How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium, Brussels, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, How to Avoid Tourist Traps

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Brussels, Belgium

1. Grand Place

A stunning square filled with beautiful buildings and a variety of restaurants. Avoid peak hours or opt for local eateries.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Less crowded during early morning or late evening
  • Local Eateries: Avoid chain restaurants, seek out local cafes and eateries nearby
  • Guided Tours: Join guided tours to avoid getting lost in the crowd

2. Manneken Pis

A famous statue of a peeing boy attracts crowds. Visit early or consider alternative attractions.
  • Early Visit: Visit during early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd
  • Alternative Attractions: Consider visiting nearby attractions like Museum of Musical Instruments
  • Guided Walking Tours: Join guided walking tours to skip long queues and learn about the city's hidden gems

3. Atomium

Iconic structure offering panoramic views of Brussels. Buy tickets online to skip queues and save time.
  • Online Tickets: Buy tickets in advance from the official website to avoid long queues
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours for a less crowded experience
  • Alternative Viewpoints: Consider alternative viewpoints like Mont des Arts or Parc du Cinquantenaire

4. Jeanneke Pis

A lesser-known sister statue of Manneken Pis. Visit during off-peak hours for a more peaceful experience.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd
  • Alternative Attractions: Consider visiting nearby attractions like Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
  • Guided Walking Tours: Join guided walking tours to discover hidden gems in the area

5. Comic Strip Center

Dedicated to Belgian comics and Tintin. Purchase combined tickets for multiple attractions.
  • Combined Tickets: Purchase combined tickets for multiple attractions like the Hallepoort Museum
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowd
  • Self-Guided Tours: Opt for self-guided tours to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed

6. Mini-Europe

Miniature replicas of European landmarks. Avoid weekends and buy tickets online.
  • Online Tickets: Buy tickets in advance from the official website to avoid long queues
  • Weekday Visit: Avoid weekends for a less crowded experience
  • Alternative Attractions: Consider visiting nearby attractions like the Atomium or Autoworld

7. Museum of the Belgian Revolution

Informative museum about Belgium's history. Visit during off-peak hours for a more immersive experience.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowd
  • Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a deeper understanding of the exhibits
  • Self-Guided Tours: Opt for self-guided tours to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed

8. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

Stunning cathedral with intricate architecture. Visit during off-peak hours or join guided tours.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd
  • Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a deeper understanding of the cathedral's history and architecture
  • Alternative Attractions: Consider visiting nearby attractions like the Royal Palace or Place de Brouckère

9. European Parliament

A significant political landmark. Book a tour in advance to skip queues.
  • Advance Booking: Book a tour in advance from the official website to avoid long queues
  • Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a deeper understanding of the European Parliament's role and functions
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowd

10. Mini Europe

Miniature replicas of European landmarks. Avoid weekends and buy tickets online.
  • Online Tickets: Buy tickets in advance from the official website to avoid long queues
  • Weekday Visit: Avoid weekends for a less crowded experience
  • Alternative Attractions: Consider visiting nearby attractions like the Atomium or Autoworld

11. Museum of Musical Instruments

Explore the history and variety of musical instruments. Visit during off-peak hours or join guided tours.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowd
  • Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a deeper understanding of the exhibits
  • Self-Guided Tours: Opt for self-guided tours to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed

12. Hallepoort Museum

Museum dedicated to the city's history. Purchase combined tickets for multiple attractions.
  • Combined Tickets: Purchase combined tickets for multiple attractions like the Comic Strip Center
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowd
  • Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a deeper understanding of the city's history and exhibits

13. Autoworld

Automobile museum with a vast collection. Visit during off-peak hours or join guided tours.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd
  • Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a deeper understanding of the collection and exhibits
  • Alternative Attractions: Consider visiting nearby attractions like Mini Europe or Atomium

14. Parc du Cinquantenaire

Spacious park with many monuments and museums. Visit during off-peak hours or join guided tours.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd
  • Guided Tours: Join guided tours for a deeper understanding of the park's history and monuments
  • Alternative Attractions: Consider visiting nearby attractions like the Autoworld or Mini Europe

15. Mont des Arts

Offers panoramic views of Brussels. Visit during off-peak hours for a less crowded experience.
  • Off-Peak Hours: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowd
  • Alternative Viewpoints: Consider alternative viewpoints like Atomium or Parc du Cinquantenaire
  • Self-Guided Tours: Opt for self-guided tours to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed