Things to do · Brussels, Belgium

Things to Do in Brussels

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Getting there
Most visitors arrive via Brussels Airport, roughly 11 km from the city centre, with frequent shuttles and a direct train to the central station. Charleroi Airport, about 44 km away, serves many low‑cost carriers, while Lille Airport lies roughly 93 km south. Eurostar links Brussels to London and Thalys to Paris, and good road connections make car or bus travel common.
Who goes
Brussels welcomes around ten million tourists each year, attracting a mix of business travelers, food lovers, and art enthusiasts. The city hums most in late spring through early autumn when festivals and outdoor cafés draw crowds, while winter months see a quieter rhythm, especially after the holiday rush.
Budgeting
A careful traveler can expect to spend roughly €60–80 per day (about $65–90), whereas a comfortable stay often runs €120–150 (approximately $130–165). Accommodation and dining typically take up the biggest share of the budget. Saving on meals is easy by opting for local bakeries or market stalls instead of tourist‑focused restaurants. Estimate →

  1. Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert

    attraction · 4.5 rating · Free

    An elegant 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcade in central Brussels, one of Europe's oldest, lined with boutiques, chocolatiers, and cafes. Visitors come for the ornate architecture, shopping, and window browsing.

  2. Grand Place

    attraction · 4.7 rating · Free

    The ornate central square of Brussels, framed by guildhalls and the Town Hall, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers visit for its stunning architecture and as the historic heart of the city.

  3. Manneken Pis

    attraction · 3.3 rating · Free

    A small bronze fountain statue of a urinating boy, one of Brussels' most famous landmarks and symbols. Travelers visit to see this iconic and often costumed figure in the city center.

  4. Atomium

    attraction · 3.9 rating · €17

    An iconic 102-meter monument built for the 1958 World's Fair, shaped like a magnified iron crystal, with exhibition spheres and panoramic views. Travelers go for its unique architecture and views over Brussels.

  5. Autoworld | Brussels

    attraction · 4.6 rating · €18

    A large automobile museum in the Cinquantenaire complex displaying one of the world's finest collections of vintage and classic cars. Travelers with an interest in automotive history and design come to see hundreds of restored vehicles.

  6. House of European History

    attraction · 4.5 rating · Free

    A modern museum in Brussels' Leopold Park telling the story of European history and integration through interactive multilingual exhibits. It appeals to travelers interested in politics, history, and the EU.

  7. Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudule

    historic site · 4.5 rating · Free

    Gothic cathedral known for its stained glass windows and ornate interior.

  8. Parlamentarium

    landmark · 4.2 rating · Free

    Visitor center for the European Parliament with interactive exhibits.

  9. Place du Grand Sablon

    attraction · 4.2 rating · Free

    An elegant square in central Brussels renowned for its antique shops, art galleries, and chocolate boutiques. A refined spot for browsing, café stops, and admiring the surrounding architecture.

  10. Mont des Arts

    attraction · 4.4 rating · Free

    A historic urban complex and hilltop garden in central Brussels offering a formal landscaped area and panoramic views over the city toward the historic center. A popular spot for strolling and photography.

  11. National Basilica of the Sacred Heart

    landmark · 4.1 rating · Free

    Large Art Deco basilica in Koekelberg with panoramic dome views.

  12. Brussels Town Hall

    landmark · €10

    The Gothic city hall on the Grand Place, a landmark of Brussels architecture. Travelers come to admire the ornate facade and iconic spire.

  13. Magritte Museum

    attraction · €13

    A museum in Brussels dedicated to surrealist painter René Magritte, housing the world's largest collection of his works. A must-see for art lovers and those interested in Belgian culture.

  14. Royal Palace Of Brussels

    attraction · Free

    The official palace of the Belgian monarch in central Brussels, a grand neoclassical landmark. Travelers visit to admire the architecture and, when open, the ornate state rooms.

  15. Parc du Cinquantenaire

    attraction · Free

    A grand landscaped park in Brussels centered on the monumental triumphal arch and flanked by museums. A striking spot for photos, walks, and combining greenery with cultural sights.

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