Best 20 things to do in Brussels, Belgium

Welcome to Brussels, the land of mouthwatering waffles, quirky statues, and some serious sprout-loving! In this delightful guide, we'll reveal the city's top 20 must-do activities. Forget about trying to casually blend in with locals while juggling chocolate shops and beer tastings – instead, get ready to tackle glorious sights like the Atomium, historic Grand Place, and the majestic Manneken Pis (a peeing statue with an absurd fan club). So, grab your appetite, your laughter, and your innate ability to differentiate between good beer and even better beer, and let's explore Brussels like a true Belgian – a slightly odd, yet charming adventurer!

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1. Royal Palace of Brussels

4.4 (12034)

Rue Brederode 16, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to the extravagant Royal Palace of Brussels, a majestic abode that screams "look at me, I'm royalty!" Prepare yourself for a jaw-dropping experience as you enter this massive architectural beast, home to the Belgian royal family who are clearly not ones to skimp on the bling. Marvel at its opulent interiors filled with shiny chandeliers, gilded everything, and more marble than an Italian opera house. Don't forget to snap a selfie in the magnificent Throne Room, but be warned, sitting on the throne is strictly reserved for monarchs and celebrity doppelgängers only.

www.monarchie.be

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2. European Parliament

4.5 (1871)

Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to the European Parliament in Brussels, the place where serious politics meet a touch of European flair! As you step inside this architectural masterpiece, gawk in awe at the countless politicians bustling about, frantically trying to make decisions while also perfecting their selfie game. Marvel at the labyrinthine corridors, where even the most experienced tourist can easily get lost and end up accidentally drafting a resolution on agricultural subsidies. Don't forget to say hello to the statues of legendary European leaders, who all seem to have perfectly coiffed hair, probably thanks to the added perk of free hair gel in the parliament's bathroom.

www.europarl.europa.eu

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3. Belgian Comic Strip Center

4 (2311)

Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to the Belgian Comic Strip Center, a true mecca for comic book enthusiasts and lovers of whimsical art. Nestled in the heart of Brussels, this extraordinary museum is like stepping into a parallel universe where characters from Tintin, Asterix, and the Smurfs mingle on every corner. Prepare yourself to be mesmerized by the myriad of colorful panels, and try not to get distracted by the urge to don a cape and become a real-life superhero. After all, Brussels is known for its waffles, not for its crime-fighting prowess.

www.comicscenter.net

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4. Magritte Museum

4.3 (5211)

Pl. Royale 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to the Magritte Museum in Brussels, where reality plays hide-and-seek with your imagination! This museum is a surreal sanctuary for art aficionados and skeptics alike. Be prepared to have your mind twisted like a pretzel as you stroll through rooms filled with bowler-hatted men, floating apples, and pipes that claim they're not pipes (whatever that means). Whether you're a fan of quirky artworks or just need a break from normality, this place will have you scratching your head and laughing in disbelief.

www.musee-magritte-museum.be

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5. Manneken Pis

3.9 (62199)

1000 Brussels, Belgium

Welcome to Brussels, where you'll find the charming and slightly quirky symbol of the city – Manneken Pis! This petite bronze fountain sculpture depicts a mischievous little boy, relieving himself with gusto, as if he's the "Whizz Kid" of Brussels. Despite his diminutive size, standing at just 61 centimeters, this tiny flouter of traditional modesty manages to grab the attention of tourists from far and wide, ensuring a steady stream of giggles and selfie-snapping enthusiasts.

www.brussel.be

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6. Atomium

4.4 (77385)

Pl. de l'Atomium 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium

Nestled amidst the heart of Brussels, the Atomium stands tall like a giant metal insect ready to introduce you to the futuristic world of the 1950s. Bursting with charm, this quirky architectural marvel offers panoramic views of the city, making it the perfect spot to check if your GPS is working correctly. As you explore its peculiar spheres, you'll feel like a scientist accidentally wandered into a luxury designer shopping mall – a testament to Belgium's ability to combine art, science, and unexpected fashion cravings!

www.atomium.be

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7. Musical Instruments Museum

4.4 (4882)

Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels, where instruments reign supreme and even the shyest accordion can find its spotlight. Nestled in a majestic Art Nouveau building, this museum swells with a symphony of musical marvels, showcasing everything from zesty zithers to tantalizing tubas. Whether you're on a quest to uncover the hidden secrets of spoons-as-instruments or merely eager to see the world's smallest trombone, this museum will make your heart sing and your feet tap.

www.mim.be

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8. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

4.6 (16351)

Pl. Sainte-Gudule, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels, where old meets gold and medieval meets modern! This architectural masterpiece will make you feel like a tiny tourist surrounded by colossal columns that seem to have popped straight out of a giant's shopping list. Towering over the city, this magnificent cathedral will have you Googling "how to make stained glass your new living room wallpaper."

www.cathedralisbruxellensis.be

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9. Brussels City Museum

4.4 (1365)

Grote Markt van, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

Welcome to the Brussels City Museum, where history and hilarity collide! Step inside this vibrant museum and prepare to be whisked away on a journey through Brussels' captivating past. Uncover the secrets of this peculiar city, from its legendary waffle-making wars to its mind-boggling statue obsession. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for the world's tiniest Manneken Pis replica – it's bound to make you chuckle!

www.brusselscitymuseum.brussels

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10. Horta Museum

4.4 (2366)

Rue Américaine 27, 1060 Brussel, Belgium

Welcome to the Horta Museum in the heart of Brussels, where the spirit of Art Nouveau finds a home and slaps you with its funky elegance. This quirky museum, housed in Victor Horta's former residence, takes you on a journey back to the time when mustaches didn't require irony. Marvel at the architectural wizardry of Horta's intricate designs while trying to resist the urge to commission your own whimsical, not-so-sensible house.

www.hortamuseum.be

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11. Place Royale

Pl. Royale, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to Place Royale in Brussels, where sophistication meets a dash of amusing quirkiness. This charming square, fit for Instagram aficionados and lovers of all things fabulous, boasts an impressive lineup of statues that seem to have mastered the art of photobombing tourists. Be prepared for a surreal encounter with prominent figures like King Leopold, who will undoubtedly make your selfie game royally epic!

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12. Grand Place

4.7 (135260)

Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

Welcome to the charming chaos of Grand Place, a place where bustling tourists mix with towering medieval architecture! Prepare to be dazzled as you step into this UNESCO World Heritage site that will make you question whether you're in a marketplace or a magnificent outdoor museum. Don't forget to bring your camera; you'll want to capture the ornate guildhalls that seem to be in a never-ending competition for the title of "Most Gorgeous Building."

www.brussel.be

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13. Parc du Cinquantenaire

4.5 (31601)

1000 Brussels, Belgium

Welcome to Parc du Cinquantenaire, the grandest park in all of Brussels! Spanning across 74 acres, this park is like a giant green oasis in the heart of the city. Marvel at the triumphal arch that proudly stands at the entrance, reminding you that you've arrived at the park, not a Roman emperor's fancy house. Stroll along the park's perfectly manicured lawns, where you might encounter enthusiastic joggers trying to outrun their embarrassing fashion choices. Embrace your inner Indiana Jones as you explore the nearby museums that house artifacts from Belgium's past, just make sure you resist the urge to whip out your own bullwhip and start swinging from the chandeliers. Feeling peckish? Fear not, for Parc du Cinquantenaire offers a variety of snack bars where you can refuel before continuing your adventures. So go ahead, grab a tasty Belgian waffle or fries served in a cone larger than your head, and then find a cozy spot under a tree to people-watch Brussels' finest – from rollerbladers in questionable outfits to family picnics gone hilariously wrong.

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14. Autoworld Brussels

4.6 (8166)

1000 Brussels, Belgium

Tucked away amidst the charming streets of Brussels, Autoworld Brussels stands as a mecca for automobile enthusiasts and self-proclaimed speed demons. Step into this petrolhead paradise and feast your eyes on a splendid collection of vintage cars that will transport you back to a time when driving gloves and handlebar moustaches were all the rage. As you wander amidst the gleaming chrome, feel free to ponder the philosophical question of whether it's the car that chooses the driver or the driver that chooses the car, or just marvel at the fact that once upon a time, people actually drove vehicles without a swarm of electronic nannies keeping them safe.

www.autoworld.be

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15. Mont des Arts

4.5 (12684)

1000 Brussels, Belgium

Welcome to Mont des Arts, the perfect spot for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those who love climbing stairs! This elevated haven in Brussels offers spectacular views that will take your breath away - either from the awe-inspiring panorama or the exhausting hike up the steep steps! Prepare to be surrounded by architectural marvels, charming gardens, and the occasional confused tourist wondering if they accidentally stumbled into a vertical marathon. So, grab your camera, your sturdy shoes, and a healthy dose of determination, because Mont des Arts will surely test both your artistic appreciation and your physical endurance!

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16. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

4.5 (7043)

Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Ah, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels, where art enthusiasts can unleash their inner connoisseurs without fear of unimpressed glares! Set in a majestic building, the museums offer a delightful smorgasbord of artistic wonders, sure to make even the most cynical art critic contemplate the deeper meaning of a curly moustache. As you stroll through the cavernous galleries, be prepared to channel your inner detective as you decipher whether that statue is flawlessly sculpted or simply a careless accident in the marble workshop.

www.fine-arts-museum.be

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17. Mini-Europe

4.3 (9318)

Av. du Football 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to Mini-Europe, where you can embark on a hilarious journey of Europe's greatest hits, all condensed into bite-sized form! Get ready to experience the Eiffel Tower without any climbing required, marvel at the mini windmills of the Netherlands, and witness the leaning Tower of Pisa in a state of permanent instability, making you feel incredibly stable in comparison! This peculiar park will surely make you question whether you've been shrunk down or if the world simply decided to go on a diet.

www.minieurope.com

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18. Belvue Museum

4.3 (700)

Pl. des Palais 7, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to Belvue Museum, a place where history comes alive in a way that won't put you into a coma. Get ready to embark on an adventure through the fascinating past of Brussels, without any starchy tour guides or boring lectures. Whether you're a history buff or just an average Joe looking for a glass of knowledge with a twist, this quirky museum is sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you feeling intellectually satisfied.

belvue.be

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19. Coudenberg Palace

4.3 (833)

Pl. des Palais 7, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

If you're looking for a palace with a mysterious vibe, Coudenberg Palace in Brussels is just the ticket. A bit like a secret agent hideout, it's got underground tunnels that will make you feel like you're part of an oh-so-cool mission. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to channel your inner detective as you explore the remains of this once-grand palace – it's like solving a historical whodunit!

www.coudenberg.brussels

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20. Museum of Natural Sciences

4.5 (10595)

Rue Vautier 29, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Welcome to the Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels, where you can embark on a Jurassic journey that won't require a time machine! This dinosaur-filled paradise is a haven for paleontology enthusiasts and selfie aficionados alike. Expect to be surrounded by ancient bones, dazzling fossils, and the occasional kid who likes to roar with the exhibits - it's an adventure you won't soon forget!

www.naturalsciences.be

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Brussels, Belgium by plane is to fly into Brussels Airport (BRU) which is located approximately 11km northeast of the city center. Many airlines offer flights to Brussels from major cities across the world.

Car

Driving to Brussels is easily achievable as the city is well-connected by road. The E40 and E19 are major highways running close to Brussels, making it easy to approach the city from Antwerp or Ghent, and from France, respectively.

Train

Taking the train to Brussels is a convenient option as Brussels is well-connected to many major European cities. Brussels Midi station is the main station in the city, with high-speed trains arriving from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne amongst others.

Boat

Unfortunately, Brussels is not accessible by boat as it is not located near any major waterways. The closest water connection is the Port of Antwerp which is approximately 50km north of Brussels.

Bus

There are many bus companies offering connections to Brussels, making it an affordable option. Eurolines, Flixbus and Ouibus all offer affordable connections to Brussels from various European cities.

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