Must do's



🌍 We are part of the My Guide Network 180+ destinations worldwide

Here you find a few things that are not to be missed during your stay in Brussels. To read about a specific topic, just click on the bar! To get the complete story and the practical infos, click on "read more" at the end of each topic.

 


View Must do's in a larger map

The Atomium

Atomium, with the Grand Place, is an iconic symbol of Brussels. 
Created at the time of the Universal Exhibition of 1958, it’s present on the city’s skyline today. 


View Atomium in a larger map

The Grand Place

Discovering the Grand Place for the first time generally leaves people speechless and at the end of the day when the surprise is especially heightened. It’s not surprising that the Grand Place has been classed by UNESCO for worldwide heritage.
 


View brussels map in a larger map

The Manneken-Pis

Even when trying to avoid the Manneken Pis, you’ll inevitably find yourself nose to nose with the statue.
 


View Manneken Pis in a larger map

The Mont des Arts

All located on the same floor, the Mont des Arts regroup six museums, making it ideal for visitors to get around.

To get a brief overview of these museums, offering up an idea of exactly what you can come and admire, click here.


View Mont des Arts in a larger map

Abbaye de la Cambre

Abbaye de la Cambre is a small corner of paradise that we should really keep a closely guarded secret… but as you can tell we’re not! As well as the Ponds of Ixelles you’ll also discover here a French Garden which has taken over the 13th century abbey, surrounding it in natural beauty.

 


View Abbaye de la Cambre in a larger map

Les Marolles

Les Marolles is one of the most popular quarters in Brussels where inhabitants are known for enjoying the good life at weekends.
It has rapidly become ‘trendy’ for the simple reason that les Marolles hosts the famous flea market of la Place Jeu-de-Balle. 
 


View Marolles in a larger map

Rue Antoine Dansaert

Antoine Dansaert quarter is undoubtedly the ideal place for any fashion addicts. It’s in the heart of this wide street that these trendy boutiques have decided to set up. 
 
 


View Antoine Dansaert in a larger map

Parc du Cinquantenaire

In the late 19th century, King Leopold II was determined to provide Belgium with magnificent buildings and beautiful parks. The former parade ground of Cinquantenaire Palace was transformed to provide an area for the locals to walk, as well as a cultural center with the inclusion of several museums.
 


View Parc du Cinquantenaire in a larger map

Mini Europe

Located at the foot of the Atomium, MINI-EUROPE is the only park where you can have a whitlestop tour around Europe in a few short hours.
300 models and sites in a quite unequalled craftmanship.
Read more


View Mini Europe in a larger map

And finally, restaurants and atmosphere
Belgian cuisine, very close to famous French cuisine, is known around the world: generosity, delicacy of flavor, careful presentation of the dishes.

A meal in one of the many restaurants of Brussels will be an unforgettable moment.

Top Experiences and Tours in Brussels

If youʻre booking your trip to Brussels last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!

Choco-Story Brussels: Chocolate Museum Entrance with Tasting

Choco-Story Brussels: Chocolate Museum Entrance with Tasting

Highlights

  • Discover the story of cocoa and chocolate at Choco-Story Brussels
  • Watch chocolatiers craft delicious artisanal pralines by hand
  • Taste a variety of chocolates and explore their unique flavors
  • Travel through time and learn how Belgian chocolate conquered the world
  • Enjoy an unforgettable experience for chocolate lovers of all ages

Description

Discover the Magic of Chocolate at Choco-Story Brussels. To start the visit, you'll receive an audioguide (Available in 11 languages) and a welcome tasting. You can then start the visit, self-guided, with our first immersive room. Embark on a delicious adventure into the fascinating world of chocolate at Choco-Story Brussels, the museum dedicated to one of the world’s most beloved treats. From the cocoa bean to the the famous Belgian praline, your journey will uncover every step of chocolate’s incredible story. Begin by exploring the ancient roots of cocoa, once treasured by the Aztecs as a sacred gift from the gods. Learn how this precious ingredient crossed oceans to conquer the hearts of Europeans, evolving over centuries into the irresistible delicacy we know today. Wander through the museum’s engaging exhibits filled with interactive displays, historical objects, interactive games and short films. These will guide you through the fascinating culture of cocoa cultivation, harvesting, and transformation. One of the highlights of your visit is the live demonstration by a talented master chocolatier. Watch up close as smooth, velvety chocolate is skillfully crafted into exquisite pralines using traditional techniques . At the end of this demonstration, you can taste the praline that you just have seen made. Of course, no chocolate experience would be complete without tasting! Along the way, you’ll enjoy a variety of samples that will delight your senses and deepen your appreciation for the art of chocolate-making. Before you leave, don’t miss the museum shop, where you can take home delicious creations to share with family and friends. Whether you’re a lifelong chocolate lover or discovering its story for the first time, Choco-Story Brussels offers a fun, educational, and tasty experience for visitors of all ages.

Includes

Museum entrance fee Tastings Demonstration by a master chocolatier Audioguide in Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Brussels: Atomium Entry Ticket with Design Museum Ticket

Brussels: Atomium Entry Ticket with Design Museum Ticket

Highlights

  • Take in 360-degree panoramic views over Brussels
  • See the permanent exhibition about the history of this unique monument
  • Visit the two temporary exhibitions: RESTART and I have seen the Future

Description

Discover stunning panoramic views of Brussels and explore exhibitions about Belgium and digital art with this entry ticket to the Atomium. Take a walk through design works from the 20th and 21st centuries with a ticket to the Design Museum. Enter the iconic Atomium which symbolizes an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times. Step into this relic of the past which was created for the 1958 World Fair. Marvel at 360-degree panoramic views of the 19 municipalities of Brussels. Stroll through the permanent Atomium exhibition which tells the history of this pavilion and the new permanent installation called CENTRALE. The central sphere of the Atomium is the point of the construction where all forces come together. The art of Visual Systems contains rings of light that inspire you. Visit also the two temporary exhibitions, including RESTART, an immersive sound and light show and 'I have seen the Future' which presents a photographic vision of the World’s Fairs that have left their mark on both North America and Europe.. Have the option to purchase Belgian specialties or seasonal dishes at the Atomium Restaurant which offers exceptional views from 95 meters above ground. Visit the Design Museum Brussels to learn about Belgian design and its history. Make your way through permanent and temporary exhibits and see the Plastics Design Collection of around 2000 plastic objects.

Includes

Admission to the Atomium (including the temporary exhibition and the permanent exhibition) Entry ticket to Design Museum Brussels (an 8-minute walk from the Atomium) Smartphone game

Important Information

  • Apart from the upper sphere, which is accessible by lift, the rest of the Atomium is not easy to access for people with restricted mobility, and unfortunately it is not suitable for wheelchairs There are 80 steps to walk up and 167 steps to walk down, and it is impossible to avoid this You are advised to visit when the attraction opens and to avoid peak time (between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM) when there is a large influx of visitors After 3:30 PM the flow of visitors tends to reduce During the holiday periods, the attraction can be very crowded which can cause longer waiting times You are invited to check the activity provider's Facebook and Google pages which shows the number of visitors in real time Due to COVID, your admission time may be somewhat delayed due to slower lines for the elevator

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Brussels: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Brussels: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Highlights

  • Feel relaxed as you explore Brussels at your own pace on a Hop-on Hop-off bus
  • Enjoy stunning views and capture amazing shots from the open top deck
  • Your ride is eco-friendly and discover the city through our walking tours
  • Learn key facts about Brussels through the audio guide for adults and children
  • See iconic sites such as Atomium, the Grand Place, European quarter, Manneken-Pi

Description

Uncover the city's hidden gems with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, hopping off at whatever stops catch your eye. See the city's most iconic sights – and maybe even some off-the-beaten-path treasures – with the single red route. Hop on the red route and see top sights including the Palace of Fine Arts, the Sablons quarter, and the European Parliament. Look out at museums including , Musical Instruments Museum, Horta Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Stop at Place Royale and enjoy breathtaking views. Admire Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral and more. Experience the city's authentic side and visit the Marolles neighborhood. This vibrant area offers a mix of old and new, traditional cuisine, vintage shops, and a festive atmosphere.

Includes

24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket Earphones (or you can bring your own) Audio commentary on the bus and via an app Kids' audio guide App Wi-Fi onboard Clean-energy vehicle Free walking tours

Important Information

  • Please refer to the activity provider's website to check time schedules. https://www.tootbus.com/en/brussels/timetable September 30th 2025 to 31th December 2025 Red route First departure: 10:00 AM - Last departure: 5:00 PM Buses every 30 tmin on the route. Download the activity provider's app before your tour to take advantage of additional content, including the M-ticket wallet, real-time bus tracking, audio commentary, and self-guided walking tours

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

From Brussels: Luxembourg Tour with Dinant Visit

From Brussels: Luxembourg Tour with Dinant Visit

Highlights

  • Drive through the scenic Belgian Ardennes forests
  • Explore the historic sites of Luxembourg City
  • Visit the picturesque village of Dinant
  • Go to the Palace of the Grand Duke in Luxembourg City

Description

One of our most popular tours: Luxemburg is certainly a modern and vibrant city with a rich history and impressive ancient and contemporary architecture. Departure will be from 18, Boulevard de Berlaimont in Brussels. In the old part of Luxembourg, our guide will take you to the cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Duke and the Place d’Armes. In downtown Luxembourg you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Kirchberg district, home to several European institutions. In the valley, you will be able to see a trail of the Casemates, the abbey of Neumünster, the city walls and the picturesque sites along the river Alzette. After some free time in the city, you will explore the quaint town of Dinant, with its fifteenth century collegial church and its impressive citadel. Dinant’s name originates from the Celtic “Divo Nanto”, which means “Sacred Valley”. This little town is dramatically perched on the narrow banks of the River MeuseI. This is the cradle of the Leffe beer and the birth place of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.

Includes

Guide Air-conditioned coach Radios and earphones

Important Information

  • Our guides are pleased to conduct the tours in English, Spanish, and/or French, depending on the language preferences of our guests.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Brussels is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides. We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing.

Nearby Destinations