Welcome to Brussels City Centre

Embrace the city centre of Brussels!

Welcome to Brussels City Centre, the capital of Europe! This place is the heart and soul of Belgium. The city centre is home to the European Union, along with historical landmarks like the Grand-Place, Manneken Pis, and the Royal Palace. Take in the smell of freshly made frites and gooey waffles. Delve into the history of the Europe, and enjoy the beauty of Brussels’ beautiful parks. This neighbourhood may be small, but it is packed with places to see, things to do, and beer to drink!

If you’re new here, you’ll surely be amazed at the combination of sights and exciting activities throughout the centre. The best way to enjoy the city is to take your time, live like a local, and try out all of our favourite spots in the centre. If you’re already a resident in Brussels, who knows? Maybe you’ll see a place you’ve never heard of, which could potentially become your next favourite spot.

Learn Something New

There’s no such thing as too few museums here! Brussels is covered with galleries and museums focused on art, history, and culture. No matter what it is you’re curious about, the wide variety of museums in Brussels is bound to suit your fancy. Learn about comics in the Comics Art Museum, go below ground into the Sewer Museum, or explore modern art at MIMA.

A great starting point is the Mont Des Arts, just a short walk from Brussels Central Station and you’re surrounded by museums like BOZAR, the Musical Instrument Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Pair it with the Royal Palace and then head into the lovely Brussels Park!

Get Outdoors

For all of its historical value, Brussels is also known for having incredible green spaces! Taking a walk through all the parks and nature reserves is guaranteed to give you a great day outdoors. Just within the city centre you can find the infamous Brussels Park, complete with a DJ booth and tables where you can drink and relax with friends. Want a green day out in Brussels? Take a walk through Leopold Park, Egmont Park, or follow the Promenade Verte route around the city’s borders. Whether you’re on a bike, jogging, walking the dog, or just trying to get a breath of fresh air, the city centre’s parks are a green oasis you surely won’t want to miss.

Sip n Dine

If you’re not yet familiar with Belgian beers, prepare to be amazed. The brews in Brussels are seriously something to brag about. Lucky for you, there are plenty of bars to check out around the city centre to try out all of them! Delirium is by far one of the most popular joints in the city, and they’ve got a good rep for a reason! If you want something slightly less touristy, check out local spot Brussels Beer Project, where you can taste all their locally brewed beers. There’s also the Saint-Catherine district in Dansaert if you’re looking for the ‘hip’ spot. Here you’ll find bars filled with live music to dance the night away.

When you’re feeling hungry and are tired of waffles, (which is impossible) satisfy your appetite with one of the many food spots around the centre. You can find restaurants focusing on traditional Belgian meals, along with other international favourites. Can’t decide? Why not check out The WOLF, Brussels’ first food sharing market with over 19 food vendors! Plus there’s two bars and a chocolate shop, so drinks and desserts are covered as well.

Shop til You Drop

Here’s one thing about Belgium you need to know: it’s got style. Fashion is oozing out of this country, and with Brussels being the capital, there are a ton of trendy shops and markets to find your next favourite outfit. If you’re looking for more high end clothes, Rue Neuve and Rue Antoine are THE spots. And let’s not forget to mention Les Galeries Saint Hubert - the massive glass roof shopping area that’s insta-worthy!

One great thing about European cities is the big number of outdoor markets that take place throughout the week. Belgium is no different - in each neighbourhood you can find plenty of tents set up on different days of the week, ready to sell you local goods. In the city centre make sure you stop by the Agora Artisan Weekend Market and the Vintage Market in the Halles Saint-Gery.

Time to Play

Aside from museums and bars, there’s a lot Brussels has to offer in terms of ‘fun’. Whether you’re with a group of friends, going on a date, or just want to branch out and try something a little more adventurous, Brussels has you covered with plenty of activities. Woodcutter Urban Axe Throwing has become a Belgian favourite. With locations in both Brussels and Antwerp, it’s clear that people are big fans of throwing sharp objects - and we don’t blame them! It’s pretty fun. Plus you can drink while you’re there, so it’s basically the perfect night out.

If you’re not a fan of sharp objects, they’ve also got bowling, arcades, lasertag, paintball, and even karaoke! For those who are in for a challenge and like some good competition, we’d also recommend Enygma Escape Room - team up or go head to head to see who’s got the wit and brains to escape the assigned rooms. If there’s one thing that’s for sure, it’s that Brussels knows how to have fun.

Stick Around for a While!

Having too much fun to leave? Yeah, we don’t blame you! Even though Brussels is a relatively small city, it’s always better to take your time and fully embrace the slow travel spirit. If you’re looking to extend your stay, there’s plenty of local accommodation for you to get settled in. One of the best things about Brussels is that everything is relatively close to walk to, but we also don’t blame you if you want to sleep as close as possible to the Grand Place.

B&B La Maison Haute

Check out this super cute and cozy B&B in the heart of the city centre! The perfect place to rest your head after exploring all day.

Curious about the rest of Brussels? Check out our guides on all of Brussels' neighborhoods for the best possible experience while exploring the city!