Is Brussels worth visiting? Yes, it is. I’ll admit that Brussels wasn’t one of the European cities I was most excited about before visiting, but it ended up surprising me. I enjoyed wandering through the historic centre, trying local food, and discovering that there was much more to the city than its reputation as the political capital of Europe. The mix of history, culture, and everyday city life made it a more interesting destination than I expected.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and is known for its role as the headquarters of the European Union. But there is much more to the city than politics. From grand squares and historic buildings to famous waffles, chocolate, and beer, Brussels offers plenty for visitors to enjoy. It is also a great base for exploring other parts of Belgium.
In this guide, I’ll cover the top reasons why Brussels is worth visiting and share some practical travel tips and advice to help you plan your trip. If you’re wondering whether the Belgian capital deserves a place on your itinerary, keep reading to discover the many reasons why Brussels is worth visiting.
Table of Contents
Top Attractions in Brussels
- Brussels: Guided Walking Tour
- From Brussels: Guided Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent
- Brussels: Atomium Entry Ticket with Design Museum Ticket
- Choco-Story Brussels: Chocolate Museum Entrance with Tasting
- Brussels 2.5-Hour Belgian Beer Tasting Experience
- Brussels: Classical Music Concert at St. Catherine’s Church
- Brussels 3-Hour Guided Art Nouveau Tour
Top Reasons You Should Visit Brussels
1. One of Europe’s Most Impressive Grand Squares
Brussels made a strong first impression on me because of its main square. The Grand Place is often described as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and after seeing it in person, I think that reputation is deserved. The square dates back to the seventeenth century and is surrounded by ornate guild houses, the Town Hall, and the King’s House. In 1998, it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List because of its historical and architectural importance.
I arrived early in the morning before most visitors had arrived, and I was glad I did. The square felt calm, and I had time to admire all the details without constantly moving around other people. The gold decorations on the buildings catch the sunlight beautifully, and every façade seems to tell a different story. I found myself looking up more than I normally do because there was so much to take in.
What I liked most was that the Grand Place is not just a tourist attraction. People still work in some of the buildings, cafés spill out onto the square, and locals pass through on their way to work. It felt alive rather than preserved solely for visitors. Even after spending several days in Brussels, I kept returning because it looked different depending on the time of day.
2. Some of the Best Food in Europe
Belgium has a strong food culture, and Brussels is arguably the best place in the country to experience it. The city is famous for waffles, chocolate, fries, and beer, but there is much more to Belgian cuisine than these well-known treats. Restaurants range from simple neighborhood cafés to Michelin-starred establishments, giving visitors plenty of options.
I probably ate more waffles in Brussels than I should have. I tried both the Brussels waffle and the denser Liège waffle, and I personally preferred the Liège version because of its caramelized sugar coating. I also visited several chocolate shops and quickly understood why Belgian chocolate has such a good reputation. Even small independent stores seemed to offer products that tasted far better than anything I usually buy at home.
Belgian fries were another highlight. Locals often serve them with mayonnaise rather than ketchup, which I was initially unsure about. After trying them, I was completely converted. Sitting outside with a cone of freshly cooked fries while watching people walk by became one of my favorite simple pleasures in the city.
3. A World-Class Beer Culture
Beer lovers have plenty of reasons to visit Brussels. Belgium produces hundreds of different beers, many of which are brewed using traditional methods that have been passed down for centuries. Belgian beer culture was even added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2016.
I am not a huge beer expert, but Brussels made me appreciate how diverse beer can be. I visited a few traditional bars where menus listed dozens of different varieties. Some beers were fruity, others tasted almost like wine, and some were much stronger than I expected. Ordering beer in Belgium feels more like tasting wine because bartenders often recommend certain styles based on your preferences.
One thing I found interesting was how seriously Belgians treat their beer. Different drinks are served in specially designed glasses, and many bars take pride in having rare brews that are difficult to find elsewhere. Even if you only enjoy beer occasionally, trying a few local varieties adds another enjoyable layer to a visit.
4. A Fascinating Mix of Cultures and Languages
Brussels is unlike most European capitals because it feels truly international. It is officially bilingual, with both French and Dutch widely spoken, but English is also common due to the large number of international residents. People from all over Europe and beyond live and work in the city, creating a diverse atmosphere.
I noticed this diversity almost immediately. Walking through the streets, I heard conversations in several different languages and saw restaurants serving food from every corner of the world. It gave Brussels a cosmopolitan feel that reminded me of cities like London or Amsterdam.
I enjoyed that mixture because it made the city feel open and welcoming. In some destinations, visitors can feel like outsiders, but Brussels seemed used to receiving people from different backgrounds. That international character adds energy to the city and makes it an interesting place to spend a few days.
5. A Rich Comic Book Heritage
Brussels has a special connection with comic books. Belgium produced famous characters such as Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke, and the city celebrates this heritage in a big way. Murals featuring comic scenes decorate buildings throughout the center, creating a kind of open-air gallery.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed searching for these murals. Even though I had only read a few Tintin books as a child, spotting colorful artwork hidden around corners became a fun activity. It encouraged me to explore neighborhoods that I might otherwise have skipped.
The Comic Art Museum was also worth visiting. It explains the history of Belgian comics and displays original drawings from famous artists. I appreciated that Brussels embraces this part of its culture rather than treating comics as something only children enjoy.
6. An Interesting Political and Historical Role
Brussels is often called the capital of Europe because it hosts many important institutions of the European Union. The headquarters of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament are all located here. For travelers interested in politics or current affairs, this gives Brussels a unique identity.
I walked around the European Quarter one afternoon and found it quite interesting. The area looks more modern than the historic center, with glass office buildings, wide streets, and international cafés. It felt very different from the medieval atmosphere around the Grand Place.
Even if politics is not your main interest, visiting this district helps explain why Brussels plays such an important role in Europe. It gave me a better understanding of how decisions affecting millions of people are made and reminded me that Brussels is more than just a city of waffles and chocolate.
7. Plenty of Museums and Cultural Attractions
Brussels has enough museums to keep visitors busy for several days. Art lovers can explore collections dedicated to Belgian painters, while history enthusiasts can visit museums covering everything from military history to musical instruments.
I particularly enjoyed the Musical Instruments Museum. The building itself is beautiful, and visitors receive headphones that automatically play music as they walk past exhibits. Hearing instruments from different periods and cultures made the visit much more engaging than I expected.
Another highlight was the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the surrealist painter René Magritte. I found his artwork strange but fascinating. Even though I am not usually someone who spends hours in museums, Brussels managed to keep my interest because the collections felt varied and accessible.
8. Easy Day Trips to Other Belgian Cities
Brussels works extremely well as a base for exploring Belgium. The country’s rail network is excellent, and many attractive cities can be reached in less than an hour. This makes it easy to experience more of Belgium without changing hotels.
I took day trips to Bruges and Ghent during my stay and thought both were worth visiting. Trains were frequent, affordable, and comfortable, which meant I never had to worry about driving or finding parking. Returning to Brussels in the evening allowed me to enjoy the city’s restaurants and nightlife while still exploring elsewhere during the day.
Antwerp, Leuven, and Mechelen are also nearby. I liked having so many options because it gave me flexibility depending on the weather or my mood. Few European capitals are as well positioned for day trips as Brussels.
9. Attractive Parks and Green Spaces
Brussels often surprises visitors with the amount of greenery it contains. Large parks and gardens are scattered throughout the city, offering welcome breaks from busy shopping streets and tourist attractions.
I spent some time in Parc du Cinquantenaire, which quickly became one of my favorite places in Brussels. The park contains wide lawns, tree-lined paths, and a large triumphal arch that dominates the skyline. It was popular with joggers, families, and students enjoying sunny afternoons.
I also liked simply sitting in smaller neighborhood parks with a coffee and watching local life unfold. These green spaces helped make Brussels feel less hectic than some other capitals. They provided quiet moments between museum visits and sightseeing.
10. A City That Rewards Slow Exploration
Brussels is not always a city that immediately impresses visitors. Some people arrive expecting every street to look like the Grand Place and leave feeling disappointed. I actually think Brussels becomes more enjoyable the longer you stay because many of its best experiences are not obvious at first glance.
During my first day, I liked the city but was not completely convinced. By the third day, my opinion had changed. I had discovered small chocolate shops, cozy beer bars, comic book murals, and local cafés hidden away from the main tourist areas. Those discoveries gradually made the city feel more personal and interesting.
I think Brussels is a destination that rewards curiosity. Instead of rushing through the main attractions in a single afternoon, it is worth spending time wandering through different neighborhoods and seeing what you come across. That slower approach helped me appreciate Brussels much more, and by the time I left, I felt I had only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer.
Where to Stay in Brussels
- Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo – A 5-star Belgian icon tucked on a cobbled street right behind Grand Place, with elegant designer rooms and an award-winning Italian restaurant.
- Sofitel Brussels Europe – A refined 5-star hotel on lively Place Jourdan in the EU Quarter, with a rooftop bar and easy access to the European Parliament.
- nhow Brussels Bloom – A striking 4-star art hotel where every room is hand-painted by a different artist, next to the Botanical Gardens near Brussels-North Station.
- JAM Brussels – A brutalist-chic boutique hotel in a former art school in trendy Saint-Gilles, with a rooftop pool and Japanese-style bathhouse.
- Motel One Brussels – A stylish, affordable 3-star hotel a 10-minute walk from Grand Place and the Manneken Pis, praised for its central location and design.
Travel Tips for Visiting Brussels
When to Visit Brussels
I think the best time to visit Brussels is during late spring and early autumn. May, June, and September usually offer pleasant temperatures and comfortable sightseeing weather. Summer brings the warmest days and lots of outdoor events, but it also attracts more visitors. Winter can be cold and grey, but the Christmas markets and festive lights give the city a nice atmosphere. I visited during autumn and found it ideal for walking around without dealing with large crowds. If I were planning another trip, I would probably choose September.
How to Get to Brussels
Most international visitors arrive through Brussels Airport, which is located about 12 kilometres from the city centre. The airport is served by airlines from across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Trains run directly from the airport to central Brussels and usually take around 20 minutes. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is another option, especially for Ryanair passengers, although it is located further from the city. Brussels is also one of Europe’s major rail hubs, with high-speed trains connecting it to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne, and many other cities. Personally, I think arriving by train is the easiest option if you’re already travelling around Europe because the connections are fast and convenient.
Getting Around Brussels
Brussels has an excellent public transport network that includes metro lines, trams, and buses operated by STIB-MIVB. Most visitors can easily get around without needing a car. You can buy tickets through the STIB app, at station machines, or with contactless payment on many services. The city also has bike-sharing schemes and electric scooters available throughout the centre. I found the metro particularly useful for longer distances, while many of the main attractions around the Grand Place are easy to reach on foot. Personally, I think combining walking with the metro is the easiest way to explore the city.
How Long to Spend in Brussels
I think two to three days is enough time for most visitors. Two days allows you to see the main attractions, enjoy the food scene, and visit a few museums. With three days, you can add a day trip to Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp. If you’re interested in Belgian history, beer, or art, you could easily spend four days here. Personally, I would recommend three days because it gives you enough time to experience Brussels itself while also exploring one of Belgium’s other beautiful cities.
Conclusion
So, is Brussels worth visiting? Absolutely. From the stunning Grand Place and fascinating museums to the city’s famous food and central location, there are plenty of reasons to spend time here. Brussels offers a mix of history, culture, and local experiences that many visitors end up enjoying more than they expect. If you’re planning a trip to Belgium and want to explore a city that offers much more than its political reputation, Brussels is well worth adding to your travel plans.