This European City is Famous for Beer, Waffles, and One Seriously Quirky Tourist Attraction

Explore the city where history, architecture, and cuisine share the spotlight with a tiny statue that draws millions of visitors each year.

When it comes to European cities, Brussels doesn’t always get the spotlight like Paris or Amsterdam. But Belgium’s elegant capital is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities.

It’s a place where centuries of history meet modern European politics, and where quirky sights like Manneken Pis stand just a short walk from stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites.

At the heart of Brussels is the Grand Place (also called Grote Markt), a square that’s widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Around it you’ll find ornate guild houses, the Town Hall, and the Brussels City Museum.

Pair that with chocolate shops, beer cafés, and waffle stands at every turn, and now you’ve really got a city that gets my attention!

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Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Brussels is the perfect place to dive into Belgian culture, food, and history.

Before I dive into all the fun things to do in Brussels, let’s cover a few basics…

How to Get There

Brussels has two main airports- Brussels Airport (BRU), located in Zaventem, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), situated in Charleroi.

Brussels Airport is the largest (and primary) airport, located about 30 minutes by train from the city center. Budget airlines often use Charleroi Airport. It’s located about an hour south of the city and shuttle buses connect it to central Brussels.

If you’re already in Europe, it’s easy to reach Brussels by train.

High-speed trains connect Brussels to Paris in under 90 minutes, Amsterdam in two hours, Cologne in under two hours, and even London via the Eurostar in just over two hours.

Once you arrive at Brussels’ Central Station, you’re right in the heart of the city. It’s easy to get around from there on foot or with trams, buses, and the metro.

Where to Stay

Hotel Fleur de Ville – This charming boutique hotel in central Brussels has stylish, luxurious rooms with cozy decor (I also love the Aesop products). For a splurge, book the Orchid Suite.

OPO Hotel – With sleek, modern, and spacious rooms, this hotel is an affordable choice in a fantastic location. Surrounded by great restaurants, it’s just steps from the Grand Place. Tip: Book a roomy Executive Suite for just a slightly higher room rate.

Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels – A legendary address that blends rich history with modern luxury. It also has a terrific spa and wellness center with an indoor pool. It’s a splurge, but if you want a truly memorable stay in the Belgian capital, this hotel is hard to beat.

Fun Things to Do in Brussels

Explore the Grand Place

The Grand Place is Brussels’ showstopper.

This 15th-century square is ringed with gothic-style buildings, beautiful guild houses, and the Town Hall. Often called the heart of Brussels, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts cultural events throughout the year.

Take a guided walking tour to fully appreciate its stunning architecture and rich history. This is a popular option that also includes chocolate and waffles!

👉 Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

Meet Manneken Pis (and Friends)

The little guy known as Manneken Pis is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Brussels. Rooted in legends about a boy saving the city, it’s a centuries-old, beloved, symbol of Brussels.

There’s a fun tradition to dress the tiny statue for holidays and special occasions and his endless wardrobe has been entertaining visitors for ages.

Look for his female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis, hidden in a side alley.

Visit Mont des Arts

Climb to the Mont des Arts for panoramic views over Brussels. It’s a great place for photos and home to museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Magritte Museum.

Museums and Galleries

• The Musical Instruments Museum in the Old England building has a permanent collection of over 7,000 instruments.
• The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces in Parc du Cinquantenaire is a must for anyone interested in military history. Its triumphal arch is another highlight of the park.
• Art lovers can also explore the Brussels City Museum for insights into the city’s Middle Ages past.

Discover Brussels’ Comic Book Culture

Brussels is the birthplace of Tintin, and you’ll spot comic strips decorating buildings across the city. There’s even a dedicated museum, the Belgian Comic Strip Center.

Food and Drink

No Brussels trip is complete without indulging in the culinary scene.

• Grab a Belgian waffle at one of the city’s many waffle stands.
• Take a chocolate tour or stop into chocolate shops for pralines and truffles.
• Try traditional Belgian beers at the legendary Delirium Café, or visit the new Belgian Beer World for an immersive experience.

Foodies should also seek out frites with mayo, hearty stews, and plenty of local specialties. And, of course, you can’t leave the Belgian capital without sampling the mussels from Brussels

Brussels is a perfect place for a self-guided food crawl (come hungry!). Or you can book this incredibly popular guided tour…

👉 Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels

Shopping and Strolling

The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades with elegant cafés and boutiques. For something different, browse the flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle, filled with antiques and curiosities.

Day Trips from Brussels

One of the best things about Brussels is how close it is to other Belgian highlights.

When you’re done exploring Brussels, if you have extra time, consider a day trip to one of the charming Belgian towns nearby. Here are three easy day trips from Brussels:

Ghent

A vibrant university town known for its canals, Castle of the Counts, and the world-famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece. It’s a great way to dive deeper into Belgium’s rich history.

Read More: Belgium’s Best Foodie Destination is a Colorful Gem with Canals, Cathedrals, & Chocolate

Bruges

Often called a fairy-tale city, Bruges is filled with canals, cobblestone streets, and beautiful buildings. A boat ride here is one of the top things to do in Belgium.

You can easily visit Bruges and Ghent by train on your own. But if you prefer a guided tour, this Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent – Belgium’s Fairytale Cities – from Brussels is a terrific option.

Read More: Europe’s “Venice of the North” is a Picturesque Gem with Dreamy Canals & Decadent Chocolate  

Dinant

Sitting dramatically along the River Meuse, Dinant is famous for its clifftop citadel and as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax. It’s a fun thing to add to your Brussels itinerary if you want to see more of Belgium beyond the bigger towns.

This Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels is a great way to see both Dinant and Luxembourg in a single day.

Read More: This Jaw-Dropping Belgian Town is the Colorful Riverside Birthplace of the Saxophone

Wrapping up a great stay in Brussels!

Brussels is more than just the capital of Belgium and the headquarters of the European Union.

It’s a city where art nouveau meets medieval streets. And, more importantly, where delicious waffles, craft beer, and rich chocolate treats are never far away.

Whether you’ve got a short time for a weekend getaway or extra time to explore nearby cities, Brussels is the perfect place to start your Belgian adventure.