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Brussels, Belgium

Destination Guide

Brussels

Belgium

Best things to do in Brussels

24 curated attractions in Brussels, Belgium. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - October

Average temp

11°C/52°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, has spent decades shaping its identity around its role in politics. Tall buildings housing EU institutions are a stark contrast to the medieval architecture of the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is often bursting with tourists. The city has a unique blend of cultures, seen in its mix of French and Dutch influences, and it offers a diverse range of attractions, from the surreal works of Magritte at the museum named after him to the delightful chaos of Manneken Pis. The atmosphere is lively and often characterized by locals enjoying beer and fries in the many cafés. While many come for the political significance, others are drawn to the city’s culinary offerings and art scene, making it a place that thrives on both business and pleasure.

Who it's for

Anyone looking to combine culture with a healthy portion of snacks will fit right in. Those who dislike crowds or are searching for a more traditional tourist experience may find themselves overwhelmed or disappointed. The blend of politics and leisure can be a bit jarring for those expecting a purely historical city.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The city centre is walkable in about thirty minutes, with most attractions close to each other
  • Public transport is frequent and reliable, with trams and buses connecting different neighborhoods
  • Brussels Airport is about a half-hour train ride from the city centre
  • Mini-Europe is a short walk from the Atomium, but just don't assume everything is as close as it looks on a map
Royal Palace of Brussels

Royal Palace of Brussels

Castles & palaces
Belgian Chocolate Workshop

Belgian Chocolate Workshop

Food and Drink Destinations
Mont des Arts

Mont des Arts

Cultural
Grand Place

Grand Place

Squares & plazas
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

Churches & cathedrals
Royal Museum of Fine Arts

Royal Museum of Fine Arts

Art museums & galleries
Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza

Wildlife sanctuaries
Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parc du Cinquantenaire

City parks
Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon

Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon

Churches & cathedrals
Fort Breendonk

Fort Breendonk

Forts & citadels
Dinant Citadel

Dinant Citadel

Forts & citadels
Waterloo Battlefield

Waterloo Battlefield

Battlefields & military sites
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

Shopping streets & districts
Belgian Beer World Experience

Belgian Beer World Experience

Cultural
Parc de Bruxelles

Parc de Bruxelles

City parks
Horta Museum

Horta Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Rubenshuis

Rubenshuis

Art museums & galleries
Atomium

Atomium

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Magritte Museum

Magritte Museum

Art museums & galleries
Walibi Belgium

Walibi Belgium

Theme parks
Mini-Europe

Mini-Europe

Theme parks
Het Zinneke

Het Zinneke

Fountains, statues & public art
Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis

Fountains, statues & public art
Jeanneke Pis

Jeanneke Pis

Fountains, statues & public art

Where to eat in Brussels

The places worth planning a meal around.

Delirium Café

Delirium Café

★ 4.6 · 26,843 reviews

Choco-Story Brussels

Choco-Story Brussels

★ 4.4 · 10,392 reviews

Amadeo

Amadeo

Belgian

★ 4.3 · 6,638 reviews

Woodpecker

Woodpecker

Belgian, Contemporary European · $$

★ 4.2 · 4,810 reviews

Friterie Tabor

Friterie Tabor

Belgian

★ 4.1 · 4,799 reviews

Maison Dandoy

Maison Dandoy

Belgian · $$

★ 3.8 · 4,742 reviews

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