Good to know
Good to Know
- The Brussels Card is the single best investment if visiting multiple museums (pays for itself after 2-3 visits). 47-50 museums covered with skip-the-line Atomium access.
- Brussels is walkable and compact for central attractions (Grand Place, Royal Museums, Atomium area via transport), but spread out over several neighborhoods worth exploring (Sablon, Marolles, EU Quarter).
- Grand Place is legitimately one of Europe's most beautiful squares but extremely touristy; best experienced early morning or revisited at dusk when crowds thin but buildings are lit.
- Manneken Pis is heavily hyped but genuinely historic (1619, replicated costume-wearing tradition continues); worth the photo stop but prepare for crowds of tourists.
- Comic book culture is woven throughout the city—80+ murals across neighborhoods, dedicated museum in Art Nouveau building, and Tintin/Smurf references common. Deep cultural significance beyond typical tourist appeal.
- Art Nouveau architecture is a major theme; Victor Horta's buildings scattered throughout city and UNESCO-listed. Art Nouveau Pass (€ TBD) offers 9-month discount access.
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts network includes Old Masters (15-18th century Flemish/Dutch), Magritte (surrealism), Meunier, Fin-de-Siècle (1868-1914). Can be visited separately or with combo tickets.
- Many museums offer free or heavily discounted entry first Sunday or first Wednesday of month—plan accordingly.
- Belgian Beer World on historic Bourse building combines history with roof terrace drinking; Belgian chocolate shops ubiquitous but museum versions offer interactive history.
- Atomium worth visiting for panoramic city views from upper sphere and restaurant experience, not just exterior photo. Skip-the-line access via Brussels Card valuable.
- Several sightseeing options slightly outside 10-minute proximity (Train World 15 min by train, Cinquantenaire Park 15-20 min) but well worth the short journey.
- Royal Palace open July-early September only; currently undergoing renovations—verify before visit.
Must See Museums
Magritte Museum
- Hours
- Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm; Weekends 11:00am-6:00pm; Closed Mondays
- Audio Guide
- Included with admission; provides essential context for understanding Magritte's philosophical approach
- Free Entry Dates
- First Wednesday of each month (permanent collection only)
- Notes
- Audio guides highly recommended. Justifies at least 2 hours for proper appreciation. Combination tickets (€15) available with other museums. Location: Rue du Musée 9 / Museumstraat 9, 1000 Brussels.
- Description
- Dedicated to renowned surrealist painter René Magritte. Permanent multidisciplinary collection of original drawings, paintings, sculptures. Chronological layout reveals Magritte's evolution with thematic sections exploring bowler-hatted man, clouds, pipes, windows. Part of Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Admission
- Senior Discounts
- Available
- Children Under 18
- Free
- Adult With Audio Guide
- €14
- Adult Permanent Collection
- €10
Brussels City Museum (Maison Du Roi / Broodhuis)
- Hours
- Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm; Closed Mondays
- Free Entry Dates
- First Sunday of each month 10:00am-5:00pm
- Notes
- Strategic location on Grand-Place. Housed in neo-Gothic facade of Broodhuis (Bread House), one of most majestic buildings in city. Audio guide available and reportedly interesting.
- Description
- Located on Grand-Place in historic King's House. Comprehensive museum detailing city's history in arts, archaeology, folklore. Extensive Manneken-Pis costume collection (original statue housed here). Paintings, tapestries, sculptures, maps, models of the city.
Admission
- Adult
- €10
- Children And Seniors
- Discounts available
BELvue Museum
- Hours
- Mon (groups with reservation) 9:30am-5:00pm; Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:00pm; Sat-Sun 10:00am-6:00pm; summer hours may be extended
- Notes
- Adjacent to Royal Palace. Interactive exhibits. Check official BELvue site for current prices and online tickets.
- Description
- Focuses on Belgium's political and social history with interactive exhibits. Insight into modern-day Belgium and country's assets (chips, beer, chocolate).
Admission
- Adult
- €10
- Senior Discounts
- Available
- Children Under 18
- Often free
- Name
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (Old Masters Museum + Fin-de-Siècle Museum)
- Hours
- Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:00pm; Sat-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm; Closed Mondays
- Notes
- Brussels Card holders enjoy free access to permanent collections (special exhibitions may require supplemental payment). Fin-de-Siècle Museum closed temporarily for renovations in 2024; verify reopening status for 2026. Location: Place Royale.
- Description
- Old Masters Museum: Collection specializes in 15th-18th century Dutch and Flemish art including works by Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Breugel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens. Over 20,000 artworks and artifacts. Fin-de-Siècle Museum: Covers 1868-1914 transformative period, Belgian and international art (Symbolism, Art Nouveau, Realism, Impressionism). Works by James Ensor, Fernand Khnopff, Constantin Meunier.
Admission
- Individual Museum
- €10
- Combination Ticket Two Museums
- €15
Daily approximately 10:00am-6:00pm
- Name
- Belgian Comic Strip Center (Comic Art Museum / Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée)
- Notes
- Victor Horta's architectural beauty houses 9th Art. Honors Victor Horta on first floor. Now allows photographing on first floor only. Location: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels.
- Description
- Housed in Victor Horta Art Nouveau building (since 1989). Covers history of Belgian comics including Tintin and the Smurfs. Four-floor museum with original comic pages, animation, auditorium, permanent exhibition of characters and publications, comic store, library, study center, restaurant.
Admission
- Adult
- €13
- Youth
- €10
- Children Under Certain Age
- Free
Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM)
- Hours
- Tuesday-Friday 9:30am; Saturdays and Sundays 10:00am; last entry 4:30pm; Closed Mondays
- Notes
- Audio tour now included; provides essential context. Can spend about 2 hours. Birthday celebration packages available (music-themed party with instrument playing, stories). Location: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Brussels.
- Description
- Part of Royal Museums of Arts and History network. Over 1,500 musical instruments. Has library and offers various tours and workshops for groups throughout year.
Admission
- Adult
- €15
- Children Under 18
- Free
- Audio Guide Included
- Yes
Art & History Museum (Musées Royaux d'Art Et d'Histoire)
- Hours
- Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:00pm; Sat-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm; Closed Mondays
- Notes
- Highly recommended decorative art collection. Part of Royal Museums network.
- Description
- Takes visitors on historical journey from prehistoric times to present day. Antiquity, non-European civilizations, European decorative art. Archaeological pieces from Belgium (prehistory to Merovingian era), relics from Egypt, Middle East, Iran. Collection of European decorative art from Romanesque to Art Deco.
Admission
- Adult
- €10
- Children Under 18
- Free
Royal Military Museum (Musée Royal De l'Armée Et d'Histoire Militaire)
- Notes
- Not crowded despite size. Small cafe in aircraft hanger with reasonable prices. Map provided for self-guided exploration. Some information not in English.
- Description
- War museum with extensive exhibits. Military vehicles of all sorts. History from medieval through current times. Extremely large museum; would require several days to fully explore.
Admission
- Adult
- €12
Museum of the Fry (Frietmuseum)
- Notes
- Tastings or discounts on fries often included. Online booking advisable on weekends and school holidays. Time-slot tickets can sell out in afternoon. Check website for exact Brussels location, current hours, and combined tickets with BELvue or Choco-Story.
- Description
- Newer attraction dedicated to Belgian fries and their history. 60-90 minute visit.
Admission
- Adult
- €12
Choco-Story Brussels (Museum of Chocolate)
- Notes
- Included with Brussels Card. Online booking advisable on weekends and school holidays. Time-slot tickets can sell out in afternoon. Combination tickets available with BELvue or Frietmuseum.
- Description
- Chocolate museum with interactive exhibits and tastings. Learn history of chocolate, presentation and marketing.
Admission
- Estimated
- €12
MIMA – Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art
- Hours
- Wed-Sun 10:00am-6:00pm; Closed Mon-Tue
- Notes
- Location: Quai du Hainaut 41, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean (along canal, more than 10 min walk from central sights). Check MIMA site for current exhibitions and late-opening events.
- Description
- Contemporary culture museum focusing on street art, graphic design, and digital culture along the canal.
Admission
- Adult
- €10
- Student And Senior Concessions
- Available
Autoworld Museum
- Notes
- Located in Cinquantenaire Park. Optional audio guide. Skip-the-line access available. Good reviews on TripAdvisor.
- Description
- More than 250 vehicles cover automobile history since early days. One zone dedicated to sports and racing cars. 'Belgium at Autoworld' tells story of Belgium's relationship with automobiles.
Admission
- Adult
- €12
Train World
- Hours
- Tue-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm; Closed Mondays; check for special evening openings
- Notes
- Brussels Card access available. Location: Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek. Take any train from Brussels Central or Brussels-Nord to Schaerbeek station (~10 minutes), then follow signs inside station to museum entrance.
- Description
- Belgium's national railway museum located in historic Schaerbeek station. About 10-15 minutes by train from Brussels Central.
Admission
- Adult
- €15
- Family Tickets
- Available
- Children Students Seniors
- Reduced prices
Belgian Beer World
- Admission
- Check official site for up-to-date prices
- Notes
- Located near Grand Place. Completely renovated. On-site roof terrace for drinks. Check official website for current hours and pricing.
- Description
- Interactive exhibits and tastings in renovated former Brussels Stock Exchange (Bourse/Beurs). Learn history of Belgian beer playfully. End visit with drink on sublime roof terrace The Beerlab.
Fashion and Lace Museum
- Notes
- Hours Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm or by appointment. Address: 14 rue Van Lint, 14 Van Lintstraat 1070 Brussels.
- Description
- Must-see for fashion lovers showcasing rare and significant pieces in fashion history. Annual thematic exhibitions (wedding dresses, sixties, crinolines of 19th century, etc.). Showcase for new local designers. Lecture series open to general public. Located near Rue de la Violette with numerous restaurants and bars.
Admission
- Estimated
- €10
Design Museum Brussels
- Admission
- Check official site for current pricing
- Notes
- For design lovers. Short distance from Grand Place area.
- Description
- Born following Atomium's acquisition of private collection. Just a stone's throw from Grand Place.
European Quarter (Including Parlamentarium and House of European History)
- Free Entry
- No
- Notes
- Interactive and in-person guided tours available. Contemporary and Art Nouveau architecture landmark district.
- Description
- Far from gray offices, European Quarter combines European institutions with community life, parks, museums. Plenary sessions in Parliament's hemicycle. Parlamentarium and House of European History provide insight into EU.
Must See Sightseeing
Grand Place (Grote Markt)
- Location
- City center (near Brussels Central Station, ~5-10 min walk)
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Notes
- Very busy with tourists; best visited early morning. Flower carpet display every second August (biennial). Mass of tourist-focused cafes; restaurants priced accordingly.
- Description
- Central historic square surrounded by Gothic and Baroque guild houses, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Home to the Town Hall and Brussels City Museum (Maison du Roi). Named one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
Manneken Pis
- Location
- Near Grand Place, ~8-minute walk
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Notes
- Original statue housed in Brussels City Museum. Current statue in public square is replica. One of the busiest tourist spots in the city.
- Description
- 17th-century bronze statue of a small boy urinating into a fountain basin. Built in 1619, often dressed in rotating costumes. Iconic symbol of Brussels with many legends attached.
Atomium
- Location
- North of city center (~20-30 min by public transport)
- Free Entry
- No
- Notes
- Most popular tourist attraction. Can be visited daily. Included with Brussels Card; skip-the-line access available.
- Description
- Iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, created for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. Iconic symbol of Brussels and Belgium. Includes three-floor permanent exhibition; panoramic city views from upper sphere; Belgian restaurant in highest sphere.
Parc De Bruxelles (Royal Park)
- Location
- Near Royal Palace, ~5-10 min walk from Grand Place
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Description
- Historic green space adjacent to Royal Palace and Place Royale. Bounded by neoclassical buildings. U-shaped park with formal gardens.
Royal Palace
- Location
- Place des Palais, ~5-10 min walk from Grand Place
- Free Entry
- No
- Notes
- Open to public July to early September, Tuesday-Sunday 10:30am-5:00pm. Currently closed due to renovation as of recent visits.
- Description
- Official residence of Belgian King. Neoclassical building in Place des Palais bordering Place Royale.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
- Location
- City center, near Grand Place
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Notes
- Free to enter and view interior.
- Description
- Important landmark Gothic cathedral in Brussels, one of the most significant religious buildings.
Church of Our Lady of the Sablon (Notre-Dame Du Sablon)
- Location
- Sablon district (~10-15 min walk from city center)
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Description
- Remarkable 15th-century Late Gothic church in the historic Sablon district. Church parishioners included Belgian royalty and nobility. Famous for beautiful stained glass windows illuminated at night.
Comic Book Murals
- Location
- Various streets throughout city
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Notes
- Self-guided exploration of neighborhoods; can turn down streets unexpectedly.
- Description
- Over 80 murals throughout Brussels streets celebrating Belgian comic authors and characters including Tintin, Cubitus, Blake and Mortimer, and Corto Maltese. Gradual public art project since 1991.
Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries (Galeries Royales De Saint-Hubert)
- Location
- Central Brussels near Grand-Place, ~5 min walk
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Notes
- Good for people-watching and shopping.
- Description
- One of Europe's oldest glazed shopping arcades (inaugurated 1847). Three elegant covered arcades forming long promenade near Grand-Place. Luxury boutiques, chocolate shops, specialty shops, jewelers, bookshops, cafes, and restaurants.
Place Royale
- Location
- Upper City, ~10 min from Grand Place
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Description
- Historic square built on ashes of Coudenberg Palace. Retains historical function as 'executive power district.' Home to Royal Palace and surrounded by neoclassical ensemble.
Square Du Petit Sablon
- Location
- Sablon district, near Notre-Dame du Sablon
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Description
- Small, elegant public garden opposite Church of Our Lady of the Sablon. Features 48 statues representing Brussels crafts and celebrating Belgian humanists of the 16th century.
Palace of Justice (Palais De Justice)
- Location
- South of Brussels Park
- Free Entry
- No
- Notes
- Exterior viewing free; interior access varies.
- Description
- One of largest and most impressive buildings in Europe. Built 1866-1883. Seat of Belgium's supreme court. Commissioned by Leopold II, designed by Joseph Poelaert. Possibly the largest building constructed in 19th century.
Cinquantenaire Palace and Park
- Location
- East of city center, ~15-20 min walk or tram ride
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Notes
- Park is free; individual museums have separate admission fees.
- Description
- National landmark built 1880 to celebrate Belgian independence (50th birthday). Features formal garden, imposing U-shaped building complex, Triumphal Arch, and houses museums.
Sonian Forest (Forêt De Soignes)
- Location
- South of Brussels
- Free Entry
- Yes
- Notes
- Natural respite and outdoor activity area.
- Description
- Part of transnational Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests UNESCO site (inscribed 2017). 270 hectares of protected beech forest with hiking opportunities.
Victor Horta Major Town Houses
- Location
- Various locations in Brussels
- Free Entry
- No
- Notes
- Horta Museum charges €15 admission. Architectural exteriors can be appreciated free. Some houses privately owned and inaccessible to interior visits.
- Description
- Architectural masterpieces from Art Nouveau pioneer Victor Horta (inscribed UNESCO 2000). Revolutionized architecture through Art Nouveau innovation.
Passes And Discounts
Brussels Card
- Type
- Multi-day pass
- Free Access
- 47-50 museums (approximately 40+, exact number may vary)
- Notes
- Covers skip-the-line access to Atomium. Activation occurs when first scanned at museum or Atomium. Discounts in museum shops. Flexible activation date from purchase. Public transportation tickets save 5 euros when combined.
Validity Periods
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- 72 hours
Purchase Locations
- Online (recommended) via official Brussels Card website
- Tourist office in Grand Place
- Rue Royale tourist office
- Digital pass (smartphone) or physical card upon arrival
Additional Benefits
- Atomium skip-the-line ticket
- 25-50% discount on Atomium and Basilica of Sacred Heart
- Discounts on shops, restaurants, bars
- Free app with information guide, city map, museum map
- Optional public transport ticket add-on
Included Museums Sample
- Atomium (skip-the-line)
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts (Old Masters, Magritte)
- Magritte Museum
- Choco-Story Brussels
- Belgian Comic Strip Center
- Brussels City Museum
- Museum of Natural Sciences
- Musical Instruments Museum
- BELvue Museum
- Art & History Museum
- MIMA
- Train World
- Autoworld
- BOZAR (Centre for Fine Arts)
- Belgian Beer World
- Coudenberg Palace
- Halle Gate
- Design Museum Brussels
- Jewish Museum of Belgium
- Fashion & Lace Museum
Museum Pass (museumPASSmusées)
- Cost
- €59
- Type
- Annual national museum card
- Best For
- Those planning extended exploration; pays for itself after 2-3 visits. Ideal for residents or longer stays.
- Coverage
- 60+ museums and attractions in Belgium, including 9 in Brussels
- Validity Period
- 1 year
Benefits
- Unlimited free access to permanent collections
- Often free or discounted access to temporary exhibitions
- Discounts in museum shops
Art Nouveau Pass
- Type
- 9-month pass
- Validity Period
- 9 months
- Notes
- Cannot visit same museum twice. Digital (smartphone) or printed format available. Purchase online or at Brussels tourist offices. Valid 9 months from purchase date.
Benefits
- Access to Art Nouveau buildings
- Discounts in Autrique House shop (10% discount on Art Nouveau books, comics, postcards, items)
Included Sites
- Solvay House (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Hôtel van Eetvelde
- Autrique House
- Cauchie House
- Hannon House
- Belgian Comic Strip Center
- Wolfers jewelry store
- Old England building
Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- Visit Grand Place early morning to avoid crowds; best 7:30-9:00am before tour groups arrive
- Most museums closed Mondays; verify opening hours before visiting
- Children under 18 often free or heavily discounted at most museums
- Audio guides highly recommended (often included with admission)
- First Sunday/first Wednesday of month: many museums offer free or discounted entry on permanent collections
- Popular museums (Magritte, Comic Strip Center) best visited first thing morning or late afternoon
- Weekdays generally less crowded than weekends
- Brussels is compact enough to do many sights in one day
- Time-slot museum tickets (Choco-Story, Frietmuseum) can sell out afternoon during peak season
- Online booking advisable for smaller attractions on weekends and school holidays
- Combined tickets often available (2 museums at discount)
- Some museum information available only in Dutch/French; English translations limited at certain venues
- Train World: take any train from Brussels Central/Nord to Schaerbeek station (~10 minutes)
- Many museums offer English audio guides to supplement limited English signage
- Brussels receives frequent rain; museums excellent indoor activity during poor weather
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.vivastour.com
- 2.visit.brussels
- 3.machupicchu.org
- 4.hellotickets.com
- 5.getyourguide.com
- 6.visit.brussels
- 7.introducingbrussels.com
- 8.brusselsmuseums.be
- 9.whichmuseum.com
- 10.whichmuseum.com
- 11.tripadvisor.com
- 12.whichmuseum.com
- 13.brusselsmuseums.be
- 14.viator.com
- 15.tradingeconomics.com
- 16.moneyswapp.com
- 17.planetware.com
- 18.anywhereweroam.com
More About Brussels
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.