Things To Do
in Brussels
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a vibrant, multicultural hub known for its stunning historical architecture, including the iconic Atomium and the beautiful Grand Place. It serves as the de facto capital of the European Union, hosting numerous international organizations and fostering a diverse political atmosphere.
Renowned for delicious chocolates, waffles, and beer, Brussels offers a unique culinary experience alongside its rich cultural heritage and bustling contemporary arts scene.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Atomium for stunning views of the city. Capture photos and learn about its fascinating architecture.
Visit the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in the beautiful guildhalls. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café with some Belgian waffles.
End your day in the lively neighborhood of Sainte-Catherine. Savor some seafood at a local restaurant and enjoy a stroll by the illuminated buildings.
Begin your morning with a visit to Cantillon Brewery to learn about traditional brewing methods. Sample some lambic beers and enjoy the brewery’s rich history.
Head to any of the local beer cafés for lunch and enjoy a selection of Belgian beers. Chat with locals and get recommendations on must-try brews.
Join a beer tasting tour to explore different breweries around the city. Relish craft beers while mingling with fellow enthusiasts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cultural diversity and rich history
- Home to several major EU institutions
- Excellent public transportation system
- Vibrant culinary scene and famous chocolate
- Central location in Europe, making travel easy
- High cost of living, especially housing
- Traffic congestion and noise pollution
- Weather can be rainy and unpredictable
- Bureaucratic complexities, especially for newcomers
- Language barrier, with multiple official languages
Best Activities in Brussels
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Brussels has numerous cycling paths and bike-friendly streets, making it a great city to explore on two wheels.
Take a guided walking tour to discover the city's historic landmarks, parks, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Enjoy a leisurely day in one of Brussels' picturesque parks or gardens, such as the Cinquantenaire Park or the Botanical Garden.
Explore Brussels from a different perspective with a boat tour along its charming waterways.
Tours
Uncover the best of Brussels with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Brussels
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering panoramic views of the city and iconic landmarks such as the Town Hall and St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral.
Iconic structure and museum with panoramic views of Brussels from the top sphere.
Beautiful park with the triumphal arch offering a great vantage point for photographing the city.
Historic square surrounded by stunning architecture, ideal for capturing the essence of Brussels.
Food in Brussels
Brussels Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Belgian dish featuring steamed mussels served with crispy golden fries. Visit Chez Léon in the historic center or Noordzee Mer du Nord for a delightful serving.
Must-Try!
A hearty beef stew made with beer, onions, and mustard, often served with fries or bread. Enjoy an authentic preparation at La Roue d'Or or Brasserie Cantillon.
Indulge in delicious Brussels waffles, available in countless varieties such as with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce. Head to Maison Dandoy or Meert for a delectable treat.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Brussels better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest markets in Europe, offering a great variety of street food, fresh produce, and local delicacies. Don't miss the opportunity to savor Belgian waffles and artisanal chocolates here.
A vibrant market where you can sample Belgian fries, traditional sausages, and regional cheeses. It's an ideal spot to explore local flavors and mingle with the locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Brussels, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having conversations or waiting in line.
When entering a shop or a restaurant, it's polite to greet the staff with 'Bonjour' (in the morning and afternoon) or 'Bonsoir' (in the evening).
In Belgium, meal times are highly regarded, so it's respectful to plan appointments or meetings around lunch and dinner hours, and to avoid scheduling activities during these times.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Brussels with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Brussels
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brussels, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants and cafes if the service is exceptional.
Cash is widely accepted in Brussels, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used. Contactless payment methods are becoming more popular, especially in larger establishments. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or establishments that may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Brussels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The spring season in Brussels brings pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and numerous festivals and events. It's a great time to visit and explore the city's parks and gardens.
Summer in Brussels is warm and lively. The city hosts outdoor concerts, street parties, and open-air festivals. It's also a popular time for tourists, so expect larger crowds.
During the autumn season, Brussels experiences mild weather and the changing colors of the foliage make for picturesque views. Visitors can enjoy cultural events, food festivals, and beer tastings.
Winter in Brussels is cold and can be damp, but it's also the time for festive markets, ice skating rinks, and holiday decorations. The city comes alive with Christmas markets and New Year's celebrations.
Brussels at Night
Hiking in Brussels
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast ancient forest located just south of Brussels, offering multiple trails for hiking, cycling, and enjoying nature.
A beautiful park featuring manicured gardens, woodlands, and lakes, with several walking paths and scenic views.
A large park located near the Royal Museum of Central Africa, with expansive trails, a lake, and diverse landscapes.
A picturesque area of the Sonian Forest that is perfect for hiking, offering well-marked trails amidst serene woodlands.
A large park in Brussels with winding paths and a lake, ideal for leisurely hikes and enjoying the outdoors.
Though primarily known as a traffic circle, walking around the EU quarter provides interesting sights and paths for short hikes.
A designated trail that connects several parks and green spaces in and around Brussels, great for a longer trek.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Brussels through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Brussels by plane.
The main international airport serving Brussels, located in Zaventem, about 12 km northeast of the city center.
A secondary airport located approximately 54 km south of Brussels, primarily serving low-cost airlines.
An international airport located about 45 km north of Brussels, mainly serving regional and charter flights.
An airport located about 90 km east of Brussels, mainly used for cargo but also serves some passenger flights.
A smaller airport located in Charleroi, useful for certain budget airlines and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Comprises 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels, and is one of three regions of Belgium.
Approximately 89% of the population speaks French, making it the dominant language group in Brussels.
Roughly 10% of the population speaks Dutch, with a significant presence in certain municipalities.
Brussels is home to a large number of immigrants, primarily from Morocco, Turkey, and various African countries.
Due to Brussels being the de facto capital of the European Union, there is a sizable community of expatriates from across Europe.
Brussels has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with various organizations and events supporting non-binary and LGBTQ+ rights.
A significant portion of the population is under 30, with a high concentration of students and young professionals.
The older population is present but less prominent compared to the younger demographics in the city.
The Soul of Brussels
Discover the essence of Brussels through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Brussels, with many local clubs and a passionate fan base. Major teams include Anderlecht and Union Saint-Gilloise.
Cycling is a popular activity in Brussels, both for transportation and as a sport, with various cycling events and a strong community.
Basketball has a growing following in Brussels, with local teams participating in national leagues and international competitions.
Rugby is increasingly popular in Brussels, with several clubs and a community of dedicated players and fans.
Athletics, including running, jumping, and throwing events, enjoys popularity in Brussels, with local clubs and events throughout the year.
Tennis is a widely played sport in Brussels, with numerous clubs and recreational facilities available for both casual and competitive players.
Swimming is a popular sport in Brussels, supported by a number of swimming clubs and public pools, catering to various age groups and skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Brussels.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Brussels caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many eateries offering diverse plant-based dishes. Look out for venues like Dolma for vegan cuisine and TICH for vegetarian-friendly menus.
Several establishments in Brussels provide gluten-free options, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy the local fare. Visit Les Filles for gluten-free baked goods and 9 et Voisins for a range of gluten-free dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Brussels with these cultural adventures.
