Increasingly popular thanks to its mild climate and its culinary specialties, Brussels is a versatile destination that will certainly please culture lovers. Through its historic districts, bucolic streets and well-kept treasures, you’ll discover an astonishing city that deserves to be known. Here are 15 activities to add to your itinerary during your next trip to Belgium to make it unforgettable!
1. Stroll around Grand-Place
Brussels’ central point, Grand-Place will charm you with its 15th-century Gothic architecture, an ideal spot to feel the pulse of the city while admiring its magnificent golden decor. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, you’ll find pretty chocolate shops, numerous terraces where you can grab a bite and the famous Maison des Brasseurs belges. Every two years, during the summer, you can also admire the FlowerCarpet, a huge living tapestry in the heart of the Grand-Place, showcasing the magnificent flowers grown in Belgium such as the dahlia and the begonia.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Eat a delicious Belgian waffle
It’s impossible to walk through Brussels without eating at least one iconic Belgian waffle. If you didn’t know, two types of waffles are very popular in Belgium: the Brussels waffle, known for its rectangular shape and fluffy texture and the Liège waffle which is more rounded and have a usually crispier exterior.
During our stay, we stopped at Funambule and opted for two versions: strawberries + whipped cream, and one in its purest expression with only a little powdered sugar, a real delight! In any case, Belgian waffles are definitely worth it and you won’t be short of options to treat yourself to one of these sweet creations.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
3. Explore the city via the Comic Book Route
In addition to its culinary traditions, Belgium is known for one art form in particular: comic books. To showcase famous Franco-Belgian characters including Tintin, Spirou, the Smurfs and Lucky Luke, the city of Brussels decided to create the Comic Book Route in the 1990s.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
In order to get rid of ugly advertising posters, Brussels commissioned artists to erect murals and now has more than sixty between the city centre and the Laeken and Haren districts. We were really impressed by the beauty of the murals, it’s definitely a good idea to explore the city differently. If you want to chase your favorite comic book characters, check out the map on the Comic Book Route website to plan your itinerary across Brussels.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
If you’re a Tintin fan, you’ll be delighted because a few steps from the Grand-Place, there’s also the Tintin Boutique, a store bringing together a multitude of objects following its adventures, including different versions of the comics and postcards. It’s a great place to shop for a little souvenir that doesn’t take up too much space in your suitcase.
4. Try the famous Belgian fries
Besides waffles, we absolutely had to try another classic Belgium dish: the famous fries! In addition to being absolutely delicious and crispy, La Friterie’s fries are hand-cut and served in a cone, very practical to enjoy them while you continue to walk around Brussels’ neighborhoods. To accompany your fries, you can choose a sauce including one of the most popular, the Andalouse sauce.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
5. Walk past the Manneken Pis
An emblem of Brussels since 1619, this is certainly one of the most famous statues in the world, despite its small size. Meaning “Little Pissing Man,” the 55-centimeter bronze boy knows how to draw a crowd. During your visit, you might be lucky enough to see the Manneken Pis dressed in one of his thousands of themed costumes. A few minutes’ stop will be enough to take a photo of the statue, which is located less than two minutes from the Grand-Place, but it’s worth the detour to admire this Brussels symbol.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Right across from the statue, we recommend a stop at the Manneken Pis Café for a gastronomic dinner upstairs. We went there to celebrate our wedding anniversary and we loved it, their menu was absolutely incredible! As the team uses local and seasonal ingredients, the dishes evolve over the months, but always with impeccable attention to detail and a dose of creativity. It’s also a perfect restaurant to order your first mussels and fries in Belgium!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
6. Have a Belgian beer tasting on a terrace
Whether on the Grand-Place or through the city’s various bars, a visit to Brussels isn’t complete without tasting the best beers in the region. As for us, after walking all day, we stopped on the terrace of La Brouette to enjoy a good white beer from Bruges and a Mort Subite cherry kriek, two excellent beers that will definitely quench your thirst you after a big day of exploration.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
If you want to try more beer and have a complete tasting, you should go to Delirium Village, a complex composed of 8 separate bars including the famous Delirium Cafe, which holds the Guinness record for the largest number of beers available for tasting (more than 2000 beers). Whether it’s the famous “trappist beers” made by the monks, fruity beers, strong beers or even unusual coconut beers, you’ll certainly find something to your taste.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
7. Stroll through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Fully covered, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert are a shopping complex comprising three galleries, the Queen’s, the King’s and the Princes’. Under the stained glass windows, you’ll find a ton of cafés, restaurants and shops, including the sublime Tropismes bookstore where you can make literary finds through its magnificent shelves. If you’re feeling peckish, also take advantage of your visit to the Galeries Royales to eat a waffle at Maison Dandoy.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
8. Learn how to make Belgian chocolate
If you still have some room left after your beer, waffle, and fries tastings, we suggest stopping by one of the city’s many chocolate shops, including one of Neuhaus’s boutiques to taste the Belgian praline, a creation of chocolatier Jean Neuhaus Jr. dating back to 1912.
If you want to get your hands dirty, you can also book a spot in a chocolate-making workshop to learn more about the process while creating your own chocolate creations. A must to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
9. Wander around Brussels’ gorgeous flowery streets
There’s nothing better after a chocolate tasting than to stretch your legs by strolling through the flowery streets of Brussels. Rue des Bouchers, in the heart of the Îlot Sacré district, will charm you with its colorful facades and welcoming restaurants. For a romantic stroll, explore Rue de la Cigogne or Rue des Minimes in the Sablon district, lined with antique shops.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
10. Admire the city from Mont des Arts
A must-see in Brussels, Mont des Arts offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Located between the city centre and the Royal Quarter, this cultural and historical space is home to the Royal Library as well as magnificent gardens where you can stop off. Take advantage of its central location to then continue your day in the best museums in the city including the Magritte Museum and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts nearby.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
11. Explore the Marolles neighborhood and its flea market
Between the Palais de Justice and the Gare du Midi, you’ll find the Marolles, a famous neighborhood for its daily outdoor flea market on the Place du Jeu de Balle. This historic district will allow you to make unique finds and savor local specialties in the many surrounding restaurants, including the Brocante. Its picturesque alleys and friendly atmosphere make it a popular stop for travelers who want to immerse themselves in everyday Brussels life.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
12. Take a relaxing break at Place du Petit Sablon
Inaugurated in 1890, Place du Petit Sablon is a gorgeous park, located just opposite the Notre-Dame-au-Sablon church. Its neo-Renaissance style garden is surrounded by 48 statues representing the great scholars and humanists of the time.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
You can also admire the superb fountain of the Counts of Egmont and Hornes, whose tragic end is a striking testimony to the 16th century’s atmosphere. Ideal for a quiet break or a picnic, this beautiful park is a great place to relax while still being in the heart of the city.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
13. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel
How to get a complete view of Brussels while visiting an attraction? By taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, also called The View! With a height of 55 meters and cabins that can accommodate 8 people, the wheel will allow you to see the city from a completely different angle while enjoying an audio guide in the cabin to learn more about Brussels.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
14. Take a day trip to Bruges
Often called the Venice of the North, Bruges is a magical city located in West Flanders, less than an hour and a half drive from Brussels! To get there, we recommend taking the train, it’s super efficient and it will let you enjoy the scenery during the journey. Once there, Bruges’ breathtaking Gothic architecture and its many canals will make you feel like you’re walking through a fairy tale! Start your visit with a boat cruise to admire its gabled houses, the Quai du Rosaire and cross its charming bridges like the Lac d’Amour.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Among the stops not to be missed, also note the Grand-Place with its emblematic belfry, as well as the visit of the Groeningemuseum and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. With its most romantic atmosphere, Bruges is a a perfect city for couples looking for an idyllic getaway near Brussels.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
15. Take a day trip to Ghent
After venturing to Bruges, take another 30-minute train ride to visit the charming medieval city of Ghent. Considered a Belgian cultural hub, Ghent has retained its old-world charm with its magnificent Castle of the Counts, a medieval fortress that will transport you back to the 12th century. You can also visit the Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed tower featuring a dragon protecting the city.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a food lover or simply looking for new adventures, Brussels is a city that will surprise you! From its historical monuments to its best restaurants and cafés, every street corner is full of gems to explore. All you have to do is pack your bags to experience a unique trip in this vibrant and welcoming capital.
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