Brussels – 7 Top Things to do
Are you heading to Brussels and wondering what to see — and where to stay? I’ve got the perfect list for you. From hidden corners locals love to museums and bookshops you might not have heard of, plus a hotel that’s calm, stylish and perfectly located (close to nature yet just a short stroll from the city’s main attractions).
Here’s how to spend a few meaningful days here in Brussels with the Radisson Collection The National Hotel as your home base.
*This post has been sponsored by Radisson Hotels
What you need to know before you go to Brussels
Here are 3 things you need to know before you go:
1. The City Is Compact—But Don’t Rush It
Brussels isn’t huge, but it’s layered. Each neighborhood feels like a different world—elegant Ixelles, artsy Saint-Gilles, or the cobbled charm of the city center. You can walk almost everywhere, but leave time to wander, duck into vintage shops, and people-watch at cafés. The real Brussels reveals itself between “official” sights.
2. Cards Are King (But Keep a Little Cash Handy)
Most places take cards—yes, even tiny cafés and markets—but it’s still smart to keep a few euros on you. Some smaller spots (especially friteries or vintage markets) are cash-only or have a minimum spend. ATMs can be oddly hidden, so grab cash when you see one.
3. English Works, But Try a “Bonjour” First
Brussels is bilingual (French and Dutch), and everyone speaks English, but a warm “bonjour” or “merci” goes a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and it’s the easiest way to start a friendly exchange—especially before you order that second beer.
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The List – 7 Best Things to do in Brussels
- Opéra de Bruxelles / La Monnaie
- Art & History Museum of Brussels
- Tropismes
- Galerie Bortier
- Maison Hannon
- L’Imaginaire (Antiquarian Bookshop)
- Stay at Radisson Collection The National Hotel Brussels
1. Opéra de Bruxelles / La Monnaie
Why go?
The Brussels Opera isn’t just about grand performances — it is one of those places that instantly pulls you into another era. Even if you’re not usually an opera person, step inside just to see the grandeur of the red velvet and gold balconies.
If you can, catch a performance here, it is absolutely mesmerising. And the audience feels wonderfully mixed: students, older couples, locals dressed up for the night. And even if you don’t make it to a show, come by during the day — the square outside hums with street musicians, café chatter, and people on their lunch breaks.
Address:
Place de la Monnaie / Muntplein, 1000 Brussels
Opening / Visiting tips:
- Strongly recommend booking a guided tour — you will get to see the Opera almost empty and get to know its history. Make sure to book in advance!
- The box office is open Monday to Friday from around noon until early evening, and tickets are also easy to book online
2. Art & History Museum of Brussels
Why go?
This enormous museum inside the Parc du Cinquantenaire is one of those places that quietly blows you away. It’s vast — spanning everything from ancient Egyptian relics to Belgian Art Deco — but the atmosphere is calm and a little mysterious. Some of the halls look like Hogwarts corridors: vaulted ceilings, old stone staircases, and cabinets filled with artifacts that seem to hold their breath.
Head to the decorative arts wing to discover stories of everyday beauty — ceramics, jewelry, tapestries. Afterwards, wander into the park and sit beneath the grand arch with a waffle from a nearby stand. It’s one of those simple Brussels moments that stays with you.
Address:
Parc du Cinquantenaire 10, 1000 Brussels
Opening / Visiting tips:
- Hours: Tue–Fri 9:30–17:00; Sat–Sun 10:00–17:00; closed Mon
- Allow at least one to two hours. Afterwards, explore the park; locals use it like their backyard, jogging or picnicking beneath the grand arch.
3. Tropismes
Why go?
Tropismes is definitely one of the most special book stores in Europe. Hidden under the glass roof of the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the place is elegant, and deeply nostalgic. Step inside and you’re surrounded by mirrored walls, gilded arches, and rows of books so carefully arranged it feels like an art installation. It’s the kind of place you go to lose yourself — whether you’re browsing French novels, glossy art books, or just letting the beauty of the space wash over you.
Address:
Galerie des Princes 11, 1000 Brussels
Opening / Visiting tips:
- Afterward, stop at Neuhaus next door for a hot chocolate and a bit of people-watching under the glass arcades.
- Open Monday to Friday 10:00–18:30, Saturday 10:30–19:00, Sunday 13:30–18:30. Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience.
4. Galerie Bortier
Why go?
Galerie Bortier feels like stepping into another century. The light filters gently through the glass roof, illuminating shelves of antique books, prints, and vintage maps. It’s quiet, a little dusty, and full of stories.
You’ll find shop owners who’ve been here for decades — always happy to talk about old engravings or help you hunt down a rare edition. It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak up the quieter side of Brussels.
Address:
Galerie Bortier 5, 1000 Brussels
Opening / Visiting tips:
- Visit in the late afternoon when the light hits the floor just right. Most shops accept cash only, so bring a few euros if you plan to buy.
- Shops generally open Tuesday to Saturday, around 10:00–18:00 (some close midday).
5. Maison Hannon
Why go?
A small Art Nouveau masterpiece in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood, Maison Hannon feels like a secret whispered among locals.Designed in 1902, it’s full of beautiful details — flowing lines, colorful stained glass, and gentle light — everything that makes Brussels’ Art Nouveau so special. The furniture, glass, and decorative details all tell the story of a family that lived surrounded by art and ideas. It’s intimate, beautiful, and surprisingly emotional.
Address:
Avenue de la Jonction 1, 1060 Brussels
Opening / Visiting tips:
- Book tickets in advance — entry slots are limited and tours often sell out. After your visit, walk over to Café La Pompe for coffee or an early drink.
- Open Thursday 13:00–18:00, Friday 11:00–18:00, and weekends 10:00–18:00. Closed Monday to Wednesday.
6. L’Imaginaire (Antiquarian Bookshop)
Why go?
Imagine entering the Jeu de Balle flea market bursting to life every morning with chatter, crates of vintage treasures, and the smell of coffee drifting through the air. On one corner sits L’Imaginaire — a tiny, dusty bookshop filled with old posters, first editions, and maps of forgotten worlds.
It’s the kind of place you find by chance and never forget. The owner might recommend a 1930s travel guide or an old poetry collection, and you’ll leave with your hands covered in ink and a story in your pocket.
Address:
Place du Jeu de Balle 30, 1000 Brussels
Opening / Visiting tips:
- Open Friday to Sunday, 10:00–15:00, and occasionally by appointment.
- Go early, when the market is waking up and the neighborhood feels alive. Pair it with a stroll through Les Marolles and a coffee at Café Capitale nearby.
7. Stay at Radisson Collection The National Hotel, Brussels
Why stay here?
I’ve stayed at quite a few Radissons around the world, and I have to say, I really loved Radisson Collection The National Hotel in Brussels. Nestled right next to The National Golf Brussels course, it feels wonderfully connected to nature — peaceful and green — yet you’re just 15 minutes from everything Brussels has to offer. It gave me a rare sense of calm in the middle of a city trip, which I absolutely appreciated.
The interiors, designed by Belgian architect Olivier Dwek, are simple, elegant, and modern, with soft tones and natural textures that make every room feel instantly relaxing. I loved treating myself to a massage in the spa (it’s part of David Lloyd Sterrebeek, one of Belgium’s top wellness centers) and even tried a golf lesson, which was so much fun.
And the food! Stoke Grill House & Brasserie is exactly what I needed after a day of exploring — fresh, tasty, and just the right balance of casual and special. Overall, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel rested, inspired, and genuinely happy to be in Brussels.
Address:
The National Golf Brussels, Avenue des Sablons 100, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels
Visiting tips:
Book a spa treatment or golf lesson ahead of time — both are popular even midweek. And take a moment to just enjoy the peace around the hotel; it’s a rare treat in the city.
Final thoughts
Brussels is often overlooked and underestimated, squeezed between its flashier neighbors. But give it time, and the city unfolds slowly—through its café corners, art nouveau façades, and unapologetic love of good food. It’s one of those places that wins you over quietly, and before you know it, you’re already planning your return
Yours,
Voyage Provocateur
