Free Things to Do in Brussels: A Day of Culture and Exploration

Day 1: Explore Brussels Free

Brussels, Belgium on April 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with a simple breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, where you can enjoy fresh bread with organic coffee or tea. Although food is paid, soaking in the cosy ambiance is free.
EUR0 (for seating only if no purchase), 0h30m

9:00am

Grand Place

Visit the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the stunning architecture of guildhalls and the Town Hall, perfect for photos and soaking up Brussels' historic charm.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Walk through the elegant covered shopping galleries with ornate glass roofs. Window shopping here is a visual treat and entirely free to enjoy.
Free, 0h45m

11:00am

Mont des Arts Gardens

Relax in the beautiful Mont des Arts gardens, offering panoramic views of the city and great spots for photos, located between the Royal Palace and the historical centre.
Free, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Parc de Bruxelles

Grab some takeaway from a local supermarket or bakery and enjoy a peaceful picnic in Parc de Bruxelles, the largest urban public park in central Brussels.
EUR0 (self-catered picnic), 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Magritte Museum Courtyard

While the museum has an entry fee, exploring the outdoor courtyard dedicated to surrealist artist René Magritte is free and offers interesting sculptural works.
Free, 0h30m

2:00pm

Manneken Pis Statue

See the famous Manneken Pis bronze statue, a quirky symbol of Brussels. It’s a tiny statue but a must-see landmark often dressed in different costumes.
Free, 0h15m

2:30pm

Royal Palace Gardens

Stroll through the gardens around the Royal Palace which are open to the public during certain months. These green spaces are perfect for a leisurely walk and nature photos.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Delirium Café Window Visit

End your afternoon at the legendary Delirium Café with a window visit to observe the iconic pink elephant and vibrant street scenes. Enjoy the atmosphere even without ordering.
Free, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chez Leon (Walk-In for Window Seating)

For an affordable dinner option near Grand Place, enjoy a window seat at Chez Leon to watch the lively street life while sampling some traditional Belgian street food like fries (self-purchased for free seating).
EUR0 (if just watching, food purchase optional), 1h0m
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