{"id":26929,"date":"2022-01-04T08:13:17","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T21:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.totraveltoo.com\/?p=26929"},"modified":"2023-12-27T07:55:47","modified_gmt":"2023-12-26T20:55:47","slug":"things-to-do-in-brussels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.totraveltoo.com\/things-to-do-in-brussels\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Top Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium [Updated 2024]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is Brussels on your travel ‘to do’ list this year? If so, you are off to an exciting destination!<\/p>\n

Our guest post is from Laura from Laurewanders<\/span><\/a><\/strong> who was born in Belgium and who is very passionate about her place of birth. Grab a cup of coffee, sit down and relax and enjoy Laura’s article on things to do in Brussels.<\/p>\n

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our\u00a0<\/i>disclosure<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for more information. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable).\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

There are many fun things to do in Brussels, Belgium’s sparkling capital. From admiring beautiful architecture (and quirky peeing statues) to devouring some delicious waffles, this is a city that has something to offer to anyone.<\/p>\n

Being Europe’s unofficial capital, Brussels is a city that should be included on any Belgium itinerary<\/a>.<\/span><\/strong> This post will help you make the most of your trip. It includes the city’s highlights as well as some handy insider tips from a local (I was born in Brussels and lived there for more than 10 years).<\/p>\n

For the best of Brussels read on.<\/p>\n

What to do in Brussels: 11 things you can’t miss<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\"Grand
Grand Place<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1.\u00a0 Admire the Grand Place (a must-see in Brussels)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Grand Place, or Grote Markt in Dutch, is argued to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and it’s a place that you cannot miss on a visit to Brussels. This UNESCO World Heritage<\/a><\/span><\/strong> site is paved with cobblestones and surrounded by marvellous guild houses dating back to the 11th century through to the 17th century.<\/p>\n

On your visit, you might notice that the Town Hall is not built symmetrically. According to the legend, the architect who designed the building jumped off the tower after finding this out. The spot where he supposedly fell is marked with a star.<\/p>\n

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\"Mannekin
Manneken Pis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2.\u00a0 Say hello to Manneken Pis & other peeing statues<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This little fountain is one of the landmarks Belgium is best known for<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/a> Manneken Pis was designed in 1388, and it has since become the symbol of the capital.<\/p>\n

There are many legends related to Manneken Pis. One of the most famous ones tells the story of a little boy extinguishing a fire by peeing on it.<\/p>\n

But did you know that Brussels has not just one, but three peeing statues? You can also find a statue of a peeing little girl (Janneke Pis) and a peeing dog (Zinneke Pis) in the streets of the Belgian capital.<\/p>\n

\"Atomium
The Atomium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3.\u00a0 Visit the Atomium – a Brussels Landmark Attraction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Built for the Brussels World’s Fair of 1958, the Atomium wasn’t intended to become one of the city’s permanent landmarks. However, once the fair was over, people loved it so much that the decision was made to keep it.<\/p>\n

The Atomium represents an enormous iron crystal, which is magnified a whopping 165 billion times compared to its normal size.<\/p>\n

Although this landmark isn’t located in the centre of the city, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brussels, and it is worth the detour. You can visit its unique interior as well, and you’ll find a panoramic viewpoint in its highest sphere.<\/p>\n

Get the most out of your stay in Brussels with maximum savings and flexibility. Save up to 40% on admission to over 50 museums, guided tours, and must-visit attractions like the unmissable Atomium.<\/strong><\/p>\nGet Your Discount Card Here and Save up to 40%<\/a>\n

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\"Brussels
Brussels Comic Book Route<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4.\u00a0 Follow the comic book route in Brussels<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Belgium is quite famous for its comic books. Think about Tintin, Lucky Luke, Marsupilami, or The Smurfs – these are all Belgian.<\/p>\n

When you’re walking around the streets of Brussels, you’ll notice that the city is full of large murals of comic book heroes. There are more than 50 of these in total, and following the route<\/a><\/span><\/strong> that connects them is a fun way to explore the city.<\/p>\n

Some of the most popular comic book walls are the Brousaille Wall, the Victor Sackville Wall, and the Le Jeune Albert Wall. These are all located in the centre of the city.<\/p>\n

\"Galleries
Galleries Royales Saint Hubert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5.\u00a0 Admire the Galleries Royales Saint Hubert<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The beautiful Galleries Royales Saint Hubert (or Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen in Dutch) are one of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades. They were built by Belgian architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer between 1846 and 1847.<\/p>\n

Apart from admiring the architecture, these galleries are a great place to go window shopping. You’ll find many boutiques and chocolate shops here. It’s also interesting to note that the arcade’s higher floors consist of luxury apartments.<\/p>\n

\"The
The Black Tower<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6.\u00a0 Head to Sainte Catherine neighbourhood<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This vibrant neighbourhood used to be famous for its fish market. It’s here that fishermen sold their products during the olden days. Although this is no longer the case, the Sainte Catherine area is still known for its seafood today. You’ll find plenty of seafood restaurants and shops here.<\/p>\n

Some of the things you can’t miss while you’re here are Sainte Catherine’s Church and the Tour Noire (the Black Tower in English). The latter are the remains of Brussels’ 13th-century city walls.<\/p>\n

\"Mont
Mont des Arts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7.\u00a0 Climb up Mont des Arts<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Mont des Arts connects downtown and uptown Brussels. Once you’ve walked through its garden, you’ll find a staircase leading to a fountain. From the top of this staircase, you’ll find the most beautiful view of the city.<\/p>\n

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Old England Building<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don’t forget to check out the Old England building while you’re there – this is a stunning art nouveau building constructed by famous Belgian architect Victor Horta. The Old England Building was once a department store, but it now houses the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), which brings me to my next point.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0 Visit a Brussels Museum<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Brussels is home to a great number of interesting museums. My personal favourite is the Magritte Museum,<\/span><\/strong><\/a> which is dedicated to the Belgian surrealist artist Ren\u00e9 Magritte.<\/p>\nPurchase your entry ticket in advance here to the Magritte Museum <\/a>\n