The 14 free activities and visits to Brussels

Are you visiting Brussels with a small budget? Discover our selection of 14 free activities and visits to Brussels!

Ancient, beautiful, pleasant and grandiose, the capital of European institutions has some of the most beautiful tourist sites in Europe. Fortunately, even with a small budget, you will have no trouble enjoying the Brussels treasures.

To help you discover it, we have listed for you the best free attractions and activities to do in Brussels. They won't cost you anything to visit or enjoy them!

1. The Grand Place

To start your discovery of Brussels, you should go to the Grand-Place Brussels. Victor Hugo once said it was Europe’s most beautiful place, so don’t hesitate to come and forge your own opinion. You can admire all around the square of ancient and magnificent buildings such as the Hotel de Ville, the House of the King or the houses of the corporations.

2. The Manneken Pis

After you’re attarsed around the Grand Place, don’t miss admiring the most emblematic fountain in Brussels: the Manneken Pis , that one translates Brussels by “the peeling kid”. At the same time a historic and humorous monument, the fountain was erected in 1619.

Since then, the local tradition has been to dress the “child”. For certain events and fixed dates, the statue will be dressed differently.

3. The Museum of the City of Brussels

Before or after admiring the Manneken Pis, do not miss visiting the King's House (now Town Hall) for free. Museum of the City of Brussels . On the first Sunday of each month, its entry is free. Otherwise, it will only cost you 4€. In this museum, you can discover the amazing collection of 700 costumes that the Manneken Pis has for great occasions! It should be noted that almost all museums in the city, such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts or the uncontourable Magritte Museum, are normally free every first Wednesday of the month, from 1 p.m.!

4. The Royal Palace of Brussels

Originally, the Royal Palace was only an assembly of several special hotels located in Place des Palais. It was only in the nineteenth century that it acquired its current form. If he no longer houses the royal family, the royal palace still serves for the hearings granted by King Albert II. Inside you will be able to discover an impressive room of the Glaces, works of art, richly decorated lounges and stairs. It is important to know that the Palace is only available during the summer, during the King’s holidays between July 22 and mid-September.

Open to all, the visit is free! It should also be noted that the Royal Park is open to the public all year round.

5. Parlamentarium

After admiring the Royal Palace, we recommend you visit Parlamentarium a free museum dedicated to the European Union. Located right next to the European Parliament, this museum is the part open to the general public. It is a very playful and interactive space. It is equipped with touchscreens and audioguides available in the 24 official languages of the European Union.

Thanks to this free museum, you will learn a lot about the major events that have shaped the European Union, but also about its institutions and especially on the drafting of laws. Adapted to the youngest, it is one of the best free activities to do in Brussels with family!

6. The Parc du Fiftynaire

The Parc du Fiftynaire is a must-have garden of the city! Built in 1880 under the orders of King Leopold II, beautiful walks await you in the middle of fountains and sculptures. You will sometimes find a few free activities to do in Brussels.

Indeed, concerts and shows are often organized in this place. On July 21, in particular, at the national festival, you can attend a great festival, with dances, music and fireworks!

7. Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

We are back in the heart of Brussels, the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert are certainly a commercial space. Fortunately, you can browse them for free and discover these beautiful galleries, which measure 218 meters long for 18 meters high!

Composed of three galleries, which pay tribute to the royal family, they inspired Italian Mengoni for his Victor Emmanuel II gallery in Milan.

8. Jeanneke Pis ' Zinneke Pis

Among the free visits to Brussels, we obviously count on the discovery of the two other statues "who plow" City. Don’t miss admiring her Jeanneke Pis , considered to be the female during the famous Manneken Pis. It is not far from the Royal Galleries.

A few meters from the Place de la Bourse, in the middle of a very small road, you can contemplate the statue of a dog who is relieved in the street, the charming Zinneke Pis. Discovering them will be the opportunity to stroll around the beautiful streets of the city centre.

9. Follow the BD

Visit the Tourist Office for free a map of the murals of Brussels. You can then visit the capital on foot according to this itinerary and discover at the turn of the streets beautiful mural paintings representing famous figures of the Belgian cartoon, but also French, Italian or Swiss.

You will thus have the opportunity to admire representations of famous BD de Tintin, Astérix et Obélix, Blake et Mortimer, Lucky Luke or Gaston Lagaffe, but also many more less known!

10. Saint-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral

Built between the 13th and 15th century, this superb Cathedral is the Belgian National Church, the place of royal funerals and marriages. Mainly in Brabançon Gothic style, it has Romanesque and Renaissance elements.

With the exception of the treasure, access to this historic monument in Brussels is fortunately free. For a moment of calm and peace, do not miss visiting it!

11. The Museum of the National Bank of Belgium

Among the free activities to be done in Brussels, we count the National Bank Museum , located a few blocks from the Cathedral and the Royal Galleries. You can enjoy the collections around all the coins displayed there, as well as the beauty of this building, with the imposing architecture! The museum also offers a fun course for children.

12. The Botanical Garden of Brussels

After visiting the National Bank Museum, why not relax in the charming botanical garden located near? This is the perfect place to rest between two free visits to Brussels. Quiet and away from the tourist trails, this small park is very charming and soothing, especially in the spring when trees and plants bloom. There is also a small pond, a labyrinth and exotic trees.

13. Other free visits to Brussels

Other free activities in Brussels include:

• The Atomium and the Laeken Park
• Ixelles, easily accessible by tram, and the streets (including Palmerston Avenue and Ambiorix Square) are home to superb Art Nouveau buildings
• Works of art tested in stations Brussels metro : Have a map of the Tourist Office to discover them!
• The Park Leopold, not far from the European Parliament, a charming place to relax and rest!

14. Free guided tours of Brussels

To conclude this article on free activities in Brussels, we cannot fail to mention the many guided tours of the city at free prices. They allow you to pay the guide as you wish at the end of the visit. Of course, it is not totally free. However, this is a good option for travellers with a small budget.

For example, the site Bravo Discovery offers free tours (free price) every day at 10:30 and 15:00. You will have to book in advance and can even taste delicious Belgian chocolates for free!