Things to do in Brussels
Brussels is the underrated heart of Europe, a city of grand art nouveau architecture, world-class museums, and legendary beer and chocolate that costs a fraction of Paris or Amsterdam. As the de facto capital of the EU, it's exceptionally well-connected and surprisingly affordable for a major Western European capital.
Why go to Brussels
Grand Place
One of the world's most stunning medieval squares, ringed by gilded Gothic guild halls, entirely free to enter.
Atomium
Brussels' quirky 1958 World's Fair icon is a giant steel atom you can climb inside for panoramic city views.
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts
Six interconnected museums housing Bruegel, Magritte, and Rubens under one roof for a single combined ticket.
Manneken Pis & Surroundings
The cheeky little bronze boy is free to see, and his ever-changing costume wardrobe adds a surreal Brussels charm.
Comic Strip Center (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée)
Belgium's quirky shrine to Tintin, the Smurfs, and global comics culture, housed in a breathtaking art nouveau Horta building.
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Good to know in Brussels
- Transit: A single STIB/MIVB metro, tram, and bus ticket costs about $2.80; a 10-trip card drops it to roughly $1.70 per ride, buy cards at any metro station.
- Tipping: Not expected or obligatory; rounding up or leaving €1-2 on a restaurant bill is perfectly sufficient and warmly appreciated.
- Tap water: Entirely safe and good-tasting straight from the tap, ask for 'eau du robinet' to avoid paying $4 for bottled water.
- Free-entry days: The Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts and most federal museums offer free admission on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month from 1 pm.
Trip essentials
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