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.
Visit 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.
Grand-Place
If you're spending some time in Grand-Place, La Grand Place and Royal Theatre Toone are top sights worth seeing.
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 Brussels Stock Exchange 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.
Sint-Gillis
Noted for its coffee shops and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Sint-Gillis. Top attractions like Brussels South Railway Station and Saint Gilles Town Hall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Bethléem Tram Stop or Guillaume Tell Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024
Reviewed on 5 Nov. 2024
Reviewed on 13 Nov. 2024
Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024
Reviewed on 18 Oct. 2024
Reviewed on 5 Nov. 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 romantic area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Brussels Christmas Market
You can do some window-shopping at Brussels Christmas Market during your visit to Brussels. Discover the fascinating museums in this culturally rich area or seek out the local tours.
European Union Parliament Building
After visiting European Union Parliament Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Brussels. Discover the great live music 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.
Activities
Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels
Luxembourg and Dinant Day Trip from Brussels
From Brussels: Guided Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent
From Amsterdam to Belgium: Discover the Wonders of Brussels and Bruges
From Brussels: Day Trip to Amsterdam with Canal Boat Cruise
Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Brussels
Reviews of Brussels
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful city!
4/5 - Good
Not the most glamorous off European cities but is does have energy and vibe. A bit grubby but very friendly and helpful locals. Restaurant and cafe scene is good. Lovely historical buildings and churches. Well worth a visit.
5/5 - Excellent
Loved chocolate workshop in Brussels and che Checking out the murals
1/5 - Terrible
The city centre is massively overpriced. The few restaurants we went to had poor quality food, served by rude staff. Wouldn’t go back
2/5 - Disappointing
Very dirty & lots of construction
4/5 - Good
Almost all museums and the like are closed on Mondays. Very few restaurants are open on Sundays.