Brussels Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and cuisine. Explore the stunning Grand Place, visit the iconic Atomium, and indulge in Belgian chocolates and waffles. Don't miss the Magritte Museum for a dose of surrealist art.
With 308+ hand-picked places to explore, Brussels rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Brussels
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Maison Cauchie — an impressive display of Art Nouveau architecture, featuring original sgraffito decorations. Just as worthwhile is Royal Palace of Brussels: a visit to Brussels isn't complete without exploring this neoclassical palace, a glimpse into royal life. Laeken Cemetery completes the picture: a serene spot for those interested in history and art, perfect for quiet exploration.
Maison Cauchie
Brussels • Historic Architecture
An impressive display of Art Nouveau architecture, featuring original sgraffito decorations.
Royal Palace of Brussels
Brussels • Historic Architecture
A visit to Brussels isn't complete without exploring this neoclassical palace, a glimpse into royal life.
Laeken Cemetery
Brussels • Monuments & Statues
A serene spot for those interested in history and art, perfect for quiet exploration.
Palace of Charles of Lorraine
Brussels • Monuments & Statues
Ideal for history enthusiasts and families exploring 18th-century European architecture.
Museums & Culture in Brussels
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is BOZAR - Centre for Fine Arts: a cultural landmark in Brussels, featuring a diverse array of art exhibitions and performances. Locals will also point you to Église Notre-Dame du Sablon — ideal for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, this Gothic church showcases remarkable stained glass. And for something different, there's Musée Magritte Museum: located on Rue de la Régence, this museum celebrates the legacy of René Magritte, a key figure in surrealism.
BOZAR - Centre for Fine Arts
Brussels • Art Galleries
A cultural landmark in Brussels, featuring a diverse array of art exhibitions and performances.
Église Notre-Dame du Sablon
Brussels • Historical Sites
Ideal for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, this Gothic church showcases remarkable stained glass.
Musée Magritte Museum
Brussels • Museums
Located on Rue de la Régence, this museum celebrates the legacy of René Magritte, a key figure in surrealism.
Atomium
Brussels • Historical Sites
Located in the Heysel district, this architectural marvel represents the atomic age and offers fascinating exhibits.
Best Things to Do in Brussels
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Cameo Brussels — one of Brussels' largest indoor climbing facilities, catering to both novice and experienced climbers. Royal Laeken Golf Club earns its reputation too — ideal for golf enthusiasts seeking a historical experience in Brussels. Round out the shortlist with Royal Leopold Club — one of Brussels' oldest tennis clubs, known for its historical significance and excellent facilities.
Cameo Brussels
Brussels • Indoor
One of Brussels' largest indoor climbing facilities, catering to both novice and experienced climbers.
Royal Laeken Golf Club
Brussels • Sports
Ideal for golf enthusiasts seeking a historical experience in Brussels.
Royal Leopold Club
Brussels • Sports
One of Brussels' oldest tennis clubs, known for its historical significance and excellent facilities.
Royal Sport Nautique de Bruxelles
Brussels • Sports
Perfect for an active day out, this historic rowing club offers a blend of sport and scenic views.
Where to Eat in Brussels
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with La Villa Lorraine — a refined dining experience featuring authentic Belgian cuisine in Brussels, perfect for a culinary exploration of the city. Just as worthwhile is Le Chalet de la Forêt: ideal for couples and special occasions, this restaurant offers a serene dining experience. Le Rabassier completes the picture: ideal for food enthusiasts seeking an exclusive truffle dining experience in Brussels.
La Villa Lorraine
Brussels • Local Cuisine
A refined dining experience featuring authentic Belgian cuisine in Brussels, perfect for a culinary exploration of the city.
Le Chalet de la Forêt
Brussels • Local Cuisine
Ideal for couples and special occasions, this restaurant offers a serene dining experience.
Le Rabassier
Brussels • Fine Dining
Ideal for food enthusiasts seeking an exclusive truffle dining experience in Brussels.
Bozar Restaurant
Brussels • Fine Dining
Enjoy a refined meal at Bozar Restaurant, a cultural hub in Brussels that enhances any day of exploration.
Brussels After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Chez Moeder Lambic Original: this bar features over 40 Belgian craft beers on tap, including exclusive local collaborations. Locals will also point you to Brasserie de la Senne — ideal for craft beer enthusiasts looking for a cozy spot during winter months. And for something different, there's Life is Beautiful: end your day in Brussels with a visit to this stylish cocktail bar, perfect for an evening unwind.
Chez Moeder Lambic Original
Brussels • Craft Beer Bars
This bar features over 40 Belgian craft beers on tap, including exclusive local collaborations.
Brasserie de la Senne
Brussels • Craft Beer Bars
Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts looking for a cozy spot during winter months.
Life is Beautiful
Brussels • Cocktail Bars
End your day in Brussels with a visit to this stylish cocktail bar, perfect for an evening unwind.
Moeder Lambic Fontainas
Brussels • Craft Beer Bars
Ideal for craft beer enthusiasts looking to explore local and international selections in a lively setting.
Where to Stay in Brussels
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it B&B La Maison Haute — ideal for couples and families seeking a comfortable, local experience in Brussels. Aspria Brussels Avenue Louise earns its reputation too — located on the prestigious Avenue Louise, this hotel combines wellness with luxury accommodations. Round out the shortlist with Aspria Royal La Rasante — a tranquil spot for relaxation after exploring Brussels, combining history with wellness facilities.
B&B La Maison Haute
Brussels • Bed & Breakfast
Ideal for couples and families seeking a comfortable, local experience in Brussels.
Aspria Brussels Avenue Louise
Brussels • Spa Hotels
Located on the prestigious Avenue Louise, this hotel combines wellness with luxury accommodations.
Aspria Royal La Rasante
Brussels • Spa Hotels
A tranquil spot for relaxation after exploring Brussels, combining history with wellness facilities.
B&B Chambres en Ville
Brussels • Bed & Breakfast
Located on Rue de Londres, this bed and breakfast features individually decorated rooms in a classic Brussels townhouse.
Shopping in Brussels
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Gabriele Vintage — integrate a stop at this vintage shop into a stylish day exploring Brussels. Just as worthwhile is Galerie de la Reine: located in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, this historic gallery showcases luxury shopping amidst stunning architecture. Foxhole Vintage completes the picture: a curated collection of vintage clothing spanning the 60s to the 90s awaits shoppers.
Gabriele Vintage
Brussels • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Integrate a stop at this vintage shop into a stylish day exploring Brussels.
Galerie de la Reine
Brussels • Luxury Shopping
Located in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, this historic gallery showcases luxury shopping amidst stunning architecture.
Foxhole Vintage
Brussels • Vintage & Thrift Shops
A curated collection of vintage clothing spanning the 60s to the 90s awaits shoppers.
Hunting and Collecting
Brussels • Vintage & Thrift Shops
A stylish boutique known for exclusive designer collaborations and unique vintage pieces.
Parks & Green Spaces in Brussels
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Hallerbos Hiking Trail: a captivating bluebell carpet transforms this forest trail into a serene nature experience each spring. Locals will also point you to Sonian Forest (Forêt de Soignes) — explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient trees and diverse wildlife near Brussels. And for something different, there's Bois de la Cambre: a peaceful retreat in Brussels, perfect for a nature break amid the city's energy.
Hallerbos Hiking Trail
Brussels • Hiking Trails
A captivating bluebell carpet transforms this forest trail into a serene nature experience each spring.
Sonian Forest (Forêt de Soignes)
Brussels • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient trees and diverse wildlife near Brussels.
Bois de la Cambre
Brussels • Parks
A peaceful retreat in Brussels, perfect for a nature break amid the city's energy.
Jardin du Fleuriste
Brussels • Parks
A charming botanical garden that invites leisurely exploration amidst a rich array of flora and fauna.
79 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Brussels that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Brussels list:
- Restaurant Comme Chez Soi· Local Cuisine
- Bon Bon· Fine Dining
- Humus x Hortense· Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
- Hotel Amigo· Luxury Hotels
- The Hotel Brussels· Spa Hotels
Planning where to stay in Brussels?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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