4 Unique Things To Do In Brussels
Brussels is a popular destination in Europe, with well-known landmarks like The Atomium and The Grand Place. It also has some unique things to do that I have not found anywhere else.
Brussels is an architectural gem with its Art Nouveau buildings, Gilded Halls in the Grand Place and even more modern structures near the European Parliament.
Foodies come for the wide assortment of beer, its delicious and innovative chocolates, the warm waffles and the humble but tasty french fries (chips) with mayonnaise.
With close to 80 museums dedicated to art the art aficionado has his days filled.
But if you want to visit something different these are four unique alternatives for things to do during your visit to Brussels.
1. Comic Strip Center
One of my favorite things to do in Brussels is visit the Comic Strip Center.
Housed in an Art Nouveau Building designed by Brussels legendary Victor Horta, this is a must-do for any comic book lover.
Did you know that people consider Brussels the capital of comic books?
With more than 700 comic strip authors, Belgium has more comic strip artists per square kilometer than any other country in the world!
So it makes sense that Brussels has a museum entirely devoted to the art of the comic strip.
As you explore the exhibitions in this museum you’ll appreciate not only the rich history of the comic strip but also its role in everyday life.
Discover everything from the invention of the comic strip to the different genres of comic art in existence.
In addition to comic strips and comic books this museum is also home to some larger than life sculptures of many of the famous comic strip characters.
Explore everything from Tintin, Asterix & Obelix and the much loved Smurfs all under one roof.
Visiting the Comic Strip Center made me feel like a child again and put a wide smile on my face for days.
The address for the Comic Strip Center is:
Rue des Sables 20
1000 Brussels
The entrance cost for the Comic Strip Center is 13 euro for adults, 10 euro for those 12-25/65+ and 6 euro for children 6-11.
The entrance is included with the purchase of a Brussels Card.
The center is closed Mondays, operating hours are 10:00 – 18:00.
To buy tickets and for more information visit the Comic Strip Center website.
2. Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Another unique find in Brussels was the Musical Instrument Museum.
One of a handful of Museums dedicated solely to the collection of instruments in the world.
The MIM is housed in another stunning Art Nouveau building, the former Old England store.
The museum houses an impressive collection of over 8,000 instruments, old and modern.
It includes a wide range of musical artifacts from different cultures and historical periods.
Discovering new and sometimes strange instruments throughout the exhibits made this visit one of the highlights of my trip to Brussels.
The amazing variety of instruments makes this museum a fascinating destination for music lovers.
Although renovations have closed it for now, the restaurant on the top floor offers amazing views of Brussels and serves very good food.
You might want to check if it has reopened by the time you are traveling to Brussels.
The address for the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) is:
Montagne de la Cour 2 – 1000 Brussels
The museum cost is 15 euro for adults, free for children under 18. This museum is also included with your Brussels Card.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Operating hours are weekdays 9:30 – 17:00, Sat & Sun 10:00 – 17:00.
For tickets and updated information visit the MIM website.
3. Halle Gate
Another fun and unique alternative for your visit to Brussels is the medieval Halle Gate.
Dating back to the 14th century, this gate defended the city from enemy attacks throughout the Middle Ages.
In addition to the well preserved gate, you’ll find exhibits explaining how the gate served to defend the city and the role played by townspeople in this defense.
Take an interactive tour of the gate and check out the models and short films throughout for a better understanding of the impact this defense system had on the development of Brussels.
You can even try-on a piece of armour to see what it felt like.
Spoiler: its not light!
The museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits related to Brussel city life.
Another great thing about this visit is that you can walk around the top of the monument and get another spectacular view of the city.
The address for Halle Gate is:
Avenue de la Halle 1 – 1060 Brussels
The cost to enter Halle Gate and visit the museum is 7 euro for adults, free under 18 and it is also included with the Brussels Card.
The museum is closed on Fridays. Operation hours 9:30 – 17:00 weekdays, Sat & Sun 10:00 – 17:00.
You can buy advanced tickets and find the latest information at the Halle Gate Museum website.
4. GardeRobeManneken Pis
Most people visiting Brussels have visited or at least heard about Manneken Pis, the little pipi boy in the fountain.
Over the years, many costumes have dressed the Manneken Pis.
Actually, artists and fans have created and gifted close to 1,000 costumes to the Manneken Pis.
Some of these costumes are veritable works of art!
Today you can see a sampling of those costumes at the GardeRobeManneken Pis Museum.
Here you’ll have to opportunity to appreciate some of the many costumes that have dressed the famous boy of Brussels.
The exhibit is divided by themes:
- Geographical Location
- Designers
- Celebrities
- Trades
- Sports
- Folklore & Carnivals
- Charities and Citizens Association
No other statue in the world has a wardrobe like this, making this museum a truly unique thing to do in Brussels.
The address to visit GardeRobe Manneken Pis is:
Rue du chêne 19
1000 Brussels
It is closed on Mondays. Operating hours the rest of the week are 10:00 – 17:00.
You can find additional information and purchase tickets on the Gardrobe Manneken Pis website.
Purchase of advanced tickets is highly recommended.
Other Unique Things To Do in Brussels
Brussels has many other unique things to do throughout the city.
Some of them only open on very limited days.
Beer Museum of Schaerbeek
If you’re a beer nerd and happen to be in Brussels on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can get on the tram and visit the Beer Museum of Schaerbeek.
It houses an exhibit on the history of beer-making in Belgium.
The address for the Beer Museum is:
Av. Louis Bertrand 33/35 – 1030 Schaerbeek
To reach Schaerbeek take Tram line 92 or a 7 minute taxi drive.
The museum opens Wednesdays and Saturdays. Entrance is included as part of the Brussels Card.
Peruchet – international Puppet Museum
When was the last time you watched a puppet show?
Watching a puppet show at a theatre made just for that is a treat.
The Peruchet International Puppet museum houses close to 4000 puppets from around the world.
The way to see the museum is to grab a show as access is free during intermission for spectators, children and adults!
The only other way to see the museum is through an appointment, but you’ll need a group of at least 15 people to schedule a visit.
The good thing is they have many shows and sometimes even festivals.
For the latest information on their current programs and to make a reservation visit Theatre Peruchet website.
TRAIN WORLD
Another unique museum in Brussels is the museum dedicated to train travel in Belgium and Europe, Train World.
This museum, located in a former train station, features a room that vividly depicts the station as it looked in 1887 and another room showcasing its 1913 appearance.
There are trains you can see inside and out, model trains and so much more.
The museum encompasses several buildings old and new with 5 locomotives and a great depiction of the history of trains in Belgium and the connection to the rest of Europe.
If like me you are fascinated by trains you need to add this museum to your itinerary.
Train World address is:
Schaerbeek Station – Place Prinsesse Elisabeth – 1030 Schaerbeek
The museum entrance is in the Old Building of Schaerbeek Station.
You can reach the museum via Tram lines 7 and 92.
Train World is closed Mondays. Operating hours Tuesday thru Sunday 10:00 – 17:00.
The cost for Train World is 15 euro for adults over 18, 11 euro for children 6 – 17, 5 euro for children 4-5 years old. Children under 4 enter free.
Brussels: More than French Fries and Chocolates
Don’t get me wrong, I love tasting new beers and discovering new chocolate flavors.
But there is so much more to do in Brussels than food and architecture.
From little boys who pis with a wardrobe that a star would envy.
To unique musical instruments from around the world, Brussels has some decidedly one of a kind activities to explore.
We hope this list will inspire you to take a look at one-of-a-kind attractions that can be visited only in Brussels.
Have fun exploring!
