Brussels

Planning Your Brussels Adventure

Essential Information for Travelers

Country: Belgium

Time Zone: GMT+1 (GMT+2 during Summer – Central European Time)

Languages: Dutch, French, German

Currency: Euro (€)

Brussels Weather & Climate: A Month-by-Month Snapshot

Brussels enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, meaning relatively mild and balanced weather throughout the year. Here’s what to expect:

• Spring (Mar-May): Mild temperatures, averaging 10-18°C (50-64°F). Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): The warmest months, with average temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F). You might even experience a heat wave!
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): Temperatures cool down to 10-15°C (50-59°F). Rainfall becomes more frequent, so pack accordingly.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): The coldest months, with temperatures hovering around 0-5°C (32-41°F). Occasional snowfall is possible.

City Overview: A Blend of History and Modernity

Brussels, the heart of Belgium and a key player in the European Union, beautifully marries its rich past with a contemporary spirit. From the awe-inspiring Grand Place (a UNESCO World Heritage Site!) to the whimsical Manneken Pis, the city is packed with landmarks and delightful surprises. Explore its many museums, art galleries, and green spaces, and don’t forget to indulge in the world-famous Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beers. Brussels isn’t just a place to visit; it’s an experience to savor!

When’s the Best Time to Visit Brussels?

Timing is everything! Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Spring (April-May): Pros: Pleasant weather, flowers in bloom, fewer tourists than summer. Cons: Rain is possible.
• Summer (June-August): Pros: Warmest weather, perfect for outdoor activities. Cons: Peak season, higher prices, more crowds.
• Autumn (September-October): Pros: Stunning fall colors, smaller crowds, comfortable temperatures. Cons: Higher chance of rain.
• Winter (November-March): Pros: Magical Christmas markets, festive atmosphere, fewer crowds (except holidays). Cons: Cold weather, shorter days.

Getting to Brussels & Visa Essentials

Here’s what you need to know about getting to Brussels and the required documentation:

• Flights: Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main international gateway. Search for cheap flights using our recommended flight comparison tool.
• Trains: Brussels is incredibly well-connected to other European cities via Eurostar, Thalys, and more. Book your train tickets with our trusted rail partner.
• Visa Details: Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. Check your visa requirements based on your nationality with your local Belgian embassy or consulate.
• Airport Transfers: The train is the easiest and most affordable way to reach Central Station from Brussels Airport. Buses and taxis are also available.

Brussels: Fun Facts and Famous Faces

A Little Trivia to Impress Your Friends

Did you know the Atomium, that shiny, futuristic structure, was built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58)? It was intended to be temporary! It represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

Meet the Celebrities of Brussels

• Audrey Hepburn (actress): Born in Ixelles, Brussels, she rose to become a global icon.
• Jacques Brel (singer-songwriter): A legendary Belgian singer, songwriter, and actor.
• Hergé (cartoonist): The genius behind The Adventures of Tintin.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Brussels

1. Grand Place: The heart of Brussels, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • Address: Grand Place, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
2. Manneken Pis: The famous (and tiny!) urinating boy statue.
   • Address: Rue de l’Étuve 31, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
3. Atomium: A unique landmark with panoramic city views.
   • Address: Square de l’Atomium, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
4. Parc du Cinquantenaire: A beautiful park with museums, gardens, and a triumphal arch.
   • Address: Avenue de la Renaissance, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
5. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: A collection of museums showcasing Belgian art.
   • Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
6. Comic Strip Center: Celebrating Belgian comic culture, including Tintin and the Smurfs.
   • Address: Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
7. Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral.
   • Address: Parvis Sainte-Gudule, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
8. Mini-Europe: A miniature park with replicas of European landmarks.
   • Address: Bruparck, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
9. Mont des Arts: Offering beautiful gardens and amazing city views.
   • Address: Place Royale, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
10. Horta Museum: Dedicated to the Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta.
    • Address: Rue Américaine 25, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium

Discover Brussels’ Hidden Gems

• Saint-Gilles Prison: An imposing architectural marvel (viewable from the outside only).
  • Address: Avenue Ducpétiaux 106, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium
• Cimetière de Laeken: A unique cemetery with elaborate tombs and sculptures.
  • Address: Parvis Notre-Dame, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium
• Galerie Bortier: A charming covered passage with shops and bookstores.
  • Address: Rue Saint-Jean 7, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Brussels’ Vibrant Festivals & Events

• Brussels Summer Festival (August): A music festival with diverse genres.
• Ommegang (July): A historical re-enactment parade.
• Christmas Market (November-December): A festive market.
• Zinneke Parade (May): A surreal and colorful street parade (biennial).

Day Trips from Brussels: Expand Your Adventure

• Bruges (1 hour by train): A picturesque medieval city.
• Ghent (30 minutes by train): A vibrant university city.
• Antwerp (45 minutes by train): A fashion and diamond hub.
• Waterloo (30 minutes by train/bus): Site of the famous battlefield.

Instagram-Worthy Spots in Brussels

• Grand Place: Capture the stunning architecture.
• Mont des Arts: Perfect for panoramic cityscapes.
• Atomium: A futuristic and unique backdrop.
• Manneken Pis: A quirky and iconic photo op.
• Parc du Cinquantenaire: Gardens, museums, and the arch.
• Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: A beautiful shopping arcade.

Where to Stay in Brussels & How to Get Around

Recommended Stay Duration

To truly experience Brussels, plan for a 3-5 day trip. This gives you ample time to see the main sights and explore the city’s unique atmosphere.

Top Hotels in Brussels (By Budget)

Budget-Friendly Options

• MEININGER Hotels Bruxelles Gare du Midi:
  • Address: Rue Bara 74, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
• Auberge des 3 Fontaines:
  • Address: Chaussée de Wavre 2057, 1160 Auderghem, Belgium
• Hotel Barry:
  • Address: Rue du Grand Hospice 86, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Place:
  • Address: Rue Marché aux Herbes 16, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
• 9Hotel Central:
  • Address: Rue de l’Écuyer 43, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
• Radisson RED Brussels:
  • Address: Rue d’Idalie 35, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
• Warwick Brussels – Grand Place:
  • Address: Rue Duquesnoy 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Luxury Hotels

• Hotel Amigo:
  • Address: Rue de l’Amigo 1-3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
• Steigenberger Wiltcher’s:
  • Address: Avenue Louise 71, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
• Sofitel Brussels Europe:
  • Address: Place Jourdan 1, 1040 Etterbeek, Belgium
• The Hotel Brussels:
  • Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 38, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Navigating Brussels: Transportation Options

• Public Transport: Brussels boasts an excellent network of trams, buses, and metro. Purchase your tickets using the official transit app.
• Taxis: Readily available, but can be pricey. Consider using a ride-sharing app like Uber.
• Bikes: Villo! offers a convenient bike-sharing program.
• Walking: The city center is very pedestrian-friendly.

Brussels: Preparing for Your Trip

Packing Essentials for Brussels

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking!).
• Layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather.
• An umbrella or raincoat.
• A universal adapter (if needed for your electronics).

Must-Have Apps for Your Brussels Trip

• STIB-MIVB: Official public transport app.
• Citymapper: Navigation app with real-time transit info.
• Google Translate: Essential for communication.

Local Tips, Safety & Cultural Etiquette

• Be mindful of pickpockets, especially in touristy areas.
• Learn a few basic French or Dutch phrases – locals appreciate it!
• Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service (around 5-10%).
• Respect local customs and traditions.

Food, Fun & Finds: The Best of Brussels

Top-Rated Restaurants in Brussels

• Fin de Siècle: Traditional Belgian cuisine in a cozy setting. Address: Rue des Chartreux 9, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
• Comme Chez Soi: Michelin-starred restaurant with refined French cuisine. Address: Place Rouppe 23, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
• Noordzee Mer du Nord: Fresh seafood and street food. Address: Place Sainte-Catherine 45, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
• Le Chou de Bruxelles: Authentic Belgian dishes in a charming ambiance. Address: Rue de Florence 26, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium.

Must-Try Foods in Brussels

• Moules-frites: Mussels and fries – a Belgian staple.
• Waffles: Indulge in Liège or Brussels waffles with various toppings.
• Frites (fries): Thick-cut and served with mayonnaise.
• Stoemp: Mashed potatoes with vegetables.
• Carbonade flamande: Beef stewed in beer.

Brussels Nightlife & Entertainment Hotspots

• Delirium Café: A legendary bar with an enormous beer selection. Address: Impasse de la Fidélité 4A, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
• Madame Moustache: A quirky bar with live music and dancing. Address: Quai au Bois à Brûler 5-7, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
• Fuse: A popular nightclub for electronic music. Address: Rue Blaesstraat 208, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.

Souvenirs & Markets: What to Buy in Brussels

• Chocolate: Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas are popular choices. Buy Chocolate online
• Lace: Beautiful Belgian lace products.
• Beer: Explore the vast world of Belgian beers. Buy Beer online
• Comics: Tintin and Smurfs merchandise.
• Marolles Flea Market: A daily flea market. Address: Place du Jeu de Balle, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.