Some of the best experiences in Brussels cost nothing at all. Start with a stroll through the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, the glass-roofed arcade that opened in 1847, and continue up to the Mont des Arts, whose formal garden and steps give one of the finest free views over the lower town, especially in the late afternoon. From there it is a short walk to the Sablon, where the weekend antiques market, the Petit Sablon garden and a row of famous chocolatiers make an elegant morning or afternoon.
Downhill, the Marolles has a very different character. The Jeu de Balle flea market has filled its square every day since 1873, and early mornings are best for bargains, while weekend mornings bring the liveliest atmosphere. Children and comic fans can follow the Comic Book Route, a trail of more than 50 murals of famous characters painted on walls around the centre; a short loop takes about an hour, and a full circuit most of a day. These experiences combine easily, so a single day can take in arcades, a viewpoint, antiques and murals on foot.
5 places · Updated October 27, 2026
Our top 3 things to do in Brussels
Thing to do
A 213-metre glass-roofed arcade opened in 1847, one of Europe's earliest covered shopping galleries, lined with chocolatiers, cafés, a theatre and a cinema.
View details — Royal Galleries of Saint-HubertThing to do
A terraced formal garden between the lower and upper town, created between 1956 and 1969, with one of the best free views over central Brussels.
View details — Mont des ArtsThing to do
A daily flea market held on the Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles since 1873, selling antiques, curios, books and bric-a-brac.
View details — Jeu de Balle Flea MarketThing to do
A self-guided trail of more than 50 large comic-strip murals painted on walls across central Brussels since 1991, featuring Tintin, Lucky Luke and more.
View details — Comic Book RouteThing to do
An elegant upper-town district of antique dealers and chocolatiers around the Grand Sablon square, its Gothic church and the Petit Sablon garden.
View details — Sablon