Brussels: welcome to the capital of Belgium
A city trip to Brussels offers a number of special features that are hard to find anywhere else in Europe. The capital of Belgium is also the capital of the European Union.
The cityscape of Brussels is characterized by a combination of different architectural styles.
The city impresses with its centuries-old buildings and squares. The Grand Place, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents the historical importance and architecture of past centuries. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts house art collections that provide an overview of different eras and trends. In addition, the Magritte Museum presents the work of an important surrealist. Brussels is also a paradise for lovers of Art Nouveau. Architects such as Victor Horta have left an impressive legacy here, whose elegant lines and organic forms can be admired in many of the city’s buildings. This architectural peculiarity gives Brussels an unmistakable flair that sets it apart from many other European cities.
The city is a modern metropolis that is constantly evolving and has become an important political hub. The European Quarter illustrates Brussels’ function as the seat of important European institutions and its role in the political fabric of the continent.
Another aspect that makes Brussels special is its distinctive and high-quality culinary scene. The city is known worldwide for its Belgian chocolate, which is offered in numerous manufactories and stores. From traditional chocolates to innovative creations, there is a wide range to discover here.
The Belgian beer culture is just as influential, reflecting a long tradition and passion with its wide range of varieties – from Trappist beers to lambics.
The local cuisine includes dishes such as French fries, but also a variety of seafood specialties and other regional products. The opportunity to experience these culinary delights in cozy brasseries, charming cafés or elegant restaurants adds significantly to the appeal of a city break.
Places of interest in Brussels
At first glance, you might think you've landed on a science fiction set. But the nine shiny spheres that seem to rise effortlessly into the Brussels sky are not props, but one of Belgium's landmarks: the Atomium.
In the heart of Brussels lies a square that is rightly celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the world: the Grand-Place (in Dutch, Grote Markt). Since 1998, this ensemble has held the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site – and for good reason.
Imagine you are on a discovery tour through a European capital and suddenly find yourself in front of an impressive Japanese Tower, soaring almost 50 meters into the sky. Or before an opulent Chinese Pavilion, whose facades and kiosks seem to have been imported directly from Shanghai.
In Brussels, there are several providers of hop-on hop-off bus tours that offer a convenient way to explore the city's main sights. So the question is, which Brussels city tour and which provider should you choose?
Alongside the famous Atomium, the Manneken Pis is certainly the most famous sight in Brussels. But is it really worth visiting the little pipsqueak?
Book an unforgettable excursion
Hotel tips
Novotel Brussels City Centre
Motel One Brussels
Bedford Hotel Brussels
Hotel Le Plaza Brussels
Travel information
Arrival
By plane
Brussels-Zaventem Airport is located just outside the city limits. It is the largest airport in Belgium. There are several trains per hour from the train station in the basement of the airport to the central station. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
Brussels-Charleroi Airport is about 70 km from the city and is mainly served by low-cost airlines.
By train
Brussels has three train stations: Gare du Nord/Noordstation, Gare Centrale/Centraal Station and Gare du Midi/Zuidstation. The city is a hub for European rail traffic.
International high-speed traffic is handled via the Gare du Midi/Zuidstation. There are mainly connections to Western Europe. National rail traffic is mainly handled via the Central Station.
By bus
The central bus station is also located at Gare du Nord, making it the most important stop for long-distance bus services. Destinations throughout Europe are served from there.
By car
Brussels is connected to the highway network from all directions.
On the way in...
By car
The entire Brussels metropolitan area is designated as an environmental zone, with the exception of the R0 ring road. Vehicles with certain types of engines are prohibited from entering the zone, which is monitored by cameras. Despite this, traffic comes to a virtual standstill, especially during rush hour.
By local public transport
The Brussels public transport company operates subway trains, streetcars and buses in the city. They can all be used with the same ticket. Only the bus line 12 to the airport requires a special ticket.
The easiest way to buy a ticket is contactless payment. You can use your debit or credit card, or a smartphone or smartwatch that supports contactless payment. These are held up to the validator, the amount is debited and this can also be checked by the ticket inspectors during inspections.
Regular tickets can be purchased from BOOTIK or KIOSK or the GO machines.
By bike
Bicycle lanes are painted on many main roads and one-way streets are open to two-way traffic with bicycles.
There is a large bike rental company with numerous stations in the city center.
On foot
The city center is easy to get around on foot. Crossing the so-called main tourist area takes about 25 minutes.
Parking
As in any big city, it is not easy to find a parking space in Brussels.
Paid parking on the streets of Brussels is valid from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 21:00. Prices for
Parking on the streets of Brussels
City center, European quarter, Atomium and Avenue Louise:
The maximum parking time is 4h30m.
The price for the first hour is €2.
The price for the following hours is €3.
Other areas in Brussels:
Unlimited parking time
The price for the first hour is €1.
The price for the following hours is €2.
If you find a parking space without a reservation, as a tourist it is best to pay at a parking meter on the street.
It is possible to reserve parking spaces on a website.
You can use the MobyPark website for this. Enter the location where you want to park (street, building, park, subway station, establishment, …). Enter the date and time (start and end) and select a parking space on the map or in the list. You get a description of the parking lot (photos, map, instructions, ratings, address, route to your destination, … ).
After registering with Gmail, Facebook or another e-mail. You will receive an e-mail. Enter the phone number for verification via SMS (any country number works) and add the license plate number. After payment with a bank card, the parking space is reserved.
Cancellation free of charge up to 24 hours before arrival.
Brussels P+R
It is also possible to park your car outside the city free of charge. From Park&Ride parking lots you can take public transport to the city center.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Brussels is characterized by rising temperatures. The number of visitors is moderate during this time, which makes sightseeing pleasant.
- March: The average temperature is around 10°C during the day and 3°C at night. There is an average of 16 days of rain.
- April: Temperatures rise to an average of 14°C during the day and 6°C at night. With around 15 days of rain, April is one of the drier months.
- May: May offers pleasant temperatures averaging 18°C during the day and 9°C at night. You can expect around 15 days of rain.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the high season in Brussels.
- June: The average temperature reaches 21°C during the day and 12°C at night. There are about 14 rainy days.
- July and August: July is the warmest month with an average temperature of 23°C during the day and 14°C at night. An average of 16 rainy days can be expected in July.
Fall (September to November)
In the fall, the number of tourists decreases, allowing for a quieter exploration of the museums and culinary offerings.
- September: Temperatures average 20°C during the day and 12°C at night. There are around 16 days of rain.
- October: The average temperature drops to 15°C during the day and 9°C at night. An average of 19 rainy days can be expected in October.
- November: In November, temperatures are around 9°C during the day and 5°C at night. With an average of 19 rainy days, this month is one of the rainiest.
Winter (December to February)
- December: The average temperature is 6°C during the day and 3°C at night. There is an average of 18 days of rain.
- January: The coldest month with an average of 5°C during the day and 1°C at night. There are around 18 days of rain.
- February: Temperatures rise slightly to an average of 6°C during the day and 2°C at night. There is an average of 15 days of rain.
Language
Officially, French and Dutch (Flemish) are spoken in Brussels. Many residents of the city speak English quite well, as many international companies, EU institutions and NATO work there.
Public transport announcements are made in English, French and Dutch.