Brussels

Travel Guide
La Grand Place showing a square or plaza, a castle and a city
Brussels
Photo provided by Visit Brussels
Mont des Arts showing a city and a garden as well as a couple
Brussels
Brussels is known forits tasty chocolates, beer and innovative pastries, and has long been a foodiefavourite. Because of its convenient transport connections to Amsterdam, Parisand Frankfurt, and a continuous flow of immigrants from other Europeancountries, it is also a fascinating cultural melting pot. A cosmopolitan mix ofcultures, architecture and excellent food here comes together in the regalsurroundings of the Belgian capital.

Begin your tour of the city with a stroll throughthe city centre. Although Brussels is a greatcity, many sights can still be reached on foot – and then there’s the subwayfor those further out places. For example, the Royal Park, the largest park inthe city, where the Belgian revolution originated, is conveniently situated foranyone staying central. Royal Palace, which is on the edge of the park, is theofficial palace of the King and where he entertains audiences and arrangesofficial matters of national importance.

Walk further and enjoy the luxury on display in thenearby Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a 19th century shopping arcade withluxury boutiques. See works by leading contemporary artists at the Royal Museumof Fine Arts of Belgium, a major gallery on the Mont des Arts. Get an idea of ​​theBelgian humour by visiting the Manneken Pis – it’s a statue of a childurinating.

Eat like a Brusselslocal at the Grand Sablon, a lively triangular square surrounded byrestaurants, chocolatiers and antique shops. Beer lovers go best for theCantillon brewery to taste a delicious traditional Belgian beer.

Brussels has coldwinters and moderate summers, with the best chance of warm, sunny days betweenJune and August. But then again, Brussels isbeautiful in the snow and is known to throw great Christmas markets during thefestive period.

Brussels InternationalAirport operates flights to most major airports, but you can also use theinternational train connections that run through the EuroTunnel. However youtravel, you’re bound to have an unforgettable trip when you visit the greatcity of Brussels.

Where to stay in Brussels

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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.

Quartier du Centre - Centrumwijk
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Grand-Place

If you're spending some time in Grand-Place, La Grand Place and The King's House are top sights worth seeing.

Grand-Place
Brussels showing a city and night scenes

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.

Lower Town
Royal Palace of Brussels featuring heritage architecture and château or palace

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.

Upper Town
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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.

Ixelles
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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.

Sint-Gillis
The Hotel
The Hotel
4 out of 5
38 Boulevard de Waterloo, Brussels
The price is €179 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
€179
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Brussels. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,045 reviews)
"This was one of the best hotels that I have stayed in. All members of reception staff were professional and friendly. especially a young lady Yousra. She was friendly and very efficient."

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

The Hotel
The President Brussels Hotel
The President Brussels Hotel
4 out of 5
Blvd. du Roi Albert II, 44, Brussels
The price is €96 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
€96
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Brussels. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (899 reviews)
"The hotel wasnt far from the Brussels north railway station and the trams were also within walking distance. Our room was at the front of the hotel and unfortunately there was quite a bit of noise going on up to nearly midnight. The air conditioning had been turned off as it was now classed as being ..."

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2024

The President Brussels Hotel
Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre
Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre
4 out of 5
Avenue du Boulevard 17, Brussels
The price is €118 per night from 2 Jan to 3 Jan
€118
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Brussels. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Very nice hotel next to the Metro
"I would have rated 5 star if not for the fact that the constant loud sound of the police sirens were very disturbing. They have €5 coupons for the bar for every night if you opted not to have room cleaning. Kudos to sustainability."

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2024

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Résidence Midi 33 - Bruxelles Midi
Résidence Midi 33 - Bruxelles Midi
3 out of 5
33 Bd du Midi, Brussels, Bruxelles
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Brussels. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and climate control. Popular attractions La Grand Place and Brussels Christmas ...
6/10 (205 reviews)
Good Stay and Close to everything
"We had a good time. Staff were very helpful as our initial apartment had problems and they provided an alternative."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Résidence Midi 33 - Bruxelles Midi
Appart'City Confort Bruxelles Centre Gare du Midi
Appart'City Confort Bruxelles Centre Gare du Midi
3.5 out of 5
38A rue Rossini, Brussels
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified aparthotel in Brussels. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (710 reviews)
"All was good including the cafe for breakfast and home cooked pizza."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2024

Appart'City Confort Bruxelles Centre Gare du Midi
Citadines Sainte-Catherine Brussels
Citadines Sainte-Catherine Brussels
3 out of 5
51 Quai Au Bois A Bruler, Brussels
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Brussels. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,291 reviews)
"Lovely room, amazing kitchenette even with dish washer!"

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2024

Citadines Sainte-Catherine Brussels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Brussels

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
226
" "5 - Excellent 34%
4 - Good
325
" "4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
92
" "3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
15
" "2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
6
" "1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Usually this is a great place to spend a few days. However, all cafés, restaurants, museums etc are now closed because of the coronavirus, and non food shops are closed at weekends.

4/5 - Good

Hannah

Brussels is a beautiful city with great architecture. Only downside is that it’s quite expensive there.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

A building site, lovely when finished I'm sure. Town centre a bit dirty sadly

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Not really safe as a capital

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Well hidden ‘secret’, an ‘unusual’ place to visit well worth visiting.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Sandemans free walking tour was a great way to get to know the main city sights - you just pay what you think it's worth :-) A quick visit the the EU parliament was interesting and very welcoming - so sad that the UK has left :-(