Though Brussels abounds with wealthy diplomats in suits, the European Union's capital also accommodates people on tighter budgets.
Few outings are truly free in one of Europe's richest regions, but motivated travelers will find things you can do in Brussels without needing to crack open their wallets.
Walk the comic route through Brussels
Brussels may be the self-proclaimed “comic book capital” of the world. It has more comic stores than any other city, and Belgian artists birthed renowned characters like Tintin (pronounced tan-tan) and also the Smurfs.
Though Brussels has the Comics Art Museum, there's no need to remain indoors to see its passion for comics. A large number of large murals over the city depict both comics and also the comical: Saint Peter watering cannabis plants, naked men crouching on rooftops, mustachioed Asterix and company charging Roman fortresses. Forget museums – the comic book route is one of the best free self-guided walking tours in Brussels.
Feast on free samples in the Neuhaus chocolate factory store
Belgium's chocolates are world famous, but not everybody knows you can taste Belgian chocolates free of charge in shops. Though basic decency dictates trying then buying, especially with smaller businesses, the Neuhaus chocolate factory store on Brussels' western outskirts is much more forthcoming. Shoppers can pluck free chocolate pralines straight from discounted boxes throughout the store. Never, and produce water.
Get a taste of Central Africa in Matongé
Tens of thousands of Congolese diaspora live in Belgium, thanks to its colonial meddling in the present Democratic Republic from the Congo. The colonial history is bleak – Tervuren's Africa Museum offers some insight – but a stroll through Matongé shows a brighter side of the intersection of Belgian and Congolese cultures.
Matongé's Congolese roots were planted when Congolese students flocked to Brussels for education within the 1950s. Seventy years later, Matongé hosts shops, hairdressers and restaurants run by more diverse groups of African diaspora. Travel from Europe to Central Africa by starting at Porte de Namur station, roaming shops selling from colorful wax print fabrics to extra hot chilies. For a deeper understanding, Flemish-African House Kuumba offers ticketed guided around Matongé.
See the lights from atop Mont des Arts
Mont des Arts is among Brussels' most famous views for a reason: it's hard to conquer postcard-perfect gardens from the regal rooftops of the Grand Place. Climb the steps to the peak from the hill around sunset, then keep your eyes around the skyline which means you don't miss the magic once the Grand Place first illuminates the night time.
Hike through Forêt de Soignes
Urban as Brussels might be, a basic forest is but a stone's discard in the vast Forêt de Soignes. Miles of walking, cycling and horseback riding trails weave with the old beech forest, ample to keep the speediest hikers busy for hours. For any scenic start, begin hiking from Parc Tournay Solvay. The romantic park near Boitsfort station is not easy to locate, nevertheless its ch^ateau ruins and sculpted lakes are worth the additional effort.
Take a stroll to some free museum
On the very first Sunday from the month, join crowds of Bruxellois in mastering the history of lace, marveling at the Manneken Pis' extensive wardrobe, studying old book bindings and more, all totally free. A handful of museums and monuments take part in this monthly event.
Escape the crowds in the lanes of old Anderlecht
Far in the tourist trail, historic Anderlecht offers picturesque lanes having a fraction of the tourists milling about central Brussels. Follow mansion-lined streets around central St-Guidon church to locate two historic places: Belgium's smallest beguinage and the Erasmus House, among the oldest houses in the country. The 600-year-old structure, which is now a museum, is named after Erasmus of Rotterdam, a Dutch Renaissance scholar who lived in the home in 1521 as they penned his version of the New Testament. Anderlecht is free to understand more about, however the Erasmus House and beguinage have the freedom only around the first Sunday from the month.
Explore the halls of the Palais de Justice
Once the biggest building in the world, the imposing Palais de Justice has become a running joke in Brussels: it has been covered in scaffolding for many years, and rumors say it's because someone lost the blueprints. Few tourists venture beyond the scaffolding to obtain the impressive neoclassical work of architecture beneath that's free to enter. Some rooms close for court proceedings, but there are many tales of individuals accidentally entering anyway – and some even spending the night time.
Ride a lift as much as Place Poelaert for sunset
The glassy Poelaert elevators really are a curious juxtaposition against the Palais de Justice's neoclassical columns. Passengers get a free panoramic view over Marolles' brick houses and church steeples before the doors open to Place Poelaert. If you wish to blend in with the locals, bring your own drinks and set up shop in the square to look at the sunset more than one of the best views in Brussels.
Hunt for treasure in the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market
Cardboard boxes overflow with porcelain plates, old maps, and enough comic books to stock a library on the cobblestoned Place du Jeu de Balle. That old market square in Marolles district has housed Brussels' most well-known flea market since 1873. The tradition is still going strong daily, but savvy shoppers know Sunday mornings bring the best finds. So if you feel not buying, the atmosphere is half the fun anyway.
Go thrifting in Marolles district
Beyond the flea market, Marolles is known for antique and vintage clothing shops. East of Place du Jeu de Balle, old wares overflow on Rue Blaes and Rue Haute: Melting Pot Kilo sells cheap vintage clothes through the kilogram, unusual antique furniture occupies multiple floors in Via Antica, and Librarie L'Abac peddles centuries-old rare books. Don't be shy about browsing – you will not be alone!
