The Ultimate Brussels City Guide: What To See, Eat, & Do?

Brussels Belgium might appear to be a boring city, known as the financial district of Belgium, but there’s so much worth discovering! There’s no shortage of art, culture, beer, and delicious food to explore.

I’ve been to Brussels twice now -the first time nearly wasn’t enough time that I ended up choosing to live there for a month!

So in this Brussels city guide, I’ll go over everything you need to now about visiting this beautiful city. What are the must sees in the city, what food do you have to try, and where you should stay in Brussels!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Brussels City Guide

Brussels is in the Northern part of Belgium in the Flanders region (Belgium is split into Flanders and Wallonia).

What Language Is Spoken In Brussels?

You may notice that Brussels is in the Flanders region of Belgium, the Flemish speaking region. But, Brussels is the exception, everyone speaks French in Brussels (don’t worry they still understand and speak English). 

How To Spell/ Pronounce Brussels

In French, the city name is spelled Bruxelles. Don’t make the mistake of pronouncing the X as an X should sound. It should always be pronounced as though it was spelled Brusselles.

Fun Fact: There Used To Be A River Through Brussels…

As you may know, most other major European cities have a river running through it (you know, La Seine in Paris, or the River Liffey in Dublin …etc). Brussels, on the other hand, is a bit different, the river is missing! Or is it…?

It’s not actually missing, it’s just hidden. La Senne/ Zenne (French/ Flemish) is the hidden or forgotten river of Brussels Belgium. It’s was covered up and built on top of in 1865. Civilians used to throw their garbage into it, making it a source for spreading mass outbreaks of diseases. So the Mayor decided to cover it. 

There are still some spots around Brussels where you can see a glimpse of it still flowing… find out more in my top hidden gems in Brussels.

How Long Should You Spend In Brussels Belgium?

My first time in Brussels I only had a day to explore the entire city. Although it was a bit rushed, I was still able to see all the main attractions in the city centre. You will miss out on some of the hidden gems and all around culture of Brussels though. 

The second time I visited, I lived there for an entire month and absolutely fell in love with the city. I’m not saying you need to stay for an entire month, but definitely recommend staying at least two days in the city. 

Brussels also makes a great base city if you want to stay in one location and explore surrounding cities (or countries)… but more on that in a bit!

Where To Stay In Brussels Belgium?

If you’re only staying in Brussels for a night or two, I recommend staying in the city centre. It’ll be the most expensive, but it will also be the most centrally located to everywhere you want to go. You have such a limited time in the city that you don’t want to waste time traveling back and forth from your hotel.

If you’re staying for a bit longer, I recommend staying in a more local area just outside the city centre. I stayed in the Ixelles neighbourhood and LOVED it!

It was about a 20 minute walk from The Grand Place and Bruxelles Centrale (the train station). Other neighbourhoods you can stay in are St. Catherine and St. Gilles. 

Brussels Hotel Recommendations

I stayed in an Airbnb while in Brussels Belgium, but here are some hotels I found in the city stay at.

For a luxury 5-star hotel experience in the heart of Brussels, stay at Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo. You are one block away from Brussels Grand Place – you can’t get a better location than that! See room rates and availability on Booking.com.

If you’re looking for a bed and breakfast in Brussels stay at Art de Séjour B&B. You’ll get a delicious homemade breakfast included with your stay. See room rates and availability on Booking.com.

Bringing the family to Brussels or need a space for all your friends? Check out Spacious modern appartments in Brussels city centre. You can get an apartment for up to 6 adults! See room rates and availability on Booking.com.

See more accommodation options in Brussels, on Booking.com.

Before You Do Anything: Go On A Walking Tour of Brussels

My favourite ‘free’ walking tour is offered in Brussels from Sandeman NewEurope. It’s about 3 hours and they bring you to the must see in Brussels.

They offer them twice a day at 10:00 A.M and 1:00 P.M. I say ‘free’ because it’s “pay what you want”. I always recommend doing a walking tour as the first thing when you arrive in a new city.

You can also book a walking and tasting tour of Brussels with Viator.

A walking tour in Brussels Belgium is a great way to orient yourself and get some extra information about what you’re seeing. It’s also a way to meet people or find out about local food recommendations. 

What Is A Must See In Brussels

The Symbol Of Brussels: See A Little Boy Pee

The Mannequin Pis is the Mona Lisa of Belgium, and yes, it’s a little boy peeing. If you speak to locals, you’ll hear many different theories floating around as to why there’s a statue of a little boy peeing as their mascot. One of the main ones is that this boy saved Brussels by peeing on a burning fuse that would have otherwise led to the city being blown up!

Belgian’s loved their peeing mascot so much that in 1985 they gave him ‘sister’ Jeanequin pis. And then added a dog peeing in 1998 – Zinneke pis.

You Can’t Leave Brussels Belgium Without Seeing The Grand Place

Around the corner from the Mannequin Pis is Grand Place, A.K.A Grote Markt. This is the city’s main square, and frankly it’s one of the most impressive in Europe! 

The main buildings of interest in Grand Place are the Town Hall and The King’s House (Maison du Roi). Take an extra second to look at the Town Hall, it’s actually non-symmetric, that’s because it was built at different times. 

Directly across is the King’s House, which was actually never home to any king). Today it’s the Brussels City Museum. The museum is a worthwhile visit if you have some extra time, or are interested in learning about the history and folklore of Brussels.

Next to these buildings are some ones with gold on them, and yes, that’s REAL GOLD! So, is it the most impressive, or just the most expensive square in Europe!? 

If you have a chance, visit the Grand Place at night as well to see the buildings all lit up.

What To Do In Brussels?

Indulge in Brussels’ Comic Book Culture

Brussels is the birthplace of two famous comic books: Tintin and the Smurfs (or in French, les Schtroumpf).

Because of that, Brussels LOVES comic books. They have everything there is to do with them – from museums, stores, and even murals painted around the city.

There are about 50 comic book murals painted throughout Brussels that were commissioned by the city. Go on a Brussels comic book walk to find them all, plus, it’s a great way to organically see the city.

Brussels also has a dedicated Comic Book Museum that you can visit. It’s a bit out of the main area but definitely worth it considering how obsessed Brussels is with comic books.

They give you information about the process of making comics, the different genres, and in-depth exhibits about Tintin and the Schtroumpfs. It’s also one of the only museums open on Mondays.

The Mont Des Art Brussels Museums

Monts des Arts is Brussels museum district with museums and an even better view of the city (and is one of the best places for sunset!).  

Make a point to check out the museum of Musical Instruments. Not only do you learn about different instruments throughout history, but you it’s also a great spot for an even better photo opportunity at the top.

Just make sure you’re not visiting Brussels on a Monday because all the museums are closed. 

Miscellaneous Buildings To See In Brussels Belgium

There are a few buildings in Brussels that you have to see during your visit. For example, be sure not to miss the Galeries Royale St Hubert, a beautiful indoor shopping experience with real marble and high-end shops. You’ll find some of the best chocolate shops in Belgium (Neuhaus and Mary’s).

Some other must see in Brussels are St. Michael and St.Gudula Cathedral, and the Brussels Stock Exchange. You’ll also want to walk by the Royal Palace of Brussels to check if the Belgian King is in Belgium. You’ll be able to tell if he’s in Belgium based on the flag, if it’s raised that means he’s in!

Across the street from the Royal Palace is the Brussels Park, if it’s a nice day, there’s no better place to get a break from the city than here!

Venture Outside The City Centre: The Heysel Area

The Heysel Area is  where you’ll find the famous Atomium of Brussels. You know, the weird  atom-like structure that you see everywhere. It was originally built for Expo 58, and houses different exhibitions now. 

You can easily spend a half day exploring the Heysel area, if not an entire day! It’s about 30 minutes outside the city by public transport, so you can really only do this if you’re there for more than one day. 

In the same area, you’ll also find Mini Europe and the ADAM museum. Mini Europe is a neat collection of Europe’s main attractions, but miniaturized! It’s all about the awesome photo opportunities here!

The ADAM museum, Art & Design Atomium Museum, is (you guessed it) all about design. You’ll see unique furniture designs here that are really more like art pieces. A ticket to Atomium usually includes entrance to ADAM. 

See combination ticket options, prices, and more.

Where To Eat In Brussels

When you’re visiting Belgium, it’s all about the food. From sweets like waffles and chocolate to savoury treats like muscles and fries. We also can’t forget about out of this world beer in Brussels!

Waffle Trucks In Brussels!

The best place to get a waffle in Brussels Belgium is actually from a waffle truck on the street. Our favourites were just next to Bruxelles Central train station (just after the underpass) in an orange truck. Or, we had some good ones from the truck at the top of Monts des Arts. But, you’re best bet to getting a delicious waffle is to ask how fresh they are, you want it hot off the press!

Many people might recommend Maison Dandoy for the best waffles in Brussels. Personally, these were far from my favourite; for both the Brussels and Liège waffles.

The waffles from the food trucks are superior in quality.

Never Miss Belgian Waffles Back Home

Easy Traditional Belgian Liège Waffle Recipe You’ll Love

What’s The Deal With Boucher Street in Brussels?

You might have heard about Boucher street for food in Brussels Belgium. This is an interesting street to walk down.

It reminded me a lot of Brick Lane in London (where all the restaurants are trying to entice you to eat at theirs). They yell out different deals to get you into their restaurant. 

But all the restaurants are just tourist traps, so don’t actually eat at any of them.

Where To Find Beer In Brussels

If you’re looking for beer in Brussels, the best place to go is Delirium. Although it might seem like it is, it’s not a tourist trap. The beers aren’t overpriced, and they offer more than just a great selection. You’ll even find locals here trying new beers because it’s just the best place to do that!

You literally cannot find a better selection anywhere else. They offer 2004 beers. So if there’s an obscure beer you want to try, this is the place to find it. They also have a cute pink elephant as their mascot. *Accepts card with a minimum purchase of 5 euros.

Day Trip Opportunities From Brussels

What’s really nice about Brussels Belgium is that the train station is located less than a 10-minute walk from the city centre (Grand Place). This makes it especially easy to make Brussels your base city (which is exactly what we did). 

There are tons of trains heading to other Belgian cities, or even the surrounding countries. 

From Brussels, we visited Namur, Dinant, Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges, and Leuven. But there are countless other day trips around Belgium you can go on as well. 

We even left Belgium to visit Cologne in Germany, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Luxembourg…in Luxembourg!

Read Popular Belgian Comics Before Your Trip To Brussels

More Brussels Guides!

• A Guide To The Brussels Comic Strip Walls
• The Top 9 Day Trips From Brussels
• Where Should You Stay In Brussels? Guide To Ixelles

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Last update on 2024-05-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API