There are VARIOUS other things that you can still do in this diverse metropolitan area, but for now, these top free things to do in Brussels should do! I guess I will just let it up to you to discover the other interesting (and paid) places in Brussels since ‘getting lost’ in a foreign city and discovering hidden gems are the fun part of travel that you should experience.
Try to see the girl version, Jeanneke Pis, that is located in Impasse de la Fidélité (a narrow cul-de-sac in Rue des Bouchers). Erected in 1987, it is currently surrounded by iron bars in order to protect it from vandalism. Aside from Jeanneke, if you have the time, see the dog version too, the Zinneke Pis, that was put up in 1998 and found in Rue des Chartreux and Rue du Vieux-Marché.
To see a complete list of FREE museums on certain days, go here. And if you ever drop by MIM, make sure to visit its rooftop terrace for a brilliant view of the capital!

Not only does Brussels have free museums but it has free performances too!

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Overall

» Quick Travel Planning

Top Free Things to Do in Brussels

1. Visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt)

Brussels can be such an exciting cultural and artistic scene, especially when you know where to go. Plus, it’s really NOT all about the Manneken Pis — but such can already be a good start as a distinct way of showing someone the quirky side of this multicultural city. Then again, I believe that more than that, Brussels simply and truly holds a lot of historical beauty and importance.

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  • It’s the central square of Brussels. It used to be the central market of the city until 1959 and you will see how the neighboring streets reflect this history since they are named after sellers of cheese, butter, etc.
  • Europe’s most beautiful square. Measuring 68 x 110 meters, it is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, and even declared Europe’s most beautiful square in 2010.
  • Incredible surrounding architecture. The most prominent structure is the towering (315 feet) City Hall (French: Hôtel de Ville or Dutch: Stadhuis) built back in the Middle Ages which somehow looks like a Gothic church. There are surrounding medieval guildhalls too with their individual decorative roofs and statues, and then opposite the City Hall is the Breadhouse (French: Maison du Roi or Dutch: Broodhuis) that contains the Museum of the City of Brussels.
  • Flower carpet. Every two years in August, the square is filled with a huge flower carpet that stays up for a few days. It is composed of colorful begonias arranged in distinct decorative patterns.

Though, if I may add one more tip to you, NEVER leave Belgium without trying its famous food and dishes! You can’t really get these for free of course, but it’s an indulgence that everyone should take up. So while you’re in Brussels, other than trying the country’s famous fries, chocolates, waffles, and beer — do also try the other Belgian fares as mentioned in the article below…
…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

2. Witness the famous Manneken Pis (Look out for Jeanneke and Zinneke too!)

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

3. Window-shop at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

4. Take the Comic Strip Trail

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

5. Enjoy the FREE museums!

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

6. Relax in the city gardens and parks

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

7. Catch sight of Europe & Belgium’s important political institutions

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

8. Discover the city’s stunning churches

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

9. View the famous Atomium

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

10. Take advantage of FREE music and theatre shows

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

Brussels Travel Guide

» Getting Into Brussels

…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:
…Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that: …Ultimately, no one can really tell you the true and only meaning behind it, but the legends are interesting enough to hear in order to put some reason on why this naked little boy became one of the most popular statues in the country! Anyhow, what we are truly sure about is that:

The thing about Brussels is that people would often say that it is ‘underwhelming’… but you know what? When I actually saw and experience this metropolis for myself, I experienced the exact opposite! (FREE Things to Do in Brussels)
To do this, see these maps: [1] [2] [3] which show the complete list and locations of famous comic strip murals that you can see around Brussels. You don’t need to do it all though, feel free to just pick out the spots that you really want to see in order to save time (especially if you are short of it).
A must-see! I fell in love at first sight with the architecture in this shopping arcade, and I especially liked its beautifully vaulted glass ceilings. Apparently, this is Europe’s first covered shopping gallery since it was built in 1847 — with this fact, it clearly precedes the other famous 19th-century shopping arcades such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan and The Passage in St Petersburg.

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Meanwhile, you will find Belgium’s main political buildings in Parc de Bruxelles (Park of Brussels) with each structure on opposite sides of the park and facing one another to symbolize Belgium’s government system which is a constitutional monarchy:

  • Check the weather – Belgium is famous for having finicky weather; therefore, try to time your visit on a sunny day.
  • Wear good walking shoes – Like any other European city, Brussels is best explored on foot, and in order to do this, you have to ensure that you’re wearing your most comfortable footwear.
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