BELGIUM
9 must-do things
in Brussels:
Ultimate travel guide
’ll be honest, Brussels wasn’t really on my “must-see” list - at first glance, it can seem like just another busy European capital. Here’s how my perspective changed, with colorful murals, stunning architecture and that beautiful balance of charm and chaos.
In Brussels, eating well isn’t just part of the experience, it is the experience.
Belgium might be small, but it’s packed with things the world loves. First, there’s the food — golden, crispy fries (or frites), chocolate in all its forms, and possibly the best waffles you’ll ever eat, Then there’s the beer, which can be considered an art form here, and, of course, it’s the birthplace of Smurfs and Tintin , two of the most iconic comic creations ever. Good thing I love all these things, so this trip got interesting fast.
Here’s exactly how to make the most of your trip to Brussels.
1. The Grand Place
We were walking down from the bus stop, heading towards the center – and one thing’s for sure, you will know when you’re close. You turn a corner from a narrow, cobbled street and suddenly you’re standing in this huge square surrounded by breathtaking guildhalls, all glittering with gold details and intricate carvings. The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and honestly, it’s one of those spots that completely takes you by surprise.
The Town Hall towers over everything, impossibly ornate and picture-perfect from every angle. It’s easy to see why locals are so proud of it — the Grand Place isn’t just a landmark, it’s Brussels showing off its most beautiful side.
I also discovered – by accident – there was a Steve McCurry Icons exhibition, running until November 2nd 2025. From the unforgettable “Afghan Girl” to images capturing everyday moments across continents, walking through the exhibition, you’re struck by the color, emotion, and storytelling in each frame. I absolutely love McCurry, so this was a special treat.
2. Manneken Pis
Just a very short walk from Grand Place, you will see the city’s most famous celebrity. Manneken Pis is a tiny bronze statue of a boy casually peeing into a fountain, and yet it somehow captures the city’s playful spirit perfectly. You’ll find crowds gathered around it, snapping photos and enjoying the sight and its countless outfits.
Over the years, the statue has become a symbol of Brussels’ humor and irreverence — the locals even dress him up in hundreds of different costumes for holidays and special events. It’s quirky, a bit weird, and totally charming — just like the city itself.
We got to see him in two different outfits (on two different days) and there’s also a museum. The Manneken Pis museum has a total wardrobe of over 1,000 outfits and the collection grows by 20–30 new, handmade costumes each year, and the displayed selection changes to highlight different themes.
3. Waffles & Frites
What Brussels «lack» in landmarks, make up for it in food. Around the Grand Place, the smell of freshly baked waffles drifts through the streets, and it’s impossible to resist grabbing one, whether you go for the light ones with powder sugar or drenched in chocolate and whipped cream. I had the best one at Le Funambule, right next to Manneken Pis, with white chocolate and strawberries and a lighter one at Aux Gaufres De Bruxelles with whipped cream. I also had killer pancake strips at La Zigounette.
Then there are the frites — golden, double-fried perfection served in paper cones with a generous dollop of mayo or one of the many flavorful sauces Belgians swear by. We tried the ones from La Friterie (also at the Manneken Pis area), but you will have plenty of options. In Brussels, eating well isn’t just part of the experience — it is the experience
4. Chocolateries
The chocolateries in Brussels are like tiny temples of temptation, each one more inviting than the last. Step inside and you’re greeted by displays that look almost too perfect to eat — glossy pralines, silky truffles, and delicate chocolate bars arranged like jewels. Belgian chocolate is world-famous for a reason: it’s crafted with precision and passion.
Many of the best chocolatiers — like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Pierre Marcolini — started right here in Brussels, and you can still watch artisans at work in their boutiques. You can find chocolateries for all budgets but I will tell you this: the chocolate covered marshmallows from Mary will live in my head rent-free forever.
5. The Black Tower
The Black Tower is one of those hidden gems in Brussels that most people stumble upon by accident — and that’s part of its charm. It’s not far from the center, but you probably won’t have any reason to be on its area if you’re not looking for the tower specifically.
Tucked between modern buildings near Sainte-Catherine, this small medieval tower looks like it’s been dropped straight out of another century. It’s actually one of the last remnants of the city’s 13th-century walls, a quiet reminder of Brussels’ fortified past. It’s not a big attraction, but it’s a perfect example of how Brussels blends the old and new in the most unexpected ways.
6. Street Art
One of the coolest things about Brussels is how it turns entire buildings into comic book pages. All over the city, you’ll find colorful murals featuring beloved Belgian comic characters like Tintin, Lucky Luke, and the Smurfs — a nod to the country’s deep comic book heritage.
Wandering through Brussels can feel like a scavenger hunt, spotting these huge, playful artworks tucked between shops, cafés, and quiet side streets. The murals aren’t just decoration; they’re part of what makes Brussels feel so alive, blending art, humor, and local pride in a way that’s totally unique.
You can find a Tintin one near Manneken Pis, the Smurfs one on the ceiling of an archway at Carrefour de l’ Europe, and there are dozens more all around the city.
7. Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is where Brussels shows off its elegant side. Opened in 1847, it’s one of Europe’s oldest covered shopping arcades — and it still feels every bit as grand today. Sunlight filters through the glass roof onto polished stone floors, casting a glow on the rows of luxury boutiques, chocolatiers, cafés, and old bookstores lining the gallery. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, just walking through the Galeries Hubert is an experience.
8. The Marolles
The Marolles is Brussels at its most authentic and lively. This historic neighborhood has a completely different vibe from the polished city center. The heart of the area is the daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle, where you can hunt for everything from vintage treasures to odd little curiosities. And I do mean everything.
The place is packed with sellers and people looking for treasures. There are also cafés, bars, and brasseries around, giving the Marolles a buzzing, lived-in energy that feels utterly real. Visiting this neighborhood is like stepping into the everyday life of Brussels, full of character, charm, and stories around every corner.
9. The Atomium
The Atomium is the city’s most iconic modern landmark — part sculpture, part museum, and 102 meters of pure curiosity. Built for the 1958 World Expo, its giant steel spheres connected by shiny tubes make it look like a molecule frozen in time, and it’s impossible to miss on the city’s skyline. Inside, you can explore a mix of exhibitions, from art and design to science and history, while traveling between spheres via escalators and tubes that feel like a mini adventure. I was there while the light installations of Echoes of Distant Lights was on and the place felt like a colorful, bright spaceship.
The top sphere offers panoramic views over Brussels, giving you a totally different perspective on the city. Visiting the Atomium is both playful and fascinating — part futuristic playground, part educational journey, and 100% memorable. The only thing you should know is that its around a 20-minute drive from the center. The entrance fee is €16, including entrance at the Design Museum.
Bonus: Look out for The Container!
Since 2013, the roundabout on Boulevard Pachéco has been occupied by The Container, and that’s pretty much what it is. A cargo container balancing on one of its corners. created by Belgian architect Luc Deleu.
And also, see if you can spot Poechenellekelder with the bicycles.
The facade of the Poechenellekelder bar is decorated with numerous colorful bicycles. It’s located right next to Manneken Pis but I almost missed it.
So, in the end, Brussels wins you over with its combination of arts and vibes. Discovering the comics on the walls was fun, the food was amazing (we had the most delicious, fresh sandwiches at Panos), the carriages taking tourists around the Grand Place go without horses, which was a major bonus, the Uber is a bit expensive, but the buses work perfectly.
It was also beautiful to see people enjoying the sun on the wooden lounges in the park outside the church of St. Michael & St. Gudula Cathedral, and the marching band surrounding Manneken Pis. What I’m saying is, in general, Brussels might surprise you.