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15 Free Things to do in Brussels, Belgium

November 24, 2018

Are you looking to visit Brussels on a budget? My first visit to Brussels, Belgium I was amazed at how much you could do without spending any money! The city is a fantastic spot for budget travel in Europe, and there are lots of diverse things to do that are completely free! If you want to save on cash while exploring Belgium’s fascinating capital city, check out these 15 free things to do in Brussels!

  

See the Atomium

An unmistakable icon for the city of Brussels, the Atomium statue is a must-see! This giant model of an iron crystal is just so unique, you have to see it at least once. You have to pay to enter the attraction and go up into the large metal spheres, but taking in the view of the structure from the ground is completely free! And you can get pretty darn close to the Atomium without a ticket.

If you want explore Brussels on a budget, check out these 16 free things to do in Brussels!
Such an interesting thing to see in Brussels!

  

Meet Mannekin Pis and Friends

Another iconic symbol of Brussels is this statue of a little boy peeing. This strange little statue has been present in Brussels since the 1400s, though the current Mannekin Pis is not the original. There are many legends surrounding how this obscure statue became such an emblem of Brussels, but nevertheless it is another site that can’t be missed. If you’re lucky, you may find that the statue has been dressed up in one of its over 900 costumes. 

If you want explore Brussels on a budget, check out these 16 free things to do in Brussels!
Manneken Pis in all his whizzing glory

  

Jeanneke Pis

Believe it or not, the Mannekin Pis isn’t the only publicly urinating statue in Brussels! Hidden in a narrow alleyway is Jeanneke Pis, a statue of a little girl peeing in true feminine squat position. This statue was put in place in the late 1980’s, and though it’s less popular than its male counterpart, it’s something unique to see when looking for free things to do in Brussels!

Jeanneke Pis statue Brussels Belgium
The oh so ladylike Jeanneke Pis

  

Zinneke Pis

At some point in the 1990’s the people of Brussels thought “Hey, we have two statues that pee. Why not add a third?” That’s right. In 1998 the Brussels trio of peeing statues was completed with the addition of a bronze dog, lifting its leg to pee on a sidewalk pole. While this statue isn’t actually in the act of peeing, there’s no mistaking the pup’s intentions.

  

Enjoy the Energy of Grand Place

The central square of Brussels is like the heart of the city. The ornate historic guild halls, the Brussels City Museum and City Hall with its towering belfry makes the area a hub for tourists in the city, as well as many shops, restuarants and hotels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, Grand Place is one area that you just have to experience when you visit Brussels. Grab a mouth-watering Belgian waffle and head to Grand Place to take in the sites and people watch.

Taking in the sites at Grand Place is one of the best free things to do in Brussels!

  

READ ยป A Guide to Eating the Best Waffles in Brussels

  

Stroll Through Free Museums

There are quite a few free museums scattered around Brussels. If you’re looking for free things to do in Brussels that don’t involve being outside, museums are a great way to fill your day! Some particularly interesting free museums in Brussels include the Librarium, The House of European History,  The Museum of the Police Force, the Museum of Zoology and Anthropology, and the Belgian Museum of Radiology. 

There are also a number of museums in Brussels that offer free entry on the first Wednesday afternoon, or the first Sunday of each month. If your trip happens to coincide with these dates, definitely take advantage of these great museums! Some favorites that participate in this deal are the Musical Instruments Museum, Halle gate, BELvue Museum, Brussels City Museum, and the Museum of Costume and Lace. 

For more information on free museums in Brussels, check out this site.

Take advantage of free entry to the Brussels City Museum on the first Sunday of every month!

  

Learn About and Experience European Parliament

The city of Brussels is considered the capital of the European Union, and therefore is home to the official European Parliament. While elected representatives come here to enact legislature for the European Union, visitors come to enjoy the many exhibits and events that are held for the public. If you have any interest in governement, the European Parliament building will be high on your list of free things to do in Brussels! 

Visit the Parlamentarium to learn how the European Parliament works, or stroll through the House of European History. You can visit the Hemicycle, where the actual members of Parliament hold their meetings and debates. The public is even welcome to sit in on plenary hearings. You will need a valid form of ID to enter the European Parliament.

  

Enjoy One of the Many Parks

Brussels has over 8000 hectares of green space, making it a great city for lovers of the outdoors! Historic monuments, lovely public gardens, wooded areas, and tree-lined walkways are just some of what you’ll find in Brussels’ parks. Some of the most popular parks include Parc du Cinquantenaire with its triumph arch, Brussels Park, Leopold Park, and Park of Laeken near the Atomium.

For more information on all the parks in Brussels, visit this site.

A beautiful day for a walk in Brussels Park

  

Take in the Views at Mont des Arts Gardens

Arguably one of the most scenic places in the city of Brussels, you’ll want to make sure you add the Mont des Arts Gardens to your budget-friendly day in Brussels! Looking over the gardens from the top of the steps gives you one of the loveliest views of the Brussels skyline, complete with the tall spire of City Hall. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to the Atomium! The Mont des Arts Gardens is one of my favorite places in the city to just sit, enjoy the scenery, and watch life in Brussels happen. 

One of my favorite views in Brussels!

  

READ ยป A Budget Friendly Weekend in Brussels

  

Wander Through the Royal Palace

Though the Royal Palace of Brussels is no longer the official place of residence for the Belgian King and Queen, it is still an ornate place to wander and image life as a royal. In the summer, usually between sometime in mid-July to early September, the Royal Palace is open to visitors to view some of its many exquisite rooms.

But if you aren’t in Brussels during that window of time, it is still worth the walk up to the higher city to see the building itself. Ladies, in particular, will definitely want to hang around outside the Royal Palace, as word has it the Prince of Belgium is still single…

It is said that when the Belgian flag is flown at the palace, the King is inside!

  

Marvel at the Palace of Justice

This huge building just up the road from the Royal Palace is hard to miss. At the time of its construction, the Palace of Justice in Brussels was the largest building in Europe. You can wander inside and view the incredible architecture and design of the building, with its tall ceilings, detailed statues, and towering columns. Outside the Palace of Justice is a small square that offers a decent view of the Brussels City skyline as well.  

  

Have Some Quiet Time at the Brussels Cathedral

Of course. Doesn’t every European capital city have a cathedral that deserves a visit? Also called the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, this stone church is a lovely place to go for quiet reflection, or to escape cold and rainy weather. The cathedral is home to beautiful stained glass windows, lovely sculptures, and an intricate pulpit carved from wood over 300 years old. 

  

Window Shop the Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries

When the Saint-Hubert Galleries first opened, they became a place where the most fashionable of Brussels gathered. Today, this indoor shopping arcade still maintains its air of luxury by housing upscale boutique shops and cafes. Since we all know you didn’t come to Brussels to drop dollars, strolling through the Royal Galleries is a good place to go window shop and imagine what life is like for Brussels’ lushest residents. There is also a Maison Dandoy location here, which is argued as one of the best places for Belgian waffles. So if you are feeling like droppin’ dollas…do it there.

Walking through the Royal Galleries in the early morning, before the shops open

  

View The Unique Street Art

Some of the world’s most famous comic strip characters originated in Brussels, thus earning the city the title of Comic Strip Capital. To honor and showcase their title, the city commissioned several artists to take over the blank city walls and cover them with colorful comic strip murals. Now there are over 50 comic strip murals throughout the city that are completely free to see. You could easily take up a day or two just walking around the city scouting out its unique street art.

You can find a list of all the murals and their locations here.

The popular Broussaille comic strip mural in Brussels

  


  

If you are visiting Brussels on a budget, you may also want to consider purchasing a Brussels Card. This card gives you free access to 40 different muesems and attractions in the city, as well as discounts for a number of shops, restaurants, tours, and attractions.

Finding free things to do in Brussels, Belgium is not a difficult task. With the large number of free parks and museums alone, you could enjoy a few days in Brussels without spending any money on attractions.

And the best part is, with all the money you saved by filling your itinerary with free things to do, you will have plenty of extra money to spend on delicious Belgian waffles and chocolate!

Visiting Belgium and want the inside scoop on Belgian waffles? Check out this article on the best waffles in Brussels, Belgium!

  

Looking for more? Find all my Belgium articles here!

  

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If you want to visit Brussels on a budget, save on cash while exploring Belgium's fascinating capital city with these 15 free things to do in Brussels! #Belgium #Brussels #VisitBrussels #BudgetTravel #ExperienceBelgium #BrusselsBelgium
If you want to visit Brussels on a budget, save on cash while exploring Belgium's fascinating capital city with these 15 free things to do in Brussels! #Belgium #Brussels #VisitBrussels #BudgetTravel #ExperienceBelgium #BrusselsBelgium

  

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26 Comments


Lizzie
November 24, 2018 at 11:46 am
Reply

Great post. Brussels is on my list for next year and it is good to know that it can be done on a budget! Saving this to look at again.



    Brianna
    November 24, 2018 at 11:56 am
    Reply

    Brussels is definitely possible to visit on a budget!

Elisabeth
November 24, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Reply

Thanks for sharing! When I worked in Brussels, I really enjoyed walking through the parks. And the Palais de Justice is a really impressive building.



    Brianna
    November 24, 2018 at 2:28 pm
    Reply

    Oh wow! What did you do when you worked in Brussels? I’d spend lots of time in the parks too!

federica
November 29, 2018 at 11:07 am
Reply

I have been to Brussels recently and I am sorry I have missed reading this post before. My younger daughter loved the Mannekin Pis and I am sure she would have adored the other two you mentioned.



    Brianna
    November 29, 2018 at 12:46 pm
    Reply

    I suppose you and your daughter will have to visit again!

Katy
November 29, 2018 at 11:45 am
Reply

Iโ€™m planning a trip to Europe next year and trying to decide where to go – this post is very timely as now Iโ€™m super inspired to go to Brussels. Thanks for all the great suggestions.



    Brianna
    November 29, 2018 at 12:47 pm
    Reply

    Belgium is one of my favorite places! You should definitely add it to your travel list!

Savannah
November 29, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Reply

Wow, I haven’t been to Belgium yet and I had no idea there were so many things to do for free in Brussels. Wandering around a city and taking as much of it in as possible for free – that’s my favorite way to explore a new place. Thanks for all the Brussels tips!



    Brianna
    November 29, 2018 at 12:49 pm
    Reply

    It’s one of my favorite things to do in a new city too!

Jenn
November 29, 2018 at 1:20 pm
Reply

I had no idea about the peeing statues, thatโ€™s such a hilarious and ridiculous thing! But I am heading to Brussels next Fall so I will be sure to go looking for them! I also had no idea that Brussels was known for comics!



    Brianna
    November 29, 2018 at 3:00 pm
    Reply

    You’ll have to check out all these next fall!

Valerie
November 29, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Reply

Oh, I want to go! The architecture is amazing! And, not 1, or 2, but 3 peeing statues?! That is just too much. The people there must just be the most lighthearted in the world.



    Brianna
    November 29, 2018 at 2:59 pm
    Reply

    The architecture is one of my favorite parts of Brussels!

Catherine @ To & Fro Fam
November 29, 2018 at 4:37 pm
Reply

Great post! I love taking advantage of free or cheap things to do when I travel, so I have more money to take more trips, haha! The statue of a dog peeing cracks me up! Glad they have such a strong sense of humor. ๐Ÿ™‚



    Brianna
    November 29, 2018 at 4:56 pm
    Reply

    Makes me wonder when that 4th statue is coming, and what it will be! ๐Ÿ˜›

N
November 30, 2018 at 3:00 am
Reply

Fabulous list!! I love a good list of free things to do, cause who has money for expensive museums everywhere u go!!



    Brianna
    November 30, 2018 at 8:35 am
    Reply

    Agreed!

Golden Triangle Tour 5 Nights 6 Days
November 30, 2018 at 3:03 am
Reply

Thanks for sharing your tour experience of Brussels. I have heard many positive words regarding that place. I have never Visit The Brussels, your post and pictures make me crazy and now I’m planning to visit here.



    Brianna
    November 30, 2018 at 8:34 am
    Reply

    You should definitely make plans to visit Brussels!

Aireona
November 30, 2018 at 9:21 am
Reply

I wish I had had this list when we were there last year! At least it is a wonderful city to explore on foot, and I think we hit a few of these while we explored. (Definitely had a waffle or two :P).



    Brianna
    November 30, 2018 at 1:44 pm
    Reply

    It a great city to explore by foot, but mostly for the waffles! ๐Ÿ˜›

Shivani
November 30, 2018 at 11:07 am
Reply

I love this post, I missed Brussels when I was in Paris a while ago. But I do know I’ll go back & your post gave me serious budget friendly goals ๐Ÿ˜€ The Brussels cathedrals & gardens are just gorgeous. I don’t think I can pick just one, I’d want to see it all ๐Ÿ˜‚



    Brianna
    November 30, 2018 at 1:44 pm
    Reply

    There are still many parks I’d love to visit in Brussels!

Dylan
November 30, 2018 at 1:39 pm
Reply

Brussels looks incredible!! Thanks for putting this together– I’m eager to visit Europe, but it’s daunting to plan a trip on a budget. But between some of those free museums, the Royal Palace, and Parliament (!), Brussels seems like the perfect stop to nerd out on European history and take in some gorgeous architecture. Cheers!



    Brianna
    November 30, 2018 at 1:45 pm
    Reply

    Definitely a great place to nerd out! ๐Ÿ˜›

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  • Iโ€™m Brianna and Iโ€™m possibly the funniest person I know. Iโ€™m a total goofball who loves to travel. I fell in love with the world in 2007, when my family and I moved to Sydney, Australia. Since then, Iโ€™ve been on a mission to see the world. I'm an ordinary adventurer here to show you how the average person can travel the world.

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