Top things to see and do in Brussels
Looking for tips for Brussels? The Belgian capital offers an exciting mix of culture, history and culinary delights. Whether you’re on a short city break or planning a longer stay, there’s plenty to experience.
Stay at a central location at Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre or Thon Hotel EU – the perfect base for exploring the city. Both hotels are close to public transport, restaurants and many of the city’s most famous sights. See all our hotels in Brussels.
Art Nouveau and Art Deco in Brussels
When you visit Brussels, Grand Place is a natural starting point. The square is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Brussels is also known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Buildings such as Villa Empain and Maison Cauchie show how the Art Nouveau style evolved in the city.
If you want to learn more about architect Victor Horta, you can visit the Horta Museum, located in his former residence and studio.
If you stay at Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, it's easy to get to several of these attractions by metro or tram.
Green parks and forests in Brussels
Brussels is one of Europe’s greenest capitals. The city has lots of parks, gardens and large green spaces.
A popular spot is Bois de la Cambre, a large park area with a small pond where you often see ducks and swans. The park is perfect for a casual stroll or picnic.
Other parks worth visiting are Parc du Cinquantenaire and the Astrid Park. Parc du Cinquantenaire is also close to Thon Hotel EU, which makes it a nice place to stop when going for a walk in the area.
If you want to get even closer to nature, you can visit the Sonian Forest, a large urban forest south of Brussels.
Surrealism in Brussels
Brussels is a bastion of surrealism, especially when it comes to the artist René Magritte.
At the Magritte Museum, you can see an extensive collection of the artist's work. The museum is centrally located in the city and is easy to access from both Thon Hotel EU and Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre.
A more informal stop is Delirium Café, a famous bar with over 3,000 different beers.
The cartoon capital
Belgium is home to several famous cartoon characters, including Tintin, the Smurfs and Spirou.
In Brussels, you'll find numerous murals inspired by cartoons. With the Parcours BD app, you can follow a route through the city that takes you to all of them.
To learn more about the history behind the characters, visit the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, a museum dedicated to Belgian comic book culture.
Festivals and nightlife in Brussels
Brussels organises festivals and concerts all year round.
Among the most popular are Brussels Summer Festival and Couleur Café. The city also has a lively nightlife scene, with lots of bars and nightclubs, including Spirito and Jeux d'Hiver.
If you stay at a centrally located hotel in Brussels, such as Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, you are close to both restaurants and nightlife.
Culinary experiences in Brussels
Brussels is famous for chocolate, waffles and Belgian beer, but the city also has a diverse restaurant scene.
Here you'll find everything from small lunch spots and food trucks to world-class restaurants.
A few popular spots:
- Maison Dandoy - known for Belgian cakes
- CHYL - focus on healthy and sustainable food
- Comme Chez Soi - classic Belgian gastronomy
- For a unique experience, try Dinner in the Sky or the Tram Experience.
Europe’s political centre
Brussels is also known as the political capital of Europe. The European Quarter is home to the European Parliament and various central institutions.
If you stay at Thon Hotel EU, you are close to the both the European District and attractions such as the Parlamentarium and the House of European History.
