brussels town hall tours

Brussels City Hall (Town Hall)

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a fascinating destination with a rich history and a vibrant culture. One of the most popular landmarks in the city is the City Hall, a Gothic-style building that dates back to the 15th century. This historic site is a must-visit destination for any traveler who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Brussels. In this article, we will explore the fascinating City Hall in Brussels and uncover some of its hidden gems.

Exploring the Fascinating Architecture

The City Hall in Brussels is a magnificent building that stands tall in the city’s central square, known as the Grand Place . The building has a distinctive Gothic architecture style, with intricate carvings, towers, and spires. One of the most impressive features of the City Hall is its central tower, which rises to a height of 96 meters and provides panoramic views of the city.

Inside the City Hall, visitors can explore a variety of rooms, each with its unique character and history. The most impressive of these is the Gothic Room, which is adorned with stunning frescoes and tapestries that depict scenes from the city’s history. Other notable rooms include the Wedding Room, where civil ceremonies take place, and the Council Chamber, where the city council meets to make decisions about the city’s governance.

Uncovering the Hidden Gems of this Historic Landmark

While the City Hall’s magnificent architecture and interior design are well-known, there are some hidden gems that many visitors miss. For example, the building’s underground chambers, which were used as jails in the past, have been transformed into an exhibition space dedicated to the history of Brussels. The exhibition features artifacts and interactive displays that provide an insight into the city’s past.

Another hidden gem is the Carillon, a musical instrument that consists of 49 bells that are played manually by a musician. The Carillon is located in the tower of the City Hall and can be heard throughout the city, especially during public events and festivals.

Guided visits

There are two types of guided tours: the classic tour and the panoramic tour. With the classic tour, a guide will explain the building’s different construction periods by showing you the main facade overlooking the Grand-Place and the inside rooms, offices, and galleries with their decorations and works of art.

On the other hand, the panoramic tour offers a chance to see the Wedding Hall and the Gothic Hall, followed by a visit to the balcony for a bird’s eye view of the Grand-Place. The tour continues with a climb up the tower via a spiral staircase, rewarding visitors with an exceptional view of Brussels at the top.

Getting There

The City Hall is located in the central square of Brussels, Grand Place, which can be easily reached by public transportation.

The nearest metro stations are Gare Centrale/Centraal Station and Bourse/Beurs. Several bus lines also stop at Grand Place.

Hours and Fees

Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:15 pm)

15 euros (adult) 25 euros (panoramic visit – only on Saturdays) 40 euros (family pack: 4 tickets for 2 adults + 2 children up to 18 years)* 6 euros (7 to 18 years)* 6 euros (student, 65+) Free (0 to 6 years)*

Links and Resources

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BRUSSELS CITY TOURS Grasmarkt, 61, Rue du Marché aux Herbes B 1000 BRUSSELS (Belgium)

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The Town Hall is the only remaining medieval building constructed in the 15th century in Gothic style, and it's arguably the most beautiful in the world.

It's located in the centre of the Grand Place (Grote Markt), it's the tallest construction in the square, and it functions today as the mayor's office.

Nearby Attractions

Related tours.

As the political heart of the European Union and a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Brussels is one of the most charming capitals in Europe famous for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. Enjoy a fascinating introductory tour taking in all the major highlights of this historic city. 

On your private half-day tour, you will:

• Take a stroll down the Grand Place or Grote Markt , one of the most stunning squares in the world with a history that dates back to the 12th century surrounded by Baroque guildhalls;
• Be amazed by the grandiosity of the City of Brussels Town Hall , a majestic Gothic edifice of the 15th century and the only medieval building remaining in the main square;
• Hear about the iconic comic book history tied to Brussels and Belgium as you see the Tin Tin mural ;
• Learn about the Maison du Roi , the former royal household of the King of Spain which now houses the Museum of the City;
• See the Brussels Stock Exchange building built between 1868 and 1873, decorated with stunning ornaments and sculptures, which is being turned into a cultural, tourist and cultural centre with the “Belgian beer Experience” taking pride of place;
• Admire St. Nicholas Church , the oldest church in Brussels dating back to the 12-century named after the patron saint of traders;
• Enjoy a small Belgium chocolate tasting , the best in the world;
• Walk under the Renaissance-style arcade of Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert , a mesmerizing place for some window shopping;
• Discover the Manneken Pis statue , the most popular attraction in the city and hear the many tales about its origin;
• Walk past The Royal Theatre of La Monnaie , home to the National Opera of Belgium and a cultural centre for people to enjoy theatre, ballet, and classical music;
• Discover a spectacular view of the city from Mont des Arts (Mount of the Arts) .

Brussels is a city of history and modernity, seriousness and quirkiness intertwined. It is a political heavyweight, that is also the home of many a famous cartoon strip - and evidence of Tin Tin and the Smurfs can be found literally everywhere - on murals throughout the city. 

Founded back in 979 AD , Brussels is a grande dame of Europe where you’ll see incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture alongside the more modern glass structures housing Europe’s politicians and civil servants, as today the city is the Headquarters of the European Union.  

Situated between London and Paris, Brussels is often overlooked for culture, art, and music - but because of this its gorgeous art museums are rarely crowded and often empty, offering a wonderful chance to see art from Rubens to Magritte in solitude. 

Brussels was popular with the French who escaped the Napoleonic era; luminaries such as Victor Hugo lived here, indeed he would walk to and fro from his mistress in the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert to his intellectual friends in the Cafe du Vaudeville - later a popular hub with the likes of Karl Marx and Auguste Rodin.

As well as its Belgian waffles , Belgian chocolates , and other delicious gastronomy, Brussels is also surprisingly famous for its Jazz scene - Miles Davis and Nat King Cole have played at L’Archiduc and there are many jazz clubs throughout the city, making Brussels a popular destination for the European Flaneur - someone who simply likes to stroll through lovely parks, sit at bars and watch the world go by whilst sipping a delicious Belgian beer. So you too can become a Belgian flaneur , your tour includes a delicious chocolate tasting on us! 

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Brussels town hall welcomes visitors for more guided tours from February

Brussels’ magnificent town hall will be far more accessible to tourists, visitors and city residents From 1 February, announced Brussels Major Events deputy director Delphine Romanus. 

Standing proudly as it does on one of Europe’s most famous squares, the Grand Place, the aim is to make the town hall a “place of heritage accessible to the general public,” she said.

The plan is not to change the building into a museum – the Brussels City Museum is after all just opposite in the Maison du Roi, Romanus explained.

Brussels mayor Philippe Close first announced the change on 16 December when outlining the city’s 2023 budget. He said the administrative services of the town hall, including his own office, would be moving to Brucity. This brand new building lies between the Bourse and Place Sainte-Catherine.  

This means that the Brussels landmark and visitor favourite will be more available for tourism purposes, as well as weddings and other special events. 

The town hall was built between 1401 and 1455, and since 1998 has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. It can currently be visited, but only with a guide reserved in advance, on Wednesday and Sunday. From February, there will be 27 tour options spread over four days – Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Explore the Gothic building and its treasures

The increased viewing times will give visitors more opportunities to explore this beautiful Brabant and classic Gothic style building that’s crowned by a three-metre statue of Saint Michael slaying a demon.

Treats in store include paintings and sculpture by renowned artists, including Charles Geefs and George Minne, the ‘Life of Clovis’ tapestries, busts of all Brussels’ mayors since 1830, and murals showing how, before the Senne was covered up, Brussels had myriad Bruges-style canals and picturesque bridges. 

Visitors will also be able to discover where to find the underground tunnels beneath the Grand Place and learn if one of the masterpiece’s architects really committed suicide, jumping from the top of the Belfry, when he saw that the tower was not placed in the middle of the building. 

It’s still possible to visit the town hall at the old €8 price for another week. But from 1 February, tickets for guided tours will cost €15 (reduced tariffs include €6 for children up to 18).

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Brussels › Attraction

Hôtel de ville (town hall).

Easily the most extravagant in a square full of extravagant buildings, the dazzling Town Hall dates from 1402 and is a masterpiece of Gothic design, with a lacy facade ornamented with dozens of arched windows and sculptures displaying drunken monks, a sleeping Moor and his harem, and St. Michael slaying a female devil. The enormous (almost) central tower rears 66m (215 ft.) high and is visible for miles around.

The interior is a mélange of the best and most lavish styles from Gothic to Louis XIV and can be toured only by appointment. The mirrored Gothic Hall is a spectacular highlight of the visit to this ultimate monument to urban power, as are the 16th- to 18th-century Flemish tapestries depicting the trades of the guildsmen who commissioned them to hang in the series of embellished council chambers.

- Mary Anne Evans

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Frommer's Star Rating

About our system.

Frommer's only recommends things we think you will enjoy and that will make your trip both authentic and unforgettable. Our experts personally appraise each choice in terms of their overall enthusiasm for it.

Our star system does not denote hotel amenities but it does denote the level of our approval. A place with one star is worth a look—after all, it made the list. A rating of two stars means it's excellent, and three stars is the highest praise we give.

Brussels is a lively city that’s always on the go. It has an incredible wealth of culture, heritage and architecture just waiting to be discovered. Explore its must-see places, museums, exhibitions, quirky corners and vibrant events.

Not to be missed, grand-place.

Often considered the most beautiful square in the world, the Grand-Place of Brussels' reputation precedes it! Today, it still has a political and administrative function as it houses the City of Brussels Town Hall, which remains the workplace of the mayor and most of their aldermen. As a prestigious venue, it hosts many festive events - concerts, fairs, folklore events, the Christmas tree and nativity scene, sound and light shows, the flower carpet in the summer, etc. - or symbolic events, such as the celebration of sportsmen and women after fine performances. Its story began as a market square in the 12th century. Gradually, the square was filled with houses and halls, then primarily made of wood. The splendid Gothic town hall was built in the 15th century in three phases; the same 15th century saw the installation of trade guilds in the houses that border the Grand-Place. Even more so than at present, the square was the nerve centre of Brussels life: economically, as already mentioned, with intense sales activity (several halls devoted to the sale of bread - the present King's House or Broodhuis in Dutch -, meat, linen, etc.), culturally (theatrical performances), judicially (with executions taking place on the square) and, of course, local politics. It was bombarded by Louis XIV's troops in 1695 and was subsequently almost entirely rebuilt. It underwent further major renovations and modifications during the following centuries, especially in the 19th century, which gave it its current appearance. The Grand-Place of Brussels has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Halfway between sculpture and architecture, the Atomium was designed and built for the Brussels World's Fair (1958), for which it was the flagship building and emblem. Representing an iron unit cell (9 iron atoms) magnified 165 billion times, the monument with its unique silhouette has, over time, grown to become the symbol of Brussels and Belgium. On the inside the Atomium offers, not just the most beautiful view of Brussels, but also an entirely astounding and surreal ride through its interior spaces and volumes which alone makes a visit worth it. The Atomium ticket automatically includes the entrance to the Design Museum Brussels (150m away).

Manneken-Pis

You're no doubt familiar with the Manneken-Pis, the bronze statuette that attracts crowds with cameras just a stone's throw from the Grand-Place. But how did this statue come into being? Originally, the statuette was a simple decoration adorning one of the many fountains that supplied the city with water in the Middle Ages. Although other statues had previously borne its name, the famous little boy relieving himself, who everyone knows today, is the work of Jérôme Duquesnoy l'Ancien, who made it in 1619. He has gone from being a public fountain to a legendary figure. In addition to his purely material appearance, Manneken-Pis has, on various occasions, taken on the symbolic roles of protector of the city and spokesman for the people of Brussels, personifying them in a way that is often mischievous and irreverent. Today, he embodies the rebellious yet modest spirit that reigns in Brussels. Over the years, it has become customary to dress the statue up for special occasions. Fitted out with numerous costumes and decorations, sometimes gifts from important political figures, his wardrobe includes more than 1,000 pieces, which can be admired at the GardeRobe MannekenPis, a museum opened in 2017. The oldest was donated by the Elector of Bavaria in 1698. Sadly, Manneken-Pis has been subjected to numerous acts of vandalism. The original statuette, stolen and damaged on several occasions, now rests safely in the Brussels City Museum (housed in the King's House on the Grand-Place).

City of Brussels Town Hall

Of all of the town halls in the country, the City of Brussels town hall is undoubtedly one of the most majestic! This Gothic building, built in the 15th century, is enhanced by its setting on the Grand-Place, often described as the most beautiful square in the world... Admire the accuracy of its proportions, the countless sculptures that adorn its facades and the incomparable brilliance of its tower, whose spire supports the archangel Saint Michael, the city's protector. This City of Brussels laid the first stone of the sumptuous building back in 1401. In 1695, during the bombardment of the city by Louis XIV's troops, the town hall was burned down, but the walls and the tower remained standing. Its reception rooms and aldermen's chambers contain beautiful Brussels tapestries from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, sumptuous Gothic woodwork, coats of arms of the old guilds and paintings from the City of Brussels museum's collections.

The Bois de la Cambre

The Bois de la Cambre, one of the largest parks in the Brussels-Capital Region, owes its name to La Cambre Abbey. It's laid out in an English style and resembles a forest, with walks, pony rides, jogging and playgrounds. Nestled in the heart of the Bois de la Cambre, Chalet Robinson welcomes you in its restaurant and offers boats and pedalos or a game of pétanque. Located on Robinson Island, the origin of the name is unknown but, according to legend, a group of walkers who were lost in the Bois de la Cambre saw a captain appear on the water in his boat, and he took them to this green island. The Le Flore bar offers tapas made with fresh seasonal produce, while the Woodpecker is ideal for a snack. The nearby Villa Lorraine, Villa in the Sky and Villa Emily are fine, gourmet restaurants. Looking to go out in a club? Head to Les Jeux d'Hiver, one of the most famous in Brussels. Just a short distance away is the Villa Empain, an Art Deco jewel which today houses the Centre for Art and Dialogue between Eastern and Western Cultures. DROHME Park leisure park at the former Boitsfort hippodrome lies on the southernmost edge of the Bois de la Cambre.

Museum of the City of Brussels

Two majestic buildings that stand opposite each other on Brussels' Grand Place have a long-standing rivalry: on one side you have Brussels' City Hall, and on the other the Broodhuis (Bread House), a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the Brussels City Museum. The rivalry between these two buildings is no coincidence. In the 15th century, the Duke of Brabant replaced the 13th century wooden bread market building with a prestigious building that would be a symbol of his power and face off against the imposing building on the other side of the Grand Place that symbolised the city's independence. The building owes its French name of Maison du Roi (King's House) to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who once ruled over a large part of the globe and once owned the Bread House. After being destroyed in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style in the 19th century by city architect Victor Jamaer. But it's not all about the Broodhuis' history and facade. Inside the Brussels City Museum gives a comprehensive overview of Brussels' history, with particular attention given to the arts, crafts,urbanism and architecture . The original Manneken Pis is also housed here for security reasons, but as for his wardrobe, which is a thousand times larger than even the most passionate fashionista's, you can marvel at that in its dedicated museum on Rue du Chêne - Eikstraat. Combined ticket giving access to the Brussels City Museum -Maison du Roi and the Garderobe MannekenPis.

Attractions and museums

Institute of natural sciences.

The Institute of Natural Sciences: a great day out, naturally! In the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe, you can meet the famous Bernissart Iguanodons, T.rex, Triceratops, Diplodocus, and 34 other species. But that’s not all! The Earth is swarming with life - rediscover it in the new Gallery, Living Planet, through an aesthetic, family-friendly and scientific approach to biodiversity. Learn about the human body and how we evolved in the Gallery of Humankind and go back in time in the Gallery of Evolution. You can also find out about urban species in BiodiverCITY, discover 250 years of the history of Natural Sciences through 14 iconic specimens, beware of the kings of the Cretaceous seas in the Mosasaur Hall or admire the magnificent crystals in the Mineral Hall. And last but not least, don't miss the temporary exhibitions and all the activities of the Educational Service: more information at www.naturalsciences.be.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium assemble six different museums: the Oldmasters Museum, Modern Museum, Meunier Museum, Wiertz Museum, Magritte Museum and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum.

Train World

Train World is a unique railway experience that takes you from the very first steam locomotives to the flashing high-speed trains! It is a universe that appeals to all the senses in order to grasp the many different dimensions of the railways. A visit to Train World is an active and surprising outing. You can walk among locomotives, take a seat in 100-year-old trains, visit a railway house and walk across a real railway bridge. You will even experience how it feels to drive a train!

Mini-Europe

The whole of Europe animated in miniature! Be amazed! Mini-Europe is a park featuring all the wonders of Europe, in miniature. Bonsai trees, flowery groves and dwarf trees embellish the 350 monuments which have been reproduced at scale 1/25. Thousands of lifelike figurines and animations! Set off the eruption of the Vesuvius and admire the takeoff of the Ariane rocket. The two hour walk, which is both entertaining and educational, will let you (re)discover the 27 member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom, their historical, architectural and cultural wealth This establishment has been awarded the Brussels Health Safety Label

MIMA the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art

The MIMA is situated on the remarkable site of the former brewery Belle-Vue beside the canal in the center of Brussels. The MIMA is a new museum with an international vocation that advances contemporary, accessible and viral creations such as Street Art. The MIMA presents temporary exhibitions, encounters, projections, concerts, performances as well as a permanent collection. It also houses an art shop, a restaurant and two magnificent panoramic viewing points over the canal and Brussels in a magnificent building covering four different floors.

Centre for Fine Arts - Bozar

It’s impossible to talk about culture in Belgium without mentioning the Centre for Fine Arts located in Brussels. Whether it comes to exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, movies or projects concerning literature and architecture, BOZAR will always put originality and innovation first. They prove to keep a finger on the pulse with their varied and sophisticated programme. Besides emphasizing the importance of creation, quality and a rich artistic offering, BOZAR is especially concerned about the total experience of the visitors.

Comics Art Museum

The Center’s prestigious great hall, light pit, mezzanines, auditorium and side rooms are available for hire throughout the year for dinners, cocktail parties, press conferences etc. Guests at these events may visit the center’s exhibitions free of charge. With absolute respect for the general public of the Center, cocktail parties, gala dinners, seminars, press conferences and high-level meetings can be held in the same venue, either outside opening times if located in areas normally open to the public such as the light pit or the famous entrance hall with its emblematic street lamp, or during opening hours if they are held in side rooms not open to the public. Every year the BCSC hosts over 120 events: press conferences, seminars, business meeting and presentations, weddings and private parties… These can take up to 1,200 persons standing.

Historical venues

Brussels from all angles

Design Museum Brussels

The Design Museum Brussels, established after the acquisition of a private collection by the Atomium, is a place dedicated to design and its history. Since 2015, the museum's collection, the Plastic Design Collection, circumscribes the landscape of plastics in design from the 1950s to the present day. Alongside this collection, the museum opened Belgisch Design Belge, a new permanent exhibition space dedicated to Belgian design and its history. Enriched by a programme of temporary exhibitions, the Design Museum Brussels also explores other fields of design creation and its impact on society and our daily lives. Through exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, conferences and events, the museum aims to ensure that design is intelligible to one and all.

Van Eetvelde Hotel & LAB·An

According to Horta himself, the plans for this house, conceived in 1895, were the most audacious he ever drew. And he did so for a prominent figure, as the client, Baron Edmond van Eetvelde, was the Secretary General of the Independent State of Congo - in reality the unofficial 'Minister of the Congo' - and, therefore, a very close ally of King Leopold II. The future owner asked the architect for a house 'for his family', but with as large a living room and dining room as possible, given his frequent social engagements. The house is unusual in that it is flanked by two other buildings: a building to the left of it, which was intended to serve both as an extension to the original house and as a rental house and a building to the right of it, a small annex to the main house.

Maison Hannon

The Maison Hannon, on the corner of Avenue Brugmann and Avenue de la Jonction, was built in 1902, at the request of the couple Marie and Édouard Hannon, by their friend, the architect Jules Brunfaut. Conceived as a symbolist and dreamlike universe, the house is one of the masterpieces of art nouveau in Brussels, a union of Belgian and French art of the time. Jules Brunfaut, unfamiliar with the new style, was inspired by other architects' houses, such as those of Victor Horta (personal house, Tassel and Wessinger hotels), Ernest Blérot (personal house, now destroyed) and Octave Van Rysselbeghe and Henry Van de Velde (Otlet hotel). Combining the beaux-arts style with that of modernity, or art nouveau at that period, the Maison Hannon is a singular work, an intimate and personal house, bringing together the tastes and passions of its commissioners. The Maison Hannon will open its doors to the public on June 1, 2023, as a house museum.

Sewer Museum

Why not visit the Brussels sewers and the Sewers museum during your next excursion in Brussels. A visit of Brussels' sewerage network - led by experienced guides or ex-workers - is extraordinary, full of surprises, but above all fascinating. The sewers have become vital to our way of life, so much so that it's hard to imagine what it was like before they existed. A visit of the Sewers Museum (and a real sewer!) is therefore an amazing, unusual and thrilling experience. Brussels' first sewerage network came into use in the 17th century, but they were very limited and a large part of the city's waste still found its way into the river Senne. The river carried waste and carrion and regularly overflowed, or dried out in the summer, leaving behind less-than-pleasant smells. It was partially due to this, that the government in the second half of the 19th century decided to completely transform the Senne and its neighbouring streets by building great boulevards to cover the insalubrious area. Between the two world wars a second transformation: a portion of the Senne was diverted and then covered over. The sewerage network improved and grew over the years, going from 45 km in 1847 to the 350 km that we have today. The entrance to the museum is housed in one of the toll pavilions that used to collect taxes on goods that entered the city.

BELvue museum

Chips, beer and chocolates... surely there is more to Belgium than that? Democracy, prosperity, solidarity, pluralism, migration, languages and Europe: these are the themes used by the BELvue Museum to help you to discover Belgium. Each one is developed through present-day testimonials and then traced right through history. This is a modern, original way of gaining a fuller understanding of modern-day Belgium. Have a look at the gallery too: there are more than 200 objects to view, each one forming a tangible memory of Belgium. Here are just a few examples: a lithograph by Magritte, a motorcycle, crystal vases by Val Saint-Lambert, and a football signed by the Red Devils. The very essence of Belgian-ness! Speciale openingstijden op schoolvakanties en feestdagen 9.30 tot 17.00 uur 24/12 en 31/12 9u30 tot 16u00 Het BELvue Museum is elke woensdag vanaf 14u en de eerste zondag van de maand gratis toegankelijk.

Tootbus Brussels

Jump aboard the Tootbus and discover Brussels' sights and sounds. With 18 stops, this 100% electric bus invites you to explore the city as you please. Hop on, hop off and indulge in a gourmet experience, a cultural stop or a stroll to discover a neighbourhood. Climb aboard our double-decker buses and enjoy a breathtaking view of the capital's gems: the majestic Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula, the vast royal estate of Laeken, the imposing Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg, the charming Sablons district… Along the way, let our audio guides tell you the stories of these emblematic sites in one of 11 languages available. To accompany you on your exploration, the free Tootbus app even offers commented routes. Make the most of the capital at a reduced price with the Brussels Card. The Hop-on Hop-off option grants you unlimited access to our buses for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Try the Tootbus experience all over Brussels !

Bruxella 1238

Next to the stock exchange building, in the heart of Brussels, is a fascinating little archaeological site. It contains the remains of the Franciscan monastery founded in Brussels in 1238 and the tomb of Duke John I of Brabant. The foundations and various other objects offer a glimpse of an unknown side of the history of Brussels, and at the same time give a good idea of the different aspects of an archaeological dig.

Cauchie House

The Cauchie House is one of the most exceptional Art Nouveau masterpieces in Brussels. Built in 1905, it was originally the home to Paul Cauchie and Caroline Voet, a couple of artists and decorators. The majestic sgraffito on the façade and the opulent decorations of the bel-étage served as a manifesto for their artistic skills. We invite you to join us for a guided tour to discover its history and unique artworks. Open on the first weekend & the third Saturday of the month. Individual guided tours, group guided tours, private and corporate events.

GardeRobe MannekenPis

The incredible Manneken-Pis dressing room awaits you at 19 Rue du Chêne, a stone's throw away from the famous fountain. A representative selection of more than one hundred costumes is presented according to seven themes: geography, folklore, charity and citizens’ associations, trades, celebrities and characters, sports and designers. They show the richness of this fabulous and uncommon collection, which today includes nearly 1,000 items! The sculpture’s clothing – which is a tradition dating back to the 17th century! – is still part of the folklore and historical heritage of the city of Brussels. Combined ticket giving access to the Brussels City Museum -Maison du Roi and the Garderobe MannekenPis.

Brussels Comics Figurines Museum

Where Comics come to life ! The Brussels Comics Figurines Museum will immerse you in a private collection of figurines from the world of Belgian comics (Tintin, Spirou, The Smurfs...), American comics (Spider-Man, Batman...), mangas and many others. You will also find these characters in other formats: with video games, explanatory videos or during a projection of cartoons in a period movie theater. This immersive, sound-enhanced experience will appeal to the whole family. It will bring back many memories for adults and will also be suitable for the youngest: the visit is easily accessible, with very visual and colorful displays. Trip Advisor awarded the Moof the certificate of excellence in the year 2014 to 2024. It is located in Brussels, behind the big statue of the white Smurf, in the HORTA gallery on LEVEL -1.

The Belgian Chocolate Makers (Sablon)

Founded in 2020 by Italian chocolatier Elisabetta Passafaro, The Belgian Chocolate Makers offer their Chocomeli brand handcrafted chocolates. Everything is handmade in their Brussels store. They select and roast premium cocoa beans from selected plantations (especially from Congo, Philippines and Haiti). In their boutique-workshop, a stone's throw from the Mont des Arts, watch them make their sweets and fall in love with their creations: chocolates, bars, figurines, lollipops, but also ice creams, sorbets, macaroons and waffles. They organize chocolate workshops everyday to share their passion with their clients and visitors.

Macadam Gallery

Since 2012, Macadam Gallery has committed to defend artists whose research revolves around architectural language, mediums and perspective. Macadam is a promise of innovative creation in both content and form. Its artist crew works towards the visual experience and are committed to share a new way of seeing and perceiving. The dialogues between the gallery's emerging and established artists reflect Macadam's commitment to promote a vision of true art that is open to the world. Macadam Gallery presents and promotes to its collectors works by Invader, Thomas Devaux, Johan van Mullem, Oli-B, David Mesguich, Jan Kaláb, Andrzej Urbanski, Daniel Mirchev, Emeric Chantier, Åsa Johansson, Jaime Poblete, David Moreno, François Bonnel, Sali Muller, Tomislav Topić, Esmaël Bahrani, James Austin Murray, Katy Ann Gilmore, RODA and more. After more than ten years in the Marolles, this 2024 Macadam continues its art journey in a new location: Rue du Charme 34, 1190 Forest, Brussels. Like the art that it represents, Macadam reinvents itself, changes its skin, and opens its doors in a new space where there will be exciting exhibitions, events and artist residencies. The team is thrilled and proud to welcome you into a new space dedicated to the promotion of sensibility and contemporary Belgian and international art.

Musée Banksy Museum

Just a stone's throw from Place Sainte-Catherine, the Banksy Museum brings together the largest number of life-size Banksy murals. The World of Banksy Brussels showcases recreations of works by the Bristolian street artist that are exhibited nowhere else, and pieces from other, international artists.

Art galleries

Belgian Beer World experience

Belgium, the land of beer? That's for sure! Belgium boasts more brands of beer than any other country in the world. And another unique feature: Belgian beer culture has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Belgian beer quite simply holds an extraordinary mix of influences, creativity and... Belgitude. Discover what makes Belgian beer so special at Belgian Beer World, more than a beer museum, an interactive experience!

Museums & tourist attractions

René Magritte Museum (house)

The René Magritte Museum is situated in the house where the famous, surrealist artist lived and worked for 24 years (1930-54). Magritte lived on the ground floor and built in the back of the garden Studio Dongo, where he executed designs for publicity work. He painted most of the time in the living room annex atelier. In that room he would produce more or less half the amount of his paintings and gouaches. The headquarters of the Belgian Surrealists was also in the Esseghemstraat 135, where they held their meetings on Saturday evenings and where they organized several tableaux vivants. The Museum of Abstract Art is located in the adjacent building. www.abstractartmuseum.be Visits at weekends: only via online reservation.

Jewish Museum of Belgium

Located in the Sablon district of Brussels, the Jewish Museum of Belgium takes a fresh look at Jewish history and culture through exhibitions and activities focusing on sharing, discovery and accessibility for all sectors of the public. Firmly anchored in the present day, it is an artistic and cultural place that is lively, dynamic and multidisciplinary, led by a team that values openness, boldness and modernity, and whose goal is to promote a knowledge and understanding of Jewish history, religion and culture. Through its three principal missions, namely the preservation of Jewish heritage in Belgium, temporary exhibitions reflecting topical subjects and educational activities for school groups, the team is gradually constructing the public face of the New Museum that will open its doors by 2025. Pending the start of work, visitors can discover a selection of the permanent collection as well as several temporary exhibitions in two buildings covering a total area of five floors. At the same time, the Museum organises a wide range of activities such as conferences, concerts, workshops and literary evenings.

Tram Museum

Trams, trolleybuses, buses, and taxis that have crisscrossed the capital for 150 years can be seen in these warehouses built in 1897. During the opening season you can make a trip with one of the historical vehicles and relive the atmosphere of the early 20th century on the Avenue de Tervuren and in the Sonian Forest. A dedicated Museum line with old buses takes you to the areas between the Museum and the Place Royale: Cinquantenaire Park, the European quarter, the squares quarter… Additionally, you can rent the vehicles as well as the museum halls for any kind of event.

LEGO® Discovery Centre Brussels

Step into the ultimate LEGO® adventure! With more than 3000m2 and 12 activity zones, the LEGO Discovery Centre Brussels is an immersive place dedicated to children between 2 and 10 years old and their families. Come play with over 2 million LEGO bricks, attend one of our creative workshops led by our Master Model Builders, embark on a train ride through a giant LEGO world, watch LEGO movies in our 4D cinema and much more! A place where imagination goes wild! The shop closes every day one hour after the attraction closes. Opening hours may vary, check the schedule on: www.legodiscoverycentre.com

The Giant Wheel: The View

A new permanent tourist attraction in Brussels, the giant Ferris wheel known as "The View", invites you to climb high above the city and enjoy an unforgettable experience. As the highest point in Brussels, it offers you a breathtaking panoramic view of the capital. The giant Ferris wheel is itself illuminated at night, thanks to its multicoloured lighting, making it an imposing sight on the Brussels skyline! The View was designed and developed following the success of the Budapest Eye. Like in Antwerp, it is 55 metres high and can accommodate 8 passengers per cabin, of which there are 42. Whether you are an adult, a child or a person with reduced mobility, The View is suitable for everyone and its semi-enclosed cabins give you a feeling of security. Open to all, it welcomes people of all ages, for an intergenerational experience. First it was Paris, then Budapest, and now it's time to discover Brussels in a different way and enjoy a special moment with your family on "The View"! Technical information: Height: 55 metres 42 cabins, 6 people per cabin An audio presentation of Brussels is available in each cabin

Erasmus House & Beguinage Museums

The Erasmus House, beguinage, and collegiate church of Saints Peter and Guido form a magnificent historical ensemble, right in the heart of the commune. Erasmus House – in which the famous philosopher and scholar stayed from May to October 1521 – is one of the oldest Gothic houses in the Belgian capital. It hosts a sublime collection of paintings, prints and sculptures by 15th-17th century masters like Albrecht Dürer, Hugo Van der Goes, Cornelis Metsys… not to mention portraits of Erasmus inspired by Hans Holbein and Quentin Metsys. A rich collection of 16th century books is a nod to the singular humanist’s thinking. A medicinal plant garden – designed by landscape architect René Pechère – presents around one hundred medicinal plants that were known to 16th century physicians. Beyond it stretches a philosophical garden that is home to the works of contemporary artists like Marie-Jo Lafontaine and Bob Verschueren. The beguinage of Anderlecht is Belgium’s smallest. Founded in 1252, today it consists of two wings framing an enclosed garden with its own well. It housed beguines right up until the French Revolution. The beguinage has been restored in depth and is once again open to visitors each 1st Sunday of the month with guided tours. Discover this entirely restored architectural jewel in a pristine state. A new museum project is currently in the pipeline.

Museum of Abstract Art

The Museum for Abstract Art is the first one of Belgium and the fourth in the world. It is located just next to the house in Jette were René Magritte lived for many years (www.magrittemuseum.be). Both buildings are connected with each other. The museum shows mainly Belgian, abstract art. A collection of more than 750 works of which a third will be shown permanently. The second floor contains the historical avant-garde from the 1920s, with important names such as Servranckx, Vantongerloo, Peeters or Flouquet. In the beginning Magritte also painted in this style and was a friend of them. The ground floor and the third floor contain the second generation of abstract artists (from the 1950s to the 1980s and further), including geometric and lyrical abstract artists (such as Alechinsky, Pol Bury, Bertrand, Rets, Delahaut). Visits at weekends: only via online reservation.

Architectural gems

6 historical swimming pools in brussels.

Ready for a dip into the history of Brussels' public swimming pools ?

10 must-visit Art Nouveau houses and mansions in Brussels

Along the streets of Brussels, numerous houses and mansions bear witness to the emergence and blossoming of the iconic Art Nouveau style.

Bike tour through Uccle: modernist architecture

A bike ride along the most beautiful modernist buildings of Uccle. An architectural trail along numerous dream homes with modernist linework.

Brutalism: six gems for fans of architecture

Brussels has its fair share of impressive architecture. Here are some of the most beautiful brutalist spots in the capital, for those who are in need of a contemporary architecture fix.

Brussels Card

The best way to easily discover Brussels!

Free access to 49 Brussels museums.

Discounts at attractions, shops, restaurants, bars and tours.

Free information guide, city map and museum map.

Optional: unlimited access to public transport, Hop on Hop off buses and entry to the Atomium.

Sunday in the Marolles

The most authentic neighbourhood in Brussels.

Neighbourhood Walk: Ixelles ponds, Flagey and Malibran

From a green neighbourhood with striking architecture to densely populated areas

Visit the European Parliament

When in Brussels, take the chance visit the beating heart of Europe and get an insight into the largest transnational parliament in the world.

Educational offer

Take your class to discover the many museums and attractions in Brussels! In just a few clicks, find the ideal school outing, tailored to your programme and age group.