From June to August, Europe becomes busy with travelers. Many Europeans take long holidays. They explore well-known places and small towns. If you’re visiting Belgium in 2025, don’t miss these Brussels Things to Do!
We’ve lived in the UK for many years and hold a valid UK visa. This travel habit, along with our deep ties to the country, influenced us. One time, our family went on a five-day trip. We visited four cities across the English Channel. Our journey included Ghent and Bruges, but we started in Brussels.
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Brussels is the capital of Belgium. It is also the center of the European Union. Many people compare it to London, Paris, or Rome. But Brussels has its own charm. You’ll find delicious Belgian waffles and chocolates, beautiful buildings, and friendly locals.
Getting to Brussels in 2025
There are many ways to reach Brussels from London. You can fly, take a train, drive, or ride a coach. We chose the coach because it was cheaper. On a warm Saturday night, we left London on a Megabus. It was full.
Two hours later, we reached the Port of Dover. We passed through border checks. Then we took a ferry to Calais, France. From there, we drove straight to Brussels.
We arrived at 6:00 AM. We were tired but excited. Our hotel was 15 minutes from the bus station. Check-in was not until 3:00 PM, but the hotel kept our bags. The city was still quiet after the night’s festivals. But we were ready to explore.
Brussels Itinerary!
1. Visit the Grand Place
Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. You’ll see the Town Hall, the Museum of the City of Brussels, and many guild houses.
Every two years in August, there is a Carpet of Flowers. It covers the square for five days. Also check out the Grote Markt, which is the same square’s Dutch name.
2. See the Mannekin Pis
From Grand Place, walk to Manneken Pis. It is a small bronze statue of a boy peeing into a fountain. It’s funny and popular.
The statue was built in the Middle Ages. It became bronze in the late 19th century. You can see the original in the Museum of the City of Brussels.
Manneken Pis has over 800 outfits. Some include astronauts, world leaders, and more. It holds a Guinness World Record for its costumes.
3. Taste Belgian Food and Drinks
You must try Belgian cuisine. Popular chocolate brands include Leonidas, Godiva, and Neuhaus.
There are two kinds of waffles. One is light and crispy. The other is dense and sweet. Add toppings like strawberries, bananas, or chocolate.
You should also try Belgian frites (fries). They are deep-fried twice and served with tasty sauces. For a local meal, order mussels and fries. This dish is called moules-frites.
Enjoy a taste of Belgian beer. Visit Delirium Café. It offers hundreds of beers. Many are brewed in Belgium.
4. Explore Shopping and Markets
Explore a flea market like Place du Jeu de Balle. You might find cool things like old shoes or vintage fashion glasses. There are also quirky antiques and street treasures.
5. Relax at Jardin du Mont des Arts and Place Royale
Visit the Mont des Arts Garden. It has one of the best views in Brussels. You can see the Town Hall spire, King Albert I’s statue, and the Basilica’s green dome.
Nearby is Place Royale. It’s a historic square. Royal events happened here. Visit the church and the statue of Godfrey of Bouillon.
6. Walk Around Palais Royal and Brussels Park
The Palais Royal is the official royal residence. It’s used for state events.
Across the street is Brussels Park. It’s a quiet green space with trees and benches.
On the other side of the park is the Palace of the Nation. This is where the Belgian Parliament meets.
If you visit on weekdays, check if guided tours are available.
7. Visit the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
This large Roman Catholic cathedral is important to Brussels. It became a cathedral in 1962. Royal weddings and funerals are held here.
You can visit it to see the Gothic architecture. The stained-glass windows are beautiful.
8. Experience the Atomium and Bruparck
The Atomium was built for the 1958 World Expo. It’s shaped like a giant molecule. You can visit five of its spheres. One has a restaurant with great views.
Next to it is Bruparck, a family-friendly park. It includes Mini-Europe. You can see mini models of European landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
9. Stop by Place du Luxembourg and the European Parliament
Later that day, we went to Place du Luxembourg. It’s a busy square with cafes and bars.
Nearby is the European Parliament. It offers free tours and has a visitor center called the Parlamentarium.
This area is part of the European Quarter. It’s full of modern buildings and EU offices. Note: The Parliament is closed on weekends.
10. Discover Parc du Cinquantenaire
This large park is in the EU Quarter. It features the Arcades du Cinquantenaire, a huge arch built in 1880.
The park has museums like:
- Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
- Royal Museums of Art and History
- AutoWorld, a car museum
- Old Masters Museum, full of classic European art
You’ll also find the Great Mosque of Brussels here.
11. Admire the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart
This National Basilica is an Art Deco church with a large green dome. It fits 3,500 people.
The church is surrounded by grass. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and reflect. You can see amazing views of Brussels from here.
Plan to stay in Brussels for 2–3 days. Some places are closed on Sundays. Check schedules ahead of time. Don’t forget travel health insurance and a reliable eSIM like Yesim (Code: KATRIN8414).
12. Discover Museums and Street Art
We missed the Belgian Comic Strip Center. It features Tintin and The Smurfs comics. We also skipped the Musical Instruments Museum, which has over 9,000 items.
Art fans should visit the Magritte Museum. And if you like colors and messages on buildings, look for street art around the city.
Where to Stay in Brussels (2025)
Budget Options
- Hotel Frederiksborg – Clean and spacious. Near the Basilica.
- Midi Station Hotel – Close to Midi station. Modern and affordable.
Luxury Options
- Hotel Made in Louise – Stylish and quiet. Great service.
- Aloft Brussels Schuman EU Hotel – Central and clean. Nice breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Brussels in 2025 is a mix of history, politics, food, and fun. You’ll find something for everyone.
If you have time, take a day trip to Bruges or Ghent. These towns are beautiful and not far away. Explore their attractions now!
FAQ
Yes, it’s definitely worth it. Brussels has many things to see and do, from walking tours to museums and food experiences.
Brussels is famous for Belgian waffles, chocolates, and frites. It also gave the world Brussels sprouts.
Three days is a great amount of time to enjoy Brussels. Plan ahead and get fast-track tickets to avoid long lines at major attractions.
About the Writer
I’m Asher Villesca, born and raised in the Philippines but have been living with my wife, a nurse and our teenage son in the UK since 2003. We love to travel as a family and we’ve been to a few countries and we want to visit more in the future. Aside from travel, other interests include sports, music, reading, watching BBC’s University Challenge (a TV quiz show) and dreams of becoming a vegetarian. As an accountant, I am more at home crunching numbers than writing stuff. A newly qualified TEFL teacher, I am looking for a teaching stint anywhere in the world.
THIS IS AN ENTRY FOR THE 1ST ANNIVERSARY TRAVEL WRITING CONTEST OF TWO MONKEYS TRAVEL GROUP.