Brussels City

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine. With its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Brussels is the Grand Place, a stunning square surrounded by ornate buildings dating back to the 17th century. Visitors can enjoy a coffee or a beer in one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful square.

Another must-visit destination is the Atomium, a futuristic building that was built for the 1958 World Expo. Visitors can take a lift to the top of the Atomium for stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.

Brussels is also known for its world-class museums, such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, which houses a vast collection of art from some of the world’s most famous artists, including Rubens, Van Dyck, and Magritte. Another highlight is the Horta Museum, a stunning Art Nouveau building that was the former home of the famous Belgian architect Victor Horta.

Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Brussels, which is known for its delicious cuisine and famous local specialties, such as moules frites (mussels and fries), waffles, and chocolate. The city is home to numerous restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of cuisine, from traditional Belgian dishes to international flavors.

Finally, Brussels is also famous for its lively nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and music venues offering something for every taste. The city is particularly renowned for its jazz scene, with numerous bars and clubs hosting live music events throughout the year.

Overall, Brussels is a wonderful holiday destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning architecture, world-class museums, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, it’s a city that’s sure to capture the hearts of visitors from around the world.

Belgium flag
LocationBelgium
RegionBrussels Capital Region & Flanders
Nearest AirportBrussels Airport (BRU) (Brussels-Zaventem Airport)
CurrencyEuro: € (EUR)
Language(s)French (primary)
Dutch
German
English
Time ZoneCentral European Standard Time: GMT+1
Central European Summer Time: GMT+2

THINGS TO DO IN BRUSSELS


Here are some of the top attractions in Brussels:

  1. Grand Place: The central square of Brussels, with beautiful architecture, cafes, and restaurants.
  2. Atomium: A unique building in the shape of an atom, with panoramic views of the city.
  3. Manneken Pis: A small statue of a urinating boy that has become a symbol of Brussels.
  4. Belgian chocolate shops: Brussels is famous for its chocolate, and there are many shops where you can buy and taste delicious chocolate.
  5. Brussels Park: A large park in the city center, with beautiful gardens, fountains, and walking paths.
  6. Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: A collection of museums with a vast collection of art from Flemish masters to contemporary art.
  7. European Parliament: Brussels is the headquarters of the European Union, and visitors can tour the European Parliament building.
  8. Mini-Europe: A park featuring miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around Europe.
  9. Royal Palace of Brussels: The official residence of the Belgian Royal family, with beautiful gardens and architecture.
  10. Belgian Comic Strip Center: A museum dedicated to Belgian comics, including Tintin and the Smurfs.
  11. Saint-Michel Cathedral: A stunning Gothic cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows and religious art.
  12. Place du Sablon: A historic square with antique shops, cafes, and chocolatiers.
  13. The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken: Beautiful greenhouses filled with exotic plants, open to visitors only in spring.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BRUSSELS

  • Brussels is famous for its delicious Belgian chocolate, waffles, and beer. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of local cuisine at the city’s many restaurants and cafes.
  • The city is home to several famous landmarks, including the Atomium, a stunning steel structure that was built for the 1958 World Expo. Other popular landmarks include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the iconic Manneken Pis statue.
  • Brussels is also known for its impressive art collections, with several world-class museums located throughout the city. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, for example, features an extensive collection of paintings by Belgian artists like René Magritte and Paul Delvaux.
  • The European Union is headquartered in Brussels, with several important institutions located in the city, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union.
  • Brussels is a multilingual city, with both French and Dutch being widely spoken. Visitors can also hear other languages like German and English spoken throughout the city, reflecting its position as an important international hub.

FOOD AND DRINK IN BRUSSELS


Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is known for its unique culinary scene that combines traditional Belgian cuisine with international influences. The city is famous for its waffles, chocolate, beer, and fries, but there is much more to explore.

One of the most famous dishes in Brussels is the Moules-frites, a dish of steamed mussels served with crispy french fries. Other popular Belgian dishes include Carbonnade Flamande, a beef stew cooked with beer and served with bread or fries, and Waterzooi, a creamy soup or stew made with chicken or fish and vegetables.

Belgium is also known for its chocolate, with numerous chocolate shops offering a wide variety of flavors and types of chocolate. Visitors can sample handcrafted chocolates and pralines from famous chocolatiers such as Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas.

In terms of drinks, Belgium is famous for its beer, with over 1,000 different types of beer produced in the country. Visitors can enjoy local brews such as Lambic, Witbier, and Trappist beers, which are brewed in traditional monasteries.

Overall, Brussels’ culinary scene is diverse, flavorful, and influenced by its multicultural population. Visitors can enjoy traditional Belgian dishes, delicious chocolate, and a wide variety of beers while savoring the city’s stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene.


BRUSSELS NIGHTLIFE


Brussels has a lively and diverse nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. The city is known for its bars, nightclubs, and music venues that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

One of the most popular areas for nightlife in Brussels is the Saint-Géry neighborhood, where visitors can find a variety of bars and clubs. This area is particularly lively on weekends, and visitors can enjoy live music and entertainment in many of the establishments.

For those who enjoy dance clubs, Brussels has several options, including Fuse and C12. These venues offer a range of music styles, from techno to hip-hop, and are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Brussels is also known for its cultural events, including concerts, theater performances, and festivals. The Ancienne Belgique is a popular venue for these events, and visitors can check their schedule for upcoming shows.

Another unique option for nightlife in Brussels is the city’s famous beer scene, with countless bars and pubs offering a vast selection of Belgian beers. Visitors can also visit the famous Delirium Cafe, which holds the Guinness World Record for the bar with the most beers available, with over 2,000 different options.

Overall, Brussels’ nightlife scene is diverse and offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a cozy pub or a lively dance club. The city’s rich cultural offerings and famous beer scene make it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience Belgium’s nightlife.


TRAVELLING AROUND THE CITY


Brussels City offers visitors a range of transportation options to explore its many attractions and surrounding areas.

The most popular way to explore Brussels is by foot, as many of the city’s most famous landmarks are located in the compact city center. However, for those looking to travel further afield, the city also has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metros. These options are convenient, affordable, and offer visitors easy access to different parts of the city.

Another popular way to explore the city is by bike, with numerous bike rental companies available throughout the city. The city’s many bike lanes and dedicated cycling routes make it easy and safe to get around by bike, and it’s a great way to see the city’s hidden gems.

For those interested in exploring the surrounding areas, day trips to destinations such as Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp are popular choices. These destinations are easily accessible by train, with travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Finally, for visitors who prefer the flexibility of a car, there are numerous car rental companies available throughout the city. However, it’s important to note that Brussels can be a busy and congested city, especially during peak hours, so it’s important to plan your travel accordingly.

Overall, traveling in and around Brussels is convenient and easy, with multiple transportation options available to visitors. It’s worth noting that the city center can be busy and crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s important to plan your travel accordingly.


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BRUSSELS?


The best time to visit Brussels depends on what you want to do and see.

The peak season to visit Brussels is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny, and many festivals and events take place. Some of the most popular events during this time include the Belgian National Day on July 21st, the Brussels Summer Festival in August, and the Flower Carpet event, which takes place every two years in August.

If you want to avoid the crowds and get better hotel rates, the shoulder season is a great time to visit Brussels. This includes the months of April, May, September, and October when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. During these months, you can still enjoy outdoor activities and attend festivals such as the Brussels Jazz Marathon in May or the Brussels Beer Weekend in September.

The winter season (December to February) is also a great time to visit Brussels, especially for those who enjoy Christmas markets and winter activities. The city transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, with its famous Christmas markets and ice rinks.

Overall, Brussels is a great city to visit year-round, and the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences.


BRUSSELS GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE


The geography of Brussels is characterized by a mix of urban areas and surrounding rural landscapes, including the nearby Sonian Forest. The city is located on a relatively flat terrain and is intersected by several rivers, including the Senne River, which flows underground through the city center.

The climate in Brussels is a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. Average temperatures in January range from 1°C to 6°C, while July temperatures can reach up to 23°C. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, with no distinct dry season.


BRUSSELS TRAVEL GUIDES


Brussels is the perfect destination for some time away from home however make sure you plan ahead to not miss out on the best destinations and receive local knowledge. Shop for a good Brussels travel guide on Amazon today and keep it in your bag during your stay.