Located in the heart of Belgium, Brussels is a bustling hub with a vibrant and diverse population. Immigrants from all over the world have made this city their home, enhancing its already rich culture and cuisine. Belgium has two main national languages, French and Flemish, and you'll see evidence of this linguistic cohabitation on street names and signs all over the capital.
Brussels is a great city to explore on foot. It may be the largest metropolitan area in the country, but its centre is compact and full of historical buildings and period architecture. Take a stroll through the city centre and, as you meander through the attractive streets, learn a bit about this young nation's history. Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels on the edge of Brussels Park, then walk through the park itself to see where the Belgian Revolution began. No trip to Brussels would be complete without a visit to the Manneken Pis. This world-famous statue of a urinating child gives you an insight into the national sense of humour.
The city has some great museums, and the vibrant BELvue, dedicated to the country's political, military and royal history is highly recommended. Modern masterpieces can be seen at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Belgium is famous the world over for its chocolate, beer and dairy produce. Brussels' lively, restaurant-lined Place du Grand Sabon is a great place to sample some of the country's culinary delights, or stock up on some antiques. The Cantillon Brewery, meanwhile, is an absolute must for beer enthusiasts as well as seeing how their century-old beer is made, you'll be able to sample some of the fine finished product.
Summers in Brussels can be damp but, because the temperature doesn't generally exceed 25 degrees Celsius, it can be an oasis of cool when temperatures elsewhere in Europe are soaring. You can fly to Brussels International Airport, but with Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam so close, many opt to come by high-speed train or Eurostar. There are no less than 19 municipalities in the city, all of which are connected by a reasonably priced and reliable metro system.
Brussels
Where to stay in Brussels
Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk
If you're spending time in Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk, you might enjoy attractions like La Grand Place and Rue des Bouchers. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's fascinating museums before hopping on the metro at Bourse-Beurs Station to see more of the city.
Lower Town
Known for its interesting museums and fantastic breweries, there's plenty to explore in Lower Town. Top attractions like La Grand Place and Hotel de Bellevue are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Bourse-Beurs Station or De Brouckere Station to see more of the city.
Upper Town
Upper Town is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Parlamentarium and Place du Luxembourg. See more of Brussels by jumping on the metro at Maalbeek-Maelbeek Station or Arts-Loi - Kunst-Wet Station.
Ixelles
Consider a visit to Avenue Louise and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Ixelles. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Dautzenberg Tram Stop or Flagey Tram Stop.
Grand-Place
If you're spending some time in Grand-Place, La Grand Place and Royal Theatre Toone are top sights worth seeing.
European Quarter
Travellers choose European Quarter for its great bars. Hop aboard the metro at Maalbeek-Maelbeek Station or Arts-Loi - Kunst-Wet Station and check out top sights like Schumanplein.
Reviewed on 7 May 2024
Reviewed on 6 May 2024
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Reviewed on 8 May 2024
Reviewed on 14 Apr 2024
Popular places to visit
La Grand Place
A former marketplace and the stunning centrepiece of Belgium's capital.
Atomium
This unique structure, made up of nine stainless steel spheres, has been called Europe's most bizarre building, and is the number one attraction in Brussels.
Avenue Louise
During your trip to Brussels, you can do some window-shopping at Avenue Louise. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
European Union Parliament Building
After visiting European Union Parliament Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Brussels. Discover the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area or seek out the local tours.
King Baudouin Stadium
Catch an event at King Baudouin Stadium during your trip to Brussels. Discover the acclaimed art galleries in this culturally rich area or seek out the local tours.
Royal Palace of Brussels
Visit the offices of the King and Queen of Belgium – go in summer and you might even be invited inside.
Things to do
Brussels Highlights Walking and Bus Tour w/ Waffle
Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels With Cheese, Clogs and Windmills
Reviews of Brussels
4/5 - Good
Usually this is a great place to spend a few days. However, all cafés, restaurants, museums etc are now closed because of the coronavirus, and non food shops are closed at weekends.
4/5 - Good
Brussels is a beautiful city with great architecture. Only downside is that it’s quite expensive there.
3/5 - Okay
A building site, lovely when finished I'm sure. Town centre a bit dirty sadly
3/5 - Okay
Not really safe as a capital
5/5 - Excellent
Well hidden ‘secret’, an ‘unusual’ place to visit well worth visiting.
4/5 - Good
The Sandemans free walking tour was a great way to get to know the main city sights - you just pay what you think it's worth :-) A quick visit the the EU parliament was interesting and very welcoming - so sad that the UK has left :-(
