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9 Best Things to Do When You Visit Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a popular travel destination in Belgium featuring lots of amazing architecture, but it also has a fun and quirky side. Famous for Belgian-style beer and local favorite foods, you can check out the top attractions here in just a few days. But if you have a little more time to spend, it’s fun to explore the neighborhoods and stop by some of the more obscure locations. Just make sure to add these top sites and activities to your Brussels to-do list!

Be Amused by Manneken Pis
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Be Amused by Manneken Pis

What Is It? Many people think Brussels will be all business and bureaucracy, thanks to its prominent role in the European Union. But Manneken Pis is a prime example of the city’s sense of humor. 

Why Do It? At most times of day, you’ll see a crowd gathering around this time statue of a little boy urinating into the fountain. The history of the statue dates back to the 17th century, and it is tucked away on a lovely street that’s lined with shops and restaurants. 

Good to Know: Although he’s often displayed nude, Manneken Pis also dresses up in costume, and there’s even a museum where you can see the costumes he’s worn over the years!

Stroll Through the Grand Place Brussels
Credit: Brussels by Bigstock.com

Stroll Through the Grand Place

What Is It? It’s impossible to not be impressed by the Grand Palace when you walk through the center of Brussels. 

Why Do It? This is a prime example of 15th-century architecture, and the magnificent building looks differently at various times of the day. 

Good to Know: If you visit between March and October, you can see the flower market. Concerts and light shows are often held here in the evenings.

Take a Beer Tour of Brussels
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Take a Beer Tour of Brussels

What Is It? Belgium is the ultimate destination for beer lovers, and some of the most delicious beers in the world are produced here.

Why Do It? Since beer culture is so big here, it is recommended to take a beer tour with an experienced and passionate local guide. This way, you’ll learn about how Belgian beer is made, sample a variety of beer types, and hang out at popular pubs. 

Good to Know: This popular beer tour allows you to sample multiple beers as well as cheese, hams, and chocolates, while this budget-friendly guided tour explores the local beer scene.

Learn How to Make Belgian Waffles
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Learn How to Make Belgian Waffles

What Is It? The Belgian waffles served in Brussels really outdo anything your personal waffle maker could crank out back at home. 

Why Do It? Waffles here are frequently topped with Nutella, fruit, ice cream, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and pretty much anything else you can think of. They are a decadent treat that really hits the spot. Top spots for waffles are Maison Dandoy, Le Funambule, and the Waffle Factory. 

Good to Know: For a more immersive experience, you can sign up for a Brussels waffle workshop to learn how to make your own version. Workshops last about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and you can decorate your waffles with a variety of toppings. Chocolate crafting classes are available as well if your sweet tooth isn’t satisfied with just waffle toppings.

Be a Kid Again at the Belgian Comic Strip Centre Belgian Comic Strip Center
Credit: Belgian Comic Strip Center by Belgian Comic Strip Center

Be a Kid Again at the Belgian Comic Strip Centre

What Is It? Brussels is a very important city in comic book history, and you might be surprised to learn how many famous comics came from this region.

Why Do It? There’s a fun museum to visit in Brussels, the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, where you can feel like a kid again and reminisce over your favorite characters. There are thousands of original drawings here and a large section dedicated to Tin Tin. 

Good to Know: Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick up something to read during your trip to Brussels.

Indulge in a Meal of Moules Frites
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Indulge in a Meal of Moules Frites

What Is It? Another culinary specialty of Brussels is moules frites, which is a hearty combination of mussels and fries. 

Why Do It? This classic dish can be enjoyed at recommended restaurants like Le Zinneke, La Boussole, and La Quincaillerie. There are a few different ways to prepare the mussels, such as steaming them with celery, leeks, and butter and also cooking them with white wine and shallots. Fries are usually double-fried and crafted to be moist in the middle and crispy on the outside.

Good to Know: Some of the restaurants that serve this dish are more fancy or casual than others, so choose one to suit your mood and travel style.

Check Out the Musée des Instruments de Musique
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Check Out the Musée des Instruments de Musique

What Is It? If you played in the band in school or just have a love of music, make a point to stop by the Musée des Instruments de Musique. 

Why Do It? This is a museum of musical instruments that has hundreds of electrical and mechanical instruments that come from all over the world. 

Good to Know: You can hear what they sound like through headphones in some of the exhibits and learn about instruments that you’ve probably never even heard of.

Visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
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Visit the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

What Is It? One legacy of King Leopold II of Belgium is the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, which was built on the palace grounds.

Why Do It? These are lovely glass-dome, heated greenhouses that have tropical plants, azaleas, geraniums, and other flowers. 

Good to Know: You’ll have to visit in the springtime to see the inside of the greenhouse though because they are only open to the public for a few weeks at this time of year.

See the Comic Strip-Inspired Murals
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See the Comic Strip-Inspired Murals

What Is It? There are some excellent art museums in Brussels, such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. But you don’t even need to step foot into a museum or pay any admission fee to experience the city’s love of art.

Why Do It? There are dozens of comic book-inspired murals scattered all around the city to celebrate its fun comic strip history. 

Good to Know: You can pick up a local map of the murals so that you don’t miss any, or sign up for a guided tour to learn more about the artwork and the artists who created them.

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