Top Things to do in Brussels in 2025

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a popular tourist destination for a variety of reasons. From its mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture to its world-famous cuisine (waffles and french fries!), a trip to Brussels is truly memorable. 

Below, we’ve listed some of the top places to see and experience that you may want to add to your Brussels itinerary.

From museums and landmarks to which foods to try, there's something for everyone on this list.

Incredible churches to see in Brussels

There are many historic churches in Brussels that you can visit during your trip. Whether you’re spiritually inclined or simply want to admire the artistry, these churches are all easily accessible and typically free to enter during regular open hours. 

Keep in mind, they may close for events from time to time.

• Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula - Known for its grand Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows.
• Notre-Dame du Sablon - This church is admired for its intricate late Gothic design and beautiful, tall windows.
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Koekelberg) - One of the largest Art Deco buildings in the world, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Saint John the Baptist at the Béguinage - A hidden gem with Baroque-style architecture and a peaceful setting.

• Église Royale Sainte-Marie - Famous for its unique octagonal shape and impressive Byzantine-inspired design.
• Église St. Gilles - Known for its eclectic architecture that mixes styles from multiple eras.
• Notre-Dame Du Finistère - Celebrated for its white marble and large statues.

• Notre-Dame de Laeken - Next to the Palace of Laeken.
• Saint Nicholas Church - One of the oldest churches in Brussels, featuring notable religious paintings.
• Église Sainte-Catherine - One of the most beloved cathedrals in Brussels. At Christmas, the exterior is lit up.

Museums to visit in Brussels

Whether you love art, history, or something off the beaten path, Brussels has over 120 museums that you can visit. Here’s a highlight of some you might want to add to your travel plans. 

• Art: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium - A collection of museums known for its extensive body of works by Old Masters, including Rubens and Bruegel. Multiple locations focus on different art eras and movements, so you can pick the one that interests you.
• Art: Musée Magritte - Houses the largest collection of works by surrealist artist René Magritte... ceci n'est pas une pipe!
• Culture: MIM Musical Instruments Museum - Displays a vast array of instruments from around the world in a stunning Art Nouveau building that’s worth a stop just to see!

• Culture: Belgian Comic Strip Center - Celebrates Belgium’s comic heritage, including Tintin and The Smurfs.
• Transportation: Autoworld - A must-see for car enthusiasts, showcasing classic vehicles across various eras.
• Food: Choco-Story - Small, but exciting. Learn about the history of chocolate with a local chocolatier. 
• Science: The Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium - Contains the world’s largest hall dedicated entirely to dinosaurs.

• Unique: Sewer Museum - A unique museum that takes you underground to see the sewage system.
• Unique: MAF Fantastic Art Museum - A bizarre collection of make-believe creatures.

• Unique: International Puppet Museum - Peruchet - Over 4,000 puppets in a rural cottage.

What to eat in Brussels

• Moules-frites - Fresh mussels served with crispy fries; a Belgian classic found at many brasseries.
• Stoofvlees - A comforting beef stew cooked in Belgian beer, typically served with fries.
• Speculoos - Crunchy spiced biscuits often enjoyed with coffee or as a spread.
• Belgian Waffles - Iconic waffles, with Liège (sweeter, caramelized) and Brussels (light and crispy) varieties.
• Lambic Beer - A unique, locally brewed beer with a sour flavor, made using spontaneous fermentation.

Brussels' Festivals

Brussels has several festivals throughout the year that are fun to attend, especially during the warmer summer months and at Christmastime.

• Brussels Jazz Weekend (May) - A free music festival celebrating jazz with performances around the city.
• Zinneke Parade (May) - A biennial event (every other year) showcasing Brussels’ diverse communities through huge creative parades.
• Ommegang (July) - A medieval pageant reenacting the entrance of Emperor Charles V, complete with costumes and effects.
• Brussels Flower Carpet (August) - The Grand Place is transformed into a colorful tapestry of live flowers.
• Winter Wonders (December) - Brussels’ lavish Christmas market with festive decorations, food, and entertainment.

Fun Facts about Brussels

Brussels is famous for a lot of cultural moments and beginnings!

• Birthplace of Audrey Hepburn - The iconic actress was born in Brussels in 1929 at 48 Rue Keyenveld. 
• The Atomium's Origin - Built for the 1958 World Expo, it symbolizes an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
• The center of the EU - Brussels is often considered the "capital of Europe" as it hosts key EU institutions.
• Tintin’s Beginnings - The famous comic character Tintin, created by Hergé, originated in Brussels.

Famous houses to visit in Brussels

Art Nouveau was a huge architectural movement in Brussels, and many building facades, interiors, and art exists today.

• Victor Horta’s House (Maison Autrique) - Home of the famous architect, known for pioneering Art Nouveau.
• Maison Dandoy - A historic biscuit house in the Grand Place, specializing in Speculoos.
• Hôtel Solvay - Known for its lavish Art Nouveau styling, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Cauchie House - Small, but stunning Art Nouveau architecture and artwork. 
• Foundation Frison Horta - Considered a time capsule of the Art Nouveau period. 
• Tassel House - Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tassel House offers unparalleled architecture that transports you to another time. 

Beautiful cemeteries in Brussels

There are quite a few cemeteries in Brussels that are the perfect place to have a relaxing walk. 

• Ixelles Cemetery - The resting place of Belgian artist Paul Delvaux and singer Jacques Brel.
• Laeken Cemetery - Known as the "Belgian Père Lachaise," with beautiful mausoleums and sculptures.
• Evere Cemetery - Contains monuments to fallen soldiers and a peaceful park-like layout.

Must-see Brussels landmarks and monuments

This isn't a comprehensive list of all of the landmarks and sites to see, but it gives you a good highlight of the things you definitely shouldn't miss.

• Atomium - Mentioned above, a modernist structure with great city views, symbolizing scientific innovation.
• Manneken Pis - The famous statue of a peeing boy, beloved for its quirky charm and regular costume changes.
• Grand Place - A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate guild houses and stunning architecture.
• Palais de Justice - One of the world’s largest courthouses with an impressive neoclassical design.
• Black Tower - Remnants of a 13th-century fortification wall, tucked between two modern buildings.
• Théâtre Royal de Toone – Not quite a landmark, but a nearly 200-year-old puppet theatre that offers shows and Belgian beer.

Parks and natural spaces in Brussels

Many of the natural spaces in Brussels are outside of the historic city center, but they're still worth the short trip.

• Parc de Bruxelles - Brussels’ main park, ideal for walking, picnicking, and enjoying fountains and statues.
• Bois de la Cambre - A serene, forested area popular for its lake and small island with a restaurant.
• Cinquantenaire Park - Built to celebrate Belgium’s independence, featuring a grand triumphal arch and museums.
• Botanical Garden of Brussels - A lush space with gardens, art installations, and an impressive glass dome
• Mini-Europe – An outdoor collection of miniature replications of European monuments.