What to do in Brussels

Activities, attractions and tours

A bustling square with historic buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a crowd of people.
A city square with historic buildings, a cafe, and a roundabout.
A large, illuminated dome structure with columns, surrounded by trees and a stage with performers.
A formal garden with geometric patterns, a large building, and a historic tower in the background.
A historic building with ornate architecture, a prominent tower, and a statue of a figure on horseback.

Brussels Tourist Attractions & Activities

Coming up: Brussels! You’re excited to set a course in a different direction. Never one to shy away from innovative ways to get inspired and have an enlightening experience, you’re prepared to discover an exciting city from top to bottom. Find and book your activities today, and the only thing you'll have left to do is count the days until your trip and get excited, because Expedia Australia makes it easy to book tons of things to do.

  • The activities in Brussels are not only perfect for you, but they won’t bust your budget. We have 450 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$5. Get your favourite excursion on Expedia Australia for a great price, and you'll still have enough cash for a fancy hotel or luxurious dinner while you’re travelling.
  • Brussels is popular among thrill seekers. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for the next trip to Brusselsto learn about local history and find the top activities. The top activities can earn the interest of even seasoned travellers, and one look at our list explains why. Our collection includes a wide range of entertainment and opportunities for fun. With unequalled ways to explore the best this area has to provide like a Amsterdam & Holland Full-Day Tour to unequalled ways to see the best this area has to provide like a Bruges & Ghent Full-Day Tour, there are plenty of selections to choose from when you browse through all the options available here at Expedia Australia.

It takes an expert itinerary to best get the feel for Brussels, particularly when you wish to include a lot of exciting activities. And we realise you're someone who likes to get out and about—you're ready to get out and play. You're eager to sign up for the most essential activities around, and a quiet day exploring local neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Our activities are the best way to organise your getaway. Book professionally led tours on Expedia Australia, and you’ll never need a map.

Activities

Bruges Day Trip: Canal Boat, Windmills & Damme

Bruges Day Trip: Canal Boat, Windmills & Damme

AU$73
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Bruges Day Trip: Canal Boat, Windmills & Damme
From Brussels: Full-Day Antwerp and Ghent Guided Tour

From Brussels: Full-Day Antwerp and Ghent Guided Tour

AU$80
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Brussels: Full-Day Antwerp and Ghent Guided Tour
Brussels: Autoworld Museum Ticket

Brussels: Autoworld Museum Ticket

AU$29
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Brussels: Autoworld Museum Ticket
Picture 18 for Activity From Brussels: Day Trip to Amsterdam

From Brussels: Day Trip to Amsterdam with Canal Boat Cruise

AU$101
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
From Brussels: Day Trip to Amsterdam with Canal Boat Cruise
Brussels: Historical Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

Brussels: Historical Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting

AU$57
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Brussels: Historical Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting
Tootbus Brussels Discovery

Tootbus Brussels Discovery Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

AU$46
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Tootbus Brussels Discovery Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
Bus day trip to Luxembourg and Dinant from Brussels

Bus day trip to Luxembourg and Dinant from Brussels

AU$90
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Bus day trip to Luxembourg and Dinant from Brussels
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Top places to visit

1. La Grand Place

If any square in Brussels can be considered the city's main square, the Grand Place is it. With some parts dating right back to the 12th century, the Grand Place is effectively a Belgian relic and it’s worth visiting the square to gawp at the incredibly grand and beautiful buildings that line its edges. As such, it was no surprise when the square was selected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1998.
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A grand, ornate building with intricate architectural details and a large open square in front.

2. Atomium

Iconic and otherworldly, the Atomium is architecture at its most futuristic. Designed to resemble a unit cell of an iron crystal, it was built in 1958 as the showstopper for the Belgian World Expo. Metal tubes link its nine gleaming orbs, four of which are open to the public and house exhibitions and a restaurant.
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A spherical structure with a reflective surface against a clear blue sky.

3. Manneken Pis Statue

One of the most famous landmarks in the Belgian capital is known as the Manneken Pis, which translates more or less as “Little Man Pee” – and with good reason. This world-famous fountain features a young boy urinating into a pool of water below him. At a height of 60 centimetres the statue of the naked boy seems somewhat understated as a city icon. Yet the Manneken Pis has played a large role in the city’s history, having originally provided drinking water to local dwellers. It also features in a number of legends which try to explain why this particular subject was chosen for a work of art. Today, the little boy gets special attention before any public celebrations when he is dressed in a range of colourful attire from his extensive wardrobe.
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A bronze statue of a child on a pedestal, set against a weathered stone wall with intricate carvings.

4. Royal Palace of Brussels

Although the Belgian royals have their residences to the north of the city centre, the Royal Palace is where the King and Queen carry out their official duties. The palace became of central significance during the 19th century when Belgian monarchs began to greet their people there. It is not normally possible to enter the building until the summer when the interior is opened up to visitors.
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A grand, snow-covered building with classical architecture, including columns and a dome.

5. Place du Grand Sablon

In many ways the Place du Grand Sablon could be described as Brussels’ hub of “the good life”. Set amongst the historic charm and beauty of the square's old buildings are some fantastic restaurants offering some of the best modern Belgian cuisine you’ll find anywhere. There are plenty of interesting little shops including some quirky antique dealers to have a look around and, at the weekends, the square is given a new lease of life as the city’s biggest antique and book market takes over. This is also a great place to come if you’ve heard about Belgian chocolate and want to see what all the fuss is about.
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A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, outdoor seating at cafes, and pedestrians.

Recommended things to do in Brussels

Number of things to do
450
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Brussels: Walking Tour + PDF guide: AU$5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Brussels

Stay near popular Brussels attractions

A grand, ornate building with intricate architectural details and a large open square in front.

La Grand Place

9.4/10 (6,770 reviews)
The Grand Place dazzles with its ornate Gothic and Baroque guild houses, forming Brussels' architectural masterpiece. Savour Belgian chocolates at a café terrace while admiring the illuminated facades in the evening.
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Our guide on where to stay in Brussels

Find the best Brussels areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Brussels
Learn more about Brussels
Ornate European architecture with golden accents and statues.

Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk

If you're spending time in Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk, you might enjoy attractions like La Grand Place and Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's fascinating museums before hopping on the metro at Bourse-Beurs Station to see more of the city.

A historic European town with a central fountain, surrounded by colorful buildings and a willow tree.

Ixelles

Consider a visit to Avenue Louise and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Ixelles. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Dautzenberg Tram Stop or Flagey Tram Stop.

A large, historic archway with statues and a central monument, surrounded by a well-maintained garden and a parking area.

European Quarter

Travellers choose European Quarter for its great bars. Hop aboard the metro at Maalbeek-Maelbeek Station or Arts-Loi - Kunst-Wet Station and check out top sights like Schumanplein.

A historic cathedral with a large rose window and a bell tower.

Dansaert

If you're spending time in Dansaert, check out sights like Brussels Christmas Market or St. Catherine's Square and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sainte Catherine-Sint Katelijne Station or Porte de Flandre - Vlaamsepoort.

A cobblestone square with outdoor seating, a prominent church with a tall spire, and surrounding historic buildings.
Photo by Krystalvation
Open Photo by Krystalvation

Sint-Gillis

Noted for its coffee shops and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Sint-Gillis. Top attractions like Brussels South Railway Station and Saint Gilles Town Hall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Bethléem Tram Stop or Guillaume Tell Tram Stop to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Brussels

An airplane approaching a runway with multiple tall structures with lights.

Machelen

A large, historic building with a green facade and multiple windows, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees.

La Hulpe

Frequently asked questions

Is Brussels worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Brussels is visit Royal Palace of Brussels. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then discover more of this area's bars and pubs and dining.
How do I spend a day in Brussels?
Royal Palace of Brussels and Mini-Europe are two excellent places to begin your holiday adventures. Remember to explore the dining and shopping options in Brussels while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Brussels?
Royal Palace of Brussels is one of the top tourist attractions in Brussels and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Brussels?
Three days in Brussels is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many guests book for three days on average. Royal Palace of Brussels, Belgian Comic Strip Centre and Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Antwerp.
Is Brussels a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to do and see in Brussels. Several top sights, including Royal Palace of Brussels and Belgian Comic Strip Centre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Brussels's best neighbourhoods, Lower Town is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Brussels with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Brussels with kids.

What to do in Brussels for adults?
Cantillon Brewery and Brussels Beer Project are just a few of the things to do in Brussels. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Brussels?
In Brussels, Cinquantenaire Park is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Brussels.