Why Brussels in March is Worth It & Best Things to Do

Are you planning on visiting Brussels in March? Then here is what you need to know before you go!

Brussels is a fantastic city to visit all year round with an endless list of things to do and see. The Belgian capital is so full of charm and personality and there is always a buzz in the air, no matter the time of year. 

There are things to enjoy in the city in every month of the year. But March is the perfect month for visiting Brussels. It isn’t peak season, the weather is starting to warm and the city has plenty of attractions and museums to enjoy.

There are still a couple of things you should be aware of before planning your trip. My friend Charlotte from the Geo Room is an expert on Brussels, and she gave me all the info for this article.

This blog post will give you all the top tips for visiting Brussels in March. And of course, lay out all the reasons you should visit the city at the start of the spring season. 

Let’s get to it!

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Why Brussels is Worth Visiting (in March)

1. Political Hub

Brussels is famous for being the capital of EU politics.

The city is a hub of political activity and is the meeting place of Members of the European Parliament.

Many museums throughout the city give detailed histories of the formation of the EU. They are great starting places for those who aren’t up to scratch on their EU knowledge. 

2. Home of the Most Delicious Chocolate

Brussels, and all of Belgium, is also very well-known for its delicious chocolate that comes in all sorts of designs.

The craft of chocolate making is celebrated throughout the city. You can find dozens of chocolate shops enticing tourists to come in with the sweet smell of warm chocolate.

As a chocolate fanatic, I promise you’ll find a chocolate flavor that you love in Brussels.

3. Stunning Architecture

Brussels’ architecture is absolutely beautiful. It totally deserves to be enjoyed.

You can see Romantic and Gothic-style churches and a stunning town hall. But there are also new and modern structures. Brussels has it all.

The Grand Place is an example of stunning architecture in the city. The city hall is the most grand building in the square and my favorite background for photos.

There are also guildhalls in the area that remind me of beer, shipbuilding, and armory.

4. Friendly Locals

Another reason you should definitely consider visiting Brussels is the people.

The local people of Brussels are just lovely. I found them to be kind and welcoming of visitors to their city.

Also, there is a huge number of expats living there.

So while Dutch and French are the official languages of the city, English is very widely spoken. You’ll have no trouble getting by speaking English alone. 

Fun fact: People from Brussels are usually called “Bruxellois” if they’re male and “Bruxelloise” if they’re female. In Dutch, it’s “Brusselaar” for men and “Brusselse” for women.

5. Brussels is Amazing for Short & Long Trips

The city is great for short trips and long ones.

A visit to Brussels can even be done on a day trip from nearby European cities like Paris or Amsterdam. A weekend trip from Amsterdam is always a good idea.

You’ll be able to fit lots of attractions and activities into just one day in Brussels. If you have more time, you can stay busy for longer as well.

A trip to Brussels could end up being a spontaneous decision but one that you wouldn’t regret.

6. Spring is Lovely in Brussels

March is a great month to visit Brussels as the spring is beginning.

The weather is starting to get warmer, flowers are starting to bloom and the wind and rain are starting to ease off. 

Brussels has the nickname of being the green capital because it has so many parks.

Parc du Cinquantenaire is a great choice. A trip to Hallerbos, also known as the Bluebell Forest, should also be on your Brussels in March bucket list.

7. Fewer Crowds

The peak tourist season, as with many European cities, is of course in the summer months of June through to August.

In March, you’ll miss all of the crowds in Brussels.

That means you’ll also have far less trouble booking into attractions. If you book yourself onto any tours then there are typically far fewer people on each experience. This means you’ve got more opportunities to ask questions or talk to your guide. 

The city itself is by no means quiet tho, because there is a larger proportion of locals than tourists.

8. March is Outside of School Vacation Time

Experiences like chocolate tours are far better in spring months like March.

There are no school vacations in March, so there will be fewer children on the tours. It makes them quieter and gives you more freedom to act like a kid yourself!

Believe me, making your own chocolate bar is far more enjoyable when you don’t have to worry about kids dipping their fingers in your toppings! 

9. Cheaper Accommodations and Flights

Hotels and other accommodations are also far cheaper in March than in other months. Also, flights tend to be cheaper outside of peak tourist season.

You’re avoiding the inflated summer prices of the following months and the extortionate increases that happen around Christmas time.

10. Great Weather for Museums & Cozy Cafe Times

March in Brussels can be a bit hit or miss weather-wise.

It’s sometimes chilly and rainy, but you might catch some sunny days.

If you love museums and cozy cafes, you’ll have the best time. You don’t have to worry about being sweaty while sightseeing.

Things To Do in Brussels in March

Most attractions in Brussels are available to visit year-round. In March, you can expect shorter queue times and fewer people crowding the attractions.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Brussels in March:

The Parlamentarium Museum

The Parlamentarium Museum should be at the top of your list of things to do in Brussels.

The museum is focused on the history of EU politics and gives lots of detailed information on how it was founded. It is super interactive, that’s why I like it.

The multi-media guides are fabulous and they offer lots of different languages.

The entrance to the museum is free, but you have to pass through security.

Make sure to pre-book your visit. There are strict rules on how many people can be in the building. 

The Hemicycle

The Hemicycle is just a short walk from the Parlamentarium and is another cool place to visit in Brussels.

It is the meeting place of MEPs that debate on key EU issues.

Tours of the Hemicycle are very interesting and informative. I can also recommend to tour the building with an audio guide. 

The Grand Place

The Grand Place is another must-see attraction in Brussels.

The Grand Place is the main square of the city, and it is absolutely stunning.

The square is the perfect place to stop and have a waffle or some original Belgian fries. Trust me, you haven’t lived until you have tried some Vlaamse Friet with Peanut Sauce.

The sunsets in March are particularly beautiful. So heading to the Grand Place for the sun going down is a great idea and will make for some lovely photos. 

Hunt Down Brussels Famous Statues

A trip to Brussels would not be complete without tracking down the three peeing statues that the city is famous for.

Manneken Pis is the most famous of the three. It is a small statue of a peeing boy. He stands proudly on the corner of the street. He is so well-loved by the locals that they dress him up for special occasions.

Jeanneke and Zinneke Pis are the female and dog counterparts of Manneken Pis. They are slightly less known. They are still as entertaining to visit and photograph.

Many people now throw loose change into the fountain of Jeanneke Pis as all donations are given to a local charity. 

Parc du Cinquanterre

With the nice spring weather making an appearance I recommend visiting Parc du Cinquanterre.

The wonderful park has a beautiful walkway. The huge arches at the end of the park are the centerpiece of the area. They are a great backdrop for photos.

There is also a fountain in the park that is very relaxing to watch.

As March begins, the groundskeepers plant flowers which begin to bloom towards the end of the month as warmer weather is approaching.

Visit Hallerbos

Ah, the Bluebell Forest, also known as Hallerbos, is a must-see!

It’s about 30 minutes by car from Brussels.

You can also take a train to Halle, and then hop on a bus to get closer.

Once you’re there, just follow the trails and enjoy the magical blue carpet of flowers!

Don’t forget your camera. Make sure to also visit close-by Amsterdam in spring for more flowers.

Atomium

The Atomium is one of Brussels’ coolest landmarks.

It looks like a giant atom but way bigger and made of shiny spheres.

Inside, you’ll find exhibitions, and you can even go up to the top sphere for a killer view of the city.

To get there, take the metro line 6 and get off at Heysel/Heizel station. It’s just a short walk from there.

Royal Greenhouses

The Royal Greenhouses are like a fairytale garden! You can find them in Laeken, near the royal palace.

You’ll see a bunch of exotic plants, flowers, and even some century-old trees. The architecture is stunning too, all iron and glass.

The catch? They’re only open for a few weeks each spring. So if you’re in Brussels in March, keep an eye on the opening dates.

To get there, take tram 3 or 7 and get off at the “Araucaria” stop. Then just follow the signs. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Visit Cantillon Brewery

Cantillon Brewery is like beer heaven if you’re into sour and funky brews.

It’s a family-run place and they’ve been making beer the old-school way for ages. The brewery offers tours where you can see how they make their famous lambic beers.

To get there, you can take metro line 5 and get off at Clemenceau. It’s just a short walk from there.

The tour usually ends with a tasting. So you get to sip some unique beers right where they’re made.

Check Out Sainte-Catherine Square

It’s in a trendy area with lots of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

The vibe is a mix of old and new, kinda hip but also historic.

You can grab some awesome seafood, sip on Belgian beers, or just people-watch.

During winter, there’s often a Christmas market, but in March, you’ll get to enjoy it without the big crowds.

You can get there easily by taking metro lines 1 or 5 and hopping off at Sainte-Catherine/Sint-Katelijne station.

The Weather in Brussels in March

The weather is of course a big factor when considering when to visit a city. No one wants to spend their time shivering in the cold and hiding from the rain. 

Brussels in the winter months can be brutally cold and there is no getting away from rain, hail and snow. By visiting in March, you’re avoiding the worst of the winter weather. The city is entering spring and the temperatures are beginning to rise. 

While cold for some, Brussels experiences temperatures of around 10° C in March. They can drop as low as 4°C at night times or on particularly cold days but it is usually never cold enough for snow. 

There is an average 27 % chance of rain each day in Brussels in March. This means you’re likely to avoid it on your trip.

The month with the least rain is in fact April, so if you visit towards the end of March then you’re even more likely to skip the rainy days. 

If it does rain, it isn’t likely to last long. Brussels tends to have short showers in the spring months and very little volume of waterfalls.

The weather overall is pretty good for travelers. It is far preferable to summer when it is too hot to walk around. The small showers are never enough to cause plans to be canceled.

Brussels in March Bucket List

What to Pack for Visiting Brussels in March

What you’ll need to pack to visit Brussels will largely depend on the weather and the activities you wanna do.

My biggest recommendation would be a thick, waterproof coat. It keeps you warm and dry in unexpected showers. 

In terms of clothes, you’ll want to bring lots of layers when visiting Brussels in March. Then, if you’re too cold or too hot it is easy to adjust your outfit.

I typically opt for a T-shirt, fleece, and a heavy coat in the early spring months when visiting European cities. This way I’m never too hot or cold.

Thermal layers may also be a good idea if you tend to feel the cooler temperatures more. 

Brussels is a very walkable city so a good pair of trainers or boots will put you in a good starting position for walking upwards of 10,000 steps a day.

Brussels is a very developed city. I wouldn’t worry too much about packing any cash – unless you’re planning on tipping a tour guide. Most restaurants and attractions will encourage card payments as it is easier for them.

Do bring credit and debit cards for payment.

How to Get Around Brussels

Brussels is pretty walkable, especially in the central areas like the Grand Place, Sainte-Catherine, and Sablon.

For most city center attractions there is no need to even take public transport. But if you wanna go farther, like to the Atomium or the Royal Greenhouses, you might wanna hop on public transport.

If you do want to use public transport, it is very simple. You scan your debit, credit, or travel card when you enter and exit a bus, tram, or train.

If you’d prefer to travel around all the top sights under the care of a tour guide, then your best bet is to buy a pass to the Brussels hop-on hop-off tour bus.

With the threat of cooler temperatures or showers always looming in March, exploring the city from a bus with both covering and open top is a great idea. 

Events and Celebrations in Brussels in March

There isn’t a big number of events and celebrations in Brussels in March. That certainly explains the dip in tourism.

If you’re traveling to the city in hopes of attending an event or festival, then I’m afraid you might be out of luck.

There are very few things happening in Brussels city center in the month of March. But if you have time to leave the city center and venture further afield in the country of Belgium then you’ll find lots of events to attend.
While there aren’t many regular events occurring in the city in the month of March, you should always check the Brussels tourism website closer to your travel date. Sometimes there may be one-off events during your stay.

There is one event that occurs in Brussels in March that all sweet treat lovers will enjoy. The 25th of March is World Waffle Day!

Belgian waffles are available all year round and shops are dotted on every corner. But the Brussels and Liège waffles are celebrated on the 25th, with many stores offering discounts or special toppings.

The Brussels Art Fair (BRAFA) and the Anima Festival are also traditionally hosted in March.

Is Brussels Safe?

Generally, Brussels is considered safe. Especially in touristy areas like Grand Place, Sablon, and Sainte-Catherine, you’ll be fine. But like any big city, it has its sketchier spots.

Safe Areas in Brussels are, among others:

• Ixelles – Trendy, lots of young people.
• Uccle – Quiet, more residential.
• Etterbeek – Near the European Quarter, pretty safe.

Areas to Be Cautious in Brussels are:

• Molenbeek – It has a bad rep, though it’s not universally dangerous.
• Schaerbeek – Some parts are fine, but others can be sketchy.
• Anderlecht – Similar to Schaerbeek, mixed reviews on safety.

Just use common sense when going to Brussels: avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, watch your belongings, and stay alert.

Public transport is generally safe, but keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially in crowded spots.

Do you need travel insurance in Brussels? Yes, travel insurance in Brussels is highly recommended. Pickpockets, lost luggage and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy. EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

Should I Visit Brussels or Luxemburg?

A question most asked is whether you should visit Brussels or Luxemburg. Both have their pros and cons. It also kinda depends on what you want to get out of your trip.

Brussels is bigger and there is more to do. It has a mix of modern and historic, which visitors love. Brussels is great for foodies, art lovers, and folks who like a big-city vibe.

Luxembourg is a lot smaller and quieter, but super charming. Think fairy-tale castles and lots of green spaces.

Both are good for history buffs. So it kinda depends on what you’re after—big-city energy or cozy, old-world charm.

Either way, both are lovely so you can’t really go wrong.

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Brussels in March

Taking a trip to Brussels at any time of the year is something you won’t regret. But opting to visit in March is a really great idea.

The weather is perfect for exploring and you don’t have to worry about huge crowds at attractions.

All of the main attractions are open – unlike some other European countries and there are lots to see and do.

If you’re unlucky and end up with bad weather, then there are plenty of indoor activities to hide from the showers. On the brighter days, you can do lots of sightseeing and walking around the city center.

While there aren’t many events in Brussels in March, the usual attractions and experiences are enough to keep you busy. World Waffle Day on the 25th of March is of course the exception.

If you’re desperate to experience the Belgian festival scene, going to Antwerp or Bruges will give you more opportunities.

FAQ: Brussels in March