THE 10 BEST Hidden Gem Activities in Brussels
Best Brussels Hidden Gem Attractions
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Hidden Gems (196)
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Religious Sites • Government Buildings
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What travelers are saying
- FotheringayLondon, UK76 contributionsThe catch all name maybe a bit juvenile, but this is an excellent and thoughtful museum. We found the experience easy to navigate, well annotated in 3 languages including English, and light levels only dipped to protect exhibits. There is a good, wide ranging collection of locos and rolling stock, many 'step on' or 'pass through.' The side displays of memorabilia, including models, uniforms and the poignant looping footage of WW2 transportation were all excellent. A great way for any rail enthusiast to spend a couple of hours plus.
As a source of local heritage and information Train-Word compares well to York. The only room for improvement I could see would be more interaction for younger visitors, although the two hi-vis jacketed primary school trips going around when we were seemed to be enjoying themselves .Written July 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mark SWest Midlands, UK125 contributionsClassic brewery. Had a few hours spare in brussels, AMAZING. some of the best beers you will ever taste.
Lou Pepe and La Plaisir are highly recommended!Written July 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NXZBoston163 contributionsIf you know that Art Nouveau flourished in Brussels, and that Horta was the central figure in it, then you probably have an idea of what kind of house you'll see. It will still exceed your expectations, and it may later appear in your dreams :). Outstanding renovation and presentation of Horta's family residence and artists' workshop. While being a highly original architectural achievement and a fine example of a tasteful place for living, the house conveys perfectly the spirit of time circa 1900s. If you have mobility problems, be aware that this involves somewhat steep staircases.Written November 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cangemiEssen8 contributionsOverwhelming! We managed to get tickets for the very short opening period which is normally from mid April to the frist week of May.Written May 10, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TrainbleuBrussels, Belgium38,887 contributionsAutumn is the ideal time of year for a stroll in the woods. So, we took tram 8 to the former racecourse (“Hippodrome” in French) of Boitsfort with the idea of entering the Sonian forest from there. But, at the end of Oktober, the tram terminated at the railway station of Boondael because of road works. Walking the short distance to the racecourse, we saw some fine Art Deco and modernist houses along Avenue de la Forêt. The racecourse has been converted into a golf course, but some of the old buildings, like the vintage grandstands, have been beautifully restored, so we took the opportunity to have a look at them also before heading into the woods. The Sonian Forest is a brilliant place for walking. We saw an incredible variety of mushrooms.Written October 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MynonnieNew Jersey358 contributionsAll the archaeological sites are very interesting. We had the audio guide, which was very helpful. I still would usually prefer a guided tour and think that I get a lot more out of it when there’s a person guiding you. But, it’s still worth a visit. It’s crazy to hear the cars above you while you’re walking through. A little jarring at first, but got used to it.Written October 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jurgen BBrussels, Belgium2,888 contributionsI do like to go running or walking in this park. Depending on the spot, it's more a forest or more a park. The Chalet Robinson is nice but sometimes feels too snobbish for meWritten June 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Marc DerveeuwOstend, Belgium410 contributionsAbsolutely stunning! The Van Buuren house in Ukkel is a hidden gem that beautifully showcases the elegance of Art Deco. The interior architecture is a unique total concept complemented by the impressive art collection. I was particularly captivated by the art collection and restored works of masters like contemporaries of Pieter Brueghel de Oude, the focus on the School of Latem with Gustave Van de Woestijne also Gustave Desmet, statues of Minne, unfinished work of Rik Wouters, a dark seaview of Permeke and a little Ensor. Standing next to Eric satie's piano I often felt like the owners were present, with each piece in the rooms telling its own story. A must-visit for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike!Written October 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CompuGeekAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates90 contributionsThis beer bar pleasantly surprised us with its good selection of beers on tap.
We had the chance to try several of their offerings and found each one to be enjoyable in its own right.
In addition to the beer, we also savored their Pizza Slice, which provided a satisfying and decent bite to complement our drinks.
Undoubtedly, this is a good place to spend your evening, especially if you are eager to explore a variety of beers.
The ambiance and atmosphere create a comfortable setting to unwind and savor the diverse flavors available.Written July 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Marc DerveeuwOstend, Belgium410 contributionsVilla Empain is an excellently restored place in the Art Deco style. While it sometimes feels a bit overrestored, the villa’s rich and tumultuous history adds depth to its beauty. It’s important to acknowledge that this wealth was built from resources derived from the Belgian colonies, which adds a layer of complexity to its legacy.
However, the villa's current role as the headquarters of the Boghossian Foundation truly elevates its significance. The foundation’s mission to bridge cultural gaps between East and West is commendable, and I was fortunate to visit the Alechinsky exhibition during my time there. The villa now serves as a vibrant center for art, dialogue, and cultural exchange, hosting exhibitions, performances, dialogue and artist residencies that encourage collaboration and understanding. A must-visit for anyone interested in art and cultural dialogue!Written October 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - The_GilpinsCastlebar, Ireland1,360 contributionsWe were staying local so this was on our doorstep.
Beautiful park with many interesting paths to walk.
Spread over many levels and dotted with various statues park was a pleasure to walk through.
Beautiful trees all over and interesting ponds.
All we were missing was our dog!Written December 9, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lucian MConstanta, Romania2,578 contributionsThe Wiertz Museum is very close to the European Parliament, just next to the Jardin des Citoyens. Access to the museum is free of charge.
About Antoine Joseph Wiertz, Belgian plastic artist, painter and sculptor, who lived in the early XIX century I knew nothing before visiting the museum. This museum was recommended to me by the museum attendant of the Constantin Meunier Museum. I am glad that I listened to his advice to visit the museum, because I discovered an artist who impressed me.
Some of Wiertz's works of art exhibited in the museum impress with their dimensions and the drama of the scenes depicted. Definitely, his paintings caught my attention and impressed me, more than the sculptures.
I recommend the museum to art lovers.Written November 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Fiona LShrewsbury, UK96 contributionsWe were not familiar with the work of this artist until we found the museum on the website of the Fine Arts Museums of Brussels. He was a wonderful sculptor of everyday, working men, full of dynamism and energy, and this was one of our favourite places in Brussels. The entrance is very unassuming (the front door to his house) and you have to ring the bell to be let in but there are lots of his sculptures from small to larger than lifesize. No cafe but there is a toiletWritten April 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Valery BelyaninToronto, Canada86 contributionsA lot of simple information in pictures and objects.
Great visual presentation of how euro became common currency.
Beautiful building.
Friendly stuff.
Awful acoustics - the children are loud and a lot of sound enhancement.Written May 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Monique KLuxembourg District, Luxembourg78 contributionsIf you have time to get out of the city of Brussels a stroll in this Red Cloister park is a great escape. It is a Natura 2000 site, and has some rare bird species. It also has a play ground for kids. When we visited they were renovating the buildings and the café was unfortunately closed. But it was still a nice walk.Written February 12, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
