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 chose the 4 hour tour. Our guide Patrick was PHENOMENAL! Best tour guide we ever had. He is so passionate about Brussels and he showed us so many wonderful things that the time flew by and before we knew it the 4 hours was passed. We really enjoyed this time and Patrick was a wealth of knowledge. I highly recommend this tour!!! Do it early on in your trip so you can explore all the the guides wonderful recommendations.

    25 August 2026

    Rebecca K

    Cloe was a phenomenal guide!

    23 August 2026

    Gerlynn C

    Our Brussels tour with Andrea’ was so amazing. The knowledge of the history, architecture, the details, the food, the off the path displays was everything that made this experience special. Again, the knowledge of the guide was outstanding. I wish we had more time to explore other places with him. Our family enjoyed his company.

    11 August 2026

    Janine C

    If you want an engaging, deeply informative, and fun way to experience Belgium's capital, booking a walking tour with Fabio is an absolute must! We booked this tour for a party of two (husband and wife). On our two-hour walking tour Fabio proved to be extremely knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights into the history, rich culture, and culinary traditions of Brussels. He effortlessly brought the city to life as we strolled through all the top tourist attractions, including the breathtaking Grand-Place and the iconic Manneken Pis. We especially loved exploring the charming neighborhood of Sablon, admiring the grandeur of the Royal Palace and surroundings, and stopping by some wonderful local chocolate shops to sample the goods. Fabio's warm personality and local expertise made this a standout highlight of our trip. Highly recommended!

    11 August 2026

    Robert C

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