Things to Do in Brussels
26 curated spots from Brussels itineraries
Activities & Attractions
13 curated experiences
Dansaert & Sainte-Catherine Evening Stroll
Walk around the Sainte-Catherine church, browse nearby boutiques’ windows and canalside views, and enjoy the relaxed evening atmosphere.
1h · Free
Étangs d'Ixelles & Flagey Area Walk
Stroll around the Ixelles ponds, photograph the water and surrounding townhouses, then explore Place Flagey and nearby streets with cafes and local life.
2h · Free
Grand Place
Admire the ornate guildhalls and Town Hall, take photos from different angles, and wander a short loop through nearby streets and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.
1h 30m · FreeGrand Place & Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Start at the UNESCO‑listed Grand Place to photograph gilded guildhalls, then walk a few minutes to the glass‑roofed Galeries Royales Saint‑Hubert for elegant architecture, chocolate boutiques, and window shopping.[4][8]
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Horta Museum (Musée Horta)
Tour Victor Horta’s Art Nouveau townhouse and studio to see original interiors, stained glass, and curved forms; pre-book tickets if possible.
1h 30m · $10-15 per person
Ixelles Art Nouveau Walk & Place du Châtelain
Stroll residential Ixelles, passing art nouveau facades inspired by Victor Horta, browse boutiques around Place du Châtelain, and pop into contemporary photography space Hangar when open.[2][4]
2h 30m · Free
Jeu de Balle Flea Market & Marolles Stroll
Wander the long‑running flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle, browsing vintage goods, vinyl, antiques, and old photographs, then explore the surrounding streets with murals, small bars, and local shops.[8][4]
2h · Free (market purchases extra)
Magritte Museum (Musée Magritte)
Explore the surrealist works of René Magritte with family-friendly galleries and elevators; pair it with a short walk through the nearby Place Royale and views over the city.
2h · $12-20 per person
Mont-de-Piété Exhibitions
Visit this historic pawnshop building that hosts varied artistic exhibitions, then continue exploring the surrounding streets and street art.[7]
1h · Free or Low-cost
Palace of Justice Viewpoint & Rue de la Régence Walk
Take the elevator between Marolles and the upper town near the Palace of Justice to enjoy sweeping city views, then walk along Rue de la Régence toward Sablon.
1h · Free
Place du Grand Sablon & Chocolatiers
Stroll the elegant square, browse high-end chocolate shops like Pierre Marcolini and others, and photograph the surrounding historic façades.
1h 30m · Free (plus chocolate purchases)
Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market
Morning flea market with antiques, curios, and everyday objects; wander slowly, browse for small souvenirs, and enjoy the local atmosphere.
2h · Free (shopping optional)
Sablon Antiques & Wittamer Patisserie
Walk the elegant Sablon square lined with antique shops, then stop at historic patisserie Wittamer for pastries or chocolates; optionally detour to the nearby Musical Instruments Museum for its collection and views.[2][4]
1h 30m · $10-20 or Free (museum extra)Restaurants & Food
13 local favorites
Arcadi
Cozy Belgian café near the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert; order a simple tartine with jam or one of their generous quiches and a coffee.
1h · $12-18 per person
Café La Brocante
Traditional café right by Place du Jeu de Balle; enjoy croissants, simple omelettes, and coffee while watching the market activity.
1h · $10-15 per person
Café Leffe Sablon
Casual brasserie on Place du Grand Sablon; try a Flemish stew or moules-frites while the kids opt for burgers or pasta.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Kipkot
Casual rotisserie chicken restaurant; share a whole chicken with sides like fries and salad for good value.[8]
1h 15m · $15-22 per person
Knees to Chin (Louise)
Small, affordable spot known for rice paper rolls with various fillings; order a mix of rolls and shared sides for the table.
1h · $12-20 per person
Le Clan des Belges
Relaxed spot in the Saint-Boniface area; enjoy coffee, pastries, or simple brunch-style plates before starting your neighborhood walk.[8]
1h · $12-18 per person
Le Fin de Siècle
Busy, no‑nonsense bistro known for generous portions of Belgian classics like carbonnade flamande (stoofvlees), mashed potatoes, and daily chalkboard specials.[5][6]
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Les Brassins
Informal bistro known for Belgian classics like stoofvlees and vol-au-vent; try a local beer in the correct glass while the kids enjoy hearty mains.[8]
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Les Brigittines
Classic Brussels brasserie serving regional dishes like carbonnade and seasonal specials; book a table and share mains if you want to keep costs down.
1h 30m · $22-25 per person (sharing possible)
Maison Dandoy – Rue au Beurre
Historic bakery near Grand Place; come for a sit-down breakfast of Brussels waffles and speculoos biscuits with coffee or hot chocolate.[2][3]
1h · $12-20 per person
Noordzee Mer du Nord
Beloved seafood stand with high tables on the square; order the fish soup, shrimp croquettes, or a mixed seafood plate with a glass of white wine.[2]
1h · $18-30 per person
Noordzee Mer du Nord (Sainte-Catherine)
Standing seafood bar on the square; sample fish soup, shrimp croquettes, or fried calamari with soft drinks or a local beer.
1h · $15-22 per person
Tarzan Wine Bar
Cozy natural wine bar with mosaic floors and blackboard wine list; share small plates like cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal veggie dishes while tasting by the glass.[2]
2h · $30-45 per person