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Brussels Culture & history

Our most recommended Brussels Culture & history

Brussels Atomium Entry Ticket with Free Design Museum Ticket

1. Brussels Atomium Entry Ticket with Free Design Museum Ticket

Discover stunning panoramic views of Brussels and explore exhibitions about Belgium and digital art with this entry ticket to the Atomium. Take a walk through design works from the 20th and 21st centuries with a ticket to the Design Museum. Enter the iconic Atomium which symbolizes an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times. Step into this relic of the past which was created for the 1958 World Fair. Marvel at 360-degree panoramic views of the 19 municipalities of Brussels. Stroll through the permanent Atomium exhibition which tells the history of this pavilion and the new permanent installation called CENTRALE. The central sphere of the Atomium is the point of the construction where all forces come together. The art of Visual Systems contains rings of light that inspire you. Visit also the two temporary exhibitions, including RESTART, an immersive sound and light show and 'View from My Window' (till 28 May 2023) which tells the a Belgian success story through a multimedia display. Have the option to purchase Belgian specialties or seasonal dishes at the Atomium Restaurant which offers exceptional views from 95 meters above ground. Visit the Design Museum Brussels to learn about Belgian design and its history. Make your way through permanent and temporary exhibits and see the Plastics Design Collection of around 2000 plastic objects.

Choco-Story Brussels: Chocolate Museum Entrance with Tasting

2. Choco-Story Brussels: Chocolate Museum Entrance with Tasting

Journey through the story of chocolate at Choco-Story Brussels, and learn the origins of the precious commodity and its transformation to the finished product. Delve deep in the history of the Aztecs, and discover how cocoa arrived in Europe.  Admire the exhibits of the museum, including illustrations, informative panels and videos that explain the culture of cocoa and how it is turned into chocolate. Watch a demonstration by a master chocolatier on how to make artisanal pralines.  Enjoy several tastings throughout your visit, and benefit from the chance to purchase some chocolates in the gift shop.

Brussels: 2.5-Hour Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop

3. Brussels: 2.5-Hour Chocolate Museum Visit with Workshop

Learn to make your own chocolates with the help of a professional chocolate maker. Create mendiant chocolates, personalized chocolate bars, and lollies to take home with you. Afterward, you can visit the Choco-Story Brussels museum. Explore with your audio guide and discover the history of cocoa and chocolate in an interactive and fun way. Enjoy chocolate tastings and watch a demonstration of Belgian's famous artisanal pralines.

Brussels: Magritte Museum Entry Ticket

4. Brussels: Magritte Museum Entry Ticket

Visit the world's largest collection of works by René Magritte. Enjoy access to more than 230 works and archives of the famous surrealist artist. View oil paintings, sketches, and sculptures, as well as posters, photographs and films made by Magritte himself. After viewing the surrealist masterpieces, take a relaxing break at the on site café and restaurant. Stop by the shop for an impressive selection of posters, postcards, gifts and books.

From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

5. From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and relax on the 100-kilometer journey to Bruges. Upon arrival, discover the charms of “the Venice of the North” and see why the entire historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Marvel at highlights such as the Lake of Love (Minnewater Lake) and the 13th-century Begijnhof complex, founded in 1245 to house lay religious women. Go to Walplein Square, where the shady trees and cafes provide a perfect place to relax. Visit Stoofstraat on the site of the city's former Red Light District, and see medieval monuments such as the 11th-century Old St. John’s Hospital. Look at the world's second tallest brickwork tower at the Church of Our Lady, and see other historic monuments such as Gruuthuse Palace, the Dijver Canal and the tiny piazza of Tanners Square (Huidenvettersplein). Go to one of the city's most photographed spots at Rozenhoedkaai, and admire the Belfry on Castle Square. Admire the facades of the Gothic-style Town Hall and the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood. Visit Market Square (Grote Markt) to see the Bell Tower (Belfort) and Sint-Salvator’s Cathedral. Then enjoy 1-hour's free time for lunch (at your own expense) and the chance to sample some of the city's delicious chocolates.  Next, drive to Ghent, where the inhabitants have been popularly known as "noose-bearers“ since the days of Charles V. Take a guided tour of the city's historic buildings, such as the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral, where you can look at the painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers. Admire the Belfort (Bell Tower) and peculiar Gothic and Renaissance-style Town Hall. See one of the city's oldest monuments at St. Nicholas’ Church opposite the unusual facade of the Masons’ Guild House. Journey along the embankments of the medieval port of Graslei, and discover other highlights such as the majestic Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the charming Patershol neighborhood, the Great Butchers’ Hall, the Old Fish Market, and Friday Market Square.

Brussels: Guided Walking Tour

6. Brussels: Guided Walking Tour

Get an overview of the fascinating city of Brussels, with a tour through the medieval and Baroque city, the industrial city, the bourgeois city, and on to modern Brussels. This tour ensures you get to see all the parts of this multi-faceted city. Learn about the city’s museums, where the best bars and local beers are, and where to buy the best chocolate at a reasonable price. Your guide will also answer any practical questions you might have about restaurants, attractions, nightlife, or even just getting around on public transport. During your walking tour of the city, the tour will be split into two different areas: the Upper City and Lower City. The tour is structured this way to help you better understand the origins and historic development of Brussels.  Highlights on your tour of the Lower City include the Grand Palace, the Everard t'Serclaes monument on Charles Buls street, the Manneken Pis and Grands Carmes street, Marché au Charbon street, the Covering of the Senne, Riches Claires street, and Grande Île street, Saint-Géry Island and more.  Whilst perusing through the Upper city, you'll notice a very different style. During this portion of the tour, you will see landmarks such as the Grand Place, the power of merchants, the Galeries Royales St Hubert, and the Mort Subite. You'll also see the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (visit inside: stained glass windows, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, the pulpit), the Royal Park, the Royal Palace, the Royal Square, and The Palace of Coudenberg among many others.

Brussels: Train World Museum Entrance Ticket

7. Brussels: Train World Museum Entrance Ticket

Access one of the most enchanting museums in Brussels with an entrance ticket to Train World. Located in the old Schaerbeek rail station building, the museum opened in September 2015 and boasts over 8,000 square meters of space. Benefit from a free downloadable Train World app to help you make the most of your visit. Once inside the museum, explore independently and see highlights such as the 19th-century "Pays de Waes" locomotive, the oldest preserved locomotive in continental Europe. Head to the on-site restaurant when you need a break or to enjoy lunch before or after your visit. Experience the warm hospitality of the restaurant and brewery "RN Express" and dine in a unique environment.

From Amsterdam: Brussels Day Trip with Chocolate Tasting

8. From Amsterdam: Brussels Day Trip with Chocolate Tasting

Discover the treasures of Belgium on a full-day excursion from Amsterdam. A variety of outstanding beers, waffles and chocolates await, as do sights as varied as the Royal Palace and the Atomium in Brussels. You’ll stop first in Brussels, where you’ll enjoy a tour of the top attractions. See the Atomium, at the site of the 1958 World Fair, and memorable landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the European Commission buildings, the Palace of Justice and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After this, there will be a guided walk through the historic city center, where you will visit the Grand Place, the beautiful central square, and the iconic statue Mannekepis. Along the way, you will see a demonstration by a chocolatier and get the change to taste some famous Belgian chocolate.  After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll head back to the center of Amsterdam.

Brussels: Autoworld Museum Ticket

9. Brussels: Autoworld Museum Ticket

Book your admission ticket to Autoworld, the National Automobile Museum located in the heart of Brussels, the capital of Europe. The museum is housed in a historic building that was built in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kingdom of Belgium. From 1902 to 1936 the building hosted motorcar and motorbike exhibitions, and since 1986 it has featured a major part of Ghislain Mahy’s renowned collection. On permanent display are more than 250 vehicles, ranging from cars and trucks to motorcycles. From the early models of the distant past to contemporary cars, visitors are guided through the motorcar’s fabulous history beginning in the late 19th century. Autoworld is a museum on the move, featuring temporary exhibitions throughout the year that take on various automotive themes. Every 2 years Autoworld organizes a major exhibition within a specific aspect of performance design. Past themes have included Bugatti 100 Years, Belgian Racing Legends, Ferdinand Porsche, Heritage and more recently Italian Car Passion.

Brussels: City Highlights Walking Tour and Food Tasting

10. Brussels: City Highlights Walking Tour and Food Tasting

I will take you for a walk and talk about the history of Brussels while at every stop we make, you will taste famous Belgian chocolates from the best chocolatier, beer tasting in a local bar, best waffles or best fries in the centre. If you want to enjoy your stay in Brussels, book it when you arrive so I can make great suggestions on what to see or where to eat. You will see Grand-Place while I will explain the background of it along with its history and how are all the buildings shaped throughout their history. You will Royal Galleries St-Hubert, one of the first shopping arcades in Europe and understand the motives and reasons behind it. You will see a beautiful musical clock, and a hill surrounded by art and street performances. The hill provides one of the best photo locations in the city. You will hear about the history of this place and what conflict was created between the king and the mayor. Famous boy of Belgium. You will see this famous peeing boy doing what he always does while listening to the stories behind his existence. Also the peeing girl and the dog! Majestic stock exchange building of 19th century. Now on renovation to become a beer museum! A beautiful place surrounded by bars and some dinner locations

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Frequently asked questions about Brussels

What top attractions are a must-see in Brussels?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Brussels?

The best day trips and excursions from Brussels are:

Bruges

Other Sightseeing Options in Brussels

Want to discover all there is to do in Brussels? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Brussels

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 2,754 reviews

We had a great time and learned a lot about Brussels, Belgian specialities and best places for food and drinks. Very entertaining guide!

Worth every cent. Wonderful day and two fantastic places to visit. Shout out to Fabio who was our fantastic guide

A super well informed guide. And some really good tours in the 2 cities. A bit of a long day though.

Really fun, worth every penny, a bit far from the city but accessible by the train

very nice trip, didn't expect that much amusement in one day!