MUST DO'S IN BRUSSELS
Sightseeing
The Grand-Place is the central square of the City of Brussels. All over the world it is known for its decorative and aesthetic wealth. The Grand-Place is surrounded by the guild houses, the City Hall and the Maison du Roi.
204 locals recommend
Grand Place
Grote MarktThe Grand-Place is the central square of the City of Brussels. All over the world it is known for its decorative and aesthetic wealth. The Grand-Place is surrounded by the guild houses, the City Hall and the Maison du Roi.
The Atomium is an international tourist attraction. This unique piece of architecture, created on the occasion of the World Fair of Brussels in 1958, is the most popular monument of the capital of Europe.
518 locals recommend
Atomium
1 Pl. de l'AtomiumThe Atomium is an international tourist attraction. This unique piece of architecture, created on the occasion of the World Fair of Brussels in 1958, is the most popular monument of the capital of Europe.
The famous Manneken-Pis remains the emblem of the rebellious spirit of the City of Brussels. His wardrobe counts more than 900 suits.
485 locals recommend
Manneken Pis
The famous Manneken-Pis remains the emblem of the rebellious spirit of the City of Brussels. His wardrobe counts more than 900 suits.
The gallery includes shops, auditoriums, cafés, restaurants and apartments. The place to be for the fashionable, right away, the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert draws a wide audience, with its luxury brands, elegant cafés and cultural spaces.
12 locals recommend
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
5 Galerie du RoiThe gallery includes shops, auditoriums, cafés, restaurants and apartments. The place to be for the fashionable, right away, the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert draws a wide audience, with its luxury brands, elegant cafés and cultural spaces.
Situated on the North-South axis that connects the lower, working-class part of the city with the upper, aristocratic part, the Mont des Arts has had quite an eventful history.
124 locals recommend
Mount of the Arts
Situated on the North-South axis that connects the lower, working-class part of the city with the upper, aristocratic part, the Mont des Arts has had quite an eventful history.
In a beautifully restored complex in Brussels, of which one part is Art Nouveau and the other is Neoclassical in design, the 1100 most interesting instruments are assembled in 4 galleries, enhanced by images and text panels.
427 locals recommend
Musical Instruments Museum
2 Rue Montagne de la CourIn a beautifully restored complex in Brussels, of which one part is Art Nouveau and the other is Neoclassical in design, the 1100 most interesting instruments are assembled in 4 galleries, enhanced by images and text panels.
MINI-EUROPE is the only park where you can visit the whole of Europe in a couple of hours. A truly unique voyage ! Stroll amid the typical ambiance of the most beautiful towns of the Old Continent.
99 locals recommend
Mini-Europe
1 Av. du FootballMINI-EUROPE is the only park where you can visit the whole of Europe in a couple of hours. A truly unique voyage ! Stroll amid the typical ambiance of the most beautiful towns of the Old Continent.
The Magritte Museum presents the largest collection of the renowned Belgian artist René Magritte: 230 works and archives are showcased.
489 locals recommend
Magritte Museum
1 Pl. RoyaleThe Magritte Museum presents the largest collection of the renowned Belgian artist René Magritte: 230 works and archives are showcased.
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
Esplanade de la Sainte-GuduleEvery spring (April-May), the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are open to the public for 3 weeks. It is an excellent opportunity to see the wonderful architecture of Alphonse Balat, the mentor of Victor Horta, and the many plants in the greenhouses.
76 locals recommend
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
61 Avenue du Parc RoyalEvery spring (April-May), the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are open to the public for 3 weeks. It is an excellent opportunity to see the wonderful architecture of Alphonse Balat, the mentor of Victor Horta, and the many plants in the greenhouses.
Extending the forest of Soignes, the Bois de la Cambre is a place for walking, sport and leisure.
An irregular quadrilateral, the wood is divided into two parts: in the first, where the canopy is denser, the two main attractions are the English lawn and the ravine, overlooked by an imposing rock bridge. The lake of six hectares is the center of interest of the second. It has a wooded island housing the Chalet Robinson, which is reached with a ferry.
533 locals recommend
Bois de la Cambre
Extending the forest of Soignes, the Bois de la Cambre is a place for walking, sport and leisure.
An irregular quadrilateral, the wood is divided into two parts: in the first, where the canopy is denser, the two main attractions are the English lawn and the ravine, overlooked by an imposing rock bridge. The lake of six hectares is the center of interest of the second. It has a wooded island housing the Chalet Robinson, which is reached with a ferry.
The Royal Palace is where the King of Belgium exercises his authority as Head of State and is the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium. It also houses rooms for the country’s special guests, most of which are Heads of State and the offices of certain ministries.
It's a tradition: every summer, the Royal Palace opens its doors to the public.
222 locals recommend
Royal Palace of Brussels
16 Rue BrederodeThe Royal Palace is where the King of Belgium exercises his authority as Head of State and is the official palace of the King and Queen of Belgium. It also houses rooms for the country’s special guests, most of which are Heads of State and the offices of certain ministries.
It's a tradition: every summer, the Royal Palace opens its doors to the public.
Not only this museum is worth a look, but also find all the comic book walls.
There is a specific route which you can follow on this website, where you will explore the 31 comic book walls there are around Brussels: https://www.brussels.be/comic-book-route?multilink=switch
196 locals recommend
Brussels Comic Book Museum
20 Rue des SablesNot only this museum is worth a look, but also find all the comic book walls.
There is a specific route which you can follow on this website, where you will explore the 31 comic book walls there are around Brussels: https://www.brussels.be/comic-book-route?multilink=switch
The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium hold the most important collection of visual arts of the country. Through paintings, sculptures and drawings, over 20.000 artworks and six museums tell our history, from the 15th to the 21st century.
216 locals recommend
Musee Magritte Museum - Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
3 Rue de la RégenceThe Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium hold the most important collection of visual arts of the country. Through paintings, sculptures and drawings, over 20.000 artworks and six museums tell our history, from the 15th to the 21st century.
The Palace of Justice is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the whole of Europe. It is currently still the most important court building in Belgium.
Due to its cheer size and its location on the high Town of Brussels, the building is visible from most parts of the town.
The best views of Brussels are found on Poelaert Square, where the main entrance to the building is located.
8 locals recommend
Law Courts of Brussels
1 Place PoelaertThe Palace of Justice is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the whole of Europe. It is currently still the most important court building in Belgium.
Due to its cheer size and its location on the high Town of Brussels, the building is visible from most parts of the town.
The best views of Brussels are found on Poelaert Square, where the main entrance to the building is located.
Located in the outskirts of Brussels, in the neighbourhood of Koekelberg, Sacré-Coeur Basilica is an architectural masterpiece from the twentieth century.
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg
1 BasiliekvoorpleinLocated in the outskirts of Brussels, in the neighbourhood of Koekelberg, Sacré-Coeur Basilica is an architectural masterpiece from the twentieth century.
Located under the Place Royal are the remains of the buried and ruined former Palace of Coudenberg, the ancient seat of government of the area of the Duchy of Brabant. To visit the remains if the old Palace, you need to go through the Belvue Museum.
24 locals recommend
Coudenberg Palace
7 Pl. des PalaisLocated under the Place Royal are the remains of the buried and ruined former Palace of Coudenberg, the ancient seat of government of the area of the Duchy of Brabant. To visit the remains if the old Palace, you need to go through the Belvue Museum.
Neighbourghoods
If you’re a typical tourist visiting Brussels, you will not want to stay in Les Marolles. If you’re a traveler who is less interested in seeing how the European elite live and more interested in exploring the city like a local, you should consider Les Marolles. This residential neighborhood has a lot to offer travelers looking to live like locals. This diverse neighborhood is a mix of French and Flemish, but has welcomed many waves of immigrants, including those from Spain, North Africa, Turkey and Syria. In addition to its diversity, the neighborhood is famous for its daily Vieux Marché, or flea market, at the place Jeu de Balle, where clothes, antiques and more are sold. A neighborhood rapidly undergoing gentrification, this once working class neighborhood is now sprawling with cafés, markets, bars and restaurants for travelers to explore.
113 locals recommend
Marollen
If you’re a typical tourist visiting Brussels, you will not want to stay in Les Marolles. If you’re a traveler who is less interested in seeing how the European elite live and more interested in exploring the city like a local, you should consider Les Marolles. This residential neighborhood has a lot to offer travelers looking to live like locals. This diverse neighborhood is a mix of French and Flemish, but has welcomed many waves of immigrants, including those from Spain, North Africa, Turkey and Syria. In addition to its diversity, the neighborhood is famous for its daily Vieux Marché, or flea market, at the place Jeu de Balle, where clothes, antiques and more are sold. A neighborhood rapidly undergoing gentrification, this once working class neighborhood is now sprawling with cafés, markets, bars and restaurants for travelers to explore.
The European quarter in Brussels is made up of lively squares, original shops, exceptional green spaces, world-renowned museums and, on top of all that, the incredibly interesting and attractive offer from all the European institutions.
23 locals recommend
Leopold Quarter
The European quarter in Brussels is made up of lively squares, original shops, exceptional green spaces, world-renowned museums and, on top of all that, the incredibly interesting and attractive offer from all the European institutions.
Sablon is a neighborhood that still holds onto traditional medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Visitors come to Sablon for its quaint antiques, stunning gothic buildings and delicious Belgian chocolate shops. Every weekend, the plaza of Grand Sablon transforms into a market that features a display of antique vendors and booksellers who are willing to take you up on a bargain. For those looking to view Gothic churches, the Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon has free entry, and is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country. No trip to Brussels, or Sablon is complete without experiencing a taste of Belgian chocolate, from popular and delicious brands like Marcolini, Leonidas, Neuhaus and of course, Godiva.
198 locals recommend
Zavel
Sablon is a neighborhood that still holds onto traditional medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Visitors come to Sablon for its quaint antiques, stunning gothic buildings and delicious Belgian chocolate shops. Every weekend, the plaza of Grand Sablon transforms into a market that features a display of antique vendors and booksellers who are willing to take you up on a bargain. For those looking to view Gothic churches, the Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon has free entry, and is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country. No trip to Brussels, or Sablon is complete without experiencing a taste of Belgian chocolate, from popular and delicious brands like Marcolini, Leonidas, Neuhaus and of course, Godiva.
Saint Gilles may not be so well known to tourists, but it is definitely a Belgian favorite amongst the city’s population of young people. This trendy, multicultural, bohemian neighborhood of Brussels boasts an eclectic vibe and a laid-back relaxed atmosphere. Recently, Saint-Gilles has emerged as a cultural hotspot, attracting artists, writers, musicians and anyone with an interest in art and culture. The area frequently hosts festivals and events for creatives in the area to showcase their talent. At night, this neighbourhood is more quiet than those found in Saint Gery or downtown, which also means it’s cheaper, has less crowds and generally a more laid-back atmosphere.
28 locals recommend
Saint-Gilles
Saint Gilles may not be so well known to tourists, but it is definitely a Belgian favorite amongst the city’s population of young people. This trendy, multicultural, bohemian neighborhood of Brussels boasts an eclectic vibe and a laid-back relaxed atmosphere. Recently, Saint-Gilles has emerged as a cultural hotspot, attracting artists, writers, musicians and anyone with an interest in art and culture. The area frequently hosts festivals and events for creatives in the area to showcase their talent. At night, this neighbourhood is more quiet than those found in Saint Gery or downtown, which also means it’s cheaper, has less crowds and generally a more laid-back atmosphere.
For those looking for a more upscale experience from Brussels, Avenue Louise is sure to delight with some of the ritziest fine dining and shopping options in Europe. This neighborhood offers visitors a modern, luxurious view of Brussels. The avenue is a runway of prestigious, high-end international brands like Versace and Chanel, as well as awe-inspiring Art Nouveau buildings that are home to respected diplomats and wealthy businesses. Here, travellers can sightsee, window shop and enjoy luxury at the capital of the European Union.
263 locals recommend
Avenue Louise
For those looking for a more upscale experience from Brussels, Avenue Louise is sure to delight with some of the ritziest fine dining and shopping options in Europe. This neighborhood offers visitors a modern, luxurious view of Brussels. The avenue is a runway of prestigious, high-end international brands like Versace and Chanel, as well as awe-inspiring Art Nouveau buildings that are home to respected diplomats and wealthy businesses. Here, travellers can sightsee, window shop and enjoy luxury at the capital of the European Union.
An artsy neighborhood as well as the home of two universities, this young and trendy neighborhood is a favorite for tourists, backpackers and Belgians alike. It is undoubtedly one of Brussel’s most interesting and diverse neighborhoods, attracting artists, writers, intellectuals as well as a vibrant café scene and nightlife. For those who want to see all aspects of Brussels, from its old European architecture to its modernization, globalization and gentrification, Ixelles has a piece of it all. Ixelles has plenty to attract any type of traveler. Nature lovers rejoice at parks, like The Tenbosch Park, while shopping enthusiasts will love strolling through the stores of Chaussée d’Ixelles — not to mention the incredible food and beer scene the neighborhood has. A local favorite and a must-try in Ixelles, Place Fernand Cocq has not only delicious food, but also great cocktails and a dance floor on the weekends.
19 locals recommend
Ixelles
21 Abbaye de la CambreAn artsy neighborhood as well as the home of two universities, this young and trendy neighborhood is a favorite for tourists, backpackers and Belgians alike. It is undoubtedly one of Brussel’s most interesting and diverse neighborhoods, attracting artists, writers, intellectuals as well as a vibrant café scene and nightlife. For those who want to see all aspects of Brussels, from its old European architecture to its modernization, globalization and gentrification, Ixelles has a piece of it all. Ixelles has plenty to attract any type of traveler. Nature lovers rejoice at parks, like The Tenbosch Park, while shopping enthusiasts will love strolling through the stores of Chaussée d’Ixelles — not to mention the incredible food and beer scene the neighborhood has. A local favorite and a must-try in Ixelles, Place Fernand Cocq has not only delicious food, but also great cocktails and a dance floor on the weekends.
A lively neighborhood bursting with bars, restaurants, boutiques and music, this is the perfect neighborhood for the traveler looking to be in the heart of modern Belgian culture. The neighborhood has transformed from a ghost town a few hundred years ago, into Brussels’ most notable dining and drinking districts. On summer nights, Belgians and visitors alike gather on the sidewalk terraces and enjoy live music, food and balmy weather.
119 locals recommend
Saint-Géry Island
Place Saint-GéryA lively neighborhood bursting with bars, restaurants, boutiques and music, this is the perfect neighborhood for the traveler looking to be in the heart of modern Belgian culture. The neighborhood has transformed from a ghost town a few hundred years ago, into Brussels’ most notable dining and drinking districts. On summer nights, Belgians and visitors alike gather on the sidewalk terraces and enjoy live music, food and balmy weather.
As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is undoubtedly one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Europe, and nowhere else is this as prominent as in Saint Josse-ten-Noode. This diverse neighborhood is a haven for expats with its blend of different cultures along with its variety of parks and restaurants. Located only a 10 to 15 minute walk outside of downtown Brussels, the location of the neighborhood could not be more perfect for travelers looking to get a feel for the how the real people of Brussels, the Bruxellois, live. This area is well underway in revitalizing and attracting even more visitors-turned-residents to the city. Saint Josse-ten-Noode has the highest population density in the city of Brussels, as well as the lowest average age, and its likely due to its lower-than-average rental prices and inexpensive stores and restaurants compared to the rest of Brussels. For those looking for an atypical neighborhood in the heart of Brussels, Saint Josse-ten-Noode is worth checking out.
Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is undoubtedly one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Europe, and nowhere else is this as prominent as in Saint Josse-ten-Noode. This diverse neighborhood is a haven for expats with its blend of different cultures along with its variety of parks and restaurants. Located only a 10 to 15 minute walk outside of downtown Brussels, the location of the neighborhood could not be more perfect for travelers looking to get a feel for the how the real people of Brussels, the Bruxellois, live. This area is well underway in revitalizing and attracting even more visitors-turned-residents to the city. Saint Josse-ten-Noode has the highest population density in the city of Brussels, as well as the lowest average age, and its likely due to its lower-than-average rental prices and inexpensive stores and restaurants compared to the rest of Brussels. For those looking for an atypical neighborhood in the heart of Brussels, Saint Josse-ten-Noode is worth checking out.
Food scene
Brussels Grill Grand Place
89 Rue du Marché Aux HerbesAmadeo
26 Rue Sainte-CatherineOnline reservation needed
Sabor Latino
51 Parv. de Saint-GillesGreen Mango
142 Chau. de VleurgatBia Mara
41 Rue du Marché aux PouletsLes 2 Orients - Ixelles
39 Rue de la PaixMakisu
5 Rue du BailliBavet
97 Rue du BailliMer du Nord
45 Pl. Sainte-Catherine