Brussels

🎭 Activities

Flower Carpet – August: Every two years, the Grand Place in Brussels is covered by a stunning flower carpet made entirely of begonias. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight from the square or take in the view from the Town Hall’s balcony. 

Brussels Jazz Weekend – May: The Brussels Jazz Weekend is a free festival with jazz performances held in various locations across the city. Both local and international artists perform, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. 

Christmas Market – December: The “Winter Wonders” event fills the city center with holiday joy, offering Christmas stalls, an ice rink, and a giant Ferris wheel. The lights and decorations add a magical feel to the whole area. 

Comic Strip Festival – September: Brussels celebrates its comic strip history with a colorful festival that includes parades, exhibitions, and workshops. The festival highlights the city’s iconic characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. 

Ommegang – June: The Ommegang is a historical reenactment held in June, celebrating Brussels’ medieval heritage. The event features a parade with participants in elaborate costumes and historical performances. 

Zinneke Parade – May (every two years): Every two years in May, the Zinneke Parade showcases the diversity of Brussels through colorful costumes and artistic floats. The parade reflects the multicultural spirit of the city. 

Beer Weekend – September: Brussels hosts the Beer Weekend in September, where brewers from across Belgium present their finest beers in the Grand Place. Visitors can enjoy tastings, presentations, and a lively beer culture. 

Museum Night Fever – March: Museum Night Fever invites visitors to explore Brussels’ museums after hours with live music, performances, and unique exhibits. It offers a creative and lively cultural experience across the city. 

Iris Festival – May: The Iris Festival celebrates Brussels and the Brussels-Capital Region with music, dance, and a range of cultural activities. It’s a lively event with free concerts and performances across the city. 

Brussels Beach – July: Every summer, a part of the canal is transformed into a beach with sand, deck chairs, and water activities. It’s a popular summer event where locals and tourists relax and enjoy the waterfront. 

Brussels International Film Festival – October: This festival celebrates international cinema with screenings of both feature films and short films. It’s a must-see for film enthusiasts looking to discover the latest global productions. 

Brussels Marathon – April: In April, athletes from around the world take part in the Brussels Marathon, which covers scenic parts of the city. It’s a great opportunity for runners and spectators to enjoy the beauty of Brussels while engaging in an active event.

🔹 Small Facts

The Language Diversity: Brussels is officially bilingual, with both French and Dutch as official languages. This reflects the city’s complex political and cultural history, being the capital of both Belgium and the European Union. 

Manneken Pis’ Wardrobe: The famous statue of the boy urinating has a vast wardrobe of costumes, and he often wears one during special occasions. The costumes are displayed in the City Museum of Brussels, and there are over 1,000 outfits for the statue. 

The Atomium’s Origins: The Atomium was built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, Expo 58. It was designed by architect André Waterkeyn and symbolizes an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. 

City of Chocolate: Brussels is known for its world-class chocolate, with shops like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Pierre Marcolini offering a taste of luxury. Many chocolate shops in the city allow free tastings, showcasing the city’s rich chocolate history. 

The Royal Palace: Though the Belgian royal family no longer resides in the Royal Palace, the building is used for official state functions and is open to the public during the summer months for free. It offers an opportunity to explore lavish rooms with historical artifacts. 

European Capital: Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium but also the de facto capital of the European Union. It hosts major EU institutions like the European Parliament and European Commission, attracting visitors from across Europe. 

Cinematek’s Free Screening: Cinematek, the Belgian Cinematic Heritage Center, regularly offers free screenings of classic films and retrospectives. It’s a great opportunity to watch rare films that are often hard to find. 

Brussels’ Secret Gardens: While Brussels is a bustling city, it hides a number of beautiful secret gardens. Many of these gardens, including those at the Royal Palace or hidden courtyards in the city center, are free to explore. 

The Comic Strip Route: Brussels is the birthplace of famous comic characters like Tintin and the Smurfs. There is a comic strip route through the city with murals of various iconic Belgian comics, which is free to walk and explore. 

Brussels’ Parks: The city is home to many beautiful and large parks, like the Parc du Cinquantenaire and Bois de la Cambre. They provide free space for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor activities. 

Historical Squares: Brussels has numerous squares, each with a different character and history, such as the Grand Place and Place du Luxembourg. Walking through these squares is free and offers a great opportunity to admire the city’s architecture. 

Underground Brussels: The city’s underground network includes both the metro system and historical underground tunnels from past wars and fortifications. Some are open for free public exploration, providing an insight into Brussels’ history beneath the surface. 

Free Museums in Brussels: Several museums in Brussels are free to visit, including the Belgian Comic Strip Center on the first Wednesday of each month and the free entry to the Museum of the History of Science. These venues provide insight into Brussels’ rich history and culture. 

Street Art in Brussels: Brussels is an open-air museum for street art, with murals and graffiti that are free to explore. The city is known for its vibrant urban art scene, with works scattered throughout neighborhoods like the Marolles. 

Sablon Antique Market: Every weekend, the Sablon neighborhood hosts an antique market where visitors can explore unique, vintage finds for free. Even if you’re not buying, the atmosphere and the chance to see rare items are a fun experience.