so that you can discover this city’s charm for yourself. On y va! (Let’s go!)

1. Marvel at the Architecture of Grand Place

Grand Place is the city’s main square, and also its historic heart, dating back to 979. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this square is a product of centuries of history, culminating in a square with Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical features. As you look around, you’ll see the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall), Maison du Roi (once the king’s residence, it now houses the Museum of the City of Brussels), the Maison des Ducs de Brabant, and much more. 

The square also hosts exciting events year-round. The Flower Carpet is a highlight—every second of August (the next Flower Carpet takes place in 2026), volunteers from across the country come together to create a stunning 230-foot (70-meter) tapestry out of 500,000–750,000 begonias. If you visit in December, the square is host to one of Europe’s finest Christmas markets. Regardless of when you visit, Grand Place is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, so don’t miss out! Architecture enthusiast?: If you’re interested in architecture, we would highly recommend you check out this Art Nouveau free tour.

• Tours and activities in Grand Place.

2. Take a Photo with the Manneken-Pis

Dating back to 1619, the Manneken-Pis is a fountain statue that depicts a child urinating. Once an important drinking fountain in the city, today it stands as an embodiment of the the irreverent spirit and humor of Brussels. See it for yourself, and learn a bit about its history as part of a free tour of Brussels.

This 17th-century piece is often dressed in costume, during cultural events or city festivals. The statue has around a thousand costumes, which are donated from all over the world every year, many of which can be seen year-round at the GardeRobe Manneken Pis, which is just a stone’s throw from the statue.

3. Step Inside the European Parliament

The European Parliament is a symbol of Europe and also the largest transnational parliament in the world. Situated in Brussels’ European Quarter, you can visit the inside of the building for free, though keep in mind that you need to book in advance.

The Parliamentarium visitor center offers an in-depth look at EU governance through its interactive exhibitions. Here you can discover the European Union’s fascinating history, peek behind the legislative curtain, and even step into an MEP’s shoes through role-play simulations. It’s a fascinating way to understand Brussels’ position in European politics.

The best way to discover the European Quarter is as part of this Brussels private tour. You can also see this area of the city as part of this Brussels open-top bus tour.

4. Visit the Atomium

The retrofuturistic Atomium, constructed for the 1958 World’s Fair, stands as both a symbol of the city, and an architectural marvel. Its striking design is based on an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, with nine interconnected spheres that now host exhibitions, cultural events, and even a panoramic restuarant. Visitors can journey through its sleek connecting tubes, where lit escalators create an otherworldly experience.

Pro tip: if you book the Brussels Card, you’ll have access to the Atomium and dozens of other Brussels highlights.

5. Enter the Royal Palace of Brussels

Facing the Parc de Bruxelles, the Royal Palace is a landmark of the Belgian monarchy, and certainly one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Built between 1820 and 1934, this neoclassical masterpiece is not the King’s official residence, though it’s frequently used for state ceremonies and receptions. As a working palace, public visits are limited to periods when it’s not in use—typically during the summer months. If you happen to visit during this time, it’s well worth exploring, as you’ll have access to some of the most stunning and elaborately decorated rooms.

6. Go Shopping in Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries

Inaugurated in 1847, the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries is one of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades, characterized by its elegant architecture with glass-covered walkways and neoclassical facades. Inside, you’ll find upscale boutiques selling everything from Belgian chocolates to jewelry, as well as cafés and restaurants that are perfect for a break. The galleries also house the Théâtre Royal des Galeries, one of Brussels’ main theaters. Visit for yourself as part of a private tour of Brussels, and get recommendations on where to shop and eat from your tour guide!

7. Take a Stroll in Mont des Arts

One of our favorite spots in the city is Mont des Arts, an iconic cultural site in Brussels. Mont des Arts dates back to the 1910 Universal Exhibition, starting as a project designed to showcase the grandeur and rich culture of the city. though it has significantly since its initial construction. Today, Mont des Arts is a large complex, featuring the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR), the Palace of Charles of Lorraine, the Godfrey of Bouillon Statue, museums (including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Musical Instruments Museum, and the Magritte Museum) and more! Mont des Arts is also known for being one of the best vantage points of the city. Whether or not you visit the gardens, take a stroll through the complex’s beautifully landscaped gardens, or sit on the steps with a sandwich and enjoy the atmosphere!

8. Parcours BD de Bruxelles (Brussels’ Comic Book Route)

The capital of many different things, Brussels is also considered by many to be the comic strip capital. Across the city, you’ll find yourself walking by museums, galleries, flea markets, shops, and of course, street art dedicated to comic books. Very proud of its contributions to this art form, Brussels has developed a comic book walking route that goes by over 50 murals depicting Belgian and French comic book characters including Tintin, Astérix, Spike & Suzy, Lucky Luke, and many more! Visit the best shops, murals and more on this comic book tour of Brussels!

9. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is another must-see to add to your Brussels itinerary. This magnificent Gothic edifice, located in the heart of the city, is Belgium’s main Catholic church. Originally constructed in 1047, the cathedral was renovated in the 13th century to incorporate Gothic design elements and round towers. Visit the cathedral to see its beautiful stained glass windows, and glass floor which let you see the remains of a church that used to stand on this site. Right in the heart of Brussels, this cathedral is easy to get to, and it has a small entrance fee of €2.

10. Learn to Make Beligan Chocolate at La Chocolaterie Concept

Belgium is renowned worldwide for its stunning chocolate, producing countless famous chocolatiers and also being the home of praline. When visiting Brussels, you can miss out! In the city you’ll find a number of chocolatiers, including Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus. If you want to learn how to make Beligan chocolate for yourself, check out this Brussels chocolate workshop, which includes plenty of chocolate for you to take home, and a ticket to the Choco Story Museum, which will give you the essential information behind your favorite sweet treat, from its Maya/Aztec origins to the chocolate making process to the work done by master chocolatiers!

11. Take a Breath in Cinquantenaire Park

Next stop, Cinquantenaire Park, a lovely green space in the heart of Brussels, was created to celebrate 50 years of Belgian independence in 1880. The French-style park is defined by a majestic triumphal arch, topped by a gorgeous bronze chariot. This is a great spot to take a break from the hustle a bustle of the city, not receiving quite as much foot traffic as Brussels Park for example.

The park is also home to three museums: the Army and Military History Museum, Autoworld (dedicated to classic cars), and the Art and History Museum. There are museums for everyone in Brussels!

12. Go to the Magritte Museum + the Museum of Musical Instruments

The Musée Magritte, located within the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, is dedicated to René Magritte, one of Belgium’s legendary Surrealist artists. Featuring over 200 works, the museum explores different periods of the artist’s life and career, featuring such works as La Trahison des images (the famous pipe which reads underneath ‘this is not a pipe’ in French ), and L’Empire des Lumières—an absolute must for fans of Surrealist art and Magritte.

Next, visit the MIM, which is worth visiting for its architecture alone, housed in a gem of the Art Nouveau style. The museum features one of the world’s most impressive collections of musical instruments, with over 8,000 pieces ranging from traditional instruments to unusual objects. You can easily spend hours exploring instruments from all over the world.

Check out the Brussels Card, which includes access to both of these museums and many other attractions in the city!

13. Bargain Hunt in Antique Stores in Les Marolles

The Marolles district, near the Palais de Justice, embodies the authentic charm of Brussels. This popular district is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere and its famous Place du Jeu de Balle flea market, known as the ‘old market’. This market features well over 300 stalls, selling antique furniture, art, vintage clothes, and much more. Perfect for bargain hunters—locals and tourists alike!

Stroll through Les Marolle’s picturesque streets, discovering antique stores, traditional cafés, and murals depicting local history along the way. Les Marolles has a pretty laid-back, and friendly atmosphere, making it a great place to strike up a conversation with some locals and gain further insight into the city.

14. A Hidden Gem: Go on a Day Trip to the Sonian Forest

Just a few miles from the center of Brussels, the Sonian Forest (Forêt de Soignes) is a vast, ancient expanse of woodland listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This peaceful haven is perfect for an outdoor getaway, with plenty of trails for walking and cycling, and lovely wildlife including deer, foxes, and a wide variety of birds. Despite being easily accessible, very few tourists visit the forest. You can easily cycle to the forest, or else, you can grab a train, tram, or metro!

15. Grab a Beer from Belgium’s Famous Breweries

While there’s so much to do and see in Brussels… if you’re a beer lover, it’s likely that the golden nectar will be a highlight of your trip. Across the city, you’ll find craft breweries, specialized bars, and tasting workshops where you can discover the richness of Belgium’s brewing heritage, which goes back centuries.

Other activities to discover beer and other Belgian specialties:

• Brussels Beer Tasting
• Brussels Chocolate, Beer, and French Fries Tour
• Brussels Pub Crawl
• Belgian Beer World Tickets

Brussels is a city that offers a wide variety of experiences to suit all kinds of travelers. From its deep cultural heritage to its buzzy neighborhoods and culinary excellence—this city has lots of ways it can blow you away! Also, keep in mind that Brussels has lots of day trip options. Go on a day trip to Bruges and Ghent, or head down to Luxembourg, one of Europe’s smallest countries. Still looking for ways to fill your itinerary? Check out more day trips and other experiences in Brussels with Civitatis!