10 free activities and free visits to do in Brussels
Updated October 11, 2023 by pierre
What to do for free in Brussels? Our 10 best activities
Visiting Brussels on a tight budget? We have unearthed for you the best free activities and visits to do to spend as little as possible while seeing as many things as possible in Brussels. This should keep you busy for a few days or even a week. Brussels is overflowing with activity, exhibitions, walks and parks to admire for free.
Be sure to print your free map of Brussels before starting.
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To enjoy Brussels, without spending, just read below. Our top tips and ideas below.
1. The comic book route – the best free activity in the center of Brussels:
Brussels is the capital of comics! In 1993, the City of Brussels undertook to paint the walls of the city. The basic idea was simple and consisted only of embellishing one or the other wall. in homage to comic book heroes. Quickly, the idea took off. These walls that make up the comic strip route have become an opportunity to showcase Brussels in the eyes of tourists and comic book enthusiasts.
Take advantage of this great initiative. The streets of the center invite you to stroll in the heart of a “BD village“. Go and meet the monumental figurines that have adorned your childhood or that of your children!
2. The Grand-Place in Brussels – Visit historical monuments for free:
This is'one of the most beautiful places in the world ! Do not hesitate to see it during your visit to Brussels. This set of buildings was born towards the end of the XNUMXth century and constitutes the heart of Brussels. Each architecture reflects the liveliness of the social and cultural life of an impressive political and commercial center.
The Grand-Place of Brussels represents a remarkable fusion of architectural and artistic styles characterizing the cultural richness of the region. It is above all the image of the evolution of a merchant city in northern Europe. Victor Hugo described it as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Karl Marx totally succumbed to her charm. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1998.
3. The famous Manneken Pis, a mythical statue to see for free in Brussels
Menneken Pis, the peeing statue in Brussels
During your visit to Brussels, do not miss the mythical statue of Mannenken Pis. This is one of the most popular free activities in Brussels. Formerly in pierre, the bronze statuette representing the little boy urinating known as Manneken-Pis is part of the heritage of the city of Brussels. Located between rue de l'Étuve and rue du Chêne, it embodies the rebellious spirit of Brussels. Did you know there is also Zinneke Pis, his dog?
4. Free museums on the first Sunday of the month
We have already told you about it before. Some museums open for free on certain Sundays… If you have not yet chosen the date on which you are coming to Brussels, you could very well change the date. Magritte Museum, Underpants Museum, Museum of Fine Arts… There is something for every taste.
5. Parlamentarium: the European museum a free activity to see in Brussels
Enjoy the largest parliamentary visitor center in Europe. Thanks to this one, discover European politics in a new light. This museum is worth it, that's why 1,5 million people have already visited it. Discover for free while having fun, the stages of European integration, the functioning of the European Parliament as well as their challenges today. The exhibition is dynamic and interactive. It is possible to follow it in one of the twenty-four languages of the European Union. Here is a free activity that will keep history and politics buffs busy.
6. Galeries Royales Saint Hubert – a must see in the center.
This is a must not miss in the center. We advise you to see it, especially if it rains in Brussels. Here is a lively place for a trip out of time. Tourists and Brussels residents come and come back. Especially to stroll there and shopping in Brussels … They were designed in 1847 and still look classy! A place steeped in history, not to be missed during your free visit to Brussels. Each year, it is crossed by some six million visitors. They consist of three galleries: the Queen's Gallery, the King's Gallery and the Princes' Gallery. Ideal in case of rain during your visit to Brussels
7. The Flea Market on Sunday, a free flea market in the Sablon
Two steps from living room area, take advantage of Sunday morning to go see this Brussels market. Entrance to the flea market is obviously free, you could find rare works there to redecorate your home. Whether you are bargain hunters, tourists, Brussels residents or simply passing through in search of the rare pearl, it is worth the detour. The shops located around the square speak for themselves and bear witness to the history of this district: Deco, antiques, design and vintage.
8. Take advantage of free Parks and Gardens
Brussels is full of green spaces Brussels. Did you know that our capital is indeed very green. It offers each Brussels resident around 28m² of greenery: parks, woods, rather nice green squares... and even vegetable gardens in the city. There are many possibilities to go green. Our favorites are obviously free to access: the Cinquantenaire park, Josephat Park, Florist’s Garden. We have listed the best places and green rides here.
9. Admire the Atomium and the Japanese Tower for free
If this is your first visit to Brussels, be sure to take pictures and walk around The Atomium. It is a Brussels monument originally designed for the Universal Exhibition of 1958. Behind this steel structure, hides the conventional mesh of iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. The park is worth it and you can admire it from the outside for free. Also, don't miss the nearby Japanese tower. Also free from outside and great for souvenir photos in Brussels. You should know that it is not essential to have a moment above the Atomium. The outside is free and just as pretty!.
10. The Museum of the City of Brussels
After seeing Manneken Pis and the Grance Place don't miss the Maison du Roi museum. He visits free on the first Sunday of the month. Otherwise, the entrance will cost you 4€. Once inside, you can discover the wardrobe of Manneken Pis. In total no less than 700 costumes.
