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Planning a trip to Belgium’s capital without blowing your budget? Brussels is a city full of contrasts, where grand royal architecture, quirky comic-strip murals, peaceful parks, and vibrant street life all blend together. Best of all? Many of the city’s top sights are completely free.
From famous landmarks like the Grand-Place and Manneken Pis to unexpected treasures like vintage flea markets, musical clocks, and hidden viewpoints, this guide to free things to do in Brussels will help you uncover the best of the city, without spending a cent.
🕰️ Hear the Bells Ring at the Mont des Arts Carillon
Tucked away in the Royal Quarter of Brussels, the Mont des Arts carillon clock is one of the city’s most charming, and overlooked, free attractions. Built in 1964 as part of the redevelopment of the area for Expo ’58, this unique clock tower is mounted on the wall of the Palace of the Dynasty, facing the garden square below.
Above the archway where cars and pedestrians pass through, you’ll spot a golden sun-shaped clock, flanked by 12 figurines in alcoves, each one representing a key figure from Belgian history and folklore. Look up and you’ll also see a carillon of 24 bells, which chime at set times throughout the day, playing traditional melodies in both French and Dutch. It’s one of those moments that adds a layer of unexpected magic to your walk through central Brussels.
The design was created by architect Jules Ghobert, with the aim of celebrating Belgium’s diverse cultural heritage. Among the figurines are a medieval knight, a soldier, a worker, and a monk, a symbolic mix that reflects the country’s deep history.
🛎️ Tip: Try to visit on the hour or half hour to catch the musical bells in action!
This spot is perfect for a short pause while exploring the Mont des Arts viewpoint, and one of the best free cultural sights to stumble across in Brussels, especially if you love art, architecture, or hidden gems.
🌸 Stroll Through the Mont des Arts Gardens and Enjoy the Free Views
Located in the heart of Brussels between the Royal Quarter and the city centre, the Mont des Arts Gardens are one of the most beautiful, and completely free, places to visit in Brussels. With symmetrical hedges, colourful flowerbeds, and postcard-perfect views of the city’s rooftops and towers, this elevated garden is a peaceful oasis and a must-see for photographers, walkers, and daydreamers alike.
The gardens are flanked by some of Brussels’ most important buildings, including the Royal Library of Belgium, the Magritte Museum, and the Palace of the Dynasty. This makes Mont des Arts a perfect stop between museum visits, or just a calm, scenic place to take a break.
Don’t miss the elegant fountain installation, where water cascades in clear streams against the modernist stonework, a favourite photo stop for visitors.
There’s also a lovely tree-lined walkway on the edge of the gardens, with painted tree trunks and dappled light, perfect for escaping the heat or grabbing a shady bench.
And finally, make your way to the wide steps at the foot of the garden. This is where street musicians regularly perform, drawing locals and tourists alike. People gather here with snacks, drinks, and a view, making it one of the best free entertainment spots in Brussels.
⛪ Admire Église Saint‑Jacques‑sur‑Coudenberg at Place Royale
Dominating Place Royale in the heart of Brussels, Église Saint‑Jacques‑sur‑Coudenberg is a striking example of neoclassical architecture, six Corinthian columns, a grand portico, and a bell tower added in the mid‑19th century. Built between 1776 and 1787 by architects Gilles‑Barnabé Guimard and Louis Montoyer, it replaced the old Coudenberg Abbey and chapel.
While the interior houses beautiful paintings, statues, and a historic pipe organ, even viewing the church’s exterior from the square is not to be missed. What’s more, general admission is free, so you can enter during open hours without needing to pay, though guided tours or special events (concerts etc.) may require a small fee.
📆 Opening hours are usually:
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
⚠️ Note: Hours may vary on public holidays, during religious services, or for concert/event times. It’s a good idea to check the church’s official website or call ahead at +32 2 502 18 25 if you want to go inside.
From the top of its stairs, you’ll also get lovely views over Brussels and many of the Royal Quarter’s important buildings. After visiting the church, it’s an easy walk past the Royal Palace of Brussels into Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels Park) – great for relaxing, people‑watching, and continuing your free sightseeing.
🏰 Royal Palace of Brussels – Grandeur from the Outside (Free), Limited Inside Access
The Royal Palace of Brussels (Palais Royal de Bruxelles) is one of the most spectacular and iconic buildings in the city. Located on Place des Palais/Paleizenplein, directly facing Brussels Park, its neoclassical façade and perfectly symmetrical wings make for some of the best photo‑ops in the Royal Quarter
🎟️ Entrance & Inside Access: What’s Possible in 2025
- Entry to the interior is free, but only during a brief summer period each year (typically from late July to early September).
- In 2025, however, the Royal Palace will not open for interior visits due to construction/renovation work.
- When open, visiting hours are usually 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.
📸 Why It’s Still Worth It from the Outside
Even when it’s closed for interior touring, the exterior is free to access and absolutely worth your time. The palace’s grand façade, the sweeping square in front (Place des Palais), its proximity to Brussels Park, and its role as a symbol of Belgian monarchy all make it a must‑see landmark. Whether you’re photographing the front at golden hour or strolling through the gardens of the park, the Royal Palace makes for dramatic and memorable views.
🌳 Relax in Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles) – Café, Shade & People Watching
Just a short walk from Place Royale and the Royal Palace, Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles) is the green heart of the city. It’s one of the best places to pause during your walking tour – shady trees, fountains, benches, and plenty of free‑spots to sit and soak up local life.
🍃 What to See & Do Here
- Walk under the tree canopies where light filters through the leaves – perfect for cooling off, reading, or just slowing down.
- The fountain is a focal point, great to catch reflections, children playing in water, or a relaxing moment.
- You’ll often see street musicians performing on the Park steps or near the entrances – these moments add to the atmosphere.
☕ Cafés & Facilities
- There is a Woodpecker café/kiosk in Brussels Park which serves coffee, snacks, ice cream and has outdoor seating.
- These cafés generally open from mid‑morning (around 10‑11 AM) through to early evening, especially in summer.
- Toilets: Public toilets and urinals are available in Brussels Park, though historically there have been fewer than desired. Recently there’s been a push from the city to install more facilities, including multiple unisex and women’s toilets.
🎨 Find the Hidden Photo Mosaic Street Art near Sainte-Catherine
Tucked down a side street near Sainte-Catherine, this eye-catching piece of Brussels street art is more than just a mural – it’s a photo mosaic made entirely from portraits of real people holding a bright yellow star over one eye. When viewed from a distance, these individual photos form the image of a rainbow-coloured face, blending identity, diversity, and activism into one powerful piece.
The mural is located on the wall of an LGBTQ+ community space, and includes signs in the windows supporting queer rights and visibility – making it not just visually stunning but also socially meaningful. Look closely and you’ll see that every face is different, a reminder of the city’s diversity and creativity.
💡 Tip: You’ll find this mural near Place Sainte-Catherine. It’s easy to miss, so keep your eyes open as you explore the side streets – one of the best free artistic discoveries in Brussels!
⛪ Discover the Jewel that is Église Notre‑Dame de Bon Secours
Tucked away near Sainte‑Catherine in the Saint‑Jacques / Marolles district, Église Notre‑Dame de Bon Secours is a small Baroque church that surprises with its architecture and serenity. Built between 1664 and 1694, it stands on a site that hosted a chapel since the 12th century.
Inside, you’ll find richly decorated altars, a polychrome statue of the Virgin Mary (from the 14th century), elegantly carved confessionals, and a dome that lifts the ceiling in an intimate way – a contrast to the more imposing churches nearby
This place is free to enter, with opening hours roughly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter, extending to about 6:00 PM in summer.
It’s definitely worth stepping inside – especially if you’re seeking quiet architecture, interesting art, or a moment of calm in central Brussels.
🛍️ Browse the Free Vintage Market at Halles Saint‑Géry
Step inside one of Brussels’ coolest architectural spaces – Halles Saint-Géry, a former covered market built in 1881, now reborn as a cultural and creative hub. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during one of the free-entry vintage or flea markets, this place becomes a buzzing mix of DJ sets, bargain finds, and local design energy.
You’ll find everything from retro fashion and designer vintage shoes to records, prints, and hand-crafted jewellery. Add a live DJ, a fully stocked bar, and seating areas both inside and outside – and you’ve got one of the most fun and photogenic free activities in Brussels.
While the energy inside is buzzing, don’t forget to take a breather outside the building. The front terrace is packed with people enjoying drinks, browsing rails of vintage clothes, or just soaking up the sun in front of this striking 1881 red-brick structure.
🗓️ Tip: The Brussels Vintage Market typically happens once a month – usually on Sundays. Entry is completely free. Even outside market days, the building and plaza are a great spot to relax or people-watch.
Grand Place (Grote Markt) – The Crown Jewel of Brussels
A visit to Brussels simply isn’t complete without standing in the breathtaking Grand Place, also known as Grote Markt. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Europe’s most beautiful squares – and totally free to admire.
📍 Location: Central Brussels
💰 Cost: Free
📸 Top tip: Visit both during the day and at night – the lighting transforms the square into something magical after dark.
A Place Steeped in History
Surrounded by ornate guild houses, the stunning Town Hall (Hotel de Ville) and the King’s House (Maison du Roi), the Grand Place has been the heart of Brussels since the 11th century. From political declarations to flower markets, it’s a space that has seen it all.
Free Events and Photo Moments
While the square itself is always open and free, plan your visit during a festival or event and you’ll get even more for nothing. During my trip, I stumbled upon the Belgian Beer Weekend, when the square was filled with beer stalls, music, and good vibes – all set against the dramatic gothic backdrop of the Town Hall.
Whether you’re snapping pictures of the baroque facades, soaking in the buzzing atmosphere, or just sitting on the cobblestones with a snack, Grand Place is one of the best free things to do in Brussels.
Wander Through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
One of the most elegant spots in Brussels, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is a must-see — and it’s completely free to walk through. Opened in 1847, this stunning glass-roofed arcade is one of the oldest covered shopping galleries in Europe.
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Day and night – the lighting transforms the space
🍫 What to Know: It’s chocolate heaven… with luxury price tags
📍 Location: Rue du Marché aux Herbes 1000 Brussels
A Free Look at Luxury
You don’t need to spend a cent to enjoy the refined beauty of this place. The architecture alone – with its soaring arched ceiling, elegant shopfronts, and marble details – is worth a stroll.
By day, the natural light filters through the glass roof, giving it an airy, upscale feel. But by night, it becomes something entirely different – flooded with soft coloured lighting that gives the entire gallery a magical atmosphere.
A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
You’ll find some of Belgium’s most prestigious chocolatiers here – including Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, Leonidas, and Mary. You can admire the artistry of the displays and smell the sweetness in the air – even if you’re just window shopping.
Yes, it’s pricey – but if you do decide to treat yourself to a single truffle or small box, you’ll find the quality is unmatched.
Snap a Photo of the Manneken Pis
He’s small, cheeky, and one of Brussels’ most famous icons – the Manneken Pis! This little statue of a boy peeing into a fountain has been drawing visitors for centuries, and best of all, it’s free to visit.
📍 Location: Corner of Rue de l’Étuve & Rue du Chêne
👀 Look Out For: A different outfit almost daily!
📷 Top Tip: It’s always crowded – so expect a bit of a squeeze to get your shot
Big Crowds for a Small Statue
This bronze boy might be only 61 cm tall, but you wouldn’t guess it from the crowds he draws. As you can see in the photo below, people line the street at all hours to catch a glimpse – or a selfie – with this quirky Belgian symbol.
Sometimes he’s dressed up in costumes for national holidays or special events, which adds to the fun.
🍫 Shop for Sweet (and Rude) Souvenirs
The surrounding streets are packed with souvenir shops and waffle spots, but don’t be surprised if you spot some… let’s just say, cheeky desserts. Shops nearby sell all kinds of novelty treats inspired by the statue – some more risqué than others!
Whether you’re after a chocolate souvenir or just want a laugh at the window displays, it’s all part of the experience.
Stop by the Jacques Brel Statue – “L’Envol”
Just a short walk from Manneken Pis, you’ll find this statue of iconic Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, arms outstretched in mid-performance. Titled “L’Envol” (The Flight), it captures the energy and emotion Brel was known for – even if you’ve never heard of him before.
🎤 Worth seeing? If you’re nearby – yes! It’s free, quick to visit, and adds a touch of cultural depth to your Brussels wander.
Look closely and you’ll spot little details at his feet – records, roses, and even a tiny accordion – paying tribute to his musical legacy.
Spot the Smurf Ceiling – and Explore Brussels’ Comic Book Culture
One of the most unexpected surprises in Brussels is its playful celebration of comic book culture – and this giant Smurf mural ceiling, tucked away in a passage near Rue Marché aux Herbes, is a perfect example. Look up to see Papa Smurf and the gang in full cartoon chaos, decorating an otherwise ordinary walkway.
🧠 Why comics?
Brussels is the comic strip capital of Europe. Belgium is home to iconic characters like The Smurfs, Tintin, Lucky Luke, and Marsupilami. Comics are considered a serious part of cultural heritage here – even adults openly read them on the metro.
🎨 Other free comic-related things to see:
Comic Strip Murals Trail – All across the city, over 60 vibrant murals adorn buildings, showcasing characters from famous Belgian comic series. You can follow the official trail or stumble upon them as you wander.
Place du Jeu de Balle – Look out for a Tintin mural here.
Gare Centrale – The Smurf mural is just one of several comic-related surprises in the area.
💡 Tip: The Belgian Comic Strip Center is nearby if you’re happy to pay for a more immersive experience (ticketed).
🗺️ Map: Find the Comic Strip Murals in Brussels
Brussels has a well‑organised Comic Strip Route with over 50 murals showing classic Belgian comics (The Smurfs, Tintin, Lucky Luke, etc.).
Here are some ways (and resources) to access a map or guide for the mural trail:
| Resource | What It Offers | Good If You… |
|---|---|---|
| Visit.Brussels – Comic Strip Trail | Official guide + printable map; shows murals and anecdotes. Visit Brussels | Want a professionally laid‑out map, maybe pick it up from a tourist office. |
| “Brussels Comic Book Route – Kirstie Will Travel” | Interactive Google My Maps version, divided into 4 sections (Marolles, Sainte‑Catherine, Centre, Outskirts), with mural locations and walking times. kirstiewilltravel.com | Prefer a digital map & want to follow the route on foot with stops you can adjust. |
| City of Brussels official site | List of mural walls + addresses. Good for plotting your own route. Brussels | If you like freedom to diverge, discover offbeat murals. |
Enjoy the Contrast at Place de la Monnaie
This wide open square offers a striking contrast between old and new Brussels – on one end, the grand façade of La Monnaie Opera House, and on the other, the sleek curves and glass of modern shopping centres. It’s a great place to pause, snap some cool photos (just look at that sky!), and take in the architecture from both eras in one spot.
From here, you’re also just steps away from Brussels’ shopping streets – so once you’re done with your free sightseeing, you can head off and treat yourself to a little something!
Final Thoughts: 14 Free Things to Do in Brussels (With More Coming Soon!)
Brussels might be home to luxurious chocolates, grand palaces, and fine beer – but as this guide shows, you don’t need to spend a cent to enjoy some of the city’s best sights. From quirky street art and comic-themed murals to beautiful squares, markets, and hidden chapels, these 14 free things to do in Brussels are a perfect way to soak up the atmosphere and charm of Belgium’s capital on any budget.
And this is just the beginning! Keep an eye out for part two of this guide, where we’ll share even more free (and fun) ideas – plus a look at the Atomium, one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks. While it’s not free, it’s definitely worth paying for.
➡️ Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow travelers, and stay tuned for more Brussels travel tips coming very soon!
