Free Things to Do in Brussels

more than a year ago

There are lots of things you can do in Brussels without spending any money. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to get the best of your trip, start by taking a free walking tour of the city or searching for the trio of peeing statues that everybody talks about. If you just want to relax and unwind, the parks in Brussels are a great option for finding some peace in the busy city. There are also free museum days and a Comic Strip Trail, if you’re in the mood for some art!

Manneken Pis

This great statue has become the symbol of Brussels as well as the most visited landmark in the city. The bronze fountain features a naked little boy nicknamed "Brussel's Oldest Citizen", but you'll come to find that the little fellow is not in fact always naked. The locals dress him while celebrating many events of the year and he has over 900 costumes that visitors can view at the City Museum. This funny statue can be found just a few streets from the Grand Place and you'll surely want to take a picture when you find it!

Cinquantenaire Park

One of most popular places in Brussels, the Cinquantenaire Park is a large public park close to the European Quarter and also a great place to take pictures! The park was built in 1880 for the 50th anniversary of the independence of Belgium and hosts a lovely set of gardens, monuments and museums along with various activities throughout the year like concerts and certain events. The star of the park is a triumphal arch with three arches, considered Brussels' Arc de Triomphe. You can also enjoy the view over the city from the top for a small charge of 5€.

© Eduard Wichner Shutterstock.com autumn scenery in park golden treesCaption

Bois de la Cambre

This is one of the best parks in Brussels! The park was annexed to the city in 1842 and is part of the old Forest of Soignes. It has playgrounds, a ‘pocket’ theatre, a roller-skating rink, a greenhouse and a few other things to see! You can spend a whole afternoon here watching the dogs play, have a picnic or just enjoy the sun sitting on a bench. On the weekends you can even take the €1 ferry to reach the island and enjoy a nice lunch at the historic Chalet Robinson café-restaurant. It is a must see if you visit Brussels.

Free Tour Brussels

Join the free walking tours by choosing the one that most appeals to you! You can get a tour of the city centre with professional guides or a tour of the European Quarter full of history and amazing landmarks that will surprise you. A free chocolate tasting tour and an Art Nouveau Tour are also available, together with a tour featuring the most rebel neighbourhood of Brussels.

The Park of Brussels

Situated a few steps away from the Royal Palace, this lovely park was the first public park in Brussels. This is an excellent place for a walk and a good option if you want to play sports or just enjoy sunbathing in the park. The Park of Brussels was once the site of the first battles between the Belgian patriots and the Dutch troops in 1830, but today is the perfect place for relaxation. In the park you will find music kiosks, drinking-water fountains, hammocks and a playground for children, and don't forget that a few meters away there are a bunch of museums you can visit after your walk.

Brussels