Belgium
Things to do in Brussels
With plenty of things to do in Brussels no matter what your interests are, you are sure to have a fun-filled time when you visit.
A fascinating city, and the capital of Belgium, Brussels is the perfect place to head for a short break due to its range of attractions, delicious chocolate and beer, and exciting atmosphere. It takes three and a half hours to drive from the port in Calais to Brussels, so you can be exploring this fantastic city in no time.
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While the numerous beer cafés and endless chocolate shops will be a highlight of your holiday in this exciting city, there are plenty of things to do in Brussels no matter what your interests are.
Culture vultures will love the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, which includes six galleries that take visitors through collections from the Old Masters up to the modern era. Just east of the city centre, you will find the Royal Museum of Armed Forces and the Royal Museums of Art and History, which sit side by side in the Parc du Cinquantenaire of the European Quarter, and also boast plenty to look at. For a last slice of culture, visit the colossal art deco Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Inspired by Sacré-Coeur in Paris, this green-domed cathedral is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world.
If you’d love to complete your day with some retail therapy, there's a fantastic range of shopping spots in Brussels. Wander through flea markets, browse modern boutiques, or spend time in beautiful covered arcades, such as Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.
Discover Brussels for less with a Brussels City Card, which gives you access to top tourist attractions, museums, and public transport, as well as discounts across many shops and restaurants, so you have extra money to spend in those beer cafés and chocolate shops!
Brussels is full of unique activities to enjoy, so you will be spoilt for choice if you are looking for something a bit different to do.
You can learn all about the country's rich comic book history at the Belgium Comic Strip Centre, and see if you can spot street art featuring Hergé's famous character ‘Tintin’ dotted around the city.
For family fun, seek out the astonishing Atomium, a huge steel structure in the shape of an atom, which was constructed for the 1968 World Fair and has interesting exhibitions spread across its different spheres. At the base of the Atomium, you can explore a model version of the entire continent in a single day at Mini Europe, where you can see the many wonders of Europe in miniature, including a 4m tall Big Ben!
Head to Brussels’ Old Town to find some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in Belgium. The historic Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is surrounded by magnificent guild houses, making it a very impressive place to start.
Next, take a look at the 14th century Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles (town hall), which is one of the most extravagantly ornate buildings in Europe, and climb the 96m tower at its centre for amazing views of the city skyline.
Opposite the town hall is the Brussels City Museum, which is home to a rich selection of ancient tapestries, and costumes for Manneken Pis, a bronze sculpture and iconic symbol of the city that can be found moments from the market square.
To see one of the most striking gothic buildings in the world, visit the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula which boasts gorgeous stained glass windows and a huge vaulted ceiling.
If you visit Brussels in the warmer months, you might like to head to the Parc Du Cinquantenaire which offers the perfect place to relax in the sun with a picnic, and is also home to some stunning architecture. You will find a number of museums in the park too, and between them they have around 35,000 artefacts on display.
You may also enjoy a visit to Le Botanique during your holiday in Brussels. Originally the city’s botanical gardens, the 19th century greenhouse hosts a variety of performing arts which makes it a cultural place to spend some time, and the surrounding gardens are just as lovely as ever.
With plenty of things to do in Brussels no matter if you are travelling solo, as a couple, with children, or as a group of friends, don’t delay in booking your Dover to Calaiscrossing and discovering it for yourself.
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When you visit Brussels in winter you’ll be delighted to find plenty to see and do, despite how cold the weather may be!