10 Fun Things to Do in Brussels: Beer, Waffles & Hidden Gems

Brussels, Belgium | Europe

Looking for fun things to do in Brussels? Belgium’s capital might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a European getaway, but Brussels is full of surprises. From quirky statues and comic book murals to world-famous waffles, chocolate, and beer, this city is the perfect mix of culture, chaos, and carbs. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just passing through, these are the best fun things to do in Brussels to make the most of your trip.

1. See the 3 peeing statues in Brussels

Of course, you’ll visit Manneken Pis; the famous little boy doing his business. But did you know he has a sister (Jeanneke Pis) and even a dog (Zinneke Pis)! Go on a quirky statue hunt as a fun things to do and see if you can find all three. It’s weird, it’s Brussels, and you’ll love it.

Manneken Pis statue in Brussels dressed in traditional ceremonial clothing during a local cultural celebration, with people around the statue wearing matching traditional outfits.

Jeanneke Pis statue in Brussels, Belgium, decorated with colorful Pride decorations in a city street setting.

The famous Zinneke Pis peeing dog statue in Brussels, Belgium, photographed on a city street surrounded by historic European architecture.

Belgian waffles in Brussels topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate, and powdered sugar on a café table.

2. Eat a Belgian Waffle at Maison Dandoy

A trip to Belgium isn’t complete without a proper waffle, and Maison Dandoy serves one of the best in Brussels. Go for the classic Liège waffle: warm, caramelized, and totally addictive. Bonus points if you eat it while walking through the beautiful Galeries Royales.

3. Drink a beer One of the Most Fun Things to Do in Brussels: Drink a Beer Meter

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. A wooden plank with ten beers lined up, waiting to be tasted. You’ll find beer meters in traditional Belgian pubs like Delirium Café or Le Roy d’Espagne. Great for sharing… or not.

Girl reaching for a Belgian beer from a traditional beer meter in a Brussels pub, with multiple local beers lined up on a wooden tasting board.

4. Eat Famous Belgian Fries

Belgian fries are not just French fries — they’re better. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and always served with an absurd number of sauces. Grab a cone from Maison Antoine and prepare for snack heaven.

Girl eating traditional Belgian fries in Brussels, holding a cone of crispy golden fries with sauce while exploring the city.

5. Visit Belgian Beer World Experience

One of the most fun things to do in Brussels for beer lovers is visiting the Belgian Beer World Experience. Located in the heart of the city, this museum is a paradise for beer fans. Learn all about Belgium’s brewing history and then head up to the rooftop bar for a cold one with a stunning view over Brussels’ skyline.

Panoramic rooftop view over Brussels, Belgium, featuring historic Belgian houses, Gothic church towers, and the skyline seen from the Belgian Beer World Experience rooftop.

Boy sitting at a rooftop bar in Brussels with two Belgian beers on the table, overlooking historic city rooftops, Gothic church towers, and the Brussels skyline.

6. Take a Chocolate Making Workshop in Brussels

Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate, so why not learn from the masters? Join a hands-on chocolate workshop, make your own pralines, and try not to eat them all before you leave the studio.
We booked the chocolate truffle class through Get Your Guide:

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Fresh handmade Belgian chocolate truffles packed in a clear plastic bag after a chocolate-making workshop in Brussels.

Couple making Belgian chocolate truffles together during a chocolate workshop in Brussels, surrounded by handmade chocolates and baking tools.

7. Go on a day trip to Ghent by train

If you’re looking for more fun things to do near Brussels, hop on a train to Ghent. It’s only 30–40 minutes away and full of canals, castles, and cozy cafés. Ghent has the perfect mix of medieval charm and student-city energy — plus, fewer tourists than Bruges.

View from a canal boat in Ghent, Belgium, featuring historic Flemish houses, picturesque waterfront architecture, and the charming medieval city skyline.

Colorful historic houses and vibrant waterfront buildings lining a canal in Ghent, Belgium, viewed from a boat during a scenic canal cruise.

Scenic view from a bridge in Ghent, Belgium, overlooking a canal with a boat passing through the water and historic Belgian houses lining the waterfront.

8. Have a drink at the Grote Markt

TThe Grote Markt, also known as the Grand Place, is Brussels’ stunning central square. Grab a drink at one of the terrace cafés and soak in the view of the ornate guild houses. Come back at night — it’s even more magical when it lights up.

Tourists standing in Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium, studying a city map in front of ornate historic guild houses decorated with gold details. The famous square is bustling with visitors beneath a blue sky, showcasing the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere of one of Europe’s most beautiful public squares.

Historic guild hall buildings and ornate architecture surrounding Grand Place in Brussels, photographed on a sunny day in Belgium.

9. Walk the Comic Book Route in Brussels

Did you know Brussels is the birthplace of Tintin, the Smurfs, and Lucky Luke? All over the city, you’ll find colorful comic murals painted on the sides of buildings. Pick up a map or just wander around and see how many you can spot.

Pixel-style Super Smurf wall art on a building in Brussels, Belgium, featuring the beloved blue comic character dressed as a superhero with a red cape. The artwork is part of Brussels’ famous Comic Strip Route and is displayed above a black-and-white mural on a city wall.

Street art mural of Kuifje (Tintin), Snowy and Captain Haddock on a wall in Brussels, Belgium — part of the city’s famous comic strip murals celebrating Belgian comic culture.

10. Visit Atomium and take in the panoramic view

No list of fun things to do in Brussels would be complete without visiting the Atomium. Brussels’ most iconic structure is part science fiction, part architectural wonder. Built for the 1958 World’s Fair, it offers exhibitions inside and incredible 360° views from the top sphere. It’s a bit outside the city center, but totally worth the metro ride.