Things to do in Brussels: The North side

When people search for things to do in Brussels, they’ll usually end up around Grand Place and the historic centre. If you’d rather go somewhere more local and authentic, that still has plenty of places to visit, you should check out Brussels North. 

From iconic landmarks to beautiful parks, chocolate museums, craft breweries and distilleries, Brussels North has a lot to offer, whether you’re visiting just for the weekend or living here and looking for something different. 

Here’s your walking tour guide to Brussels North, written by a guy who has been living here for over 10 years. 

What’s there to see in Brussels north?

You can’t explore Brussels north without seeing the beautiful balls of steel of Brussels aka the Atomium. Built for Expo 58, it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Belgium. You can go inside to visit exhibitions and take in panoramic views of Brussels from the top. Even if you don’t go up, the surrounding area in Heysel is great for walking around, especially on a clear day. If you’re searching for iconic attractions in Brussels, this one’s a must.

If you’re already near the Atomium, take a walk around Laeken. The area feels calmer and more residential, but it hides a few gems, including the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken (open to the public only a few weeks each year in spring). Even when they’re closed, the surroundings are beautiful for a walk.

One of the coolest redevelopment projects in Brussels is Tour & Taxis. What used to be an industrial logistics site is now a buzzing cultural hub. Depending on the weekend, you’ll find food festivals, design markets, exhibitions, or large public events happening there. It’s also home to Gare Maritime, a huge indoor space filled with restaurants and shops.

Looking for some greenery? Head to Park Elisabeth in Koekelberg. It’s one of the best green spaces in north Brussels, perfect for a walk, a picnic, or just sitting in the sun with a coffee. Overlooking the park is the impressive Basilica. It’s one of the largest churches in the world, and you can actually go up to the dome for panoramic views over the city. It’s surprisingly underrated, but it’s one of the best views in Brussels.

When walking around Park Elisabeth, don’t just look up at the Basilica, also look down. On Rue des Archers, close to the park, you’ll find a detailed mosaic-style pavement that most people completely miss. It’s one of those small, unexpected details that make exploring north Brussels interesting. It’s not a huge tourist attraction, and you won’t see it on every “top things to do in Brussels” list, but that’s kind of the point. Everyday small details that don’t look like the city was copy pasted.

Food & Drink in North Brussels

Where to find great craft beer and spirits in Brussels?

If you’re exploring the north side and want something local and less touristy, stop by Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery.

It’s located near Park Elisabeth and Basilica, it’s an independent Brussels brewery and distillery that produces both craft beers and spirits, it's also the home of the first whisky made in Brussels. It’s a great place to discover some of the best beers in Brussels amongst brewing tanks and equipment. I may be biased of course, but I’m quite happy about having one of the best craft breweries near me.

Whether you're into IPAs, experimental brews, or cocktails made from locally distilled spirits, it’s a solid stop if you’re building your own little Brussels craft beer tour.

Where to find chocolate in Brussels North: the historic chocolate hub

I didn’t know this before, but the northern part of Brussels is historically known as a key hub for Belgian chocolate. So much so that in Simonis square, they have a giant metal sculpture / water fountain of a cacao bean. Just steps from there you can go to the Belgian Chocolate Village. This interactive museum dives into the history of Belgian chocolate, how it’s made, and why Belgium is famous for it. A few minutes within the BCV there is Frederic Blondeel which makes artisanal chocolates. The former Godiva factory is also located near Simonis, where the company also apparently opened one of its first shops.

Place du Mirroir

This is where many locals go - from Goumet to buy made in Belgium craft products to the local cheese store, to cafes and bars, place du Mirroir is where many locals go in the neighbourhood. In addition to cafes and restaurants, it has a Belgian fries stand!

A Walking Guide to Brussels North in 1 day

When people think about spending a day in Brussels, they usually stay around the Grand Place. But if you head north, you’ll discover a different side of the city — iconic landmarks, local neighborhoods, green parks, and great food.

If you only have one day to explore Brussels North, here’s a simple walking route worth following.

• Start your day at the iconic Atomium, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Belgium. Built for the 1958 World Expo, it offers exhibitions inside and panoramic views of Brussels from the upper spheres.

• Next, head to Place Mirroir, a lively square in the Jette and Koekelberg area. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite and enjoy the local atmosphere. If you’re in Belgium, this is also the perfect moment to stop for Belgian fries before continuing your walk.

• Just a short walk away, Park Elisabeth offers a calm green space in the middle of the city. From the park you’ll also get a great view of the impressive National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the largest churches in the world. 

• Walk through Rue des Archers and take a glance down at the mosaic pavement, a small hidden detail that adds character to the neighborhood.

• Continue toward Belgian Chocolate Village, a museum dedicated to Belgium’s famous chocolate. Here you can learn about the history of chocolate, see how it’s made, and of course enjoy a tasting along the way.

• End your walk at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery. Treat yourself to a local beer or a cocktail to relax after a day of exploring and discovering.