By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 29th September 2023 | Updated: 13th December 2024
Having visited Belgium for only a short while, we missed out on the opportunity to visit Brussels, so we reached out to a fellow travel blogger who has recently visited and asked, ‘Is Brussels worth visiting?’. Here is what The Geo Room had to say;
Brussels is a fabulous city that is often overlooked by many travellers. As the capital city of Belgium and the heart of EU politics, it is a lively, vibrant city with lots to see and do. However, before booking a trip, it’s always best to get a rundown on whether the place is actually worth visiting and if there is enough to entertain you.
This blog post will answer “Is Brussels worth visiting?” and give you a list of all the best things to do in the city.
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Is Brussels Worth Visiting?
Brussels is absolutely worth visiting! It is a city bursting at the seams with life and diverse culture. You’ll find something for everyone in Brussels and you’ll never get bored. Even if you only plan on visiting Brussels for a day, there are plenty of things that you can fit in.
Brussels is so beautiful and has many interesting and magical sights to see. Some of my top recommended ones would include the infamous Grand Place, Manneken Pis and the Atomium. In terms of activities, the list is practically endless as the city is full of museums, various tour options and attractions, it would be impossible to get through them all in just one trip.
No matter where you go in the city, you always stumble across new places to stop at or artwork to admire.
20 Best Things To Do In Brussels
1. Admire the Grand Place
Most travellers to Brussels start their trip with a wander around the main square of the city. The Grand Place is Brussels’ pride and joy, teeming with life every day, no matter the season. When visiting the Grand Place, you must go to every corner to fully appreciate the square’s beauty as you’ll see something new in every direction. It is also a wonderful place to sit and relax while having a traditional Belgian snack.
2. Visit Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is Brussels’ favourite little statue and shows off the city’s sense of humour very well! The small statue of a little boy peeing draws in crowds all year round. He is loved so much by the locals that he even gets dressed up on special occasions and for seasonal events.
3. Learn about EU politics at Parlamentarium
Parlamentarium is a fantastic museum that focuses on the partnership between EU countries, so it should certainly be on the top of your list of museums in Brussels. It is highly interactive with media guides available in many different languages, so it is suitable for everyone, even if you know nothing about politics whatsoever. A visit to the Parlamentarium is a great way to spend a few hours.
4. Visit the EU Parliament Hemicycle
The hemicycle is the centre of EU political debates, often seen on the TV, the hemicycle is one of the most recognisable government rooms globally. Again, the hemicycle can be toured using a multi-media guide which is highly informative. You can also visit the hemicycle during live debates and watch the high-tech translating system in action which ensures that all attendees understand each other.
5. Travel up the Atomium
The Atomium is a very unique structure in Brussels and is one of its most iconic attractions. The Atomium’s design is reflective of an iron atom and serves a great panoramic viewpoint. Each sphere has a different exhibition with the top sphere serving as a 360-degree viewing platform, the views are absolutely stunning and the exhibits in the other spheres which discuss the Atomium’s design are very interesting.
6. Wander around Mini Europe
Mini Europe tickets can be bought on their own or in conjunction with Atomium tickets. This outdoor park is a huge model village of all of Europe’s top landmarks. You can see scale models of the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and even the Grand Place.
7. Admire Brussels Palace
Brussels Palace is a very beautiful building to admire with wonderful architectural features. But the outside is only a fraction of the palace’s beauty. In the summer months, you can also tour the inside of the building and see where the Belgian Royal Family Reside.
8. Follow the Comic Strip Route
Brussels is famous for the creation of many comics and the city’s love of these magazines is celebrated by colourful walls all around the city centre. With so many murals to see, Brussels has now got a designated route that you can follow with all of the pieces numbered. A great activity in Brussels is following this walk and seeing how many creations you can spot.
9. Take beautiful pictures of the view at Mont des Arts
Mont des Arts is a beautiful park in the centre of Brussels. At the top of a grand set of steps, you can get some wonderful skyline views of the city. There are some lovely plants and trees to admire in the park too.
10. Parc de Brussels
Brussels Park is another lovely place to take a stroll or relax and pass the time. Dog walkers love this park so if you love to watch out for dogs then this is the place to go. Brussels Park also acts as an exhibition space with statues of cartoons often residing along the walkways.
11. Eat a delicious Belgian waffle
Sweet waffles are a Brussels delicacy and should not be missed! The delicious, sweet smell is enough to draw anyone in and it’s hard to walk past so many shops without stopping at least once on your trip. They’re such a big craze that you’ll even find vegan companies, so no one has to miss out.
12. See Jeanneke Pis
With Manneken Pis being such a big attraction, its lesser-known girl counterpart is often overlooked. Jeanneke Pis is the female version of the cheeky little statue and is hidden down a little side street, away from the centre.
13. Photograph Zinneke Pis
Zinneke Pis is the third rude statue in the city. It depicts a dog peeing up a bollard and is very funny. Brussels clearly has a thing for peeing statues!
14. Buy a ticket to the Comic Strip Art Museum
As already mentioned, Brussels is famous for creating many comic book characters and they are celebrated in a dedicated museum. Just a short walk from the central station, the Comic Strip Art Museum is a fabulous activity exclusive to Brussels.
15. Museum of Medicine
The Museum of Medicine is by far the least child-friendly attraction on this list and of all things to do in Brussels, but it is still fascinating for older visitors. The Museum of Medicine houses wax figures depicting the effects of many different diseases as well as exhibits on the history of medicine, just beware that it might be a bit gory for some.
16. Visit the Garderobe Manneken Pis
Want to see all of Manneken Pis’ best outfits? Well, you can, as just up the road from the statue you’ll find Garderobe Manneken Pis which is home to his iconic outfits. A personal favourite from his 1000+ collection would have to be his astronaut outfit.
17. Take a tour of the terrifying Laeken Cemetery Crypt
Laeken Cemetery is one of the most important burial places in all of Belgium. It is the final resting place of many Belgian artists and local celebrities. The crypt is very extravagant but has a gruesome history, with “exploding coffins” a common thing in the past, so again the cemetery might not be for everyone.
18. Stroll through the grand Galeries Royales Saint Hubert
Galeries Royales Saint Hubert is a very grand shopping mall. It’s perfect to walk through even if you’ve no intention of buying anything. The grand chocolate displays in many of the shop windows are wonderful to look at.
19. Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences
One of the best museums that Brussels has to offer is its Museum of Natural Sciences. You could easily spend a full day at this attraction and it’s fun for the entire family. The exhibition on human bodies is incredible (unless you’re squeamish!).
20. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
The St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral is very pretty and an architectural wonder. The windows inside are particularly stunning. Pay a visit after dark to the cathedral to see it lit up in all its glory.
Visiting Brussels – Month by Month
Wondering if visiting Brussels in a particular month is right for you? Here is a breakdown of what to expect month by month when visiting Brussels:
Brussels is typically quite overcast, with more rainfall on average than the UK, so be sure to pack an umbrella with you, whichever month you choose to visit Brussels.
Brussels in Spring
Is Brussels worth visiting in March?
Average high of 10°C / 50°F – Average low of 3°C / 37.4°F – Average 12 days of rainfall
No well-known events are happening this month.
Is Brussels worth visiting in April?
Average high of 14°C / 57.2°F – Average low of 5°C / 41°F – Average 10 days of rainfall
Easter in Brussels is full of Easter Markets and parades around the Grand Place as well as giant Easter egg hunts held in parks all around the city, which are free to take part in for everyone.
Is Brussels worth visiting in May?
Average high of 18°C / 64.4°F – Average low of 9°C / 48.2°F – Average 10 days of rainfall
Europe Day held on 9th May to celebrate peace and unity across Europe, means all EU institutions are open to the public
Brussels in Summer
Is Brussels worth visiting in June?
Average high of 21°C / 69.8°F – Average low of 12°C / 53.6°F – Average 10 days of rainfall
Ommegang of Brussels is an event honouring Charles the Fifth, with over 1400 actors, historic groups, and puppet theatres taking part in a parade and show at Grand Place. It is also a UNESCO-recognised event since 2019.
Is Brussels worth visiting in July?
Average high of 23°C / 73.4°F – Average low of 14°C / 57.2°F – Average 9 days of rainfall
Brussels International Film Festival is held from the end of June to early July, showcasing hundreds of feature films and short films throughout the heart of the city.
Is Brussels worth visiting in August?
Average high of 23°C / 73.4°F – Average low of 14°C / 57.2°F – Average 9 days of rainfall
Flower Carpet, a biennial event has been held since 1971, with millions of flowers used to create a 1,800sqm flower carpet. Volunteers from across Belgium come together outside the Grand Palace to put together this stunning masterpiece.
Brussels Summer Festival, held across the month of August, is a renowned music festival showcasing European artists. First held in 2002 it is now attended by thousands from across the world.
Brussels in Autumn
Is Brussels worth visiting in September?
Average high of 19°C / 66.2°F – Average low of 11°C / 51.8°F – Average 9 days of rainfall
No well-known events are happening this month.
Is Brussels worth visiting in October?
Average high of 15°C / 59°F – Average low of 8°C / 46.4°F – Average 9 days of rainfall
Salon du Chocolat is held from the end of October through to early November, this festival is all about celebrating chocolate, with tastings, workshops and cooking displays.
Is Brussels worth visiting in November?
Average high of 10°C / 50°F – Average low of 4°C / 39.2°F – Average 11 days of rainfall
No well-known events are happening this month.
Brussels in Winter
Is Brussels worth visiting in December?
Average high of 6°C / 42.8°F – Average low of 2°C / 35.6°F – Average 12 days of rainfall
Brussels Christmas Market, also known as Winter Wonders, is held across the Christmas holidays at Grand Palace, with over 200 stalls selling local wares, an ice rink, sound and light shows, a Ferris wheel and much more.
Is Brussels worth visiting in January?
Average high of 6°C / 42.8°F – Average low of 1°C / 33.8°F – Average 12 days of rainfall
No well-known events are happening this month.
Is Brussels worth visiting in February?
Average high of 7°C / 44.6°F – Average low of 1°C / 33.8°F – Average 9 days of rainfall
No well-known events are happening this month.
Where to stay in Brussels
Brussels is full of fantastic hotels and apartments. I would recommend staying in an Airbnb close to the Grand Place, if you book early, you can get some very good deals! By staying near the Grand Place, you’ll be close to many different transport links which makes getting about to all of the top attractions, which are further out of the city, a lot easier.
Be sure to check out the map below for the best accommodation rates for your Brussels trip.
Is Brussels Worth Visiting FAQS
Where is Brussels?
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is located in the northern half of the country. The city is situated in the region of Brussels and is often considered the heart of the EU due to the presence of EU government buildings.
How many days should you visit Brussels?
I would recommend spending 3 days in Brussels to really maximise the number of activities that you can fit in. 3 days is the perfect amount of time to make sure you hit all of the top sights but still have some time to rest and take in the city’s wonderful atmosphere.
If you want to see more of Belgium, then we would highly recommend visiting Bruges, Ghent or Mechelen – Check out our posts on these locations here.
Is Brussels worth visiting for a day?
Brussels is absolutely worth visiting for a day. Many top sights are located just a short walk from each other so you can easily get around a good chunk of the city in a few hours. With a full day, you could also make time to fit in a museum or two like the Parlamentarium.
Planning your own trip to Belgium? Be sure to download Wise by far the best currency conversion app around. We use it daily living on the border of two countries and it is a game changer when travelling!
What is Brussels known for?
Brussels is most well-known for being the ‘chocolate capital of the world’. The city is bursting with shops full of Belgian chocolate delights. It is also famous for being the centre of European politics with many debates and conferences around EU partnerships taking place in the city.
Best time to visit Brussels
Brussels would be lovely to visit in December in the run-up to Christmas as the city is beautiful when it is decorated for the festivities. Some of the other best months to visit would be March through to May as it is starting to warm up in Brussels and the days are getting longer but the city isn’t too packed with tourists.
How to get around Brussels
Brussels’ top sights can all be seen on foot. Walking is an easy and efficient way of getting around the city but attractions like the Atomium will likely require the use of a train or tram. The ticket machines are easy to use at the stations and you can pay onboard trams using your bank card.
Is Brussels Safe To Visit?
Brussels has the highest crime rate in Belgium, but it is safe to visit as long as you take some common-sense approaches during your time visiting. Like any European capital city, (or any city around the world), there are certain situations and places where tourist scams, pickpockets etc. are present, but as long as you keep an eye on your possessions and don’t fall into any typical tourist traps then you will find Brussels to be very safe.
It is also worth knowing that the tap water is safe to drink in Brussels.
What is the weather like in Brussels?
The weather in Brussels is very similar to that of the rest of mainland Western Europe. With four distinct seasons, a high of 22 °C / 71 °F in the summer and 0 °C / 32 22 °F in the winter. Brussels does however often have rainy spells and lots of fog, so be sure to pack a good waterproof coat and an umbrella with you for your trip to Belgium as well.
Is Brussels expensive to visit?
Brussels is definitely cheaper than some of the other big European cities like Rome and Paris. Depending on where you stay and how good a deal you can find on flights, Brussels is very affordable. The city’s cost of living is considered average, so you shouldn’t need to budget a huge amount unless you want to treat yourself to a high-end hotel and meals.
How much does a day in Brussels cost?
For budget travellers, you can easily get by in Brussels for less than 50 Euros a day. Plus, a lot of attractions in the city are free. Ticketed museums can be a little pricey, but you can get discounts when booking during sale times, using the Brussels Card or by using a student discount card.
Is a Brussels Card worth it?
The Brussels Card grants you admission to many top attractions around the city, but it is only really worth it if you are planning on visiting quite a few of the main attractions during your trip. I’d advise getting a card length shorter than your trip length and using it for all of the ticketed attractions in as few days as possible. So say if you were spending 3 days in Brussels, only get a 24 or 48-hour card.
Day trips from Brussels
There are many surrounding towns and cities that are accessible from Brussels via a day trip. Some to consider would be Ghent, Bruges, Mechelen and Antwerp. If you’re looking to go further afield then Amsterdam and Luxembourg City can also be visited in just one day.
Is Bruges or Brussels better?
Both Bruges and Brussels are absolutely gorgeous, and each has things to love. However, there is a lot more exploring to be done in Brussels and it is a lot more lively than Bruges. That being said Bruges has a much more romantic vibe and relaxed atmosphere.
Is Brussels better than Amsterdam?
Brussels and Amsterdam both have their best bits and if I had to choose between the two, I’d definitely go for Brussels as there are many more free attractions.
Conclusion: Is Brussels worth visiting?
To round it up, is Brussels worth visiting, absolutely yes and shouldn’t be overlooked because it is less popular than other European cities. The city is always bustling with locals and tourists alike and the huge abundance of attractions means you’ll never run out of fun.
Even if you’ve only a short amount of time in the Belgian capital, you will be able to easily fill your day with fun activities and sightseeing. Some of the top attractions in Brussels are free, making it very budget-friendly as well.
Brussels should definitely be on the top of your list when considering visiting Belgium. A trip to Brussels is guaranteed to leave you with some amazing memories and wanting to go back time and time again and visit more of the wonderful country of Belgium.
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Here are a few other articles you may find useful for planning your trip:
📍 How To Spend 3 Days In Belgium – Bruges, Ghent & Mechelen
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.