Brussels is the capital of Belgium. The city is densely populated and the richest in Belgium. Brussels is popular for its cuisine, gastronomy, history, and the architectural landmarks it possesses. The beautiful city is also hailed as a capital of the comic strip because of its long tradition of Belgian comics. There is a lot you already know about Brussels. Right? Well, you’ll be surprised what you know is only the tip of the iceberg. The city is inviting with the great adventure it offers its visitors. Read on and find out the 15 things to do in Brussels that will leave you happy and with a feeling of accomplishment.

See Also: 15 Best Places to Visit in Belgium

Town Hall

This is one of the most eye-catching buildings in Brussels. You cannot claim to have been in Belgium if you haven’t passed by the Town Hall. It is located in the famous Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium, opposite the Brussels city Museum.

The building has a 96 meters high tower with a distinctive architectural design giving it a unique look. It is capped by a rare statue of St Michael getting rid of a demon. It is the only remaining medieval building of the Grand place and considered a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture.

Grand Place

The Grand place was meant for evenings. Once dusk engulfs Brussels and the lights go on, this place goes grand. It transforms into a fairy tale.

No one wants to miss out on the fun. It gets better as the night eats up the evening. A great place to be during the night take selfies with the lights shining behind you. Be sure to attract more views and comments.

Well, you are not coming here just to take pictures. There is more. Hidden gems exist here. Visit to find out. Carry enough cash because you do not want to go home reason being you cannot afford the fun.

The Grand Place is also a great place to be during the day. Although, if we make a comparison, this place looks better at night. You can visit both times and conclude yourself.

The Sonian Forest

Do you love nature? I suppose you do. How often do you take a nature walk? That I’m not sure about. The Sonia Forest is right for you.

The decision to visit Brussels was a good one. Make it better by visiting The Sonian Forest. This place has different species that are native yet very important. A good example is the oak tree. The grooves and beech trees are also excellent examples.

Forest management allows outdoor activities like cycling, jogging, and walking. You must try one of those, if not all. Besides, the forest has three lakes. The management also permits the public to go fishing here.

A forest is the right place for family time together. It has picnic tables, benches, playgrounds for different ages between 3 and 12 years.

Royal Greenhouse of Laeken

This stunning gardenia allows visitors between April and May. During this time, the flowers will be experiencing bloom. Else, only heads of state are allowed here.

This botanical garden has beautiful flowers that will awe you. You do not want to miss out on this beauty. The well-maintained flowers ooze freshness. The scent leaves insects with no other choice than stick around.

This greenhouse is well maintained and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors come from different corners of the world just to have a look at this botanical garden. You are not to be left behind. Just ensure you do your timing well.

You do not want to leave this place only to be denied entrance. It would be hurting and disappointing.

Cinquantenaire Museum

Belgium also has a royal family, you surely want to know about. This is the museum to take all the royal lessons.

Cinquantenaire museum not only has lessons for you and history, but the place also has fine artworks to display. You are taken back as far as the 10th century. Take time to appreciate the creations on display.

Think about how good artists of the previous centuries were talented. That is why they were able to come up with such amazing creations. Perhaps with the current improvements in technology they’d have done remarkably better had they been present now.

You may take pictures of some of the artworks and take them with you. There are no restrictions. Furthermore, it’s not every day you’ll be here. That is why you need the pictures with you. In the future, when time may be limited to revisit this place, you may have a look at the pictures you’d have taken with you.

Atomium

One is allowed to visit the Atomium at their own pace with a flexible entrance ticket. The Atomium has 9 spheres that join to make the whole alien looking thing. While at the top of the domes, you can always enjoy a spectacular view of the beautiful buildings and gardens.

The highest sphere stands at 300 feet (92 meters) above the ground and has a glass roof that allows the spectacular views. This specific dome has the Atomium restaurant, which serves special Belgian dishes with the finest views in Belgium.

Do not be surprised if a discount is given to you for have a Brussels card. At night, all the 9 spheres are illuminated with nearly 3000 twinkling lights. That makes it more eye-catching.

Train World

Train World is home to many treasures. From the oldest steam locomotive kept in Belgium to the typical steam locomotive, Train World is a great destination for travel enthusiasts. 

You already know this is an outdoor adventure you are going to get engaged in. Therefore, get on your safari boots, and let’s get started.

This is all about a train ride. Is it your first time? Relax! It’s going to be fun. The views of the outside from the inside of the train will amaze you.

It is also a quick way to have around tour in Brussels. The quick survey allows you to see what Brussels has to offer within minutes. By the time you get to your destination, you’d have had a rough idea of what this city is all about — a great way to start or conclude your Brussels tour.

Van Buuren Museum

You don’t claim you went on vacation if a museum lacks in your list of things to do. That is why the Van Buuren museum is eight on my list. The museum is well maintained and with a great history for you. You can’t help but visit this place.

Make this more memorable by tagging your family along. You don’t want any of your people to miss out on the fun and beauty hidden here.

There is an opportunity to have lunch here as a family with the presence of picnic spots offering that space. Being an outdoor activity, you are expected to be free and relaxed. 

Take pictures and allow your little ones to be themselves. If they want to be jumpy, please allow them. Let it be fun for everyone.

Beer Tasting

Brussels is also home to a brewery. There are numerous beer manufacturing plants you may choose among. The bottom line is you must have a taste of the Brussel beer before leaving the place.

There are processes you need to learn about and the ingredients for beer making. You will also taste and grasp the Brussels beer taste.

Ensure you get to sample all the flavors available. It will help you different Brussels-made beer and that brewed outside this glorious city. It is important to drink responsibly.

You know what beer can do. The last thing you want to do is go back to your hotel staggering. It is dangerous and not a good show when you start to get tipsy abort the mission and get back to your temporary residence.

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History

This is the perfect stop for history lovers and military enthusiasts. The museum was founded as a result of the overwhelming success of the military.

The Royal museum comprises of more than 10 centuries of military and technology history ranging from suits of armor, firearms, and swords to armored motors and airplanes comprising of around 900 items. The most amazing thing is that there is also a restaurant there that you can easily grab something to eat.

Brussels Card

The Brussel card is your entrance ticket to over 30 museums in Brussels. From chocolate to comic strips and Magritte to music, there is a museum to suit. Along with free entrance, you can also use your Brussel card to enjoy discounts in selected restaurants and shops across the city.

Transport is also included in this card. Thus, your movement cost is reduced and made it easier for you and your family. Upgrade your experience and make your trip more interesting by ensuring you have a Brussel card.

Mini-Europe

It is located at the foot of the Atomium, and it is the only park where you may have a tour around Europe for a few hours.

Mini-Europe is truly a voyage! Stroll and see the beauty of Europe on a small scale. It has a reproduction of monuments in the European union on display at a scale of 1:25. That is roughly 80 cities and 350 buildings represented. The park contains live-action models such as trains, cable cars, and an erupting Mount Vesuvius.

Manneken Pis

This is a 61 cm bronze sculpture in the center of Brussels. It depicts a naked little boy urinating into a fountain basin. The statue is eye-catching, beautiful and creates good humor. A crowd is always there just to see this wonderful statue gazing at it. Be part of it next time.

Musical Instrument Museum

This is part of the royal museums for Arts and History and internationally renowned for its collection of more than 8,000 instruments. It has both traditional instruments and mechanical instruments in addition to a concert hall.

The mechanical instruments are shown in the basement. Traditional instruments are displayed on the ground floor. On the other hand, the development of modern orchestral instruments takes place on the first floor while the keyboard and string instruments on the second floor.

Visitors are given infrared headphones to listen to about 200 musical extracts from the instruments displayed. Whether you love exploring the musical world or not, this is the place to be.

Autoworld

Autoworld is a vintage car museum in Brussels. A collection of over 250 European and American automobiles dating back to the late 19th century is on display here. Minerva and several limousines belonging to the Royal family are some of the examples of cars displayed in the Autoworld museum. This is a great opportunity to take it back to the 1990s and have a feel of how it used to be back then.

Conclusion

Brussels is a dream come true. It is Belgium’s most valuable city. It hosts the mighty Brussels F.C. alongside other sporting teams. Away from sports, the city is home to a number of economic activities. It is also headquarters to many trade unions and other incoming generating activities. That explains why this city is reached. As a result, the tourism industry is well taken care of and touristic features conserved. You get here, and you do not want to leave once your vacation comes to an end. The city has a mix of traditional and modern touristic features. It is fun galore. The security is well taken care of and most of the sites reasonably charged. Restaurants are affordable, while others are outrightly expensive. The decision to go for lavish spending or sparingly is all yours. This list of 15 things to do has highlighted some of the major activities you will find entertaining. Ensure you leave none out. Still, you are not restricted to the above alone. Explore and let Brussels feel your presence.