The Belgian capital has many attractions that attract many tourists throughout the year. Indeed, you will be pleasantly surprised to see that this city of 187,000 inhabitants does not attract only for its culinary side with a good portion of fries in one hand and a cold beer in the other.
How to get to Brussels?
If you leave Paris by car, it will take you a good 3 hours to reach Brussels. However, the journey by train will be much quicker as it will take you only 2 hours. People living in the south of France can choose to fly to Brussels and land at Zeventem airport, also known as Brussels National, in less than 2 hours.
What to do in Brussels?
In this article, we will present you the 10 best activities to do in Brussels for a long weekend with family or friends. Although the city is a human size, it is important to be able to plan your visit as well as possible in order to know all the good addresses of the Belgian capital.
However, you should know that an article dedicated to the 10 best bars in Brussels is available if you want to have good addresses to go out in the evening.
1. The Atomium
Located in the north of Brussels, square de l’Atomium, 1020, as its name suggests, this monument is a nice family visit to discover to learn more about the history of the monument and where a sound and light exhibition is held every 2 years.
You can enjoy the incredible panoramic view from the highest tower. And if you feel hungry after the visit, head to the small brewery of the Atomium. This is a great activity to do with friends and family.
2. Chocolate Museum
This is a nice activity to do with the family, which will please both children and parents. You will have the opportunity to make chocolate bars, suction cups, and many other shapes.
The chocolate used is of high quality, milk and dark. Afterwards, you will have a nice self-guided tour. A good time to spend in group by going to 27-57 rue de l’Etuve, 1000.
3. Autoworld Museum
The Autoworld museum is located in a beautiful setting, right across from the Aviation museum. The amateurs of old cars will not be disappointed. You will discover perfectly presented and visually accessible vehicles. Located at 11 Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1000, you won’t regret your visit.
4. Visit the European Quarter
This is a great way to discover Brussels on foot where some of the most emblematic institutions of the European Union are located. The architecture is different from the city center because of the modernity of the skyscrapers.
It is undoubtedly another atmosphere of the European capital that is to be discovered during the day to appreciate this Art-deco of the city. Another nice visit to make in Brussels.
5. Train World Museum
The Train World museum is a very nice exhibition to visit. If you travel with your children, it is a place to make them discover, because of the numerous effects that we find there and the simulators. A real children’s game to discover with your family. The address is 5 place Princess Elisabeth, 1030.
6. Fin de Siècle and Oldmasters Museum
If you want to discover a nice variety of works by Belgian artists, the Fin de Siècle and Oldmasters Museum is a great address in Brussels to visit. You will discover a very interesting art nouveau part with a beautiful collection of furniture.
A nice way to perfect your knowledge in art or simply to discover realistic paintings. The museum is located at 3 rue de la Régence, 1000.
7. AfricaMuseum
AfricaMuseum will fascinate you because it traces Belgium’s colonial past in Africa in the 19th century. The collection presented has been redesigned to make visitors think about decolonization. You will discover rooms with objects from different eras.
The place itself impresses all visitors and is beautifully arranged with works perfectly displayed. Go to 13 Leuvensesteenweg, 3080 and you will discover it.
8. Belgian beer tasting and classes
A fun evening to spend with friends. You will learn a lot about this unknown alcohol, beer, and you will enjoy it. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will enjoy discovering the different techniques and flavors of Belgian beer.
After an evening spent at 30 Voldersstraat 1000, you will never see beer in the same way again.
9. Comic strip murals
If you’re visiting Brussels with your family, visiting the comic book murals can be a great souvenir. You will discover comic book murals that are scattered all over the city telling the adventures of iconic characters such as Tintin, Lucky Luke, the Smurfs or Quick & Flupke. The departure is from the main square.
10. Visit of the Central Station and Manneken Pis
This is a nice last visit to make in the European capital. Right in the center of the city, you will see the famous Manneken Pis, one of the most photographed monuments in Brussels. You will learn a lot about this sculpture as well as other famous monuments in the area.
Where to eat in Brussels?
While visiting Brussels, you will also discover some nice local places for a good lunch or dinner. This is the best way for you to taste the many local dishes. To know the good addresses, don’t hesitate to consult our article on the 10 best typical restaurants in Brussels.
Where to sleep in Brussels?
If you decide to discover the Belgian capital for a few days, we have an article about the 10 best hotels in Brussels. This will give you good ideas where to stay and how to make the most of your trip.