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Things to do in Brussels

With plenty of things to do in Brussels no matter what your interests are, you are sure to have a fun-filled time when you visit.

A fascinating city, and the capital of Belgium, it is the perfect place to head for a short break due to the range of things to do and see in Brussels including lots of attractions, delicious chocolate and beer, and exciting atmosphere. It takes three and a half hours to drive from the port in Calais to Brussels, so you can be exploring this fantastic city in no time.

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Morning	02:00	04:25	06:50	09:15
Midday	11:40
Afternoon	14:05	16:30
Evening	18:55	21:15	23:40

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Alternative things to do in Brussels
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Must see things in Brussels

The Best Brussels Attractions

While the numerous beer cafés and endless chocolate shops will be a highlight of your holiday in this exciting city, there are plenty of things to do in Brussels no matter what your interests are, from cultural landmarks to shopping districts.

Culture vultures will love the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, easily one of the best things to do in Brussels. It includes six galleries that take visitors through collections from the Old Masters up to the modern era, making it one of the most impressive Brussels attractions for art lovers. Just east of the city centre, you will find the Royal Museum of Armed Forces and the Royal Museums of Art and History, which sit side by side in the Parc du Cinquantenaire of the European Quarter and offer excellent opportunities for Brussels sightseeing.

For a final slice of culture, visit the colossal art deco Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Inspired by Sacré-Coeur in Paris, this green-domed cathedral is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world and arguably one of the most interesting things to do in Brussels.

If you’d love to complete your day with some retail therapy, there's a fantastic range of shopping spots in Brussels. Wander through flea markets, browse modern boutiques, or spend time in beautiful covered arcades, such as Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, which also ranks among popular Brussels attractions.

To be able to explore the cheap things to do in Brussels, discover Brussels for less with a Brussels City Card, which gives you access to top tourist attractions, museums, and public transport, as well as discounts across many shops and restaurants, so you have extra money to spend in those beer cafés and chocolate shops!

Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels

Cool Things To Do in Brussels

Brussels is full of unique and cool activities, so you will be spoilt for choice if you are looking for something a little different. Whether you are searching for indoor activities, family-friendly attractions, or exciting Brussels nightlife, there are options for everyone.

You can learn all about the country’s rich comic book history at the Belgium Comic Strip Centre and see if you can spot street art featuring Hergé’s famous character Tintin dotted around the city. This is a popular family-friendly option and one of the most enjoyable things to do in Brussels with children.

For further family fun, seek out the astonishing Atomium, a huge steel structure in the shape of an atom, which was constructed for the 1968 World Fair and has interesting exhibitions spread across its different spheres. A perfect indoor thing to do in Brussels, especially when it’s raining, it offers a variety of things to do and see. For example, at the base of the Atomium, you can explore a model version of the entire continent in a single day at Mini Europe, where you can see the many wonders of Europe in miniature, including a 4m tall Big Ben!

Hidden things to do in Brussels - Explore Brussels’ Old Town

If you want to explore beyond the main tourist areas, head to Brussels’ Old Town to discover some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in Belgium. The historic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic Brussels attractions and an essential stop for Brussels sightseeing.

Next, take a look at the 14th century Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles (town hall), which is one of the most extravagantly ornate buildings in Europe. As one of the top ten things to do in Brussels, don’t forget to climb the 96m tower at its centre to witness amazing views of the city skyline.

Opposite the town hall, the Brussels City Museum offers insight into the city’s history, including costumes for the famous Manneken Pis statue, another must-see landmark and one of the most recognisable Brussels attractions.

To see one of the most striking gothic buildings in the world and arguably the most interesting thing to do and visit in Brussels, make sure you visit the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula which boasts gorgeous stained glass windows and a huge vaulted ceiling.

Greenhouse botanical gardens in Brussels

Parks and Gardens

If you visit Brussels in the warmer months, you might like to head to the Parc Du Cinquantenaire. Here you can enjoy nature and its surroundings as well as benefit from all the family things to do in Brussels. Here you can have a picnic in the sun whilst being amongst some stunning architecture. You will find a number of museums in the park too, and between them they have around 35,000 artefacts on display.

You may also enjoy a visit to Le Botanique during your holiday in Brussels. A must see in Brussels, it’s originally the city’s botanical gardens from the 19th century greenhouse hosting a variety of performing arts which makes it a cultural place to spend some time, and the surrounding gardens are just as lovely as ever.

With plenty of things to do in Brussels no matter if you are travelling solo, as a couple, with children, or as a group of friends, don’t delay in booking your Dover to Calais crossing and discovering it for yourself. Exploring Brussels food and beer culture, including beer tasting in Brussels, is the perfect way to end your trip, with traditional cafés and breweries found throughout the city. Here’s our list of the top ten things to do in Brussels:

Grand Place
Atomium
Manneken Pis
Royal Palace of Brussels
Magritte Museum
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
Brussels Comic Strip Museum
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Mont des Arts
Belgian Waffle Tasting

Brussels is the perfect place to head for a short break due to its range of attractions, delicious chocolate and beer, and exciting atmosphere

EU flag European Parliament building Brussels

Selection on belgian waffles in Brussels

Things to do in Brussels FAQs:

1 What are the best things to do in Brussels?

With plenty of things to do in Brussels, visitors can explore the stunning Grand Place, one of Europe’s most impressive historic squares, or head to the iconic Atomium for panoramic views across the city. Brussels is also known for its rich culture and architecture, as well as its famous food scene, including chocolate, waffles, and local beer tours. For family-friendly activities, visitors can enjoy Belgian comics at the Comic Strip Museum, relax in Parc du Cinquantenaire, or take in the city views from Mont des Arts.

2 Where is Brussels?

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, located in Western Europe. It sits in the central part of the country, positioned between cities such as Antwerp to the north and Charleroi to the south. Brussels is around 120 kilometres south of Calais in France, with a typical driving time of 1.5 to 2 hours. This makes travel simple when using the Dover to Calais ferry to begin your journey. Book your ferry today and start exploring Belgium with ease.

3 What are the top attractions in Brussels?

Some of the top attractions in Brussels include the Grand Place, the Atomium, Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace of Brussels, and the Magritte Museum. These landmarks highlight the city’s history, culture, and architecture and are among the most visited places for sightseeing in Brussels.

4 What are the best things to do in Brussels for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors to Brussels should focus on the city’s main highlights, including the Grand Place, the Atomium, and museums in the European Quarter. Sampling local food, beer, and chocolates is also an essential part of the experience and offers a great introduction to the city.

5 What is Brussels nightlife like?

Brussels nightlife caters to a wide range of tastes, from traditional Belgian beer cafés and cosy bars to live music venues and late-night clubs. Popular areas such as the city centre and Saint-Géry are well known for evening entertainment and socialising.

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