Things To See In Brussels

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Beautiful Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is the centre of the EU, the home of delicious chocolate, and waffles (and other amazing things to eat in Brussels), and it’s a must-visit destination if you’re heading to Belgium.

Traveling can get very expensive – especially when heading to capital cities, but one of the best ways of keeping your costs down is by sightseeing instead of paying for attractions.

As you can imagine, in many cities, when you’re trying to stick to a tight budget, you do often limit yourself to having to admire buildings and statues.

As boring as that might sound to some travelers, Brussels is actually a wonderful city to wander around and take in the views, especially if you’re visiting Brussels solo. It is no wonder that it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status.

There are many amazing things to see in Brussels, the beautiful capital city of Belgium, and this post will give you all the tips and tricks on how to make the days go by – for free! For even more tips about Brussels, you can always consult this expat’s guide to living in Brussels.

If you plan on making Brussels part of a larger Belgium trip, there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Belgium.

Brussels Accessibility

Brussels’ bus system has very good accessibility and is the best way to get around the city. Unfortunately, only half of the city’s metro subway is equipped with elevators, making 50% of it inaccessible to wheelchair users. Luckily, the bus system is comprised of 61 city bus routes in Brussels, 11 of which operate through the night. Almost all of the buses that operate on these routes are equipped with wheelchair ramps at the center or rear door, which permit easy roll-on/roll-off access.

Another great and wheelchair-accessible way to get around the city is by Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour of Brussels. This bus tour hits all the major sites and gives you an audio tour along the way.

For more information on city bus and metro routes and accessibility in Brussels, check out Wheelchairtravel.org’ s Brussels page.

Things to See in Brussels

There are so many beautiful buildings that deserve to be admired in Brussels, and statues too. There are also some great viewpoints that give you a great platform for taking photographs of the skyline.

The great thing about Brussels is that the majority of the things that you might like to see in the city are very close together, making it very walkable and reducing the need to spend on public transport.

It also means that you can have a jam-packed itinerary if you only have one day in Brussels.

1.   The Grand Place

The Grand Place is the central square of the city of Brussels. It is always bustling with life, no matter the time of year, and is a meeting point for many tours. The most beautiful building in the square is the Town Hall, which looks amazing day and night.

Surrounding the square are guildhalls, representing the trades that once kept the city of Brussels alive. All of the buildings in the Grand Place are very picturesque, and many locals and tourists could spend hours admiring them.

The Grand Place is a beautiful place to sit and relax in the evenings as the sun sets behind the Town Hall. Beside it, you’ll also find the main tourist office, offering plenty of information on the city.

Accessibility: The area surrounding the Grand Palace is largely cobblestone, so be prepared for a somewhat bumpy ride or walk if you have mobility impairments.

2.   Manneken Pis

No visit to Brussels would be complete without stopping by to say hello to Brussels’ pride and joy, Manneken Pis. This adorable little statue of a peeing boy draws in huge crowds every single day for photos.

Manneken Pis’ name leaves nothing unsaid, with its translation meaning ‘little pee man’.

The people of Brussels have a great sense of humor, and it is reflected so well in their love for Manneken Pis. You’ll find little mementos of him all throughout the city, in every single souvenir shop!

He’s so well cared for that he even gets dressed up on special occasions, and you can view his wardrobe in a museum just a short walk from the statue.

Accessibility: The area surrounding the statue is wheelchair accessible.

3.   St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a marvel of architecture. The cathedral is just beautiful, inside and out, and so peaceful. The artwork inside the cathedral deserves to be admired, whether you’re religious or not.

I particularly enjoyed admiring the woodwork and stained glass while I was exploring the cathedral – it is just incredible how much detail is included in some of the pieces.

Entrance to St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is free, but if you’d like to get a more in-depth look inside the church at the archaeological site or Romanesque crypt, then you’ll have to pay a small fee of €1 and €2 respectively.

Accessibility: There is paid parking along the roads surrounding the cathedral (Place Sainte-Gudule and Rue du Bois Sauvage), with specific disability spaces. There are steps to the front entrance, but also a ramp running along both sides of the front entrance for wheelchairs. Inside the Cathedral, ramps provide barrier-free access to the sanctuary.

4.   Justice Palace

The Justice Palace is a very important building in Brussels’ history. It stands on what is aptly named Mont des Potences (translated to Gallows Hill) – symbolic of the executions that occurred of condemned criminals.

It is still the largest Palace of Justice in the world and has a huge dome in its structure that reaches over 100 meters tall.

The impressive exterior is matched by the inside decoration and the impressive number of rooms. With 27 courtrooms inside, justice is definitely a priority in the renowned building.

Accessibility: Designated disability parking is available. The courthouse is set on ground raised higher than street level, and there are steps with handrails to the entrance. There is, however, a designated entrance for wheelchair users, and inside there are lifts and ramps in place. Accessible toilets are available on-site.

5.   Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parc du Cinquantenaire is a bit of a longer walk out of the city centre of Brussels, but it is a lovely one and worth it to relax in the park.

The main attraction of Parc du Cinquantenaire is the huge archway at the top of the park. It is a magnificent site to admire, and the detail that is included on the inside of the arches is so wonderful.

There is always a lovely flower arrangement on the green in front of it, allowing some beautiful photos to be taken of the site. On the other side of the arch is a great water fountain, which would also be a great photo location.

As it’s outside of the city center a little, you may want to pay for transport to reach it, and the great news is that the park is very well connected to the city center by tram and bus links!

Accessibility: The Schuman entrance has been specifically designed to be accessible for people with disabilities.

 6.   Mont des Arts

Mont des Arts is the best place to go if you’re looking to get a good view of Brussels’ skyline. Just a short walk from the city center, the platform allows you to get a wonderful view of the city.

The Town Hall spire is the most noticeable building in the skyline – designed to be seen for miles. The gardens surrounding the steps are also lovely in spring and summer and would be a great place to have some downtime or eat lunch.

Accessibility: Accessible only via the entrance on Rue du Mont des Arts; other access is via flights of stairs.

7.   Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is a very grand building and home to the Belgian Royal Family. The gardens are well-kept and look amazing from the roadside – never mind being in them.

While it is a lovely building just to admire, you can also gain entry to it during the summer months. Entrance is free of charge, and in 2023, the palace can be visited from the 23rd of July to the 28th of August. Booking is essential for a visit inside the palace.

On a visit inside the palace, visitors are given access to many of the rooms, including the Throne Room and the infamous Mirror Room.

Accessibility: Unfortunately, due to the church’s age and the steps leading to its sanctuary, the building is not wheelchair accessible. Families and friends may be able to help lift manual wheelchairs up the staircase, but there is no option for powered wheelchairs to gain access.

8.   Jeanneke Pis

Following on from Manneken Pis, the locals in Brussels took their peeing statue humor a little bit further and installed a female peeing counterpart to keep Manneken Pis company!

Jeanneke Pis is a statue of a little girl crouched down and peeing into a dish below her. It is sort of hidden down a back alley, and it is behind a set of railings, but Google Maps will get you there no problem.

One thing that may surprise first-time visitors to Brussels is that with such a great fuss made of the statues, they are very small. Jeanneke Pis stands at only around 50 cm tall and Manneken Pis at 61 cm.

Legend has it that Jeanneke Pis will grant you fidelity, and it has become a tradition to throw a coin into the basin below her, with the funds being donated to charities.

Accessibility: Wheelchair users should be able to access the statue without issue.

9.   Zinneke Pis

Brussels’ great humor strikes again with the installation of Zinneke Pis! As if boy and girl peeing statues weren’t enough, Brussels then designed a peeing dog!

Zinneke Pis is also sculpted out of bronze and is the latest of the three statues. It was placed in its position, peeing up a bollard in 1998, and is perhaps the least known of the peeing statues.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much of an illusion of the dog peeing, as it is not a fountain like Manneken and Jeanneke Pis, but its stance is all you need to understand!

Accessibility: Wheelchair users should be able to access the statue without issue.

10.   Atomium

The Atomium is one of the best things to see in Brussels as it is so unique. The structure has been designed so that it resembles an iron atom, and each sphere is actually a walkable room, with stairs, escalators, and elevators connecting them together.

The top sphere is where you are ushered first, as you take the elevator directly up the middle of the structure to the top. There, you’ll get a 360-degree view of the city of Brussels with plenty of telescopes and infographics available to enhance the experience.

The other spheres offer insight into the creation of the structure and immersive experiences such as flashing light shows.

Of course, for such an experience you will have to pay for a ticket, but it is definitely worth it. While the Atomium is a spectacular sight from the outside, it has nothing on the experience awaiting you inside.

Accessibility: Wheelchair access inside the Atomium is very limited. Each of the spheres holds an exhibition, with the uppermost featuring an observation deck. The observation level is accessed by an elevator. This is the only sphere that is wheelchair accessible. All of the other spheres must be accessed by escalator. Wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed on any level, except within the observation sphere. Visitors in wheelchairs receive free admission. All other persons with disabilities must present a disability ID card to receive complimentary admission.

Craving More Belgium?

There are a couple of day trips that make for fantastic excursions from Brussels.

Bruges

A Brussels to Bruges day trip is a truly magical experience. Bruges is a city filled with Medieval charm and is less than an hour and a half away from Brussels on public transport. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city itself is often referred to as “the Venice of the North.”

Ghent

This picture-perfect city is a quick 45-minute drive from Brussels and offers a laid-back, stunning cityscape that will have you falling even deeper in love with Belgium. There are plenty of things to do in Ghent, like exploring castles, taking in the amazing street art scene, visiting historic cathedrals, and taking a canal ride.

Things to See in Brussels: Conclusion

The best things to see in Brussels are all free, and you can spend a lot of your time exploring the city on foot in search of them all.

If you’re planning to see them all, then I recommend paying for transport to the Atomium as it really is quite far out of the city. And also, pay to go inside it, because while the Atomium is a beautiful sight from the outside, it doesn’t even compare to the view that you get from the top!

Otherwise, the city is very walkable, and most sights can be reached with just short walks. If you’d prefer an easier way of getting around the city and seeing all of the top sights, then consider getting a hop-on hop-off bus pass.

Overall, Brussels has something for everyone, and it is absolutely beautiful to explore. The Belgian capital should be at the top of anyone’s travel list as it’s guaranteed to be an enjoyable visit with so much to see and do.

Get your trip to Brussels booked today! What are you waiting for?

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to See in Brussels

Is Brussels worth visiting?

Yes. Brussels combines elaborate architecture, major European institutions, comic-book culture, excellent museums and extremely committed approaches to chocolate, waffles and fries. Many famous sights are concentrated around the historic center, making the city particularly rewarding for a short break.

How many days do you need in Brussels?

One full day is enough to see the principal landmarks in central Brussels. Two or three days allow time for the Atomium, museums, the European Quarter and regular café breaks without treating sightseeing as a competitive endurance event.

What are the must-see attractions in Brussels?

First-time visitors should prioritize the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Mont des Arts, the Royal Palace and the Atomium. Parc du Cinquantenaire, the Palace of Justice and Brussels’ comic-strip murals are worthwhile additions when time and energy permit.

Can you see Brussels in one day?

Yes, although you will need to be selective. Spend the morning around the Grand Place, Manneken Pis and the cathedral, then continue to Mont des Arts, Brussels Park and the Royal Palace. Visit the Atomium instead of adding it to this route unless you are prepared for a busy day and a suspicious number of transportation decisions.

What is the best walking route through central Brussels?

Begin at the Grand Place, continue to Manneken Pis and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, then visit the cathedral. From there, travel through Mont des Arts to the Royal Quarter, where you can see Brussels Park and the Royal Palace. The Palace of Justice and Marolles neighborhood can be added if hills and distance are not concerns.

What can you see in Brussels for free?

The Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis, Zinneke Pis, Brussels Park, Parc du Cinquantenaire and the Mont des Arts viewpoint can all be enjoyed without an admission fee. Entry to the main part of the cathedral is normally free, although concerts, guided visits or special areas may have separate charges.

Why is the Grand Place famous?

The Grand Place is surrounded by the Gothic Town Hall, ornate guild houses and the Maison du Roi. UNESCO added the square to the World Heritage List in 1998 because of its exceptional blend of architectural and artistic styles. It is particularly beautiful after dark, when the illuminated buildings become even more dramatic, and your camera begins demanding overtime. Learn more on the official UNESCO Grand Place page.

Is the Grand Place wheelchair accessible?

The square can be entered without steps, but its historic cobblestones are rough and may be uncomfortable for wheelchair users or anyone with joint, balance, or pain conditions. Crowds can also make navigation difficult. Visit early in the morning, consider bringing a portable cushion, and approach from the smoothest available street rather than allowing picturesque paving to win the argument.

Is Manneken Pis worth seeing?

Manneken Pis is tiny, frequently surrounded by visitors and undeniably one of Brussels’ most famous residents. The statue is close to the Grand Place, so it is worth the short detour—particularly because discovering just how small it is has become part of the traditional Brussels experience.

Where can you find Jeanneke Pis and Zinneke Pis?

Jeanneke Pis is located in a gated alcove near the Impasse de la Fidélité, while Zinneke Pis stands at the corner of Rue des Chartreux and Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains. Both are free to see and provide further evidence that Brussels became committed to a theme and refused to abandon it.

Is the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula free to visit?

General entry is normally free, although donations are appreciated and some special visits or events may require payment. Sightseeing is restricted during religious services, so check the cathedral’s current opening hours and visitor information before arriving.

Is the Brussels Cathedral wheelchair accessible?

A step-free entrance is available, but visitors who require a specific route or assistance should contact the cathedral before traveling. Services, concerts and construction can affect visitor access, and some historic sections may be more difficult to reach than the main worship space.

Does the Belgian royal family live in the Royal Palace of Brussels?

No. The Royal Palace is the King’s administrative residence and principal workplace, while the royal family lives at the Castle of Laeken. The Brussels palace is used for official meetings, receptions, and state ceremonies. The Belgian Monarchy’s Royal Palace information explains its current role.

Can you go inside the Royal Palace of Brussels?

The palace opens to visitors only during a limited summer period, and reservations may be required. Opening dates and arrangements change annually, so consult the official Royal Palace page rather than relying on information from a previous summer—or arriving hopefully at a firmly closed royal door.

Is the Royal Palace wheelchair accessible?

Only part of the seasonal visitor route is wheelchair accessible. The first section can be reached using a lift, but the second includes approximately 250 meters of cobblestones and a gallery with stairs and no lift. Wheelchair places are limited in each time slot, so mention your requirements when booking and review the palace’s current accessibility information.

Can tourists enter the Palace of Justice?

The Palace of Justice remains a working courthouse, so public access may be affected by security procedures, court operations, and renovation work. The exterior and Place Poelaert viewpoint can still be appreciated without entering. Confirm current visitor arrangements before making the uphill journey specifically for the interior.

Is Mont des Arts wheelchair accessible?

Mont des Arts sits on a slope, and several direct approaches include stairs. A step-free route is possible using surrounding streets, but it is longer, and gradients vary. Map the accessible approach in advance and avoid assuming that the most photogenic staircase has suddenly developed an elevator out of politeness.

Is the Atomium worth visiting?

Yes, particularly if you enjoy unusual architecture, panoramic views or reminders that the future once involved constructing enormous metal atoms. The Atomium was created for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair and lies outside the historic center, so allow several hours for transportation and the visit.

Is the Atomium wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair access is limited to the Panorama sphere, which is reached by lift. The exhibition spheres require steep escalators and stairs, and the lift may be uncomfortable for visitors affected by dizziness or sensory conditions. Adapted toilets are available near the ticket pavilion, and admission is currently free for visitors who use a wheelchair or crutches. Verify the policy on the Atomium’s official accessibility and ticket pages before visiting.

Is Parc du Cinquantenaire accessible?

The park has broad paths and step-free areas, although surfaces and gradients vary. Each surrounding museum—including Autoworld, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and the Art & History Museum—has its own entrance and accessibility arrangements. Check the specific museum rather than assuming that reaching the triumphal arch guarantees entry everywhere else.

What is the best time of year to visit Brussels?

Late spring and early fall generally provide comfortable sightseeing temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. Winter can be cold and damp but brings festive markets and atmospheric lights, while summer offers long days and seasonal events. Rain is possible throughout the year because Brussels believes umbrellas should remain relevant in every season.

What should you wear in Brussels?

Wear comfortable shoes with good traction because cobblestones, slopes, and wet pavement are common. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket even when the forecast appears encouraging. Wheelchair users may also want gloves for rough paving and rain protection for themselves and their mobility equipment.

Do you need a car in Brussels?

No. Central Brussels is compact, and public transportation connects the historic center with the Atomium, European Quarter and major railway stations. Driving introduces traffic, restricted streets and parking costs without contributing much joy to the occasion.

Is public transportation in Brussels wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility varies by route, stop and station. All STIB buses are low-floor vehicles with ramps and wheelchair spaces, while many trams are low-floor and accessible metro stations are identified on the network map. Check the vehicle, boarding stop, destination stop and lift status before each journey using the official STIB accessibility information.

Is Brussels wheelchair accessible?

Brussels has accessible transportation, museums, hotels and attractions, but the city is not completely barrier-free. Cobblestones, steep streets, narrow pavements, construction and historic buildings can create significant difficulties. The official Accessible Brussels guide provides information about adapted attractions, transportation, toilets and taxis.

How can I explore Brussels with a chronic illness?

Divide the city into small geographic areas and schedule no more than one major attraction per half-day. Build in seated meals, identify cafés and toilets before beginning, and use public transportation or taxis for longer journeys such as the Atomium. A slow waffle break remains cultural research, regardless of what your itinerary says.

Which Brussels attractions should be booked in advance?

Reserve the Atomium, seasonal Royal Palace visits, popular museums and guided tours ahead of time when possible. Leave generous gaps between timed entries because cobblestones, transit connections and security checks may take longer than expected.

Is the Brussels Card worth buying?

The Brussels Card can be worthwhile if you plan to visit several participating museums within 24, 48 or 72 hours. Public transportation and Atomium access are optional additions, so compare the available versions with your actual itinerary. Travelers concentrating on free outdoor landmarks may spend less by purchasing individual tickets. Check current inclusions on the official Brussels Card page.

Where should you stay for sightseeing in Brussels?

The historic center is convenient for the Grand Place, cathedral and major restaurants, while the Royal Quarter provides easier access to Mont des Arts, museums and Brussels Park. Travelers with mobility requirements should verify the route from the nearest accessible station as well as the hotel entrance, lift, bathroom and bed configuration before booking. A hotel described as “steps from the Grand Place” may be using the word steps more literally than you hoped.

Should you take a day trip to Bruges or Ghent from Brussels?

Both cities make excellent day trips. Ghent is usually reached by direct train in roughly 30 to 40 minutes, while Bruges takes approximately one hour. Ghent may be easier to combine with a shorter Brussels stay, while Bruges rewards a full day—and possesses enough cobblestones to make its historic credentials extremely clear.

Are trains from Brussels accessible to wheelchair users?

Belgian railways provide free assistance for travelers with reduced mobility, but the booking requirements depend on the route, station, and whether the journey includes a connection. Brussels, Ghent and Bruges have stations offering assistance, although train and platform access can vary. Review the current SNCB-NMBS reduced-mobility service and reserve assistance within the required period.

What food should you try in Brussels?

Try both Brussels and Liège-style waffles, Belgian chocolate, fries, speculoos biscuits, and local beer if you drink alcohol. Mussels are another traditional choice. Avoid attempting every specialty in a single afternoon unless your sightseeing plan already includes an extended horizontal recovery period.

What languages are spoken in Brussels?

French and Dutch are the region’s official languages, and English is widely understood in tourist areas. Learning simple greetings in French or Dutch is appreciated, but visitors can usually manage major attractions, hotels, and restaurants in English.

Is Brussels safe for solo travelers?

Brussels is generally manageable for solo visitors, but pickpocketing can occur in crowded attractions, public transportation, and major railway stations. Keep valuables secure, remain aware around Brussels-Midi and Brussels-North, and use a licensed taxi or a well-lit route late at night.

This post was written by Charlotte from The Geo Room. Charlotte is a geography student who loves to travel and write blogs about her experiences. She is currently traveling around Europe in her free time and hopes to expand her horizons within the next couple of years and become a full-time nomad!