Planning a short visit to Brussels and not sure how to spend your time? Here is a weekend guide to Brussels Belgium with all the top things to do in Brussels, including the most useful tips that will help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Belgium’s capital, the City of Brussels, is without a doubt one of the most underappreciated cities in Western Europe. I often talk to people about Brussels, the city is perceived as being filthy, dangerous and boring. I’ve been to Brussels many times and I find these assumptions to be unfounded.
Brussels’ obvious social problems aren’t different to those of other big cities in Europe and they shouldn’t be a reason for you to miss out on the many excellent things the city offers. Spend a weekend in Brussels or longer and you’ll definitely find your visit to be worthwhile.
First things first, here are some answers to Brussels Travel FAQ.
What is Brussels best known for?
Brussels is best known for being ” Europe’s Capital” due to the countless organisations headquartered in the city such as the European Union, NATO and many others. The Grand Place, Brussels central square, regularly tops the list of the world’s most beautiful town squares.
Foodies and beer lovers strongly concur that Brussels is a paradise. Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries and beer are truly special and are among the world’s best.
Are two days in Brussels enough?
Even though Brussels is small, the attractions are spread out throughout the city center, but an extensive transport network makes it possible to explore it within two days. In actual fact, there are so many things to do in Brussels, so two days or a weekend might not be enough but will definitely give you a good overview of what the city offers.
Here is my suggestion of the best things to do in Brussels this weekend.
What to do in Brussels
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
Price: Tip-Based
One of the best things to do in Brussels during your tour of the city is to join a Free Walking Tour. I always recommend free walking tours as an initial activity in any city as they help you to quickly familiarise yourself with your surroundings, guide you past all the major attractions and offer you interesting insights which you won’t find elsewhere.
Brussels has many walking tours which all start from its central square, the Grand Place, lasting about 2.5 hours. I’ve taken Sandman’s Free Walking Tour and I found it to be pretty good. Their guides offer you tips on where to find the best waffles, fries, chocolate and beer and they will give you an interesting historical overview of Brussels tourists attractions.
- Interested in checking out Brussels street art? Check out these popular tours.
2. Explore The Grand Place
If you’re exploring Brussels by yourself, make the Grand Place your first port of call because it’s one of the most famous sights to see in Brussels. The Grand Place is a public square that features magnificent buildings of Baroque, Gothic and Louis XVI architectural styles from the late 17th century, earning the square a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Grand Place dates back to the 12th century starting off as a general trading area for Brussels’ citizens, as the city grew, local authorities, powerful Guilds of Brussels and people of considerable wealth established themselves on the square. Brussels City Museum, housed in the former “Kings House” is a good place to learn the real history of the Grand Place and the City of Brussels.
The Grand Place is a vibrant spot and a centre for tourists in Brussels who visit to marvel at the beauty of the square and enjoy a variety of different entertainment which includes enticing chocolate shops, restaurants and bars which are perfect for people-watching.
Every two years in August, the Grand Place attracts a huge crowd who come to see it covered in an impressive colourful carpet made from fresh begonias, so keep in mind August is a busy period to visit Brussels. See Brussels Flower Festival 2024.
3. Take a Guided Tour of Brussels Town Hall
Price: €7 Adults, 55 mins Tour
Built during the 15th century, Brussels Town Hall is one of the only remaining medieval structures on the Grand Place. The Town Hall takes centre stage at the Grand Place due to its grand size, ornate exterior decorations and its impressive tower which is visible from most places around Brussels.
If you’re visiting on a weekend and are interested in viewing the interior of this architectural gem, well, you’re in luck. The Town Hall is open to the public being escorted by a local guide every Wednesday and Sunday with no prior booking required. Book events online
4. Indulge in Belgian Chocolate
Since the invention of the first Belgian Praline in 1912, Belgians and the world can’t seem to get enough of Belgian chocolate. There are over 2,000 chocolate shops in Belgium and the country is among the top four countries responsible for all the chocolate consumed in the world.
I must confess that my love for Belgian chocolate is the main reason I adore Brussels.
As you walk around Brussels, it’s impossible to resist the countless, elaborately decorated chocolate shops with stacks of assorted chocolates. You may disagree, but the highest quality Belgian chocolate in Brussels is found in the ornate boutiques of the famous Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.
Belgium’s most esteemed chocolatiers have a spot at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert with boutiques that are just as attractive as the chocolate they sell, particularly outstanding is chocolatier Mary.
Chocolatier Jean Neuhaus’ classic truffle which is made with buttercream filling encrusted with a thin layer of chocolate and a cocoa powder coating, is the best truffle you’ll ever eat. Personally, Pierre Marcolini’s chocolates and macarons are the best in Royal Galleries.
As you’ll find during your visit, good quality Belgian chocolate comes with a hefty price tag. A fun and cost-effective way to treat yourself would be to visit as many Brussels chocolatiers as you can while sampling some of their top recommendations. I recommend this so you can buy your actual favourites.
5. Join Laurent Gerbaud’s Chocolate Workshop
Price: Adult €35, Child €15 Sat 11.30-1300
Chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud’s Belgian chocolate-making workshops are held every Saturday from his Rue Ravenstein address, just a few steps from Mont Des Arts. If you’re in Brussels during the weekend, joining one of the workshops will be a fun way to learn how to make real Belgian chocolate from a master chocolatier whose chocolate is not only delicious but is among the best in the country.
During the workshops, you’ll get to taste a variety of cocoa beans that you will use to make your own chocolate, learn how to properly taste chocolate and of course sample some top recommendations in Laurent Gerbaud’s own collection.
Even if you don’t fancy getting your hands messy, Laurent Gerbaud’s shop is a place not to miss during your quest for the best Belgian chocolate. His chocolates are combined with fruits and spices inspired by his own travel adventures which will make you appreciate Belgian chocolate even more.
Laurent Gerbaud extends his adventurous flavours to his extensive vegan chocolate range, making his shop one of the best spots for vegans in Brussels. When you’re finished, don’t miss Laurent Gerbaud’s cafe for its highly-rated hot chocolate.
- See popular Belgian Making Chocolate Workshop
6. Induldge at Maison Dandoy
Maison Dandoy, Brussels’ oldest and most famous artisanal biscuit bakery, is the place to go to enjoy some of the most delicious sweet treats the city is widely known for.
Maison Dandoy’s waffles are quite simply, a delight that every visitor to Brussels should have. Both Brussels waffles (rectangular, light and fluffy) and Liege waffles (rounded, rich and caramelised) are offered with all sorts of toppings, though I prefer mine plain.
In addition to irresistibly tanned madeleines, Maison Dandoy’s other popular menu items include beautifully designed and packaged speculoos (spiced Belgian cookies) which make perfect gifts.
Maison Dandoy has three boutiques in Brussels but my favourite is the Rue Charles Buls boutique and tea room, located a few steps from the Grand Place and on the way to the Manneken Pis Statue.
Join a Belgium Waffles Making Workshop
7. Check out Manneken Pis Statue
The Mannekin Pis Statue is one of the most recognisable symbols of Brussels. The 61cm (24 inches) bronze statue depicting a little boy urinating in a fountain basin dates back to the 17th century, originally serving as how Brussels’ citizens were supplied with water. The huge fascination to Mannekin Pis for many is the innocence and humour the statue portrays.
Across the centuries, Mannekin Pis Statue faced vandalism and numerous thefts prompting the authorities to preserve the original statue and replace it with a replica which is displayed on Rue de l’Étuve.
A tradition to dress the Mannekin Pis Statue in costumes often gifted to Brussels by foreign dignitaries dating back from 1698, still stands to this day. The real Mannekin Pis Statue amassed a collection of over 1, 000 outfits which are housed in Brussels City Museum.
8. Explore the Royal Palace or Palais Royal
One of the most delightful activities in Brussels is to take a simple stroll around the Royal Palace or Palais Royal marvelling at the magnificent architecture, not only of the palace but also of the other buildings within its vicinity. The Royal Palace was built between 1820 and 1934 in Neoclassical style on the site of a former palace that was engulfed by flames.
The 18th-century gardens surrounding the park are just as beautiful as the palace and complement each other well. The Royal Palace is one of the attractions in Brussels that you will appreciate even from the outside.
Every summer, the Royal Palace opens its doors to the public to tour some of the palace’s prestigious rooms. The Royal Palace continues to function as Belgium’s King’s administrative centre and venue for receiving and entertaining distinguished guests and visiting heads of state.
Notable museums to check out in Belgium such as those in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium’s collection namely René Magritte Museum and the Old Masters Museum are all located around the Royal Palace. If you plan to visit, make sure to visit the Tourist Information Centre at Place Royal for the best ticket deals, info about Brussels Card and other useful practical info.
9. Stop by Église Notre Dame du Sablon
The Église Notre Dame du Sablon (Church of Our Lady of Sablon), located in the Brussels neighbourhood of Sablon, is undoubtedly the most exceptional church in the city. It was built during the 15th century in the late Gothic style on the site of a former chapel from the 13th century.
Notre Dame’s interior, which sets it apart from the rest of the churches in Brussels, includes colourful stained glass windows, magnificent paintings and two side chapels decorated with elaborate Baroque sculptures from the 17th century. The rich decorations of Notre Dame du Sablon are attributed to the wealthy families of 17th Brussels whose remains are buried in the church.
10. Visit the Atomium
The Atomium is one of the most famous Brussels attractions for tourists which was initially opened in 1958 for the Brussels World Fair. The 102-metre structure which consists of 9 impressive steel cubes that bear resemblance to an iron unit cell, iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, was built in line with the 1958 World Fair’s theme of celebrating technological and scientific advances.
Only five cubes of the Atomium are opened to the public to enjoy awesome views of Brussels’ skyline and learn about the history of the 1958 World Fair and the restorative works done to the structure over the years. A park with beautiful gardens and water fountains makes the area around the Atomium lovely to hang out in, especially if visiting during the summer months.
Price: Adult €16
Discounts are available for Seniors, Children and Students. The ticket includes entrance to the nearby Design Museum Brussels.
11. Try a Belgian beer at the bars at Mont Des Arts
Heading to the outdoor bars at Mont des Arts and having a Belgian beer-fuelled night is one of my top picks of fun things to do in Brussels. Belgium tops among countries with the most diverse in the beer industry, however, don’t look to try them all in one visit or else you’ll regret it.
Worth checking out would be Trappist-style beers since Belgian monks are considered to be masters of brewing. Westmalle Tripel, Chimay Tripel and Rochefort 10 are great Trappist beers I’d recommend for you to try.
The outdoor bars at Mont des Arts are an exceptional setting to soak up Belgium’s marvellous beer culture. If you’re into Middle Eastern Cuisine, don’t miss your chance to try the delicious food at Sumac Restaurant at Plein Publiek.
Join a Beer Tasting Tour
12. Check out the food at Wolf Food Market
Wolf Food Market is one of the liveliest dining spots in Brussels which was converted from being a bank into a food market in 2019. It’s located in the heart of the city, very close to Brussels Central Station. Wolf is one of our favourite places to eat and hang out in Brussels because there is a great range of reasonably priced food, drink and entertainment.
Over 19 stalls at Wolf offer a variety of cuisines from across the world like Greek, Vietnamese and Syrian-Lebanese. Personally, the real appeal of Wolf is food which reflects Brussels’ cultural diversity. All the food here is lovely, but our favourite is the Ethiopian, Toukoul.
Opens daily – 12 pm to 11 pm
13. Learn about Art Nouveau Architecture at Horta Museum
Price: Art Nouveau Pass offers the best deals
A highlight of my recent trip to Brussels was a visit to the Horta Museum which is the former home and studio of Belgium’s most celebrated Art Nouveau architect and designer, architect Victor Horta. Art Nouveau flourished in Europe during the mid-19th century and was mostly used in creating interior design products and jewellery. Victor Horta is credited for introducing Art Nouveau into architecture.
Designed and built in 1898 by Horta himself, the Horta Museum is said to be a masterpiece of Art Nouveau, earning a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Horta’s few other masterpieces of that time.
Though the house exterior looks unassuming, its interior is quite impressive featuring a staircase styled with a blend of marble and ornamental iron, colourful plant motifs and various types of wood.
The rooms of the house are furnished with art designed and sculpted either by Horta or his acquaintances. Horta’s art equipment and architectural plans for some of his famous creations also form part of the permanent museum display.
The Horta Museum is one of the best places to visit in Brussels particularly if you’re a big fan of Art Nouveau. In actual fact, the whole municipality of Saint Giles where Horta Museum is located is an Art Nouveau houses treasure trove. Book online here.
14. Tour the Musical Instrument Museum at the Old England Building
Price: Art Nouveau Pass offers entry to the MIM
The Musical Instrument Museum located in the striking, Old England Building, is one of the must-do things in Brussels for both music and Art Nouveau enthusiasts. Built in 1899 in Art Nouveau style to house a department store, the Old England Building went through massive restorative works and opened in 2000 as the Musical Instrument Museum.
The Musical Instrument Museum’s highly regarded permanent exhibition consists of over 7, 000 musical instruments from around the world, ranging from the late medieval ages up to the late 19th century.
This is a museum to visit when you have plenty of time since the museum’s collection is spread over four floors and is grouped into various themes which include traditional instruments from across the world, western European musical instruments and mechanical instruments.
I was quite fascinated by the Indian and African collection as well as the many variations of bagpipes which like all other instruments at the museum, came with interesting insights and recorded sounds. If you plan to visit, just remember to bring along a set of earphones for the audio guide.
Musical Instrument Museum is one of the few Art Nouveau buildings in Brussels which has an exterior just as captivating as the interior.
Good to Know
For contemporary art lovers, the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art (MIMA) is one of Brussel’s highly-rated museums not to miss. It’s small which is handy as can fit perfectly if your schedule is tight. Plan your visit to MIMA here.
15. Check the Belgian Comic Strip Centre or Comic Art Museum
Price: Art Nouveau Pass offers the best deals
Visiting the Belgian Comic Strip Centre or Comic Art Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Brussels especially if you’re a huge fan of comics. If you’re visiting Brussels for the first time, you won’t get far before you realise how big a deal comics are in Belgian culture.
Belgium tops the list of countries in the world with the highest density of comic writers and illustrators. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre celebrates Belgian comic strip writers and their work past and present.
Besides a permanent exhibition of famous Belgian comics like Tintin, Spirou and Smurfs, the museum runs temporary exhibitions of up-and-coming Belgian comics as well as comics from around the world. The museum is currently running an exhibition on the rise of Korean comics which I found intriguing as it provided interesting insights into South Korean life.
While I’m not a fan of comics art, I found my visit to the Belgian Comic Strip Centre to be imaginative and learnt a thing or two about the history of comic art and the process involved in writing a comic title or comic book.
In addition, the building where the Belgian Comic Strip Centre is housed within one of Horta’s beautiful Art Nouveau creations, so visiting the museum was a win-win for me.
Located: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
16. Visit the Train World
Price: Adults €15, Children €11
One of the best things to do in Brussels with kids, train enthusiasts or anyone who loves to discover, is to visit the Train World railway museum.
The museum which is located in Schaerbeek Station, one of Belgium’s very first train stations, offers a unique experience that combines uncovering railway curiosities and fascinating facts about the history of rail in Belgium which dates as far back as 1835.
Train World’s permanent exhibition consists of an actual 19th-century railway bridge, original vintage and royal carriages, and unique trains from the National Railway Company of Belgium’s collection over time including a rare and well-preserved steam locomotive built in 1845.
I’m sure if you’re a rail fan you’ll be excited to get up close and grab a seat in some of the world’s rare and oldest trains. Plan your visit here
17. Tour the European Parliament
Price: Free
It’s widely accepted that Brussels is the capital of Europe since the city is the centre of most of the European Union’s main bodies like the European Parliament. The European Parliament in Brussels is located about a 20-minute walk from the city centre or by public transport which is a bit confusing and takes just as long.
One of the most popular things to do during your visit is to join the free guided tour of the European Parliament Hemicycle where all 705 European Parliament Members meet. The tour is worthwhile if you’re keen to learn how the European Parliament works.
You could also take a self-guided tour of the complex which is lovely and probably your only option if you’re visiting on a weekend because the guided tours are offered Monday to Friday. Either way, Station Europe will be a good starting point to explore the European Parliament complex. Plan your visit here.
Good to Know
Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium
Price: Adults €13, Children €5
Consider adding the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium to your itinerary if you’re around the European Parliament area with kids. The museum is home to the world’s largest dinosaur gallery, so this will be one fun activity guaranteed to win their hearts.
The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
Price: Adults €11, Children €9
The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is another museum close to the European Parliament worth checking out if history and military heritage is your kind of fun. The highly regarded military museum is located in Jubilee Park or Cinquantenaire Park, one of Brussels’ largest urban parks.
The museum houses one the world’s largest collections of military memorabilia relating to the Belgian Army which spans from the Middle Ages to the present. Be sure to add it to your list of things to see in Brussels if this is your scene.
19. Try the fries at Friterie Tabora
Belgians are masters in making fries, you just can’t leave Brussels without trying them. Fries may look simple to make but the Belgian fry requires a whole set of skills to perfect.
Friterie Tabora, located a few steps from the Grand Place, is my top recommendation in Brussels to eat perfect Belgian fries. It’s an unassuming place but you’ll know by the long queue that something special awaits.
The fries are cooked to perfection with nice crispiness and come with a choice of over 40 sauces. Traditionally they’re eaten with mayonnaise which is taking me some time to get used to.
Look out for Fritland, located a short walk from Friterie Tabora and very close to the Brussels Stock Exchange. It’s another place to eat really good fries in Brussels.
Staying longer in Brussels?
20. Take a day trip to Bruges
One of the great things about Brussels is that there are just so many excellent places within the city’s vicinity which make great day trips. Bruges and Ghent are two amazing cities which are easily reached by train from Brussels and can be explored in one day if you’re short on time.
Bruges’ well-preserved rich medieval heritage will certainly delight fans of architecture. During the Medieval Ages, Bruges was one of the most important trading and economically successful cities in Europe. Many of the gorgeous buildings in its historic centre were also built around this period.
In addition, Bruges’ historic centre is surrounded by a pretty canal network, so it’s really lovely to explore. Taking a free Bruges walking tour is a great way to learn about the city’s fascinating past and will make good use of time.
21. Take a day trip to Ghent
While Ghent’s medieval heritage is equally interesting, personally, the city’s true beauty lies in its cobbled streets which are filled with stylish and cosy cafes, often filled with a young and vibrant crowd. Ghent is an ideal place to relax, have a coffee in a scenic outdoor cafe or go on a boat cruise along River Leie to marvel at the city’s medieval treasurers.
Bruges and Ghent Tours
Where to Stay in Brussels
Booking.com is my go-to platform for finding hotels in Brussels. I recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Brussels-Grand-Place – an IHG partner hotel. It’s modern, clean, cosy and conveniently located near Brussels Central Station.
I hope you enjoy Brussels! If you’ve any questions, do get in touch. I will be glad to help.
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I recently took a trip to Brussels and it was an incredible experience. One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Grand Place. The square was surrounded by stunning guild halls and the Town Hall, and it was a great place to watch and grab a bite to eat at one of the outdoor cafes.
Thanks Alice for the feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed Brussels. I love the vibe on the Grand Palace too. I hope you got to treat yourself to loads of chocolate
😊