I sometimes feel that simply strolling the streets of Brussels is one of the world's best free attractions. For something a bit more spectacular (but still free), don't miss the festive Ommegang celebration in the Grand-Place on the first Tuesday and Thursday in July and the street entertainment around this area during the entire month. On the second Sunday in August, there's the Planting of the Meiboom (May Tree), another joyous public occasion. And in mid-August of 2006, the Grand-Place will be covered by a spectacular Carpet of Flowers for all to see at no charge.
You can enjoy Brussels's greatest masterpiece, the Grand-Place, for free, and can see a great variety of events there -- including the daily Music and Light shows on summer evenings -- without ever reaching for your wallet. The city's many markets are a source of free amusement (unless you want to buy something, of course), as are the summer music festivals, the concerts in the parks, some museums, and the mischievous Manneken-Pis. Historic churches such as the Cathédrale des Sts-Michel-et-Gudule and Notre-Dame du Sablon cost nothing to enter, though you pay a modest amount to visit the cathedral crypt.
You don't need to pay the entrance fee to enjoy that towering symbol of Brussels, the Atomium -- indeed, many visitors are disappointed with the interior. It's more impressive on the outside.
Cafes are a true bargain, for most of them allow you to spend hours lingering over just one moderately priced beer and enjoying the marvelous decor and the company of the Bruxellois.
Many Métro stations contain artworks by leading modern Belgian artists that you can view for free just by entering the Métro station. Speaking of art, the city prides itself on being a stronghold of Art Nouveau architecture, rich in masterpieces of this turn-of-the-19th-century style; with information from the tourist office and a public transportation pass, you can spend a day seeking them out.
