What to do and see in Brussels, Belgium: The Best Places and Tips

December 30, 2017 Darwin Bolte

Unassuming Brussels is the capital of Belgium, Flanders and Europe. Medieval Grand-Place, is indeed grand, with many 17th-century buildings and daily flower markets. Reopened in 2006, the Atomium, Brussels' Eiffel Tower, provides great views, inside and out. Architecture fans should visit Musee Horta, home of Belgian master architect Victor Horta. St. Gery's clubs and bars are packed year-round. Seafood eateries abound in Ste. Catherine. Walk, rather than get snarled up in traffic, in the narrow streets.
Restaurants in Brussels

1. Grand Place

Brussels Main Square, Brussels 1000, Belgium 00 32 (0)2 279 43 65
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Grand Place

Considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, the ornate Grand Place is the center of Brussels, where many historic buildings dating from the 17th century are located.

Reviewed By Nicky A - Somerset, United Kingdom

We came here a few times, once for coffee/beer in a side café, once to find a geocache, and once to get some tourist information. The square is exquisite.
Wheelchair accessibility
It is bumpy, but perfectly doable. I was in my manual chair with husband pushing, and it was fairly hard work. The tourist information is upstairs so I had to wait outside. At the café I sat on the pavement next to my husband on the raised café platform.

Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium
Excellent
71%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 564 reviews

Guildhouses

Reviewed By Neil K - Liverpool, United Kingdom

There's not really much to say as words cannot do justice to the absolutely amazing Guildhouses and the amazing Grand Place ( Grote Markt ) .
The rows of Guildhouses look magnificent during the daylight when you can appreciate the great detail of these wonderful structures but come the night time there magical when illuminated and it's hardly surprising that this square has been voted the best in Europe and so in my opinion the best in the world and is a Unesco world heritage site.
Besides the wonderful Guildhouses you have City Hall and the Museum Of The City Of Brussels and innumerable pubs,bars and restaurants in this square,which makes it Brussels number one tourist attraction by far.
Well worth checking out.

3. Train World

Place Princesse Elisabeth 5 | 1030 Schaarbeek, Schaerbeek, Brussels 1030, Belgium +32 2 224 74 98
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 717 reviews

Train World

Train World is a showcase for the Railways of the past, present and future. We are not just another railway museum; we are more of a train opera. Visit us and spend an unforgettable day in the Train World universe. You will discover the most beautiful and unique pieces from the history of the Belgian Railways. We combine the fascinating story of the train throughout the centuries with a look into the future; a combination that has been deliberately applied in every story. You will find us in the Schaerbeek station, one of Belgium’s oldest and most original station buildings. Together with the new museum complex in the form of a sawtooth shape, this location represents a wonderful symbiosis of old and new in the Art Nouveau heart of Schaerbeek.

Reviewed By Lofty_76 - Manchester

A lot of reviews seem to focus on this being a place for kids, but adults too can be entertained for a good 2 hours. The exhibits are impressive and plentiful, spread over 3 huge halls, from the earliest days of steam right up to the latest Eurostar, Thalys or ICE trains. Thoughtful sections on history such as the living conditions of railway workers or the role of Railways in the holocaust gave gravitas and social context too. Very well laid out and the audioguide was excellent. Highly recommended.

4. Atomium

Atomium Square | Laeken, Brussels 1020, Belgium +32 2 475 47 75
Excellent
31%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 11 reviews

Atomium

Unavoidable icon of Brussels and Belgium, unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World Fair in Brussels (Expo 58); the Atomium is the most popular tourist attraction of the Europe’s Capital.

Reviewed By Ccristina_1989 - Majorca, Spain

The entrance to the Atomium is 15€ per adult and it includes taking the elevator to the highest level and then entrance to the other levels that hold info and pictures about the construction of the Atomium and other art Exhibitions. There is also a restaurant but bear in mind you need to book in advance. The ticket also includes visit to the ADAM museum that just 5 minute walk. ‎

5. Town Hall (Hotel de Ville)

Grand-Place, Grote Markt 1 | Grand-Place, Grote Markt, Brussels 1000, Belgium +32 2 279 23 43
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Town Hall (Hotel de Ville)

Reviewed By Ashwathram r - Kochi (Cochin), India

Ones eyes can never miss this fascinating building in the Grand Place, Brussels. The improper proportion of the building construction with the central tower will amuse everyone. There are free Concerts happening inside the Town hall and you can really enjoy if ur a music lover. At night the Building is lit up with lights and decors. The interiors of the concert halls are grand and artistic with art and architectural works.

6. Bois de la Cambre

Avenue Louise, Brussels, Belgium
Excellent
61%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 563 reviews

Bois de la Cambre

Reviewed By Peter_Bomberg - Ottawa, Canada

A great place to stroll during a nice day, not recommended if it's cold or rainy. The paths are nice and well laid out and the lake is wonderful.

7. Sonian Forest

Brussels, Belgium
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 403 reviews

Sonian Forest

Reviewed By Manuela L - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

South-east of Brussels are 5000 ha nice Forests, with lakes like immens parks, ideal for walks and relaxing in the nature and escape the town traffic, by observing birds and squirrels;

8. Musee David et Alice van Buuren

Avenue Leo Errera 41, Brussels 1180, Belgium +32 2 343 48 51
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 266 reviews

Musee David et Alice van Buuren

Reviewed By Peter D - Belgium

One of the rare art deco houses in Brussels. Total concept of exterior, interior and garden. The interior of the house is an exquisite combination of luxurious materials and Fine Arts. The carpets of Jaap Gidding, the piano that once belonged to Erik Satie, the paintings of Van de Woestyne, the list goes on and on. Truly a house to visit and to revisit.

9. USE-IT Brussels

Galerie Ravenstein 25, Brussels 1000, Belgium +32 471 39 96 71
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 86 reviews

USE-IT Brussels

USE-IT Brussels is a non-profit and alternative tourist office for young people. We make a free map of Brussels that will guide you through the real vibes of this city. Visit our desk for: Free advice from young locals about what to do/visit Free coffee or tea Free maps of Belgian & European cities Free wifi and lockers

Reviewed By VSBT - Tegelen, The Netherlands

Visit them when you are in Brussel. They are really nice and tell you all the hidden places that you need to see when you are in Brussel. Perfect if you want to see Brussel as a local and not as a tourist. Thanx guys, you are the best!

10. Serres Royales De Laeken

Avenue du Parc Royal | U, Brussels 1020, Belgium +32 2 551 20 20
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 928 reviews

Serres Royales De Laeken

Reviewed By streetMartin

impeccably kept show green houses, true period piece kept in its historical magnificence with incredible collection of fuchsia's and geraniums, but the real treat is the tropical forst 'room' at the end ... not to miss, when the green houses are open to the public (twice a year)

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