12 must-see attractions in Brussels

Brussels boring? Not at all! Look past the officials and stereotypes to discover a city full of charm and character.

In Brussels, beauty is found in the details: intricate Art Nouveau designs adorning unassuming buildings; the locals' witty humor coupled with genuine hospitality; vibrant comic strip murals that catch your eye; and delightful chocolates that are small, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Indulgence is woven into everyday life here.

If you have a few days to spare, venture beyond the city center to discover neighborhoods alive with art, green spaces, and a bohemian spirit. Here are some of the top activities in Brussels that highlight the hidden gems of Belgium's often-overlooked capital.

1. Marvel at the Grand Place

Despite being crowded with selfie enthusiasts, the Grand Place is undeniably magnificent. If you find yourself in Brussels for just one day, make this your destination. Instead of seeing it merely as a glamorous Instagram spot, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of each structure: a swan where Marx penned his Communist Manifesto; the boatmen guild's gable resembling a ship's stern; and a bas-relief of Romulus and Remus with their wolf mother.

Tip for your visit: For a more peaceful experience at the Grand Place, avoid peak tourist seasons and weekends. Early risers will be rewarded; visit at dawn when the city is still quiet.

2. Enjoy waffles the Belgian way

Sure, Belgian weather might often be dreary, but who cares when you can indulge in buttery, caramelized, and decadently sweet Belgian waffles? While toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and whipped cream have their moments, locals typically steer clear of places that pile on the extras. The best way to enjoy freshly made, sticky-sweet Liège waffles (Luikse in Flemish) is simply with a dusting of icing sugar. You'll find waffle vans serving these piping hot delights all over Brussels—city parks and weekend markets are great spots to explore. Just make sure to pick one with a nearby bench; enjoying a waffle while standing can be a challenge!

Insider tip: If you’re after some of the lightest, fluffiest waffles imaginable, follow your nose to Maison Dandoy, a beloved establishment since 1829, known for its waffles, speculoos, and biscuits, located on the aptly named Rue au Beurre Bruxelles.

3. Seek out the peeing trio

While tourists in other cities capture images of grand castles and palaces, in Brussels, the star attraction is the Manneken Pis, affectionately known as the “little pissing man,” embodying the cheeky humor of Belgians. Many visitors pause at the bronze figure with his endless stream, but he has two playful companions. Since 1987, Jeanneke Pis has been squatting behind a red fence near Rue de Bouchers, and in 1998, Zinneke, a leg-cocked dog, joined him, casually relieving himself on a bollard at Rue des Chartreux.

Insider tip: The Manneken is also known as the best-dressed lad in town. Marvel at his ever-expanding wardrobe at the whimsically neo-Gothic Maison du Roi, located just a short distance from the fountain.

4. Explore the residence of an Art Nouveau master

Characterized by flowing curves, twisting steel vines, and floral motifs, the renowned architect Victor Horta added an elegant touch to Brussels. As a pioneering figure of the 19th-century Art Nouveau movement, Horta’s designs have inspired many of the refined façades that adorn the city today. To celebrate his legacy, his family home in Ixelles’ Chatelain neighborhood is now a public museum. While Art Nouveau influences are common throughout Brussels, the Musée Horta offers a unique opportunity to delve into Horta’s artistic brilliance.

Insider tip: Don’t stop there! Horta's distinctive style can also be found in other notable buildings across the city, including Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel Tassel (Rue Paul Emile Janson), and Hôtel van Eetvelde.

5. Indulge in frites the Brussels way

Belgians are so passionate about their perfectly crispy fries that some are advocating to have the vendors’ stands recognized on UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage list. Enjoying fries is an essential experience in Brussels. They come in various shapes with numerous sauces—primarily different types of mayonnaise—but the classic way to enjoy them is straight from a paper cone at a fritkot (fry kiosk). One of the most popular spots is Maison Antoine in Place Jourdan, but be prepared for a queue to get your cone.

Insider tip: As any true local in Brussels will advise, the best way to end a night out is at a fry stand. Late-night revelers flock to Friterie de la Barrière, which stays open until 1am.

6. Indulge in the world’s finest chocolate

Ask any group of locals in Brussels to suggest the best chocolatier, and you’ll see their enthusiasm soar—this topic is deeply personal. However, they unanimously agree that some of the finest chocolate in the world can be found here. Tempting ganaches, pralines, and fresh-cream truffles beckon you into luxurious chocolate boutiques, ensuring you leave with a beautifully wrapped box of delights. For true connoisseurs, the Sablon neighborhood is a must-visit, featuring legendary names like Wittamer, a master of traditional recipes, alongside innovative chocolatiers such as Pierre Marcolini.

Insider tip: Premium quality chocolate often comes with a premium price tag, so if you’re exploring Brussels on a budget, consider the Neuhaus factory as a wallet-friendly option—you’ll also enjoy free samples!

7. Search for deals in Le Marolles

Once a working-class neighborhood, Marolles is the historical core of Brussels. You can still hear the original Brusseleer dialect echoing through its streets. Despite changing times and fading accents, Marolles remains a destination where you can glimpse the past at affordable prices. The Place du Jeu-de-Balle flea market operates every day of the year (arrive early for the best finds), while the shopping streets of Rue Haute and Rue Blaes surrounding the square feature shops bustling with antiques and vintage clothing.

8. Turn up the excitement at the Musical Instruments Museum

While a museum dedicated to musical instruments may seem unconventional for non-musicians, the interactive MIM is one of the top attractions in Brussels for families. Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building, children (and let’s be honest, adults too) can enjoy hours of fun discovering the sounds of quirky horns and unique pipe organs. Step on the floor panels in front of the instruments to hear them come to life through headphones.

Insider tip: After your visit, don’t miss the rooftop restaurant at MIM, which offers stunning views of central Brussels through its arched windows.

9. Enjoy a beer in a traditional brown café

Settling down in a brown café with a beer is an experience you won't want to overlook. These Brussels gems feature snug seating, dimly lit wooden interiors, tables filled with friends sharing laughter and stories late into the night, and extensive beer selections.

Wherever you are in the city, you’re bound to find a brown café nearby. Central favorites include the charming brick-walled Moeder Lambic in Ixelles, the whimsical Poechenellekelder by Manneken Pis, and the elegant Nüetnigenough near the Grand Place. The Delirium Café deserves a special mention for being quite touristy and often chaotic, yet it features the largest beer menu in the world (with 3000 varieties at last count).

Forget about ordinary lagers and ales; Belgian beer is a unique experience. Start with Trappist ales crafted by monks, double-fermented gueuze lambics, and tart krieks made by fermenting lambic with sour Morello cherries.

Planning tip: Curious about something subtly sour and super fizzy? That’s gueuze! This lambic-style beer, often regarded as Brussels' version of champagne, comes from the nearby Senne Valley. It might take some getting used to, so consider a tasting at the family-owned Cantillon Brewery and museum located in western Brussels.

10. Savor moules et frites

The mussels in Brussels are rightly renowned. Moules et frites, featuring steaming pots of mussels cooked in white wine paired with a generous serving of fries, are a Belgian staple. While some places serve mussels year-round, locals insist the best are only available in months with an 'r' (from September to April). If you’re visiting Brussels during the right season, be sure to indulge in fresh mussels at Le Zinneke or Le Chou de Bruxelles. Pro tip: dunk your fries in the sauce at the bottom for an extra treat.

11. Explore the Comic Strip Trail

Comics play a significant role in the 'comic book capital' of the world. In fact, Brussels is adorned with more than 80 towering murals celebrating iconic comic strips. One of the most enjoyable ways to spend a few hours here is by embarking on the 5km, three-hour, self-guided Comic Strip Trail, where you can find beloved characters like Tintin and The Smurfs, alongside local favorites such as Suske and Wiske and Rode Ridder.

Planning tip: If you’re eager for more comics, visit the Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée, where you can immerse yourself in the world of 'the ninth art' within a stunning Victor Horta building.

12. Ride a historic tram to Tervuren’s Africa Museum

Belgium's colonial past is shadowed by dark events; the term 'crimes against humanity' was used to describe King Leopold II's genocide in the Congo. After years of denial, Belgium is gradually confronting its historical wrongs. A visit to Tervuren's magnificent Africa Museum is essential to witness the ongoing changes.

The thoughtfully curated permanent collection explores a variety of intriguing topics, including landscapes, biodiversity, the resource paradox, colonial history, independence, and cultural rituals. Don’t miss the crocodile room, which showcases how nature was collected in the 1920s, along with the vibrant music corner filled with rumba sounds.

Tervuren is linked to Brussels by a historic wooden tram line that meanders past majestic trees and elegant mansions along Avenue de Tervuren.

Planning tip: Enhance your visit by enjoying a brisk walk or bike ride through the French gardens and forests of Tervuren Park, which once served as the hunting grounds for the Dukes of Brabant.