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

Top things to do in Brussels

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

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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.

Meet some of our Brussels local hosts

Andrea

Brussels

Art and history enthusiast with a deep dive into Brussels’ culture, architecture, and its role as Europe’s political heartbeat.

Michaël

Athens

Enthusiastic Athens host uncovering views, hidden gems, art, and local culture.

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.

Brussels travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Brussels and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

Andrea was very knowledgeable and gave us a detailed overview of the history of Belgium and Brussels. We visited all of the major sites and stopped for a quick lunch near the EU parliament. The tour focused heavily on EU politics which might not be for everyone.

May 2023

Andrew D
Great day exploring the city for first time visitors. Saw many of the major sites, as well as great exposure to the neighborhoods and the food! We were very well taken care of and we felt like we were highly catered to.

August 2021

James B
Very positive and interesting visit . Good use of time

August 2020

Andrea M
We were on a cruise ship stopping in Bruges and decided to tour Brussels for the day. Our tour guide Michael met us when we got off the train, and the tour was tailored to our interests. We went to the Atonium, and then all around central Brussels, stopping for Belguim waffles and lunch. Michael was very knowledgeable and helpful getting us around within our time constraints!

June 2019

Sandy P