10 budget-friendly adventures in Brussels – many completely free

In a city as stunning as Brussels, with its breathtaking Grand Place and dazzling chocolate boutiques, it’s a delight to discover that some of the finest experiences are absolutely free. 

A vibrant stroll down the Comic Strip Trail. Enjoy complimentary Belgian chocolate samples (what's not to adore?). Treasure hunting at flea markets, picturesque sunset spots for Instagram, and museum days featuring Magritte’s surreal art. These are just a few of the top things to enjoy in Brussels for minimal or zero cost.

1. Explore the Comic Strip Trail

The Smurfs, Tintin (pronounced tan-tan), Astérix and Obelix: these iconic comic characters all originated in Belgium. They remain integral to life in Brussels, which proudly stands as the “comic book capital” of the world. The central hallway of the Comic Art Museum, housed in a stunning art-nouveau building by Victor Horta, offers a delightful free preview.

However, it’s by wandering the city streets that you truly enter a living comic strip. Lace up your comfiest shoes for the 5km (3-mile), 3-hour self-guided Comic Strip Trail, an immersive and free exploration of Belgian comics, featuring 80 vibrant murals practically leaping off the walls. You'll encounter scenes like Saint Peter watering cannabis plants, naked figures perched on rooftops, and mustachioed Astérix leading the charge against Roman fortresses… it's all there.

Tip for planning: Start early to enjoy the streets (and snag the best photo opportunities) all to yourself.

2. Indulge in free chocolate at the Neuhaus factory store

Belgian chocolate is exquisite and renowned globally – and rightfully so. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a dime to savor Brussels’ iconic treat. While many shops offer free samples before you buy, for a true indulgence, visit the Neuhaus Outlet Shop on the western edge of Brussels (take the metro to Erasmus). Here, you can enjoy abundant free samples before purchasing a discounted box (or even if you choose not to buy). Take your time and don’t forget to bring some water.

3. Experience the lights from Jardin Mont des Arts

The view from Jardin Mont des Arts is beloved for good reason: with its beautifully designed flowerbeds, fountains, and a vantage point overlooking the majestic rooftops of the Grand Place, these gardens are a photographer’s dream. Ascend the steps to the top of the hill around sunset, keeping an eye on the skyline so you don’t miss the enchanting moment when the Grand Place illuminates the night. The gardens are stunning year-round, but they are especially breathtaking when in full bloom on spring and summer evenings.

Tip for planning: Don’t hurry away as twilight fades. The true enchantment of the gardens reveals itself after dark when the Grand Place lights up and all of Brussels starts to shimmer.

4. Seek out treasures at the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market

Each morning, cardboard boxes brim with porcelain dishes, vintage maps, vinyl records, quirky collectibles, and enough comic books to fill a library on the cobblestone Place du Jeu-de-Balle. This historic market square in the Marolles district has been home to Brussels’ most renowned flea market since 1873. The tradition thrives every day, but savvy shoppers know that Sunday mornings yield the finest treasures. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, the lively atmosphere makes this market enjoyable. At the cafés lining the square, you’ll experience a vibrant slice of Brussels life for just the price of a coffee.

Tip for planning: Be ready to dig through and negotiate. For the best deals, arrive before 8am as vendors are setting up.

5. Trek through Forêt de Soignes

Only a short metro trip from the center, the expansive and wonderfully peaceful Forêt de Soignes offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of central Brussels – perfect for a leg stretch and some fresh air. Miles of walking, cycling, and horseback riding paths wind through the towering beech and oak trees, part of which is designated as UNESCO World Heritage. Each season brings its own beauty, but autumn steals the show with its vibrant displays of russet and gold.

Tip for planning: For a picturesque beginning, start your hike at Parc Tournay Solvay. This romantic park near Boitsfort station can be tricky to locate, but its château ruins and sculpted lakes make the search worthwhile.

6. Escape the crowds by exploring the streets of old Anderlecht

Off the beaten path, historic Anderlecht lures visitors with its charming lanes and avoids the bustling crowds found in central Brussels. Wander along the mansion-lined streets surrounding the central St-Guidon church to uncover two notable sites: Belgium’s tiniest beguinage (lay convent) and the Erasmus House, one of the country’s oldest residences. Now a museum, this 600-year-old structure is named after Erasmus of Rotterdam, the Dutch Renaissance scholar who lived here in 1521 while he translated the New Testament. 

Tip for planning: Anderlecht is free to explore, but entry to the Erasmus House and beguinage is complimentary only on the first Sunday of the month.

7. Discover the halls of the Palais de Justice

Once the largest building in the world upon its completion in 1883, the hilltop Palais de Justice is visible throughout Brussels. Its design, reminiscent of the temples of Egyptian pharaohs and surpassing St. Peter’s in Rome, showcases a colossal domed courthouse that embodies the formidable strength of the government.

Few people explore the interior to experience the neoclassical splendor of the complex – which is why we suggest you do. Be sure to visit the opulent central foyer, soaring to 100m (330ft) with its grand columns. While some rooms may be closed for court sessions, there are many stories of visitors stumbling in by chance – with some even spending the night.

8. Take an elevator to Place Poelaert for sunset

The beam-and-glass Poelaert elevators create an intriguing contrast with the neoclassical columns of the Palais de Justice. During the ride (up or down), passengers can enjoy a complimentary panoramic view over the brick homes and church steeples of Marolles before the doors open to Place Poelaert. Follow the locals’ lead by bringing your own drinks and settling in the square to watch the sunset, offering one of the finest views in Brussels.

9. Experience Central Africa in Matongé

Partly due to its harsh colonization of what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belgium is home to a Congolese community numbering in the tens of thousands. While the history of colonial oppression is grim – as reflected in Tervuren’s Africa Museum – a walk through Matongé reveals the vibrant fusion of Belgian and Congolese cultures.

The Congolese presence in Matongé began in the 1950s when students came to Brussels for education. Seventy years later, this lively neighborhood boasts shops, salons, and restaurants operated by a variety of African communities. Starting at Porte de Namur station, venture into stores offering everything from colorful batik textiles to tropical fruits and fiery chilies. 

Tip for planning: For a richer experience, consider joining one of the excellent guided walking tours of Matongé provided by Kuumba, a Flemish-African cultural center.

10. Schedule your visit for free museum days 

Free museums? Absolutely! Plan your visit for the first Sunday of the month to explore the delicate art of Flemish lace at the Musée Mode & Dentelle, delve into the depths of the River Senne at the Sewer Museum, uncover Jewish history at the Jewish Museum, and admire the extensive wardrobe of Brussels’ beloved peeing boy, the Manneken Pis, at his Garde Robe. 

Alternatively, visit on the first Wednesday of the month for a free adventure through surreal art at the Musée Magritte, journey back to prehistory in Europe’s largest dinosaur hall at the Institut des Sciences Naturelle, and appreciate masterpieces at the Musée d’Art Ancien.