Brussels Travel Guide, Belgium

The best things to do in Brussels start in its historic centre, which blends the heritage of a medieval Flemish town with the grand projects that followed when it became the capital of Belgium. Alongside that sit the modern buildings erected for the international institutions based here.

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and one of the country’s three regions, alongside Flanders and Wallonia. It hosts the headquarters of NATO and the core institutions of the European Union, which is why its name is sometimes used as shorthand for the EU.

The city is officially bilingual in Dutch and French, and increasingly international. For visitors, that means a compact centre, many museums, famous food and drink, and easy trips to other cities. It is good for a long weekend, and a useful hub if you are travelling around Belgium.

Grand Place

The central square is lined with ornate guildhalls and the town hall, and it is the best-known sight in the city. Allow 30 to 60 minutes. It is busy during the day, so come in the evening when the buildings are lit and the crowds thin.

Manneken Pis and the old centre

The small fountain statue is a quirky stop in the old centre, and it is a short walk from the Grand Place. A visit takes only a few minutes, but the surrounding lanes are worth exploring. Expect crowds and plenty of souvenir shops.

Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert

This glass-roofed shopping arcade near the Grand Place is home to chocolate shops and cafes. Allow around 30 minutes to browse. Prices for chocolate vary widely, so compare and try small boxes.

Comic strip art and murals

Belgium has a strong comic-strip tradition, and Brussels shows it with murals around the city and a dedicated museum. Allow one to two hours. Pick up a map of the mural route, and check opening days for the museum.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

This group of museums holds a wide range of art from old masters to modern work. Allow two hours or more, and pick a section. Museums here often close on Mondays, so check ahead.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

This large park with a triumphal arch sits in the EU quarter and has several museums nearby. Allow an hour or two. It is a pleasant break from the dense centre.

Belgian beer and waffles

Belgium is known for its beer and waffles, and Brussels has plenty of bars and cafes where you can try both. Ask staff for local recommendations, and sample small glasses. Many beers are strong, so pace yourself.

Spring through early autumn is the most pleasant, with milder weather and long evenings for walking and sitting outside. Summer sees the biggest crowds in the centre, though many residents also leave in August, and some smaller places may close.

Autumn is a good alternative, with cooler weather and fewer visitors. Winter is cold, grey and often rainy, but it is also a quieter time, with festive markets in December. Always bring a rain jacket, as showers can happen in any season.

Brussels Airport is the main airport and has a direct train link to the centre. Check current train times and ticket types before you travel. A second airport, further south, is served by some low-cost airlines, with bus links to the city.

Brussels is a major rail hub. Brussels-Midi is the main international station for high-speed services, and trains from here connect to other Belgian cities and neighbouring countries. Many domestic trains stop at several central stations.

In the city, the metro, trams and buses cover most areas, and the old centre is walkable. A single travel card or contactless option is usually the easiest way to pay. Check how fares work for your length of stay.

The area around the Grand Place and the old centre puts you close to the main sights, restaurants and bars. It is lively and can be noisy at night, so check the room location.

Neighbourhoods just outside the centre suit visitors who prefer a calmer base with local cafes, and these are usually well connected by metro or tram. They often offer better value.

Near the main stations is convenient for onward trips by rail, with plenty of hotels, though some surrounding streets can feel less appealing at night. Business travel affects prices, so weekends can be cheaper than weekdays. Compare dates.

Two days covers the Grand Place, the old centre, a museum and the food. A third day lets you add a day trip. If you have only a day, focus on the historic core and one museum.

1. Day 1: Grand Place, Manneken Pis, the Galleries of Saint-Hubert and a beer in the old centre.
2. Day 2: Fine arts museums or comic-strip art, then Parc du Cinquantenaire.
3. Day 3: A day trip to Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp.

Bruges

Bruges is known for its canals and well-preserved medieval centre. Trains from Brussels take roughly an hour or so, so it makes an easy day trip. Go early to avoid the largest crowds.

Ghent

Ghent has a historic centre, canals and a lively university atmosphere. It is a short train ride away and often less crowded than Bruges.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a port city known for fashion, diamonds and its grand railway station. Trains run frequently, and you can see the highlights in a day.

Waterloo

Waterloo, south of the city, is the site of the 1815 battle. It is reachable by train and bus, and suits visitors with an interest in history. Allow half a day.