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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, it is the perfect place to head for a short break due to the range of things to do and see in Brussels including lots 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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Morning	02:00	04:25	06:50	09:15
Midday	11:40
Afternoon	14:05	16:30
Evening	18:55	21:15	23:40

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Culture and shopping
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Alternative things to do in Brussels
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Explore the old town
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Parks and gardens

Must see things in Brussels

Culture and Shopping

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, easily one of the best things to do in Brussels, it 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 and arguably one of the most interesting things to do in Brussels.

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.

To be able to explore the cheap things to do in Brussels, 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!

Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels

Cool Things To Do in Brussels

Brussels is full of unique and cool activities to enjoy, so you will be spoilt for choice if you are looking for something a bit different to do. Whether you are looking for indoor things to do in Brussels or more family-friendly activities, or even something more adventurous in Brussels there are activities for everyone.

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. This is a top family thing to do in Brussels as you can enjoy the quest of finding Tintin everywhere you go across the city.

For further 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. A perfect indoor thing to do in Brussels, especially when it’s raining, it offers a variety of things to do and see. For example, 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!

Hidden things to do in Brussels - Explore Brussels’ Old Town

If after you have visited the tourist attractions and you want to explore some more of the must see places in Brussels, 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. As one of the top ten things to do in Brussels, don’t forget to climb the 96m tower at its centre to witness amazing views of the city skyline.

Opposite the town hall is another tourist favourite of things to see and do in Brussels. The Brussels City Museum, which is home to a rich selection of ancient tapestries, and costumes for Manneken Pis, is 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 and arguably the most interesting thing to do and visit in Brussels, make sure you visit the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula which boasts gorgeous stained glass windows and a huge vaulted ceiling.

Greenhouse botanical gardens in Brussels

Parks and Gardens

If you visit Brussels in the warmer months, you might like to head to the Parc Du Cinquantenaire. Here you can enjoy nature and its surroundings as well as benefit from all the family things to do in Brussels. Here you can have a picnic in the sun whilst being amongst 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. A must see in Brussels, it’s originally the city’s botanical gardens from the 19th century greenhouse hosting 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 Calais crossing and discovering it for yourself. Here’s our list of the top ten things to do in Brussels:

Grand Place
Atomium
Manneken Pis
Royal Palace of Brussels
Magritte Museum
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
Brussels Comic Strip Museum
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Mont des Arts
Belgian Waffle Tasting

Brussels is the perfect place to head for a short break due to its range of attractions, delicious chocolate and beer, and exciting atmosphere

EU flag European Parliament building Brussels

Selection on belgian waffles in Brussels

FAQs:

1. What to do in Brussels?

With plenty of things to do in Brussels, some of the best things you can do are to explore the Grand Place and immerse yourself in the stunning historic square, and see the iconic Atomium for the best panoramic city views. As well as exploring the history, culture, and architecture, don’t forget to try all the city’s delicacies including chocolate, waffles, and the beer tours. For a more family fun activity to do in Brussels, enjoy Belgian comics at the Comic Strip Museum, relax in Parc du Cinquantenaire, and take in the views from Mont des Arts.

2. Where is Brussels?

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, located in Western Europe. It is situated in the central part of Belgium, and it lies between the cities of Antwerp to the north and Charleroi to the south. Brussels is approximately 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) south of Calais, France. The travel time by car is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, making it as easy as possible to get our Dover to Calais ferry to start your Belgian adventure. Book your ferry today.

3. Where to stay in Brussels?

In Brussels, there are plenty of places to stay to best support all the things to do in Brussels you have planned. The City Centre (Grand Place) is perfect for sightseeing, with attractions like the Grand Place and Manneken Pis within walking distance. The Sablon area is charming, offering antique shops, art galleries, and cafés, and it's close to the Royal Palace and Magritte. Start planning your trip to Belgium with P&O today and we look forward to seeing you onboard.

Don’t hesitate and book your ferry to Belgium today, why not treat yourself before you even get there with our Club Lounge so the whole family can enjoy the minute you get onboard. Even your furry friends don’t need to miss out with pet friendly ferries to Belgium offering Pet Lounges so even your little pooches can be relaxed too.

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