Things to do in Brussels? Start with this: Brussels does not announce itself. It is not Paris or Rome. But spend a few days here and the city reveals layers — medieval squares, Art Nouveau architecture, some of the world’s best beer, and a food culture that treats fries as an art form. Wavre, 30 minutes south, is quieter but strategically placed for exploring both the tournament and Belgium’s countryside.
This Brussels travel guide covers what to do in Brussels and beyond, whether you are here for the Hockey World Cup, a weekend break, or a longer European trip. All experiences are bookable through our partner Viator, with free cancellation on most tours.
Things to Do in Brussels: City Essentials
Start with the heart of the old town. The Grand Place is the physical and spiritual centre — a square surrounded by guild houses so ornate they look like confectionery. It is stunning after dark when illuminated.
Brussels All In Tour | 4 hours | From A$158
The city’s holy trinity in one walk — chocolate, beer, and Belgian cuisine. Two chocolate shops, lunch (mussels, beef stew, or vol au vent), a Brussels waffle, and two beer tastings. Covers Manneken Pis, Grand Place, and the Royal Galleries. More of a history walk with food stops than a pure food tour. Minimum age 12. Do not arrive starving — the food portions are generous.
Historical Walking Tour + Waffle Tasting | 2.5 hours | From A$58
Explore Brussels’ legends and landmarks with a local guide. Includes a Belgian waffle tasting. A lighter option if you want orientation without the full food commitment. Good for morning or afternoon.
Day Trips from Brussels
Brussels is small. Two days and you have covered the centre. The real magic of Belgium lies beyond the ring road, and day trips from Brussels are among the best things to do in the region.
Bruges Day Trip | 9 hours | From A$78
Round-trip transport, guided walking tour, and about four hours of free time. Canals, cobblestones, and medieval architecture that lives up to the “Venice of the North” name. Includes an artisan chocolate tasting. The bus sometimes combines English and Spanish groups. If shared with Ghent tours, it can add 90 minutes of driving. Bruges is compact — four hours of free time is enough to climb the Belfry tower, take a canal cruise, and sample Belgian fries from a street vendor.
Bruges and Ghent Day Trip | 10 hours | From A$86
Visit both fairytale cities in one day. Ghent’s Gravensteen castle and Bruges’ canal ring. Less rushed than it sounds — you get a guided walking tour in each city plus free time. Good value if you want maximum coverage in a single day.
Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip | 12 hours | From A$111
A full-day escape to Luxembourg City and the riverside town of Dinant. See the Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the dramatic cliffs of the Meuse Valley. A long day — only book this if you have a full day free and do not mind returning after dark. Worth it for the scenery and the contrast with Belgium.
History That Matters
Belgium’s location made it a battlefield for centuries. The Ardennes, south of Brussels, holds some of the most significant WWII sites in Europe.
Remembrance Tour — Battle of the Bulge | 11 hours | From A$148
A powerful journey into one of WWII’s most significant battlefields. Ardennes American Cemetery, McAuliffe Square, the Mardasson Memorial, and the Bastogne War Museum. Stand in the actual foxholes of the 101st Airborne Division. For history buffs, bucket-list material. Book well ahead — average booking is 73 days in advance. Long day (up to 13 hours). The bus can feel tired by the return leg, but the content is worth the fatigue.
Beer and Chocolate: Belgium’s Reputation is Earned
You cannot visit Belgium without engaging with both. The quality is not marketing — it is centuries of craft backed by protected designations.
Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour | 4-5 hours | From A$165
Six Belgian beers, 10+ chocolates from top chocolatiers, cheese, cured meats, and Belgian fries in historic taverns. Hidden bars you would never find alone. The oldest bar in Brussels is your final stop. Do not buy chocolate before this tour — 10% off at partner shops after. Fixed beer selection, not customised. Pace yourself — five hours is a long time to drink and eat.
Belgian Chocolate Workshop | 1.5 hours | From A$116
Make your own pralines with a chocolatier. Take home what you create. A shorter option if you want an early night or have limited time. Good for families or anyone who prefers doing to tasting.
If You Are Here for the Hockey World Cup
The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup runs 15-30 August across Amsterdam and Wavre. The Black Sticks Men play at Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam. The Black Sticks Women play at Stade Justin Peeters in Wavre. The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos also play knockout matches at the Wavre venue from 23 August. If you are travelling with SportsLink, your Belgium base is the Hotel nhow Brussels Bloom — 45-60 minutes from the Wavre stadium and 30 minutes from Brussels.
Knockout stage matches run 23-30 August, with rest days in between. These gaps are ideal for the longer day trips from Brussels — Bruges, Ghent, or the Battle of the Bulge tour. Post-match evenings suit the beer and chocolate walks or a casual dinner in the Grand Place area. If you only have a half-day free, stick to the city tours rather than attempting a day trip.
Essential Things to Do in Brussels: Practical Tips
Best time to visit: May through September for long days. August is busy — book accommodation and tours well ahead.
Getting around: Brussels is walkable in the centre. STIB day passes cover trams, buses, and metro. Wavre is reachable by train in 20 minutes from Brussels Central.
Booking ahead: Popular tours book out 30-70 days in advance. During the Hockey World Cup, reserve early for the best selection.
The Full List
| Experience | Duration | From | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels All In Tour | 4 hrs | A$158 | City |
| Historical Walking Tour + Waffle | 2.5 hrs | A$58 | City |
| Bruges Day Trip | 9 hrs | A$78 | Day Trip |
| Bruges and Ghent Day Trip | 10 hrs | A$86 | Day Trip |
| Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip | 12 hrs | A$111 | Day Trip |
| Battle of the Bulge Remembrance Tour | 11 hrs | A$148 | History |
| Hungry Mary’s Beer & Chocolate Tour | 4-5 hrs | A$165 | Food |
| Belgian Chocolate Workshop | 1.5 hrs | A$116 | Food |
Prices shown are starting rates in AUD and are subject to change. For current pricing and availability, check the latest rates through our partner Viator.
Why Travel with SportsLink
These experiences pair perfectly with a SportsLink Travel tour. We handle the logistics — you handle the memories.
Be part of the crowd, the chant, the celebration.
Explore SportsLink Hockey World Cup 2026 tours
Activities and prices sourced from Viator. Prices subject to change. Free cancellation available on selected tours.
