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Things to Do in Belgium
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Belgium
Top things to do in Belgium include exploring the Grand Place in Brussels, a stunning square with ornate guildhalls dating back to the 17th century. Nearby is the quirky Manneken Pis statue, just a few steps away. For a futuristic view, visit the Atomium, built for the 1958 Expo and standing 102 meters tall.
1. Grand Place
Brussels
Step into a spectacular open-air museum of architecture and history. Feel the pulse of vibrant festivals and stunning nighttime illuminations.
Quick facts: Millions gather here yearly to witness a floral carpet event that spreads colorful blooms across the square every two years. The buildings showcase a blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture with gilded details that sparkle in sunlight.
Highlights: The grandeur of the town hall's towering spire crowns the square, while the intricate guild houses boast golden statues and hand-carved woodwork that tell stories of medieval trades. During winter nights, the plaza transforms with thousands of twinkling lights and music, creating a magical festive atmosphere you won't forget.
2. Manneken Pis
Brussels
Quick facts: A cheeky little bronze figure famously wears hundreds of tiny costumes, with a wardrobe of over 900 outfits that are swapped for festivals and state visits. Passersby often crowd the narrow square to watch playful streams of water and snap photos, enjoying the quirky tradition and surprising historical anecdotes shared by local guides.
Highlights: Measuring just 61 centimeters tall, the bronze figure has an official wardrobe of over 900 costumes and draws crowds whenever a costume-change ceremony is staged, with a uniformed confraternity and a tiny brass band parading by. Local lore says the figure once saved the town by extinguishing a fuse, and each year a local brewery donates a keg of lambic for the dressing ceremony, filling the square with the warm scents of hops and boiled wool.
3. Atomium
Brussels
Quick facts: The structure magnifies an iron crystal cell 165 billion times, with nine mirrored spheres linked by tubes that visitors can walk through. Step inside and you'll find retro-futuristic exhibits, a dizzying spiral of escalators, and a top-sphere restaurant where the polished steel skin throws back sunlight like chrome.
Highlights: Nine gleaming stainless-steel spheres, each about 18 meters across and linked by tubes, form a surreal lattice rising 102 meters and represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, an idea born for the 1958 World's Fair by engineer André Waterkeyn. Climb the narrow escalators through the shiny tubes to the top sphere, sit in the revolving restaurant and watch sunlight carve bright ribbons across curved metal while the faint clink of cutlery and black-and-white Expo-58 photos anchor you in history.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Belgium, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Belfry of Bruges
Bruges
Quick facts: Climbing 366 steps leads to panoramic views stretching out over the medieval cityscape. The tower rings with a carillon of 47 bells that chime melodies on the hour and during special events.
Highlights: Ascending narrow, winding stairs feels like stepping back in time while panoramic views reward the climb from the top platform. The original wooden dragon weather vane perched at the peak captures one of the tower's iconic silhouettes against the sky.
5. Ghent City Museum
Ghent
Quick facts: Step inside to discover Gent's story through over 6000 objects, from historic relics to contemporary art. Experience vibrant multimedia exhibits that bring the city's past and present to life in engaging ways.
Highlights: Explore the Glass Cube, a striking modern extension where history meets stunning architecture. Catch the panoramic views of Gent from the rooftop terrace while absorbing centuries of local culture inside.
6. Cathedral of St. Bavo
Ghent
Experience stunning medieval art and soaring architecture. Step inside for a close-up of vivid altarpieces and panoramic city views.
Quick facts: The cathedral features the famous Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece of early Netherlandish painting that attracts art lovers worldwide. Its towering spire stands over 90 meters tall, offering a striking silhouette against the city skyline.
Highlights: The intricate detail of the Ghent Altarpiece captivates visitors, with vibrant colors and lifelike textures that seem almost magical up close. A quirky tradition involves ringing the bells to mark important city events, connecting visitors to local culture with a tangible experience.
7. Antwerp Zoo
Antwerp
Explore one of the world’s oldest zoos with 7,000 animals and stunning architecture. Encounter exotic wildlife up close and dive into an immersive nature experience.
Quick facts: One of the oldest zoos worldwide, this place houses over 7,000 animals representing more than 950 species. Its Art Nouveau entrance is a picturesque spot that draws photographers from around the world.
Highlights: The zoo features a unique underwater viewing tunnel where visitors can watch seals swim inches away, creating an immersive experience. At night, special ‘Sound of the Wild’ events bring animal sounds to life in a magical way across the park.
8. Royal Palace of Laeken
Brussels
Royal vibes and lush greenhouses await. Explore stunning glass domes filled with rare plants in a grand royal setting.
Quick facts: Royal Palace of Laeken serves as the official residence of the Belgian royal family, yet it's mostly closed to the public except during select events. Its expansive park includes one of Europe's oldest greenhouses, featuring exotic plants that look like a jungle indoors.
Highlights: The palace is surrounded by over 300 hectares of private park, home to astonishing botanical collections in the Royal Greenhouses that bloom only a few weeks each year. Visitors can walk among rare orchids and giant water lilies under glass domes, a truly royal secret garden experience.
Where to Stay in Belgium
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Most popular day trips
Bruges
A picturesque medieval town with canals and historic buildings.
Ghent
Historic city with beautiful architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
High-speed trains to major European cities and domestic connections
Take the train or bus from Brussels Airport to city center; it is fast and convenient.
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Visa & entry
EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
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Schengen visa allows travel to Belgium and other Schengen states for up to 90 days.
Comments (7)
The beer in Belgium is next level. If you're a fan of craft brews, this place is heaven. Some towns are super quiet, almost too sleepy at night.
Skip the Grand Place restaurants for meals. Walk two blocks off to find authentic Belgian cuisine and way better prices. Locals will usually guide you to these hidden gems.
I found Belgium pricier than expected, especially in tourist areas. Consider staying outside big cities for better deals and local eats.
Brussels felt safe and super walkable, though it got a bit crowded around the main squares. Loved the mix of old and modern vibes.
Belgium's weather was a bit gloomy when I visited, but the waffles and chocolate made up for it. I'd say 4 days is enough. Not overwhelming but charming.