Things to do in Brussels
Author: Jools Stone
Brussels is often unfairly written off as a city of bureaucrats but there’s plenty going on if you know where to look. Once you’ve ticked off all the key sights make some time to take in some of these quirkier finds.
If you like to eat like a local, you'll love to scoff a waffle like a true Brusselsian
You’ll find these sinfully sweet squares of sugary goodness at waffle vans dotted around the city, but the best ones, called Liege waffles (or Luikse in Flemish), can be sampled at public parks and food markets. While all manner of toppings are available, including sprinkles, nuts and whipped cream, locals generally eat them with nothing but a light dusting of sugar. Grab a bench and tuck in.
Top tip: For some of the tastiest waffles in town, head to Maison Dandoy on the aptly named Rue au Beurre, where they’ve been dishing out waffles along with speculoos and biscuits since 1829.
If you like art, you'll love the peeing trio
Most travellers will make a beeline to check out the cheeky Manneken Pis statue but make sure you also spy his two companion pieces, the squatting female Jeanneke Pis (located in an alley off Rue des Bouchers) unveiled in 1987 by sculptor Denis-Adrien Debouvrie, and Het Zinneke installed in 1999 by sculptor Tom Frantzen, a urinating dog with its leg cocked against a Rue des Chartreux bollard.
Top tip: Zinneke means a ‘person of mixed origin’ and this spirit is best exemplified by the Zinneke Parade, a massive multi-cultural street party held every other year when the city explodes into life with a colourful procession full of floats, costumes and live music.
Holiday package prices shown exclude local taxes, fees and charges that may be payable at your accommodation. If applicable, these will be displayed when booking.
If you like traditional pubs, you'll love to down a beer in a brown cafe
Belgium takes beer to new heights so stopping off for a glass or two in one of the city’s many brown cafes is a must-do. These storied institutions pack in punters at lively tables amid wood-panelled walls browned with tobacco smoke, where you can quaff a wide variety of Belgian beers, including monk-brewed Trappist beers, double-fermented gueuze lambics and even tart krieks (lambic beers fermented with sour Morello cherries).
Top tip: Although it’s undeniably touristy, you can’t go far wrong with Delirium cafe, which offers the world’s largest selection of beers on its menu: a whopping 2,000 brews and counting.
If you like history, you'll love to delve into Belgium’s dark past
In recent years, Belgium has begun to confront its colonial past, when it ruled over huge parts of Central Africa, including what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The vast African Museum in Tervuren makes an illuminating place to take in this history and later developments across the continent. Permanent collections cover landscapes and biodiversity, colonial history and independence, and rituals and ceremonies, while the crocodile room and rumba music corner are also well worth a look.
Top tip: Reach the museum via a charming vintage wooden tram which rattles its way past towering trees and stately mansions on Avenue de Tervuren.
If you like shopping, you'll love to hunt for bric-a-brac in a historic hip ‘hood
The former working-class neighbourhood of Les Marolles is now one the city’s hippest areas, and it’s also the place to come for some off-beat shopping. You’ll find plenty of curios at the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market where you may also hear traces of the old Brusseleer dialect from the stallholders. The nearby streets of Rue Haute and Rue Blaes also do a brisk trade in antiques and vintage clothes, giving you more chances to bag a bargain.
Top tip: The flea market is open 365 days a year from 6am – aim to get there early in the morning to snap up the best items.
Find inspiration in our travel articles
Europe’s most romantic cities
What is it that makes city breaks so romantic? Find a special corner of these romantic European cities to call your own. We've picked our top five – perfect whether you're in the first flush of romance, or celebrating an anniversary ending in '0'.
Alpine Lakes & Mountains
Picture yourself in an Alpine meadow with your feet in glacial meltwater and your face in the sun. The hills aren’t alive with the sound of music. You’ll more likely hear chattering hikers or the soft burr of a freewheeling bicycle. Holiday in the Alps in summer: they’re sublime.
Shake up your summer holiday
Whether you’re looking for Caribbean-style beaches closer to home or want to indulge in a hefty dose of culture without the crowds, these alternative escapes are guaranteed to make your summer sizzle.
Terms and Conditions
- Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
- Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
- Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
- Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
- Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
- Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
- Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
- Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply