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Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is one of the most-visited tourist attractions due to its vast collections of historic mansions and hidden greenery gems. From cultural hubs and traditional food stalls to magnificent buildings and vibrant nightlife, this beautiful town has something for every tourist, for sure.
Additionally, you can board the Hop On Hop Off Brussels and visit the various attractions of the city, without any rush, while admiring the pleasant ambiance around you.
Therefore, let’s dive into this blog post and learn more about the best things to do in Brussels to make the most of your trip without spending much.
Visit a place that is entirely dedicated to beer, where every drinking session has its own story, pleasure, and fun. This museum has around 150 sorts of beers and offers a complimentary free drink (33cl) of your choice, which you can enjoy with one of the best rooftop views in Brussels.
Furthermore, you can also take a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours to reach this place at a very moderate cost, while exploring the soothing climate of the town on this double-decker bus.
Location: Bd Anspach 80, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Ticket Price: For Adults €19.5
Timings:
1. Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 10 AM to 7 PM (last entry 6 PM)
2. Friday and Sunday: 10 AM to 8 PM (last entry 7 PM)
Ideal Duration: 30–60 minutes
Interestingly, Brussels is one of the best walkable places, where you can spend your time by simply experiencing many popular attractions like the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert. This is a 19th-century European shopping arcade that is an ensemble of three glazed shopping arcades.
Accordingly, you can stroll around this place, explore its beauty, have a great photoshoot with its beautiful architecture, and make lots of memories with your loved ones without spending much.
Location: Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM (daily)
Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Indulge your sweet tooth with the wide range of chocolates at Neuhaus Chocolate Factory. This place offers a unique variety of praline chocolate sets at half price or even cheaper.
Take a tour of this beautiful attraction and spend your time in the essence of the delicious, sweet fragrance, and taste the pure flavors of chocolates that you may not find anywhere else.
Therefore, whether you are traveling solo or traveling with kids, the Neuhaus Chocolate Factory is one of the budget-friendly attractions in Brussels.
Location: Postweg 2, 1602 Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium
Ticket Price: Free Entry (You have to pay for the item you purchase)
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM (Sunday Closed)
Ideal Duration: 3–4 hours
Being in Brussels, visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart has to be on your to-do list. It is ranked as the fifth-largest church in the world and significantly stands as a magnificent Art Deco monument, offering enchanting panoramic visuals.
Thus, at this parish church, you can perform a prayer, enjoy the natural surroundings, and explore the art museum while having an affordable and sustainable travel.
Location: Basiliekvoorplein 1, 1083 Brussel, Belgium
Ticket Price: 1. Church: Free Entry
2. Panorama: For Adults: €8
Timings: 1. Church: 8 AM to 6 PM (During Summers)
8 AM to 5 PM (During Winters)
2. Panorama: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (During Summers)
10 AM to 4:30 PM (During Winters)
Ideal Duration: 4–5 hours
Brussels is full of wonders; you can find numerous free, beautiful museums, where you can spend your day enjoying bizarre architecture, eye-catching art, and fashion.
Also, these places will let you know more about the town, from history and culture to tradition and myths, precisely.
For instance, Design Museums, Spontaneous Art Museum, Wittockiana — Museum of Book Arts and Bookbinding, and many more, are the places that don’t charge anything and are mesmerizing to explore.
The Grand Place, also known as Grote Markt, is often considered the most beautiful square in the world. Its Gothic and baroque architecture is enough to leave you awestruck and amazed.
Notably, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the seasonal Flower Carpet event that happens every 2 years in August.
Additionally, you can visit places like City Hall and the Museum of the City and witness the beauty of the historic architecture of the town while enjoying the vibrant night lights.
Location: Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
Ticket Price: Free Entrance
Timings: Open 24/7 and seven days a week
Ideal Duration: 3–4 hours
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According to locals, Manneken Pis, a place dedicated to a depicted little boy who was believed once saved the city from disasters. Also, the foundation of these budget-friendly attractions in Brussels has an amusing history behind it.
Furthermore, this place is known for a bronze statue of a naked young boy who is urinating into the foundation basin. Along with this, it has a vast collection of wardrobes of around 1000 costumes, attracting thousands of tourists every year without fail.
Location: Manneken Pis, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Ticket Price: Free
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM (Monday Closed)
Ideal Duration: 1–2 hours
The walls of Laeken and the Pentagon (city center) are full of iconic comic book paintings. Just wander around the streets and spot your favorite character portrayal, take a picture, enjoy the weather, and the traditional food on your way.
Therefore, if you are looking for a place to spend a good time with your family, the comic book route is one of the off-the-beaten-path tourist attractions you must visit once.
Location: Rue Laneau 1/57, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium 70+ murals
Ticket Price: Free
Timings: Open 24/7 and seven days a week
Ideal Duration: 1–2 hours
After experiencing the tradition, culture, and nightlife of Brussels, it's time to witness the power of the judiciary system of the city. Founded in 1952, the European Parliament is the place where all 705 members meet and conduct debate sessions on the future of the country.
You can take a tour of the magnificent building with a tour guide and learn more about the history of the country. Also, you can watch the parliamentary meeting in the debating chamber and discover how the system works.
Location: Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Bruxelles, Belgium
Ticket Price: Free Admission
Timings: 1. Monday: 1 PM to 6 PM
2. Tuesday to Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM
3. Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Ideal Duration: 3–4 hours
Check schedule before visiting
Saint-Géry and Sainte-Catherine are one of the trendy, lively, and historic places in Brussels. They are well-known for their vibrant atmosphere, popular eateries, and charming squares.
Here you can take a half-day tour and spend your time discovering the impressive history behind these places, while enjoying the distinct food, drinks, and cultural music and dance.
Lastly, don’t forget to buy special souvenirs for your loved ones from the local vendors.
Location: Pl. Saint-Géry1000 Bruxelles, Belgium and Stt Catherine, Pl. Sainte-Catherine, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Timings: 10 AM until the bars close (Saint-Géry), and no fixed timings for Sainte-Catherine
Ideal Duration: 4–5 hours
Brussels is the city that never sleeps and is widely known for its vibrant, colorful nightlife. If you love partying, dancing, and attending live music concerts, this is the finest destination where you get everything in the same place.
Here you can locate several traditional restaurants, cafés, and pubs, perfect for enjoying drinks, music, and spending quality time with your friends or partners, and save money on your travel.
Location: Located near the Ixelles
Ticket Price: Free Entrance (You may have to pay for the food, drinks, and items you purchase)
Timings: 9:30 PM to 7 AM
Ideal Duration: An Entire Night
Discover the beauty and calmness of nature at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sonian Forest. It is one of the last remnants of the ancient beech forest that once covered Western Europe.
Moreover, it is a home for numerous species such as woodpeckers, bats, and other exotic creatures. Also, if you are an intrepid traveler, this is a perfect attraction where you can also enjoy several popular adventurous activities around the world.
Location: Forêt de Soignes, Belgium
Ticket Price: No Entrance Fees
Timings: Open 24/7 and seven days a week
Ideal Duration: 2–3 hours
Jardin du Mont des Arts is best known for its panoramic city views and calming atmosphere, serving as one of the greatest cultural hubs in Brussels.
You can spend your time strolling around the beautiful gardens, admiring old, magnificent sculptures of King Albert I, and experience the Belgian culture near the cafés and restaurants.
Thus, this attraction of the town is outstanding for sightseeing and photography, where you can take a therapeutic break and make memorable moments with your family & friends. It’s free and near major museums.
Location: Jardin du Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Ticket Price: Free Entrance
Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM
Ideal Duration: 2–3 hours
This beautiful city, Brussels, never fails to impress tourists with its beauty, calming weather, and numerous green spaces. There are several relaxing green spaces in this town, where you can enjoy your entire day by spending quality time with your family.
For instance, you can visit Parc du Cinquantenaire, Leopold Park, and Parc de Bruxelles (Royal Park), which are fully covered with mesmerizing greenery and have a peaceful ambience.
Food is another important aspect of travelling. Instead of having breakfast in the expensive eateries, try to dine at restaurants that offer an appetizing brunch at a moderate price.
For instance, Yummy Bowl, Horia — Oriental Natural Eatery, Pasta Divine, and many others are some of the best food destinations around the world, where you can start your day with an amazing feast.
Avoid having meals at expensive restaurants and taste the wide variety of Brussels' cultural food and drinks on its streets. No matter where you are, you can spot several dining options that offer a delicious feast without breaking your bank.
For instance, visit eateries like Wolf, TM Food Maker, and Khaimook Thai, where you can treat your taste buds with different Belgian dishes in the calming nature of the town.
Shopping is one of the most exciting parts of the entire trip, and for that, Place du Jeu de Balle is the perfect place in Brussels. It is widely recognized as the oldest flea market in the town.
Notably, this place is one of the budget-friendly attractions in Brussels, where you can find different sorts of cafés, restaurants, and numerous souvenir shops.
Location: Pl. du Jeu de Balle 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Timings: 1. Weekdays: 9 AM to 2 PM
2. Weekends and Public Holidays: 9 AM to 3 PM
Ideal Duration: A Day
End your trip by spending your entire day at the Marché du Midi, the most affordable place where you can buy essential groceries, plants, clothes, and other things at a low price.
Moreover, this place is a complete hub where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, olives, fish, and meat. Along with this, here you can get a vast collection of different types of beautiful flowers and plants to decorate your home with the Brussels aesthetics.
Therefore, if you are a shopaholic, for sure, this place serves you as a hidden treasure that you may have been looking for a long time.
Location: Bd du Midi, Belgium, near the Gare du Midi (South Station)
Ticket Price: Free Entrance
Timings: 7 AM to 2 PM (Only on Sunday)
Ideal Duration: An Entire Day
The best way to save money on travel is to always plan your trip during the off-season. Accordingly, you can visit Brussels during the winter, between November to March (excluding the Christmas period).
At this time of year, the town is not very busy, and the prices of restaurants, hotels, and shops are lower than the seasonal ones. Additionally, you can take the Bus Tours Brussels and enjoy exploring Mini Europe according to your plans and schedule.
Picking an affordable and comfortable place to stay during your trip is a crucial decision. However, whether you are traveling solo or with your family and friends, staying in hostels can actually help in saving a huge amount on your vacations.
Accordingly, there are numerous reliable hostels, such as Sleep Well Youth Hostel, The Legacy by 2GO4, a&o Brussel Centrum, and the rest, that deliver robust comfort and assistance throughout your vacation.
In a nutshell, Brussels is the home of ancient buildings, mesmerizing panoramic views, museums, and various green spaces. With this perfect mixture of history, art, and vibrant lifestyle, this town is a worthwhile option to explore on your vacation.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your tickets, and witness the divine beauty of Brussels.
You can visit various free museums, stroll around the beautiful streets, try local foods & drinks, and relax in the green spaces without spending much throughout your trip.
French and Dutch are the primary languages spoken in the town. However, English is also widely used by the local citizens and vendors of Brussels.
During winter (November to March; excluding the Christmas period) is the best time to visit the town.
At this time, the city’s weather is calm and soothing; you can spend your day in green spaces, visit museums, explore the ancient forest, and dine at the popular local eateries.
There are numerous free outdoor sites in the city, such as Grand Place, Parc du Cinquantenaire, Manneken Pis, and many more, where you can spend quality time with your family and friends.
