Amazing Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Brussels

October 10, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 5684 Views

Brussels is the capital of Belgium as well as the Brussels Capital Region. You get your usual serving of European travel in Brussels and then some. The place is famous for Belgian Chocolates, art nouveau architecture, laces, unique cuisine, craft beer, and more. There are two particular tours which are unique to the city and among the best things to do in Brussels. This would be the comic book trail and Tintin trail. These trails will take you to souvenir shops, monuments, street art, murals, and several other best places to visit in Brussels. Another unique scavenger hunt to embark on among free things to do in Brussels is the hunt for a statue of three pis. There is Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis, and Het Zinneke. The first two are statues of little boys pissing and the last on is that of a dog doing the same thing. These Brussels points of interest do bring out a chuckle.

However, if you are taking the traditional route for Brussels sightseeing, then you may start with The Grand Place. This monument is better explored on foot, otherwise, the traffic at the city center will take up too much of your time. If you visit Brussels Grand Place during the day you will see intricate architecture, if you visit it by night you will see the same architecture beautifully lit up with colorful lights. The monument looks amazing either way.

A similar gothic work of architecture is expressed at Notre Dame du Sablom Cathedral. The statue of Madonna in the church is said to have healing grace. Another popular place among things to see in Brussels is La Botanique or the Botanical Garden. The greenhouse you see in the garden was developed in the 19th century and the garden is older still. There are several events held at this Brussels attraction. You can check out their calendar to see if you can join in on any of the fun things to do in Brussels. The majority of events are focused on arts and culture, so it is highly recommended for those who admire arts, dance, music or a cultural experience with the locals.

In the same vein, if you are looking for local crafts and souvenirs to take back as memories of Brussels travel, you should visit the Fashion & Lace Museum. Though you will get much cheaper souvenirs in one of the markets, but this museum is among the places to see in Brussels which outlines the history of the craft in the region. In the same markets and lanes, you can enjoy some locally brewed beer. There is also a Brussels travel guide outlining beer tours available. It is a fun city to visit.

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Table of Contents

Explore The Top Tourist Attractions of Brussels in 3 Days (3 Days Travel Itinerary)

Day 1

1. St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral

The Church is named after the patron saints of Brussels. This is where Belgian Royal Weddings are held. It is also among top things to do in Brussels for tourists. You will need at least 1 hour to explore this Cathedral.

2. The Grand Place

This is the central square of the city with a few Brussels attractions in its periphery. Even if you do not explore any place from within you will need at least 15 to 20 minutes at this square. You can however explore the gothic structure of the town hall. You will be spending approximately 45 minutes in total at the Grand Place.

3. Manneken Pis

The statue of the little boy pissing is among top things to see in Brussels. The bronze statue and fountain is located on 31 Rue de I’Etuve. You can take 15 to 20 minutes for this Brussels attraction.

4. Magritte Museum

The museum is dedicated to the work and life of surrealist artist Rene Magritte, who hails from Belgium. As there are several exhibits in the Museum, you need at least one hour to explore this museum casually. If you do engage with majority of exhibitions then keep aside 2 hours for this museum.

5. Royal Museum of Fine Arts

Right next to Magritte Museum if the Royal Museum of Fine Arts with exhibits from several local and international artists. You will need yet another hour to explore this fine arts museum.

6. Belgian Royal Palace

Finally you can culminate your first day for Brussels sightseeing at the Regal setting of the Belgian Royal Palace. There are numerous rooms, exhibits, events and a variety of top things to do in Brussels at this Palace. So you will be spending at least a couple of hours here.

Day 2

1. Cacao & Chocolate Museum

Belgian Chocolate is among the most variety of the delicious delight across the world. This museum tells you why that is so. Plus you get to taste some chocolates. You can also purchase some of the finest Belgian chocolates here. Keep an hour and a half in mind for the chocolate museum.

2. Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon

This Gothic Church was built between the 15th and 16th century. At that time it was much smaller. Over the years the church was built upon and expanded. It is one of the most architecturally beautiful points of interest in Brussels. You will need an hour for this place.

3. Musical Instrument Museum

There are over 9000 musical instruments in this museum. If you are a musician this would be a very interesting place to visit in Brussels. The Musical Instrument Museum requires one hour of time to explore.

4. Palace of Coudenberg

The Palace is 700 years old, but in the year 1731 it was destroyed by fire. Though there are several parts of the Palace which stand strong and it is quite large. So you will need 2 hours for Palace of Coudenberg.

Day 3

1. Mini Europe

This amusement park feature miniature replicas of several major monuments from across Europe. It is among fun things to do in Brussels. Though the park is quite large so you need at least 2 or 3 hours to explore this place.

2. Atomium

This Brussels tourist attraction was modeled after atom of iron, built by Andre Waterkeyn, Andre Polak, and Jean Polak. You can keep aside 15 to 30 minutes for this monument.

3. Belgian Comic Strip Center

Belgian Comic Strip Center is a twin treat among places to see in Brussels. Inside is quirky collection of comic book exhibits while outside expresses art nouveau architecture. You need about 2 hours for this place.

4. EU Parliament

Politically, EU Parliament is among the most important Brussels points of interest. There are both 1 hour and 2 hour guided tour around the place. You can pick the you prefer and tour along.

If you are planning to stay more than 3 days in Brussels, then please check out our below list of all the things to do in Brussels.

Things to do in Brussels

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Brussels

The Grand Place
Manneken Pis Statue
Old England Building
Atomium
Royal Palace of Brussels
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Musical Instruments Museum
Horta Museum
Jeanneke Pis Statue
St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral
Musee Magritte Museum
Comics Art Museum
National basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg
Brussels City Museum
Coudenberg Palace
Parlamentarium Museum
BELvue Museum
Het Zinneke Pis Statue
Church of our Lady of Victories T Sablon
Place Royale
Royal Museum of Armed Forces & Military History
Halle Gate
Train World Museum
Museum of Natural Sciences
Art & History Museum
Autoworld Museum
Castle of Laeken
Stoclet Palace
Royal Museum for Central Africa
Gaasbeek Castle
Design Museum Brussels
Saint Catherine Church
Villa Empain
Museum Van Buuren
King’s House
Abbaye de la Cambre
Eglise Notre Dame de Laeken
Museum of Ixelles
Red Cloister
Groot Bijgaarden Castle
Chapel Church
Maison Autrique Museum
Fin de Siecle Museum
Belgian Brewers Museum
Museum of Urban Transport
Constantin Meunier Museum
Rene Magritte Museum
Congress Column
Royal Library of Belgium
Belgian Chocolate Village Museum
Foundation Folon Museum
Oldmasters Museum
Wiertz Museum
Fashion & Lace Museum
Chateau de la Hulpe

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Brussels

Sonian Forest
Lake Genval
Ixelles Ponds

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Brussels

Mini Europe
Mont des Arts / Mountain of Arts
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
Choco Story Brussels
Bois de la Cambre
La Botanique Cultural Center
Oceade Water Park
MIMA Contemporary Arts
Nemo 33 Diving Center
Botanic Garden Meise
Botanical Garden of Brussels
Musee Bruxelois de la Gueuze Brewery
Wiels Center for Contemporary Art
House of European History
La Boutique Tintin
Planetarium de L’obervatoire Royal de Belgique
Espace Leopold
Canal Centre Pomppidou Arts Center
Tintin Comic Mural
Asterix & Obelix Museum
Cubitus
Royal Park Theatre
Comic Book Trail
Tintin Trail

Shopping in Brussels

Marolles Flea Market
Avenue Louise
Gare du Midi Market
Galeries St. Hubert Mall
Rue Neuve Street
Galeries Louis
Sablon Market
Galeries Toison d’Or
Boulevard de Waterloo
Galeries Agora
Chatelain Market
Chaussee d’Ixelles Street
Rue Antoine Danseart
Saint Jacques District
Rue du Baili
Rue de Namur

Sightseeing in Brussels

Brussels Town Hall
Law Courts of Brussels
Brussels Park
Place du Grand Sablon
Leopold Park
Hotel Solvay
Hotel Tassel
Le Senne Canal
Hotel van Eetvelde
Place du Jeu de Balle
Reu des Bouchers
Place du Petit Sablon
Place du Luxembourg
Park de Laeken
Place Poelart Square
Josaphat Park
Le Berlaymont
Cauchie House

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Brussels

Goupil le Fol
C’est Bon C’est Belge
La Cantina
Mer du Nord
Waff
Dolma
Kokob
Nuovo Rosso
Bonnefooi
Marche de Tanneurs
La Maison de Peuple
Yaki
Le Loft
Ballekes
Les Super Filles du Tram
Beer Mania
Cafe Belga
Contrebande
La Quincaillerie
Meme Cafe

Where to Stay in Brussels?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Brussels. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Brussels.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Brussels

How to Reach Brussels?

By Air

You have two options for Brussels travel, namely Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Brussels Airport. The former sits about 60 km away from the city. It is the smaller one of the two airports serving direct flights to visit Brussels from Manchester, Barcelona, Sofia, Belgrade, Riga, Dublin, Warsaw, Bucharest, Edinburg, Prague, Vilnius, and more. You can get buses or cabs to reach the places to visit in Brussels from South Charleroi Airport.

The Brussels Airport is the larger airport and is closer to the city. If you are traveling from outside Europe, this would be your destination in Belgium. You have the option to use Belgian Rail, bus, or cab for Brussels travel from the airport. It will take you about 20 minutes by Belgian rail to reach Central Station in the city. You can immediately go for Brussels sightseeing from the station if you so choose. Unless you are tired of the journey of course. There are still some Brussels tourist attractions you can explore coming out the Central Station and before hitting your hotel. You will also find a Brussels travel guide at the station in form of brochures and books. The bus journey from the airport only takes 10 minutes longer. You can also choose to use cabs to reach your hotel or Brussels attractions from the airport. Though this will be way more expensive than other transport options.

By Road

You can get a direct train for Brussels travel from Paris, Avignon, Nice, Lyon, Ashford, London, Montpellier, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Cologne, Marseille, Luxembourg, Bordeaux and so on.

You can also get direct buses to visit Brussels from various cities in Europe. Some of the most popular destinations for bus travel to and from Brussels are Paris, London and Amsterdam.

By Water

Brussels is a landlocked city so there are no water routes for Brussels travel.

Image Reference

St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral – ctj71081 / Flickr
The Grand Place – Goi / PixaBay
Manneken Pis – Francisco Antunes / Flickr
Magritte Museum – Mx. Granger, CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
Royal Museum of Fine Arts – Michel wal, CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Belgian Royal Palace – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
Cacao & Chocolate Museum – Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat / Wikimedia Commons
Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon – ctj71081 / Flickr
Musical Instrument Museum – Fred Romero / Flickr
Palace of Coudenberg – Reino Baptista / Wikimedia Commons
Mini Europe – Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Atomium – Waldo Miguez / Pixabay
Belgian Comic Strip Center – Spielvogel / Wikimedia Commons
EU Parliament – Florian Pircher / PixaBay