All citiesBrussels Things to do and walking itinerary
Belgium Brussels travel guide
32 things to do in Brussels, where to stay, airport transfers, 7 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Brussels
- Grand-Place — main square in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Atomium — architectural landmark originally constructed as the centerpiece for Expo 58 in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Manneken Pis — Small bronze fountain statue near the Grand-Place, dressed in a different costume hundreds of times a year. (visit ≈ 10 min)
- Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries — One of Europe's first glass-roofed arcades, opened in 1847, with elegant façades and old bookshops. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula — cathedral in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 35 min)
- National Basilica of the Sacred Heart — basilica in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium — group of art museums in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Royal Palace of Brussels — palace in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Mini-Europe — miniature park in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Cinquantenaire Park — park in Brussels (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Royal Theatre of La Monnaie — opera house in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 20 min)
- House of European History — museum in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Great Mosque of Brussels — mosque in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Chapel of the Resurrection, Brussels — church in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Belgian Comic Strip Center — comics museum in the Pentagon, Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Great Synagogue of Europe — synagogue in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Church of Our Lady of Laeken — church in Laeken, Belgium (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Bois de la Cambre - Ter Kamerenbos — park in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon — church building in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium — natural history museum in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Magritte Museum — art museum in Brussels, part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Mont des Arts - Kunstberg — square in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Church of Our Lady of the Chapel — church in Brussels, Belgium with grave of Pieter Bruegel (I) (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Halle Gate Museum — military museum in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Congress Column — monumental column in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Josaphat Park — park in Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Church of St. James on Coudenberg — church in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 35 min)
- La Cambre Abbey — former abbey in Ixelles and Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 40 min)
- St. Mary's Royal Church — church in Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Brussels Park — park in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Egmont Palace — palace in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Place de Brouckère - De Brouckèreplein — square in Brussels, Belgium (visit ≈ 15 min)
2-day Brussels walking itinerary
Starting point: Grand-Place / Centre. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 8.3 km · 11,190 steps · 1 h 51 min on the way): Grand-Place → Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries → Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula → Cinquantenaire Park → Royal Palace of Brussels → Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium → Manneken Pis
- Day 2 (≈ 8.6 km · 11,670 steps · 1 h 56 min on the way): National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Brussels
- Horta Museum — Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta's own house and studio, with a dazzling stairwell and stained glass. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Palais de Justice — Colossal courthouse, among the largest 19th-century buildings; its Poelaert square gives city views. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Train World — Historic locomotives and railway history in Schaerbeek's old station, staged in an atmospheric way. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market — Daily morning flea market in the Marolles: records, china, old furniture and plenty of surprises. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Square du Petit Sablon — Tiny Renaissance-style garden behind iron railings, ringed by 48 bronze statuettes of the guilds. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Villa Empain — A 1930s Art Deco villa of marble and brass details, now home to changing art exhibitions. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Sonian Forest — Vast forest on the south-eastern edge, famed for its UNESCO-listed old beech trees; made for walks and cycling. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Parlamentarium — The European Parliament's free interactive visitor centre, explaining how the EU works through games and displays. (visit ≈ 60 min)
Where to stay in Brussels
- Grand-Place / Centre: Walking distance to the main sights, right in the middle of everything.
- Sainte-Catherine: Lively with seafood restaurants and bars, yet very close to the centre.
- Ixelles / Flagey: Cafés, bars and a student vibe make it lively in the evenings.
- Saint-Gilles: Local and bohemian with Art Nouveau houses; prices are lower.
- European Quarter: Quiet at weekends, well connected by metro and close to parks.
- Gare du Midi: Eurostar and airport buses stop here; budget-friendly hotels.
Getting from the airport to Brussels
- Brussels (Zaventem) (BRU): Train, non-stop ≈ 17 min
- Charleroi (CRL): Shuttle bus ≈ 55 min
Getting around
The centre is walkable; metro, tram and bus share the same STIB ticket for further areas. You can tap in with a contactless bank card.
Classic places to eat
- Maison Dandoy: Historic bakery for speculoos biscuits and Brussels waffles.
- Chez Léon: Open since 1893; go for mussels and fries.
- Aux Armes de Bruxelles: Classic Belgian cooking; try waterzooi or mussels.
- À la Mort Subite: Famous old café for gueuze and kriek beers.
- Delirium Café: Legendary bar with hundreds of beers.
- Fin de Siècle: No bookings, cosy room; carbonnade and stoemp.
- Noordzee - Mer du Nord: Stand-up counter for fresh fish and seafood.
- Maison Antoine: Brussels' most famous fries stand.
- Moeder Lambic Fontainas: Great choice for Belgian draught beers.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Bozar Restaurant — 2 MICHELIN stars, Modern French
- Le Chalet de la Forêt — 2 MICHELIN stars, Modern
- Comme chez Soi — 1 MICHELIN star, Classic French
- Eliane — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern
- Barge — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
- Humus x Hortense — 1 MICHELIN star, Vegetarian
- Kamo — 1 MICHELIN star, Japanese
Romantic views
- Mont des Arts (Sunset): Its terraced garden frames the skyline and the Town Hall spire.
- Grand-Place (Evening): The gilded guild houses glow under the lights at night.
- Ixelles Ponds (Afternoon): A quiet tree-lined walk around two small lakes.
- Bois de la Cambre (Afternoon): A small ferry crosses to an island in the middle of the lake.
Football stadiums in Brussels
- Lotto Park: Home of R.S.C. Anderlecht
- Joseph Marien Stadium: Home of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
Good to know before visiting Brussels
- Fine: Clothing that fully covers the face is banned in public.
- Fine: Foreign cars must register in advance to enter low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.
- Fine: Smoking indoors is banned.
- Warning: You're required to carry ID or a passport.
- Warning: Don't walk on cycle lanes.
- Warning: Watch for pickpockets at Brussels' main stations.
- Emergency: 112 (police 101)
- Plugs: C/E, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe; restaurants usually serve bottled.
- Tipping: Service is included; round up if pleased.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Belgium, Wikivoyage — Belgium, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Brussels travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Brussels?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 5 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Brussels?
- Highlights: Grand-Place, Atomium, Manneken Pis, Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries and Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. The map has 32 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Brussels?
- Grand-Place / Centre: Walking distance to the main sights, right in the middle of everything. Other options: Sainte-Catherine, Ixelles / Flagey, Saint-Gilles, European Quarter and Gare du Midi.
- How do you get from the airport to Brussels city centre?
- Brussels (Zaventem) (BRU): Train, non-stop ≈ 17 min · Charleroi (CRL): Shuttle bus ≈ 55 min
- How do you get around Brussels?
- The centre is walkable; metro, tram and bus share the same STIB ticket for further areas. You can tap in with a contactless bank card.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Brussels?
- According to the last known data there are 7 starred restaurants: Bozar Restaurant (2 stars), Le Chalet de la Forêt (2 stars), Comme chez Soi (1 star), Eliane (1 star), Barge (1 star) and 2 more. Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Brussels?
- Emergency: 112 (police 101).
- Do you tip in Brussels?
- Service is included; round up if pleased.
Nearby cities
Antwerp · Ghent · Bruges · Rotterdam · The Hague · Amsterdam · Cologne · Luxembourg
Belgium travel guide: all cities · All cities