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Brussels Travel & Vacation Guide

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, can also be considered something of a capital for the entire European Union. Lying at the crossroads of cultures (Germanic in the North and Romtanic in the South), Brussels fits the definition of the archetypal “melting pot” while still retaining its own unique character, making it a supreme vacation destination.

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Description

Graced with a majestic historic heart, a unique atmosphere and a host of activities for all ages, Brussels has surprises around every corner.

Useful information

Population:

2,132,178 (2024)

Currency:

1 euro = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

112

Opening Hours:

Shops are open from Monday to Saturday, 10am–6pm. Supermarkets close later and usually stay open until 9pm on Fridays.

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ADAM, Art & Design Atomium Museum

ADAM, Art & Design Atomium Museum

The ADAM, the Atomium's new museum, will open its doors at the Brussels Trade Mart, at the Heysel Exhibition Park.

Autoworld Brussels - The World Automobile Centre

Autoworld Brussels - The World Automobile Centre

Autoworld, the most prestigious collection in the world, inaugurated in 1986 in the luxurious buildings of the Palais Mondial in Brussels.

Belgian Chocolate Village

Belgian Chocolate Village

In the old Koekelberg chocolate factory, Brussels, come and discover the largest museum in Belgium solely dedicated to chocolate: the Belgian Chocolate Factory.

Belgian Comic Strip Centre - BCSC

Belgian Comic Strip Centre - BCSC

Situated in the heart of Brussels in the majestic setting of an Art Nouveau temple (built by Victor Horta in 1906), the Belgian Comic Strip Centre (CBBD) has been open to the public since 6 October 1989.

BELvue museum, Brussels | Everything there is to know about Belgium

BELvue museum, Brussels | Everything there is to know about Belgium

At the BELvue Museum, visitors discover the major historical periods of our country by means of numerous historical documents.

BOZAR - Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels

BOZAR - Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels

The Centre for Fine Arts is the centre of arts par excellence in the cultural landscape of Belgium. It proposes an international programme in the centre of Brussels.

Cinquantenaire Museum - Royal Museums of Art and History

Cinquantenaire Museum - Royal Museums of Art and History

Set in the heart of Cinquantenaire Park, the museum offers visitors a rich and varied view of our past from pre-history to the 20th century

Magritte Museum - Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Magritte Museum - Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Situated in the heart of the museum quarter in Brussels, the Magritte Museum is home to a rich collection of surrealism masterpieces from around the world.

Europe

Europa building

Europa building

House of member states The Europa building is the main seat of the European Council and the Council of the EU. It hosts EU summits, multilateral summits and ministerial meetings. The national delegations and the President of the European Council also have their offices in Europa.

House of European History

House of European History

From myths and discoveries to the chaos and cohesion of the 20th century, the House of European History will take visitors on a journey along the path of Europe’s history and challenge them to contemplate its future.

Parlamentarium, the European Parliament Visitors' Centre

Parlamentarium, the European Parliament Visitors' Centre

Come and discover the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament's Visitors Centre. An original and free discovery in the heart of the European quarter.

Station Europe

Station Europe

Start your visit to the European Parliament in Brussels at Station Europe, on the lively Place du Luxembourg. Whether you’re just curious or know exactly what you want to see, Station Europe has all the information you need to make the most of your visit.

The European Parliament hemicycle

The European Parliament hemicycle

Brussels hosts the main offices of the Members of the European Parliament. A visit to the Hemicycle is a great way to soak up the exciting atmosphere of the world’s largest transnational parliament and find out about its powers and role.

Nightlife

draft beer

Bonnefooi

Right next door to Ancienne Belgique you will find cafe Bonnefooi which roughly translates to "by chance" in the Brussels dialect. It’s a young and cosy place with friendly staff, a balcony, and impressive entertainment: DJs, live bands, exhibitions, etc. It’s a great place to go after a concert in Ancienne Belgique.

saxophone

L'Archiduc Jazz Club

L'Archiduc offers jazz, cocktails, an art gallery and live music in an art deco atmosphere at the heart of the historic centre of Brussels. This historic bar opened in 1937.

concert

Madame Moustache

Dive into Madame Moustache, the neo-cabaret cafe for dancing and live music. The atmosphere and decor make it a key part of Brussels' nightlife!

busy dancefloor

The Fuse, Brussel's Techno Nightclub

When it comes to Brussels nightlife, The Fuse continues to set the tone with the help of some of the world’s best DJs. The club opened all the way back in 1994, in a former cinema with a 1200-person capacity.

Shopping

Avec Plaizier

Avec Plaizier

Avec Plaizier is a charming and quirky gem nestled in downtown Brussels, a stone's throw away from Grand Place. This unique shop is a haven for art lovers, specialising in an array of artistic postcards, humorous books, posters, and photography.

De Biertempel

De Biertempel

De Biertempel stands as a true beer temple, living up to its name by offering a diverse selection of Belgian beers that numbers in the hundreds. This specialised shop not only showcases popular choices but also boasts a collection of rare and vintage Belgian brews. Beer enthusiasts can explore the extensive range while also discovering an array of drinkware, T-shirts, and other beer-related merchandise, making De Biertempel a haven for those seeking a genuine Belgian beer experience.

Pierre Marcolini

Pierre Marcolini

Indulge your sweet tooth with a gourmet chocolate experience at Pierre Marcolini. The carefully curated selection of chocolates and macarrons offers a symphony of rich and nuanced tastes, highlighting the artistry behind each creation.

The House of Comics

The House of Comics

The House of Comics is a paradise for comic enthusiasts, stocking up a vast collection in French, Dutch, English, German, and Spanish. Specialising in Tintin albums available in over 50 languages, the shop extends its offer to an array of comics, manga, and graphic novels. The House of Comics also features a variety of collectables, including figures, posters, postcards, playing cards, and puzzles.

Tourism Information

European Parliament Tourist information

European Parliament Tourist information

For the best information on Brussels... visit.brussels is the Brussels tourist agency. Its mission is to bolster and spread the image of the Brussels-Capital Region. visit.brussels wishes to put Brussels on the local and international map as the capital of 500 million Europeans, the ""world city"" where 180 different nationalities mingle, making Brussels a cosmopolitan place with permanent links to the rest of the world.

USE-IT info desk

USE-IT info desk

For the best information on Brussels... visit.brussels is the Brussels tourist agency. Its mission is to bolster and spread the image of the Brussels-Capital Region. visit.brussels wishes to put Brussels on the local and international map as the capital of 500 million Europeans, the ""world city"" where 180 different nationalities mingle, making Brussels a cosmopolitan place with permanent links to the rest of the world.

visit.brussels - Brussels Info Place (BIP)

visit.brussels - Brussels Info Place (BIP)

For the best information on Brussels... visit.brussels is the Brussels tourist agency. Its mission is to bolster and spread the image of the Brussels-Capital Region. visit.brussels wishes to put Brussels on the local and international map as the capital of 500 million Europeans, the ""world city"" where 180 different nationalities mingle, making Brussels a cosmopolitan place with permanent links to the rest of the world.

visit.brussels - Town Hall of Brussels

visit.brussels - Town Hall of Brussels

For the best information on Brussels... visit.brussels is the Brussels tourist agency. Its mission is to bolster and spread the image of the Brussels-Capital Region. visit.brussels wishes to put Brussels on the local and international map as the capital of 500 million Europeans, the ""world city"" where 180 different nationalities mingle, making Brussels a cosmopolitan place with permanent links to the rest of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brussels is home to several iconic attractions. Don't miss the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture. The Atomium, a unique building and museum, offers panoramic views of the city. Art lovers should visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the Magritte Museum. For a taste of local culture, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of the Marolles and Sablon.

A stay of 2 to 3 days in Brussels is ideal to explore the main attractions at a relaxed pace. This timeframe allows you to visit key sites like the Grand Place, Atomium, and various museums, while also enjoying leisurely strolls through the city's charming neighborhoods and sampling local cuisine.

Brussels has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, which makes it easy to navigate the city. The STIB/MIVB network covers most areas, and tickets are valid across all modes of transport. Alternatively, the city is very walkable, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Renting a bike is another popular option, with numerous cycling paths available.

Brussels is famous for its culinary delights. Be sure to try Belgian waffles, which are available in various styles. Mussels with fries (moules-frites) is a classic dish, and chocolate lovers should not miss sampling Belgian chocolates from renowned chocolatiers. For a hearty meal, try carbonnade flamande, a Flemish beef stew cooked with beer.

The best time to visit Brussels is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, if you enjoy festive atmospheres, visiting in December for the Christmas markets can be a magical experience.

Brussels hosts several unique festivals throughout the year. The Brussels Flower Carpet, held every two years in August, transforms the Grand Place into a vibrant floral display. The Ommegang Pageant in July is a historical reenactment celebrating Brussels' medieval past. Additionally, the Brussels Jazz Weekend in May offers free concerts across the city, showcasing local and international talent.

Brussels is a great base for exploring other Belgian cities. Consider a day trip to Bruges, known for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals. Ghent offers a mix of history and vibrant nightlife. Antwerp, famous for its diamond district and art scene, is another excellent option. Each of these cities is easily accessible by train from Brussels.

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