Brussels

Extreme sports & adrenaline

The best time to visit Brussels depends on how the city reinvents itself each season. Enjoy Trappist beers in the summer sun, the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken in full spring bloom, or Belgian waffles at the Christmas markets in December.

This month-by-month guide to Brussels breaks down exactly what to do each month, from beer festivals and blooming parks to fireworks on the Grand-Place. Whether you’re sheltering from the rain with the Magritte Museum’s surrealist masterpieces or basking in the fall glow of the Sonian Forest, you can always count on a beer or a chocolate fix in the Belgian capital.

As the "capital of Europe," Brussels is a multicultural city that is also an excellent hub for exploring the region. Its well-connected transit network means you can hop on a train in the morning and wander through the buzzing streets of Antwerp or float down the canals in Bruges by lunchtime.

If you are interested in exploring the tumultuous history of Dinant or sampling delicious chocolate and beer in Ghent, this guide to the best trips from Brussels by train will show you the best of Belgium and beyond.

Brussels in summer sets a warm tone for enjoying the urban capital's outdoor activities and ample cultural celebrations. It’s a time when the opulent Royal Palace of Brussels opens its doors for tours, allowing visitors a rare glimpse into its grandeur.

In the summer, Brussels bursts into celebration for Belgium National Day and pays homage to beer culture during Belgian Beer Weekend. Concerts abound in venues across the city during the Fête de la Musique, while guinguettes (pop-up eateries) appear all over the city. This guide will help you make the most of the very best summer activities in Brussels.

Steeped in culture and history, Brussels in winter is a great destination. The city has some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, with spectacular light shows illuminating Grand Place. Plus, unique venues such as Belgian Beer World highlights Belgium’s beer culture and is a great place to visit when it’s cold outside. 

Brussels has many great historic sites and museums. Train World is a great place for families to explore Belgium’s railroad history, and in general, Brussels’s art galleries are great year-round. Read on to find the best things to do in Brussels in Winter.