The oldest known reference to Brussels goes far back to the 10th century, when it was called Bruocsella, a Frankish name which means ‘Settlement in the Marches’.
Their history is so thrilling. And should be recommended for movies to be honest. I can actually go on and on about how this splendid city came to be.
They have really come a long way and the beautiful thing is, how well they preserve their history, as well as present days achievements, making it very impossible not to attract tourists.
Well, it depends on what you see as fun. From Chocolates, waffles and even cycling fans, Brussels is your city. You will be amazed at the fun stuffs to do in Brussels.
Wait till I show you amazing places to hang out. I was thrilled when I found out too. So let’s get to some of the fun things to do in Brussels.
1. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
This cathedral is seen to be one of the finest of Brabantine Gothic’s architecture. It is dedicated to saint Micheal, Saint Gudula and also to the patron saints of the City of Brussels.
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a Medieval Roman Catholic Cathedral located in central Brussels. It was completed in 1519. The cathedral is so beautifully done you don’t have to be a Catholic to want to take a look at it.
Due to its significance it is often used for Catholic ceremonies such as Royal marriages and state funerals. The church was designated a historic monument on 5th March 1936. Such a Marvel!!! . This cathedral is a wonder and a must see.
2. Horta Museum
The Horta Museum is located at the private house and studio of Victor Horta (1861-1947). This museum was built between 1898 and 1901 also, it was owned and designed by the best known architect of Art Nouveau, Victor Horta.
This is not actually a museum in the traditional sense, as the museum itself is actually the house that Victor Horta built for himself in the late 1890’s. The fun fact here is that, there are not really any pieces that you will normally see in a history museum,
it is the marvelous Architecture of the house itself and its superb interior decorations and furnishings. Trust me, the art decoration of this house is not overrated, it is breathtaking. You will be glad you visited there when you do.
3. The Atomium
This extraordinary landmark building is located on the Heizel plateau in Laeken. It was originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s fair.
The Atomium was constructed for the first Post-war universal world exhibition (EXPO 58). The Atomium is one of Belgium’s most iconic buildings, you really need to take the metro to see it. Whether you have to pay to see it or not just know it is worth seeing.
4. Eat Moules et frites
The name alone sounds interesting. It is seen as the National dish of Belgium. Moules et frites is a main dish of mussels and fries. The title of the dish in French is actually Moules translated as Mussels and Frites as fries, interesting right?
Your tour in Belgium is not complete if you have not had a serving of this great dish. You can find this delicacy all over Europe and it is also widely known in France. Try this out with garlic bread and tomato sauce, oh heavenly!!!
5. Grand Place
Dating to the 15th century This place is lined with beautiful guild houses. This Place can comfortably boast as the best architecture in town. As such qualifies for one of the fun places to go in Brussels.
6. Church of Our Lady of Victories
Come and see how the light brings the stained-glass windows to pure life, and feel at peace with yourself as you walk through the spiritual Baroque chapels.
7. Bus tour
This, for me, is considered a great option for tourists who like their independence as well as hassle-free sightseeing. This is one of the best and fun things to do in Brussels.
8. Palais Royal
Stop to imagine even for a few seconds what it would be like living here. It is one of the most memorable experiences in my opinion. The Palais Royal!
9. Parc du Cinquantenaire
Discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems as you pedal through historic neighborhoods on a small-group bike tour cycling through the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Don’t forget to stop for fries.
10. Musée Royaux Des Beaux Arts
Try imagining yourself in the space of popular painters as you consider some of the most prestigious artworks in Europe. This is home to over 20,000 exhibits. Having every single one tell their own different story.
11. Get to see unique sculptures
As you get to explore this beautiful city, try keeping your eyes out for some of the city’s most quirky sculptures as you explore the historic center. A urinating bronze dog called Het Zinneke is one of the sculptures you don’t want to miss out on. Take a picture or two also.
There are also unique art of missing pieces, as seen in the picture above.
12. Have the best chocolate in town
Weather or not you love chocolates, you do not want to miss out on having some of the best chocolates ever. No one has ever died by just tasting some chocolates hehehe.
You might just be doing yourself a great disservice, by not getting to taste the best chocolates in Brussels. As this is one of the best and fun things to do in Brussels.
13. Relax at Brussels Park
To enter, just find the Belgian House of Parliament and follow the wide avenue down to the large pond. It’s a perfect getaway to have thoughts straightened out. Especially when you have had a bad day at work.
14. Mini-Europe Park
One of the unmissable things to do in Brussels especially as a family is to visit Mini-Europe Park. The tiny kingdoms with their scale models are just very fascinating. You get to feel like a giant here.
15. The Parlamentarium
It is the world’s largest parliamentary visitor’s center and it is in Brussels. Not much convincing here guys. You can clearly see the value of this place by merely looking at the architectural design.
16. Go super-sleuthing in an escape room
Just as the name implies, escape room in Brussel, is one of the most fascinating places to visit. You will enjoy every moment spent here, especially if you are a lover of adventure.
There are several themed scenarios to go round. Some indoors while others out in the city. If you do not love adventure, you might just get converted by just visiting here.
Find clues and solve puzzles as you battle against the clock on your mysterious mission. Pure fun right? Escape rooms in Brussels.
17. Let off steam at Train World
The train world highlight, is the 19th-century “Pays de Waes” – Europe’s oldest preserved steam train. You’ll discover the stories of those who worked on the trains and the passengers who used the station. So much to learn while having fun.
18. Mont des Arts
Just head up the steps towards the fountain and get your camera ready! Come at sunset for a splash of romance. Do not come here in fact if you do not appreciate love and nature. Another perfect place for art lovers.
19. Hard Rock Cafe
Too many guitars hanging on the wall in Hard Rock Café. I honestly wish I can be given just one as a gift..
Please when you eat, always remember to leave room for the scrumptious chocolate brownies! Hard Rock Cafe, Brussels
20. Le Botanique
Enjoy brilliant life music. Weather or not you love pop or afro beat music, there is just enough genre for everyone.
Visiting Le Botanique is one of the top things to do in Brussels for those who enjoy live shows and art exhibitions and have been craving to hear about one… here you go!
21. Bruges and Ghent
Chocolate and lace are some of Bruges’ most famous exports but strolling the cobbled streets and cruising down the canals will reveal a different side to the city.
Have a breather at the Lake of Love. There’s enough medieval architecture to make your heart gladdened with cathedrals and castles stealing the show.
22. Antwerp on a trip
Brussels takes you to Antwerp, the diamond and fashion capital of Belgium. You’ll explore the diamond district and learn how to cut these sparkly jewels in the workshop.
Then there’s time for some retail therapy on “The Meir” before sipping artisan coffee in quaint cafes. Watching the sunset over the ancient port is the icing on the cake.
23. Explore historic Amsterdam
Pause on a bridge for that all-important Instagram photo and admire the 17th-century gabled houses that line the waterways. Then chill out with stroopwafels and coffee in a trendy café.
Amsterdam day trips from Brussels are one of the coolest things you can do in Brussels.
24. Luxembourg and Dinant
Feel like you’re stepping back in time as you explore the Old Town. The Royal Palace, the European Court of Justice, and Notre-Dame Cathedral are all must-sees.
25. Keukenhof and Delft
Walking through tulip fields on the Keukenhof Estate, where reds, pinks, and yellows stretch for miles will surely leave you with thrills. You’ll learn about how these 7 million flowers are grown as you tour the gardens.
26. Meise Botanic Garden
You’ll find the pretty Meise Botanic Garden hidden in the grounds of the Bouchout castle when visiting don’t be in a hurry to leave. I hear it’s one of the biggest gardens in the world with over 18,000 plant species.
27. Comics Art Museum
If you’re looking for quirky things to do in Brussels, you have finally found it. Travel through the mysterious realm of Midam, go adventuring with the Smurfs, and say hi to Tintin.
The Art Nouveau building is spectacular too so remember to look up. Want some souvenirs? Then pop into the shop for comic books and figurines.
28. Brussels Cathedral
Just like many of its European counterparts, Brussels Cathedral is Gothic in style, with all the stained-glass windows you could wish for. Highlights include a stunning Baroque pulpit and a collection of ancient chalices and crosses.
29. Bobbejaanland
This place is just the perfect, answer if you are looking for a different way to spend family time, head to Bobbejaanland which is just 90 minutes from Brussels. Founded by a popular Flemish musician, this theme park has over 40 attractions to enjoy.
30. Sonian Forest
If trees could talk, the Sonian Forest is the best place to have a conversation with one! This ancient woodland sprawls across 5000 acres, with 40% of it lying in the Brussels area. A visit here might just end up being one of the best and fun things you will do in Brussels.
31. Autoworld
Autoworld is your chance to get up close and personal with cars that were once used by Belgian royalty. To admire cars from a close range. See your reflection in the shiny finish of luxury and imagine what it would be like to take the wheel of a 1930s Bugatti.
32. Museum of Natural Sciences
it’s fun guessing as you explore the Museum of Natural Sciences. As well as gawping at the impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, you’ll learn about the evolution of humankind too. Very thrilling indeed.
33. Walibi Belgium
Go for the ride of your life . Scream in delight as you zoom along on some of the country’s most fearsome roller coasters. You need to be strong at heart to do this. It is considered one of the top amusement parks to leave you really amused.
34. Laeken Park
Laeken was the setting for the 1958 Universal Exposition.
Stroll around the fragrant Florists’ Garden, which still has greenhouses dating back to the time of King Leopold II. You’ll enjoy spectacular city views from here too. Pictures taken here are always beautiful and unique.
35. Pairi Daiza Zoo
Meeting the wild residents of the Zoo de Pairi Daiza is one of the top friendly things to do in Brussels. This animal theme park is home to thousands of creatures, including elephants, panthers, and hippos.
You will understand the meaning of “cute” as the giant pandas charm you in the Chinese Gardens, while orangutans strike some poses in Ganesha’s Kingdom. It’s almost like you can travel through cities in just one city.
36. Banksy Exposition
It’s a real honor to stand before a work of art by the British artist, Banksy. His true identity remains a mystery, but his thought-provoking creations have stirred the souls of many admirers to come see from all over the world.
37. Nemo 33
Nemo 33 was once the deepest indoor swimming pool in the world and today makes the perfect venue for a bit of city scuba diving. You are free to go diving here.
Perfect for beginners also. So if you have actually, always wanted to go diving. This is one of the best and fun things you should consider doing in Brussels.
38. Art Nouveau tour
See Brussels in a different light on an immersive Art Nouveau guided tour. You’ll find out how this striking architectural style has influenced so much of the city’s visual heritage, with stops at all the top photo spots.
39. A scavenger hunt
Why not take part in a scavenger game and discover hidden gems? You’ll be following clues to some of the top landmarks in the historic center, as well as exploring well off the beaten track.
40. Horta Museum
There are brightly colored mosaics, intricate stained-glass windows, and swirling wall embellishments that really show off the Art Nouveau style. You might eventually want to recreate the look in your house. A visit here is no doubt one fun things to do in Brussels.
41. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces tells the story of Belgium’s military history. It tells the tales of everything that happened from medieval armor to an F-16 fighter jet on display. It is really fun to experience.
42. Black Tower
This mysterious Black Tower is one of the few wall sections to survive the ravages of time and feels out of place overshadowed by modern developments. But it still stands out for an amazing view.
This Tower is one of the best preserved remnants of the first fortifications of Brussels, it was built at the beginning of the 13th century.
43. sablon square
Petit Sablon Square is seen as one of the prettiest gardens in the city. Just a short walk from the Church of Our Lady of Sablon, the square is a pocket of peace in this urban jungle. It will only be unjust to not see this beauty. You might regret a bit, for not getting to see this when the vacation is over.
44. Remember to always have fun
In the midst of all the places to visit and stuffs to do. While checking your list. Do not compromise on the need to have massive fun. Even if you prefer to sit in your hotel room and just take hot chocolates.
45. End your day drinking Belgian beer
Try tasting a wide variety of craft beers. Belgium beer is different in taste and feeling, you know why? It is because unlike most other beers it is fermented twice. This makes it stronger so don’t forget to drink responsibly.
There is a saying “… if you drink one of these beers everyday it would be very good for you”. Belgium famous beer production history goes back centuries.
No country boost of it’s beer taste and brewing traditions as Belgium does. You can take a tour and see for yourself why Belgian beer is considered the best. Ensure you take up this opportunity to taste as many varieties as you can.
Conclusion
Brussels indeed holds a great learning ground for people who are specifically interested in art, and to those seeking for a different pleasurable experience. You can find so many reputable art galleries in the city.
Brussels is indeed a city to witness. You can visit with family, there are lots of chocolates and waffles to go around for the children. Imagine munching on your chocolates after cycling round Brussels’ park.
There is a sense of satisfaction that comes with it trust me. I am actually very particular about getting feedbacks on the beers from Brussels because it’s a taste you can’t get over.
2 Comments
Such a beautiful place,Must be really fun😍😍
It sure is
Thank you for stopping by Sophia