Sally Tipper

Brussels may not always get the spotlight, but beneath its rough exterior lies a city full of character and quirky charm. It might not be as glamorous as its neighbours London and Paris, but look closer and you’ll find a city bursting with personality: Jaw-dropping Art Nouveau architecture, lively markets, vibrant art and food scenes, and laid-back, welcoming locals. From grand squares to tucked-away neighbourhoods, Brussels invites you to explore beyond the usual clichés. Here’s your guide to the city’s must-see sights and hidden gems that prove there’s more to it than meets the eye.   📍 RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to visiting Belgium This guide was recently updated by Sarah Schug, a writer based in Brussels. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Is Belgium the most underrated country in Europe? That is another discussion for another day, but this small but perfectly-formed charmer makes a strong case. From the Art Nouveau splendour of Brussels to the medieval cities of Flanders and the undulating hills of Wallonia, there are so many great things to do in Belgium that it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, we are on the case. What can visitors expect from Belgium? Fabulous museums and galleries, picture-perfect towns, delicious food (Michelin stars seem to be everywhere) and the best chocolate on the planet. Not enough? Okay, how about the best beer on the planet too? There we go. We’ll see you there. RECOMMENDED: 💐 The best things to do in Brussels🍻 The best things to do in Bruges🚢 The best things to do in Ostend Think you'd like to stay in Bruges? Check out the city's best hotels.