5 Best Things to Do in Brussels

Brussels is a fascinating place with a stunning architecture found on every street. The capital of Belgium is both a laid-back city and very business-focused. 

Brussels is a great city to visit as it has something for everyone: amazing art, fascinating architecture, delicious waffles and chocolate, frites, good beer, but also very unusual attractions, such as Manneken-Pis. 

I visited Brussels with Luka on our Interrail trip across Europe. We stayed in the city for three days, which is enough to see all of the most popular sights, but if you have more time, you should for sure plan a week in Brussels as this gives you time to get a real vibe of the city. 

I hope to go back to Brussels sometime soon as I was absolutely captivated by this city’s fun attractions and its delicious food. This guide gives you a glimpse of all the best things to do in Brussels, the city that utterly charmed me. 

1. See Manneken-Pis

One legend about Manneken-Pis says that he saved the city from a great fire by peeing on it. That is how he got the spot so close to the Grand Place. However, there are many more legends about this “peeing boy” and some of them are more believable than others. 

The statue of Manneken-Pis has been abducted and saved several times and has received many gifts from lords and kings. 

Hundreds of tourists visit Manneken-Pis every day, as he became the symbol and the mascot of Brussels. More than 800 different costumes were made for this little guy and you can see them in the Museum of the City of Brussels. 

Manneken-Pis is a little bit hard to find but you will find it by taking the right lane away from the town hall or via tour. 

2. Visit Musée des Instruments de Musique 

Musée des Instruments de Musique was our museum of choice. There are many more great museums in the capital of Belgium but it’s hard to visit all in just three days. 

Museum of musical instruments was very unique, displaying various gorgeous instruments from different eras and places around the world. Get your pair of headphones as you can hear how each instrument in the museum sounds if played. 

After your visit to the museum, we suggest you visit the restaurant and coffee shop Du MIM on the top floor – it has a beautiful view of the city! 

3. Atomium 

Atomium is a symbol of science as it represents an enlarged iron crystal. The crystal is whopping 100 meters tall and has nine orbs each representing a separate province of Belgium. 

Today, Atomium is a transnational symbol of peace, and embodies the hope that science can save humanity. It is one of the most popular attractions of Europe’s Capital. 

You can go up on the Atomium to walk through tubes and spheres and get the best view over Brussels. 

4. Try Belgian chocolate 

Brussels is the best city for someone with a sweet tooth like me! Not only can you have waffles every day, but now you also have a good reason to try all the different kinds of chocolate. 

Belgian chocolate is known around the world and you will find countless chocolate shops in the city center. Beware, the smells inside are heavenly and you might leave with a whole bag of chocolates and your wallet way lighter. 

10. Parc du Cinquantenaire 

This lovely park in the city center is a true delight after a day of wandering around the city. The Parc du Cinquantenaire is surrounded by a stunning architecture that you can absorb and marvel at during your walk through the park. 

Take some Belgian frites with you or buy them in a park, take a picnic cover and relax in this wonderful park.

If you like to stay active during your travels Parc du Cinquantenaire is also a great option for you as you can use it for running or other forms of exercise. There are many other athletes crossing the park that came to exercise, too, so you won’t be alone! 

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I have a few more things on my bucket list for when I go back to Brussels, including The Comic Strip Route, Musée Royaux des Beaux-Arts and Horta Museum. What would you love to see in Brussels? If you’ve ever been to the Belgian capital I would love to hear about your adventures!

XX, Ajda