Top Things To Do In Brussels

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Tourists posing with a local guide on a busy street in Brussels during winter
Tourists posing with a local guide on a busy street in Brussels during winter

Wondering what to do in Brussels?

Home to opulent guildhalls, an astounding urban art scene, and the European Union, Brussels is an easy blend of trendy and traditional – a city where mind-bending street murals and quirky comic stores exist in harmony with the centuries-old architecture and powerful politics. Each famous attraction and the long list of amazing things to do in Brussels prove that everything here (although incredibly diverse) has a place. Whether you watch the world go by on the iconic Grand Place, grab a home-brewed beer at a local bar, soak up the historic cityscape, or sample some of the world’s best chocolate, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Brussels.

Tourists exploring Grand Place with a local guide in Brussels

A balance between old and new

The best things to do in Brussels reflect both its classic and contemporary sides. In the historic heart of Brussels, you’ll be treated to attractions like the Grand Place (believed to be the most beautiful square in Europe), the Royal Palace of Brussels, gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture, and grand guildhalls. But away from the city center, the sights become less historic and more hip. In the European Quarter, shiny glass buildings and modern highrises house the EU institutions, while small neighborhoods packed with trendy bars are all but plastered over with super-cool street murals.

Tourists enjoying a quick meal in between exploring Brussels with a local

The best of Belgian food

Belgium’s most iconic culinary contributions are all found here in Brussels – in fact, some of the most memorable things to do in Brussels revolve around food. Local delights like twice-cooked potato frites and seafood croquettes are served at street food stalls throughout the city, while sleek delis are the perfect place to try the sharp, salty cheeses produced in Brussels. For a traditional Flemish taste, family-run restaurants are as authentic as it gets, but one of the most unmissable things to do in Brussels is feasting on a sweet, syrupy, waffle under a snowfall of icing sugar.

Tourists exploring Brussels on a busy night out with a local guide

Brussels by night

When night falls and techno beats start pulsing, the list of things to do in Brussels gets even longer. The city may be small, but it packs an entertainment punch. Whether you love a wild night out or you’re happier browsing late-night galleries, there are plenty of things to do in Brussels after dark. Many nights here are a celebration of beer culture (the city has over 1000 unique brews!), so perhaps you’ll choose to join hordes of locals bar-hopping their way through breweries and craft beer bars – but there’s certainly no lack of nightclubs that will keep you dancing ‘til dawn.

Latest reviews from our guests

    We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of Brussels. Our guide, Patrick, was wonderful. His enthusiasm for his beautiful city was contagious and we had a great time. We are not fast walkers and he was very patient and generous with his time. He spent more time with us than we originally booked so that we could have a coffee break and later lunch during our time with him. We saw many of the well known places and several hidden gems that we would never have found without him. All in all, a fantastic day. We highly recommend Patrick and this tour.

    22 June 2026

    Mindy E

    My family and I were only in Brussels for a day and a half and needed to see as much as we could in a short amount of time. Lionel was the best tour guy we could’ve had for this experience. Very knowledgeable and entertaining. We would tour again with him anytime. Thanks Lionel

    27 October 2026

    Tiffany W

    Wide ranging knowledge of European and Belgian history and world politics

    20 September 2026

    Daniel S

    We started off on a rooftop and got a 360 degree view of beautiful Brussels, Patrick pointed out where we would be going and took off from there. Patrick was terrific! We saw the “must sees” and also the little jewels of Brussels. We covered alit of history and a lot of ground. Hint: make sure you wear comfortable shoes to navigate the cobblestone streets!

    8 September 2026

    Marcia C

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