Brussels
The Belgian capital city of Brussels is rich in culture, history and food, while also being a centre of modern European politics. An excellent place to visit.
What you need to know about Brussels
Language: In Belgium a number of languages are widely spoken. Depending on the part of the country you are in you will find that locals speak French or Flemish at their mother tongue. English is also very well understood. Brussels is a big international travel destination so English is widely spoken.
Currency: Belgium uses the Euro (€) as their currency, and you can find currency exchange places in the city, the airport and major hotels.
Banking: ATMs are typical in shops, super markets and on most streets. All major bank cards are accepted by retailers.
Weather: The weather is pleasantly warm in summers and pretty darn cold in winter so be warned, if you are there in the Christmas period then be sure to pack a scarf.
Brussels travel guide
The capital of Belgium and the Centre of the EU, Brussels is an extraordinary place, both quirky and charming at the same time. Where else in the world will you find a statue of a little boy relieving himself (it’s called Mannekin Pis by the way) and a bizarre structure like the Atomium, which comprises 9 connected steel balls that resemble an atom? Where else will you find a museum that is dedicated to chocolate, and another to the comic character Tin Tin? Only in beautiful, brazen Brussels, where moules frite (mussels and chips) is the staple food, and beer has been brewed by Trappist monks for more than 1,000 years into an art form.
Brussels is full of superb restaurants, art galleries, stunning shops, historic buildings and numerous museums including the iconic Magritte Museum which is an unforgettable experience. Historically, it’s where Napoleon lost the Battle of Waterloo. Architecturally, it’s full of magnificent Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings and creatively – well, it’s a waffle paradise, the Smurfs originated here, the art galleries in the Sablon and Royal districts are sublime and the street art is at another level.
The Grand Palace is just one of the many architectural highlights in Brussels.
Best time to visit: In the in-between seasons, spring (April and May), or fall (September and October) when the weather is great, prices for hotels and airfare are cheaper and the crowds haven’t arrived. High season is summer (July and August) and low season is the winter months (November to February).
Best Area for Sightseeing: The City Centre The area around Grand Place in the city center is where most of Brussel’s major attractions are located. It’s also home to the main train station.
Shopping in Brussels Sablon & the City Centre You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to purchases in this charming city, from chocolate and beer to lace and fashion in designer boutiques. For chocolate shops, head to Grand Place or Sablon, home to the Pierre Marcolini flagship chocolate. Luxury designer boutiques line Avenue Louise and there are stunning stores in the historic arcade, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. The busiest shopping street in the city is the pedestrianized Rue Nerve and there’s also Chaussee d’Ixeles, both worth exploring for a variety of shopping options.
Food & Restaurants: Sablon, Saint Gery, Place du Chatelain, Place Stefanie Sablon offers numerous eateries, and Gery is the center of café life in the city, with lots of lively sidewalk cafes in the summer. Place du Chatelain and surrounds offer a stunning selection of restaurants mostly offering Belgian and French dishes, while the streets surrounding Place Stefanie offer a stunning array of food spots to choose from.
Nightlife: Saint Gery, Ixelles, Les Marolles Cafes abound in Saint Gery, offering live music after dark, and Les Halles Saint Gery is a converted indoor market as well as a bar. Ixelles is the university area, offering a trendy young vibe as well as a host of creatives and writers, who come to enjoy affordable, hip nightlife options. In up-and-coming Les Marolles will give you a taste of living like a local. It’s also home to some of the city’s best nightclubs.
Best things to do in Brussels:
- Sample a variety of local beers on a special tour.
- Immerse yourself in comic culture at the Belgian Comic Strip Museum
- Scour the markets on weekends for antiques, flowers, vintage clothing and more.
- Explore the Grand Place for great shopping visit the 15th Century City Hall.
- Modern sights worth seeing? A big attraction is the extraordinary Atomium.
- Visit extraordinary museums like the Magritte Museum, the Museum of Cocoa & Chocolate and the Museum of Musical Instruments.
- Discover the contemporary museum called MIMA, inspired by skateboarding, tattoos, comics and the like.
Best way to get around: Bicycle or Public Transport Public transport – trams, metro, buses and trains – is excellent. Alternatively, hire a bicycle and explore at leisure.
Best Area for Families: Koekelberg Located half an hour from Brussels city centre, this residential area is way off the tourist track, but that’s what makes Koekelberg ideal. There is lots here for kids to do, including visit the Belgian Chocolate Village and learn how chocolate is made, visit the Brussels Aquarium and run loose in Parc Elisabeth.