Is Brussels Worth Visiting? My Honest Opinion Based on Real Visits

Is Brussels worth visiting? Yes—and if you’ve read any of my other city verdicts, you know I don’t sugarcoat. I expected Brussels to be gray and bureaucratic, the kind of place you pass through on your way to Bruges or Ghent.

Turns out, Brussels blew me away—mainly because of the museums. The Museum of Armed Forces, the House of European History, the Brussels City Museum, Autoworld… three days barely scratched the surface (seriously, I don’t know how people do just a day trip here without major FOMO).

So if you’re asking “is Brussels worth it?”—especially if you’re touring Europe from the US and wondering if Belgium’s capital deserves a spot alongside Paris or London—the answer is clear: Brussels is absolutely worth visiting. Not for canals and cobblestone streets (that’s Bruges’ job), but for the European Parliament, the dazzling Grand Place (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the food scene (Belgian beer and chocolate shops included), and one of the strongest museum lineups in Europe.

Highlights of Brussels including Manneken Pis, Grand Place, Royal Museum of the Armed Forces, and city views

 

Skip Brussels and you’re skipping the part of Belgium that actually matters on a global scale.

Read more from my Belgium travel blog.

In this article, I’ll: 

• break down Brussels’ highlights and flaws
• explain who will love it, and who might want to skip Brussels altogether
• tell you exactly how long to spend in Brussels
• talk about why I think Brussels is the most underrated city in Belgium
• rank Brussels on value for money, things to do, getting around, food, and atmosphere

 

Quick rankings from my Brussels visit

• Value for money: 8/10
• History and architecture: 9/10
• Things to do: 10/10
• Infrastructure and transport: 8/10
• Food and café scene: 9/10
• Overall experience: 93%

 

 

1. Who will enjoy Brussels?

Brussels isn’t just gray politics—between parks, quirky Mini-Europe, and elegant shopping galleries, this city proves it’s worth visiting

Brussels is worth visiting for travelers who actually like doing things. If you’re a museum person, this place is your playground—Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Magritte Museum, the Comics Art Museum… you could spend every day in a different one and not get bored.

It’s also for anyone who gets a thrill out of being at the center of Europe. Walking past the European Parliament feels a bit like being in Washington DC—only here you swap politicians in suits for waffles on every corner. That side of Brussels culture is unique. You won’t find it in Bruges or Ghent.

Grand Place with Town Hall and the Royal Palace of Brussels is worth visiting!

 

And yes, the city knows how to show off. The Grand Place is almost too much gold and detail to take in, Mont des Arts is worth the climb for the view, and the Royal Palace looks properly regal even if you can’t go inside most of the year. Then there’s the food scene—Belgian beer, proper waffles, and chocolate shops on every street. Brussels just keeps delivering.

You’ll enjoy Brussels if:

• you’re curious about the EU and want to see the Parlamentarium
• you don’t mind a big-city feel with an eclectic mix of historic and modern sights
• you want a base for day trips to Ghent, Bruges, or Antwerp (all under an hour by train station)

 

2. Who should skip Brussels?

Mont des Arts viewpoint in Brussels

I wouldn’t tell anyone to skip Brussels—Brussels is worth visiting—but if you hate museums, politics, or big cities, this isn’t your place. Parts of Brussels can feel gray or even a little seedy at night. And yes, pick the wrong restaurant and you’ll find Brussels expensive for what you get.

If your picture of Belgium is only cobblestone streets and canals, stick to Bruges or Ghent. Brussels plays a different game.

 

3. What is Brussels known for?

When I think of Brussels, the first thing that comes to mind is Grand Place. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hands down one of the most jaw-dropping squares I’ve ever stood in. The detail, the gold, the sheer stunning architecture—it’s over the top in the best way. If you don’t stop here, you may as well have skipped Brussels entirely.

Place Royale in Brussels with the Church of St. Jacques-sur-Coudenberg, a square tied to politics and culture

 

Brussels’ museums

The Comics Art Museum proves that museums in Brussels aren’t boring at all—where else can you hang out with Tintin and a rocket?

The second thing is museums. And I mean real museums, not dusty halls with old paintings nobody cares about. I came for the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Magritte Museum, and the Comics Art Museum—and still left feeling like I’d barely made a dent. If you’re into art, history, or culture, the museums Brussels offers are worth the trip alone.

 

EU Quarter

European Parliament in Brussels
 

And then there’s the European Parliament. Brussels isn’t just about cobblestone streets and tourist fluff like Bruges—it’s the political heart of Europe. I thoroughly enjoyed both the Parlamentarium and the Museum of European History. That mix of power, rich history, and culture gives the city an eclectic mix you won’t find anywhere else in Belgium.

 

Belgian food

Belgian food in Brussels—hearty stoofvlees and irresistible waffles that live up to the hype
 

Of course, I can’t skip the food scene. Belgian beer, waffles, chocolate shops—all clichés, but here they actually deliver. I don’t even have a sweet tooth, but Brussels broke me. Add in spots like Place du Grand Sablon and the Royal Palace, and you’ve got more than enough to keep busy.

So if you’re still wondering “is Brussels worth visiting?” the answer is simple: yes. For the politics, for the food, but most of all for the museums.

 

4. Top 10 things to do in Brussels (Grand Place, Mont des Arts, Royal Palace & more)

Ok, I’ve narrowed the huge number of things I did in Brussels into a top 10 list. If you want a more comprehensive list, here’s my article with 19 best things to do in Brussels—yes, it even includes Manneken Pis (the famous peeing boy barely makes the cut at spot #19).

1. Grand Place & Town Hall: Brussels’ main square, packed with golden guild houses and the Gothic Town Hall. It’s the first thing that proves Brussels isn’t boring.
2. Mini-Europe: Walk through Europe in miniature in a few hours. Surprisingly fun, even for adults.
3. Parlamentarium: The European Parliament’s visitor center. Interactive, modern, and free.
4. Atomium: Brussels’ top landmark. Climb inside the giant steel molecule for views and exhibitions.
5. Autoworld: Vintage and classic cars galore. Curated so well it’s great even if you aren’t that much into cars in regular life.
6. Royal Museum of the Armed Forces + Victory Arch: A massive collection of military history, topped off with rooftop views from the Triumphal Arch.
7. Train World: Immersive, creative, and one of the best railway museums I’ve seen.
8. Choco Story Museum: The best chocolate museum I’ve visited anywhere, hands down.
9. Mont des Arts: Gardens, steps, and one of the top views in Brussels—especially at sunset.
10. House of European History: A polished look at Europe’s past—the highs, the lows, and the messy chapters most museums gloss over.

Map of the best things to do in Brussels with highlights like Grand Place, Mont des Arts, and Atomium

 

5. How to make the most of Brussels: museums, street art, and beautiful architecture

Atomium, Church of Our Lady of Laeken, and Tintin exhibit at Auto World—a mix of Brussels highlights beyond Grand Place
 

The best way to visit Brussels? Do a little bit of everything. Don’t just sit in museums all day (though it’s tempting) and don’t just wander Grand Place aimlessly either. 

Here’s my formula:

• Soak in the golden city center—Grand Place is ridiculously ornate, dripping in detail and stunning architecture. Even the Brussels City Museum is impactful from inside and out.
• Hit the museums—The Cinquantenaire Park museums, Magritte Museum, and Choco Story Museum are next-level.
• Check out the EU Quarter—Walk around the European Parliament and visit the Parlamentarium. It’s Brussels’ other side—a total contrast to the cobblestone streets of the old town.
• Add unique stops—I have very fond memories from half a day in Mini Europe, the hidden gem views from the Palace of Justice, and my unexpected stop at the Musical Instruments Museum. 
• Eat and drink! I couldn’t get enough of the beer sommeliers in some restaurants (like in Nüetnigenough). You need to eat steak, stew, fries, and maybe mussels (though I personally hate those).  

 

 

6. Brussels is worth visiting even without a strict plan: tourist areas and hidden finds

Cinquantenaire Arch in Brussels. Even if you don’t follow a strict itinerary, you’ll find iconic spots like this along with plenty of surprises
 

One thing I love about Brussels is you don’t need a rigid itinerary to enjoy it. Yes, I’ve written a 1-day Brussels itinerary and a 3-day Brussels itinerary packed with the crème de la crème—Grand Place, the best museums Brussels has, the EU highlights, my restaurant tips—but even if you don’t follow it strictly step-by-step, you’ll still have a great trip. 

Brussels is the kind of city where you can “get lost” on purpose. A few blocks from the city center and suddenly there’s a comic mural or a random peeing statue (no, it’s not just Manneken Pis! There’s a girl and a dog, too), a cozy bar pouring Belgian beer, or a random little chocolate shop. Turn a corner and boom—street art, a small park, or some spot you didn’t plan for but end up loving.

That’s why Brussels is worth visiting. The famous attractions are fantastic, but there are plenty of spur-of-the-moment finds that make Brussels so fun to explore.

 

Belgian beer and frites–I can't imagine Brussels without them

 

7. Is Brussels expensive? What you’ll actually spend 

Brussels isn’t cheap. But compared to London or Paris, it’s more forgiving. I don’t travel on a tight budget, but I found Belgium in general cheaper than neighboring countries.

For a simple comparison, 3 days in Brussels stretches your money way further than 2 days in Paris. 

Auto World Brussels–another must-see museum that adds value to your Brussels trip

Here’s some sample prices in Brussels you’re realistically looking at in 2025:

Hotels

• Mid-range: €150–€200/night in the city center

• Boutique: €200–€350+ for prime locations 

• Paris/London comparison: €250–€400+ for similar quality

(my favorite hotel 4-star in Brussels, the Radisson Red, is €150–200 per night for a standard room, which is a steal)

 

Museums & attractions entrance fees

• Atomium: €16

• Choco Story Museum: €12

• Comics Art Museum: €14

• Magritte Museum: €10

• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces: €12

• Lots of free attractions: Parlamentarium, Mont des Arts, Cinquantenaire Park, Grand Place, Royal Palace gardens

Palace of Justice in Brussels–one more reason why Brussels is worth visiting, combining grand architecture with unexpected green corners
 

Food & drink prices in Brussels

• Lunch: €15–25

• Dinner at a nice restaurant: €60–80+

• Belgian beer: €5–8 a pint

• Waffles/chocolate: €5–10 each (yes, they add up)

 

8. The food scene in Brussels

Brussels’ food scene is good, but you need to be selective. I’ve had some excellent meals here (see my top restaurant picks for Brussels and other Belgian cities), but also ran into overpriced tourist traps—especially near Grand Place.

Wolf Food Market in Brussels–take your pick out of 16 restaurants in one single hall
 

What I recommend:

• Belgian beer tasting: try local brews in a proper bar, not just the ones with menus in ten languages outside.

• Chocolate shops: Brussels has some of the best, from big names like Neuhaus to small artisan spots. Perfect if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

• Waffles: you’ll see them everywhere, but most are mediocre. Go for proper spots like Maison Dandoy or Mokafé instead of tourist stands.

• Fries: I don’t get the hype everywhere in Belgium, but if you want to try them, get them from a real friterie, not a tourist kiosk.

Prices are a bit above average for Belgium, but not outrageous compared to Paris or London. A nice dinner runs €40–60 per person, while lunch menus can be €15–25.

Beer, fries, and Belgian vibes in Brussels

 

9. Brussels and the EU

Another reason Brussels is worth visiting: it’s the capital of the EU… and I’m a big EU fan. If you’re traveling around Europe, you should spend time here and actually learn what the Union is about. It’s a part of the continent’s identity, and Brussels makes you feel like you’ve “earned” your place in Europe.

 

 

The Parlamentarium (European Parliament’s visitor center) is free, interactive, and one of the best things I did in the city. The House of European History is another highlight—modern, candid, and not afraid to show Europe’s messy past.

I love the contrast: the glassy EU quarter versus the golden Grand Place. One is Europe’s future, the other its history. 

 

10. Parking and getting around Brussels

Brussels mixes Gothic cathedrals with comic strip murals – best discovered while walking the city

The city center around the Grand Place is walkable and much of it is either car-free or annoying to navigate. Parking garages cost around €20–30 per day in 2025, and street parking is limited and capped at a few hours. 

The metro and trams get you pretty much everywhere that’s too far to walk, and honestly, walking between neighborhoods like the Old Town down to Mont des Arts and the Royal Palace and then to the Leopold Quarter is part of the experience.

 

 

11. How many days do you need in Brussels?

Most people stop in Brussels for just a day—and that’s a huge mistake. If you can spend more time in Brussels, you won’t be sorry. 

Mini-Europe and the Atomium in Brussels—proof you need more than a day to see Brussels
 

• 1 day → You can sprint through the highlights (Grand Place, Mont des Arts, Royal Palace, European Parliament, and the Atomium). I even wrote a 1-day Brussels itinerary to prove it’s possible. But more days is better.

• 2 days → This is when you can finally enjoy the Royal Museums of Fine Arts or Magritte Museum, see Cinquantenaire Park and the Victory Arch, and still fit in chocolate shops, Belgian beer, and street art without rushing.

• 3 full days → This is how long it actually takes to experience Brussels properly in my experience—the big attraction in the Old Town, the EU quarter, and the world-class museums. Trust me, I once tried to squeeze Brussels into 2 days and ended up cutting Antwerp just to make it work (I did Antwerp justice the next trip, don’t worry).

If you have even more time? Perfect—because Brussels is the best base for day trips. Ghent or Bruges are only an hour away, and even Antwerp, Paris, or Luxembourg work as quick side adventures. 

Bottom line: don’t underestimate Brussels—it deserves more than a quick stopover.

 

 

 

12. Full transparency: The downsides of Brussels

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces in Brussels

I love Brussels, but of course it’s not perfect. Here are the (only) cons I could think of:

• It’s not picture-perfect everywhere—Brussels mixes history with politics and modern glass towers, but not every corner is pretty. It looks like any other city a lot of the time. 

• It has some rough edges—Around Brussels-North train station, Molenbeek, and parts of Anderlecht, things can feel sketchy at night. Nothing “don’t ever go” dangerous, but there’s no reason to wander around these parts anyway, so don’t push your luck.

• Weather—Rain is a common occurence in Brussels, no matter the season. Pack an umbrella. Summer months are actually worse than spring and fall in terms of rainfall.

• Manneken Pis—Overrated. 

 

 

Final thoughts: is Brussels worth visiting?

So, is Brussels worth visiting? Absolutely. I went in thinking it’d be gray and bureaucratic, and I left realizing it’s one of the most underrated capitals in Europe. Between the Grand Place, the lineup of world-class museums Brussels is famous for, the European Parliament, and the endless supply of Belgian beer and chocolate shops, this city delivers more than people give it credit for. 

Choco Story Museum

 

FAQ about visiting Brussels

 

Is Brussels or Bruges better to visit?

If I had to choose one, I’d pick Brussels. And then add a Ghent day trip—it has similar vibes to Bruges. I like both Brussels and Bruges, but they’re totally different. Bruges is a fairytale town with canals and cobblestone streets; Brussels is the mighty capital with politics, museums, and a huge atom. 

 

Is Brussels a walkable city?

Yes. I walked almost everywhere in the city center, though your steps will add up and you’ll want public transport or a taxi for spots like the Atomium or Train World.

 

Grand Place with a twist—Mini-Europe lets you see Brussels’ famous flower carpet in miniature

 

What’s the best month to visit Brussels?

Spring or early fall are the best times to visit Brussels. Summer has more rain than you’d expect and Bruges (if you add it) gets unbearably packed, but Brussels itself never feels as overcrowded as Paris or London.

 

What is the prettiest Belgian city?

Bruges takes that title for most people, but I put together my own list of the most beautiful places in Belgium if you want my full take. 

 

 

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