Location
Central Belgium
Heart of Europe, EU capital
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Best time to visit
May–June · Sept–Oct
Dec for Christmas markets
Airport
BRU — Zaventem
17 min by train to centre
Currency
Euro
€ — EUR
Languages
3
FR · NL · EN widely spoken
Budget/day
€80–120
excl. accommodation
Getting here from…
I’ve been to Brussels more times than I can count — it’s barely an hour from where I live in Belgian Limburg — and it never gets old. Brussels is one of those cities that rewards you for going deeper. The postcard version (Grand Place, Manneken Pis, waffle in hand) is genuinely lovely, but scratch the surface and you find one of Europe’s most interesting cities: absurdist comic strip culture painted on the sides of buildings, a neighbourhood called the Marolles where a 150-year-old flea market runs every single morning, and an obsessive beer scene that puts every other country to shame.
The city is also surprisingly manageable. The historic centre is small enough to walk end-to-end in 30 minutes, and the metro gets you everywhere else. And because Brussels sits at the crossroads of French and Dutch-speaking Belgium — plus a large international community thanks to the EU — you’ll almost always find someone who speaks English, often fluently.
In this guide I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit: how to get here, where to stay depending on your budget and style, the best things to see and do, and a few honest insider tips from someone who knows this city well. Let’s go.
Travel to Brussels
Getting to Brussels is genuinely easy from most of Europe — and easier than most people realise from the UK too. The city has two airports, excellent high-speed rail connections to London, Paris and Amsterdam, and a ferry route from the UK for those driving through. Here’s a quick overview of your options so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Quickest overview: how to get to Brussels
| Route | Journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight → Brussels Airport (BRU) | Varies + 30 min to centre by train | Long-haul travellers & most Europeans |
| ✈️ Flight → Charleroi Airport (CRL) | Varies + ~75 min to centre | Budget travellers happy to trade time for price |
| 🚂 Eurostar from London | 2h direct | City centre to city centre — no airports |
| 🚂 TGV/Eurostar from Paris | 1h22 direct | Fastest option from France |
| 🚂 IC from Amsterdam | 1h50 direct | Easiest option from the Netherlands |
| ⛴️ Ferry (UK) + drive/train | 4–6h total | Road-trippers bringing a car |
| 🚗 Drive | Varies | Travellers coming from nearby — but read the LEZ warning below |
By Plane
Brussels is served by two airports — Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) to the northeast of the city, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) about 46km to the south. They’re quite different in character and worth understanding before you book.
✈️ Brussels Airport — Zaventem (BRU)
Brussels – Zaventem Airport is Belgium’s main international gateway, handling most long-haul flights and all of the major European carriers. It’s located 11km northeast of the city centre — well connected and easy to navigate. Once you land, the quickest and cheapest way into the city is the train: the Brussels Airport Railway Station sits directly underneath the terminal, and trains run to Brussels-Central, Brussels-North, and Brussels-South/Midi every 15 minutes from around 5:30am to midnight. The journey to Brussels-Central takes about 17 minutes and costs €13.70 for a single ticket.
Taxis are available but cost €45–55 to the centre and are rarely worth it unless you’re travelling late at night with heavy luggage and splitting the cost between a group.
ℹ️ Good to know
A return airport train ticket (called the “Airport Ticket”) costs €28.20 and can save you money if you’re doing a round trip. Buy it in advance at the ticket machines in the terminal — the queues at the counter can be long during busy periods.
✈️ Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels South Charleroi is the budget airport — home to Ryanair, Wizzair, and other low-cost carriers. The flights are often significantly cheaper than BRU, but the airport is 46km south of Brussels and getting into the city takes more time and effort. The standard route is the Airport Express shuttle bus to Charleroi-Sud railway station (25 minutes), then a train to Brussels-South/Midi (about 45 minutes). You can buy a combined bus and train ticket at the airport terminal for around €18–22 each way. Total door-to-door time from landing to Brussels city centre: plan for about 75–90 minutes.
My honest take: if the price difference between BRU and CRL is less than €30–40, fly into BRU. The time and hassle saved is worth it. If you’re saving €60+ on a budget airline, CRL is perfectly manageable — just plan ahead.
By Train
If you’re coming from London, Paris, Amsterdam, or anywhere in the Eurostar/TGV network, the train is almost always better than flying once you factor in airport time. Brussels has three main railway stations — you’ll arrive at one of these depending on where you’re coming from:
- Brussels-South / Midi (Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid) — the main international station. All Eurostar trains from London, TGV trains from Paris and Lyon, and Thalys trains from Amsterdam and Cologne arrive here. It’s not the prettiest area of Brussels but it’s only 5 minutes by metro to the historic centre.
- Brussels-Central (Bruxelles-Central / Brussel-Centraal) — the most convenient station for tourists, located a short walk from the Grand Place. Most domestic trains and airport trains stop here.
- Brussels-North (Bruxelles-Nord / Brussel-Noord) — close to the business district and Atomium direction. Useful if you’re staying in the north of the city.
- Brussels-Schuman — smaller station in the heart of the European Quarter, handy if you’re visiting the EU institutions.
🚂 From London (Eurostar)
The Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels-Midi runs up to 8 times a day and takes exactly 2 hours — city centre to city centre, no airport security, no luggage restrictions beyond the standard train allowance. It’s one of the great train journeys in Europe and I genuinely prefer it to flying. Early morning and late evening trains tend to be the cheapest; book as far in advance as possible for the best fares.
🚂 From Paris (Eurostar / TGV)
Eurostar trains between Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels-Midi run twice per hour and cover the 300km in just 1 hour 22 minutes. It’s one of the fastest rail connections between any two European capitals. Fares vary enormously depending on how far in advance you book — from around €40 for an advance ticket to €120+ on the day.
🚂 From Amsterdam (Eurostar / IC)
Direct trains between Amsterdam Centraal and Brussels-Midi run roughly every hour and take 1 hour 50 minutes. The Eurostar service (which continues to London) requires a seat reservation; InterCity trains on the same route are cheaper but slightly slower. From Rotterdam, the journey to Brussels is just over an hour.
🚂 From other Belgian cities
Brussels is brilliantly connected to the rest of Belgium by rail — and the fares are reasonable. From Bruges it’s 55 minutes, from Ghent 30 minutes, from Antwerp 35 minutes, and from Liège 55 minutes. If you’re combining Brussels with other Belgian cities, the train is by far the easiest way to do it.
By Car
Brussels is well connected by motorway — the E40 runs east to Liège and Germany, west to Ghent and the coast; the E19 runs north to Antwerp and the Netherlands, south to Paris. Driving into Brussels is perfectly feasible, but there’s one very important thing you need to know before you set off.
⚠️ Important — Brussels Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
The entire Brussels Capital Region is a Low Emission Zone. Foreign vehicles driving inside the ring road (the R0/R20) must register their number plate online at lez.brussels before entering — it’s free to register, but if you’re caught driving in the zone without registering, the automatic fine is €350. It takes about 5 minutes to do online, so do it before you leave home. Most modern petrol and diesel cars are allowed in; very old diesels (pre-2011 roughly) may be restricted. Check the LEZ website with your specific number plate to confirm.
Parking in central Brussels is limited and expensive — expect to pay €3–5/hour in surface car parks and more in covered garages near the Grand Place. A better strategy is to park at one of the P+R (Park and Ride) facilities on the edge of the city — these are free or very cheap, and include a metro or tram ticket into the centre. The P+R at Forest, Bizet, and Crainhem are well-placed for visitors coming from different directions. Once you’re in Brussels, the public transport network and walkability of the centre mean you won’t need a car at all.
Where to stay in Brussels
Brussels is a big city — the metropolitan area covers 19 municipalities — but for visitors, the action is concentrated in a few key neighbourhoods. Where you stay will shape your whole experience, so it’s worth thinking about what kind of trip you’re after before you book.
By neighbourhood: where should you stay?
🏛️ Pentagon / Historic Centre — Best for first-timers
If it’s your first visit and you want to be within walking distance of the Grand Place, Manneken Pis and the Royal Galleries Saint-Hubert, staying inside or just outside the Pentagon (the old city centre, named after its five-sided ring road) makes a lot of sense. Hotels here are well-located but pricier for what you get — you’re paying for convenience. The neighbourhood goes quiet at night once the tourist crowds disperse, which some people love and others find a bit flat.
🎨 Ixelles / Elsene — Best for atmosphere
My personal favourite area to stay. Ixelles is lively, diverse, and genuinely local — lined with Art Nouveau architecture, independent restaurants, and buzzing café terraces. It’s a 10-minute metro ride from the centre. The area around Place Flagey and Chaussée de Wavre has a brilliant weekend market and some of the best restaurants in the city. Good mid-range options here without the tourist markup.
🍫 Sablon / Sablon — Best for a luxury stay
The Sablon neighbourhood, just south of the historic centre, is Brussels at its most refined. Grand town houses, high-end chocolate shops (Wittamer, Pierre Marcolini), an antique market on weekends, and some of the city’s finest boutique hotels. If budget isn’t a concern, this is where I’d stay.
🚂 Near Brussels-Midi (South Station) — Best for transit convenience
If you’re arriving by Eurostar from London or TGV from Paris, staying near Brussels-Midi / Brussels-South station means you can drop your bags and start exploring immediately. The neighbourhood itself is functional rather than charming, but the hotel rates are competitive and everything is a short metro ride away.
By budget: what to expect
💰 Budget (under €80/night)
Brussels has a solid hostel scene for solo travellers, and there are good budget hotels particularly in Saint-Gilles, Ixelles, and near Midi station. Don’t expect much in the way of charm in the very cheapest options, but you’ll have more money left for the things that matter (beer, chocolate, museum tickets).
💰💰 Mid-range (€80–€180/night)
This is the sweet spot in Brussels. You can find genuinely excellent boutique hotels with character in Ixelles, the Sablon fringe, and even within the Pentagon at this price range, especially if you book a few weeks ahead. I’d particularly recommend looking at design hotels and converted town houses — Brussels does these really well.
💰💰💰 Luxury (€180+/night)
Brussels has several world-class hotels, particularly around the Grand Place and in the Sablon area. The Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo, a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, is widely regarded as one of the finest hotels in the country. For something with more local character, the boutique hotels in the Sablon neighbourhood offer outstanding service at slightly lower prices than the big names.
📅 Booking tip: Brussels gets busy around EU summit weeks (the European Quarter grinds to a standstill and hotel prices spike). If your dates are flexible, avoid EU Council weeks. Early June and late September are excellent times to visit — good weather, no crowds, and competitive rates.
Browse hotels in Brussels
Use the map below to find hotels that suit your neighbourhood preference and budget. I recommend checking booking.com for the best selection and flexible cancellation options.
Getting around in Brussels
Brussels Metro, Tram and Bus Network:
The public transport system in Brussels is operated by several companies. However they all share the same ticketsystem called the Brupass. With this ticket you can travel on all metro, busses and trams in the Brussels area. Single trip tickets cost 2.40€, daypasses cost 8,40€.
Taxi’s in Brussels:
Taxi’s in Brussels are most likely the most expensive in Europe. The Brussels taxi aren’t as distinctive as other taxi’s in the world. They are recognizable by the blue and yellow licence plates.
Taxis from Brussels Airport to the centre of Brussels cost about 45€
Discover Brussels
Brussels, heart of the Belgian and European Culture, has lots to offer. The grand market, statue of Manneke Pis and The Atomium are the most visited landmarks and almost as famous as Belgian chocolate. But there’s so much more to do in this true metropolitan city. Below is a small overview of the best things to see and do in Brussels. Scroll down for the complete Brussels Tourist Map.
Top things to see Brussels:
- Manneke Pis
- Grand Place
- The Atomium
- The Royal Palace
- Mont des Arts
- The Royal Galleries Saint-Hubert
- European district
- Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
- Botanical Gardens Meise
Best musea in Brussels:
- Bozar, centre for fine arts
- The Comic Book Museum
- Magritte Museum
- Royal Museum for Centra-Africa
- Natural Sciences Museum
- Autoworld
- Choco-Story
- Royal Museum for Central African Art
Brussels Comic book culture:
Belgian comics played a large role in the European comics culture. You’ve probably heard about TinTin and the Smurfs, but did you know Brussels was the birthplace of these and many other famous comics?
Brussels has not only a dedicated comic book museum, but also a comic book walking tour. Spread out across the city there are about 50 comic book murals to discover. This is a fun way to discover the hidden sights across the city. The Brussels comic book route map is available at the Tourist information desk.
Brussels Card
The Brussels card (available from 29€) gives you unlimited access to 41 museums in Brussels. In addition, there is also a Brussels Card + STIB Public Transport available, starting from 37€. These cards are sold at the Visit.Brussels desk at the town hall or online.
Brussels tours, excursions and activities
Brussels is a city that reveals itself slowly. You can absolutely explore on your own, and for many things that’s the best approach — just wandering the Marolles or getting lost in the Sablon is a joy. But a few guided experiences genuinely add something that’s hard to replicate independently, particularly when it comes to the beer culture, the underground history, and the comic book scene.
Walking Tours
🦶 Walking tour of the historic centre
The best way to get oriented on your first morning in Brussels is a walking tour of the historic centre. These typically last 2–3 hours and cover the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, the Royal Galleries, and the Comic Book murals in the surrounding streets. The guides are local, knowledgeable and they’re genuinely motivated to give you a great experience.
🏛️ Art Nouveau Architecture Walk
Brussels is one of the birthplaces of Art Nouveau, and the city has an extraordinary concentration of early 20th century buildings in the residential communes of Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and Etterbeek. Victor Horta’s masterpieces are here — including the Horta Museum (his former home and studio), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An architecture-focused walking tour of these neighbourhoods is something most visitors completely miss and almost always regret not doing.
Food & Beer Tours
🍺 Belgian Beer Tasting Experience
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Brussels, it’s a proper Belgian beer tasting with someone who knows what they’re talking about. Belgium has around 1,500 different beers — and Brussels alone has several legendary specialist beer bars (Moeder Lambic, Delirium Café, À La Bécasse) where a knowledgeable guide can take you through Trappist ales, lambics, gueuzes, and sours in a way that makes sense of it all. This is not just drinking — it’s genuinely one of the best food culture experiences in Europe.
🍫 Chocolate & Food Tasting Tour
Belgian chocolate is famous for a reason, and Brussels has a concentration of master chocolatiers within the historic centre (Neuhaus, Godiva, Léonidas, and the more artisan Pierre Marcolini and Laurent Gerbaud). A tasting tour that takes you behind the scenes of a chocolate workshop and through the best shops is a 2-hour sugar rush that’s brilliant for families, couples, or anyone with a sweet tooth.
Day Trips from Brussels
Brussels makes an excellent base for day trips — the Belgian rail network is fast, frequent, and surprisingly affordable. From Brussels you can reach:
- Bruges — 55 minutes by direct train. The picture-perfect medieval city.
- Ghent — 30 minutes by train. Arguably better than Bruges: fewer tourists, more locals.
- Antwerp — 35 minutes by train. Fashion, diamonds, and the best beer bar in the world (Kulminator).
- Ypres / Ieper — 1h20 by train. Deeply moving WWI sites and the nightly Last Post ceremony.
See my detailed blogpost “The Best Day Trips from Brussels” for detailed guides on each of these destinations.
Brussels Itinerary: 1, 2 & 3 Days
Day 1
The classic Brussels — perfect if you only have one day. Covers the non-negotiables without feeling rushed.
Morning: Grand Place & the Historic Centre
Start at the Grand Place early — before 9am if you can, before the tour groups arrive. It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and it looks different at every hour of the day. Walk down to Manneken Pis (5 minutes away), then wander through the Royal Galleries Saint-Hubert — a stunning 19th century glass-roofed shopping arcade with excellent coffee and chocolate shops. Have breakfast at one of the cafés on the square or inside the galleries.
Midday: The Marolles Flea Market & Lunch
Walk 10 minutes south to the Marolles neighbourhood and Place du Jeu de Balle, where a daily flea market has been running every morning since 1873. It’s chaotic and brilliant — old books, art prints, vintage clothing, random antiques. Have lunch in one of the local bistros nearby: this neighbourhood has some of the most authentic and affordable food in central Brussels. Order a stoverij (Belgian beef stew in beer) or a croque monsieur.
Afternoon: Mont des Arts & the Sablon
Walk up to Mont des Arts for panoramic views over the Lower Town — one of the best viewpoints in Brussels and most people walk right past it. Then drop down into the Sablon neighbourhood: browse the antique dealers, step into the Gothic Notre-Dame du Sablon church, and stop at Wittamer or Pierre Marcolini for exceptional chocolate. If you want a museum, the Magritte Museum is a short walk away and a genuine highlight.
Evening: Beer at a classic Brussels café
End your day at a classic Brussels café for a proper Belgian beer. À La Bécasse (in a hidden courtyard off Rue de Tabora) serves young lambic from old ceramic jugs and has barely changed since 1877. Alternatively, Moeder Lambic on Place Fontainas has 50 taps and an outstanding selection. Have moules-frites (mussels and chips) at a brasserie in or around the Grand Place for dinner — it’s a cliché for a reason.
Day 2
Go deeper — the Atomium, the Comic Book world, and a neighbourhood that most visitors never discover.
Morning: The Atomium & Mini-Europe
Take the metro north to Heysel for one of Brussels’ most surreal and wonderful experiences: the Atomium. Built for the 1958 World Expo, this giant steel structure representing an iron atom at 165 billion times its size is genuinely iconic — and the exhibition inside, plus the views from the top sphere, are better than most people expect. Book tickets in advance to avoid queues. [ TIQETS/GETYOURGUIDE AFFILIATE LINK — Atomium tickets ]. Mini-Europe next door (a park with scale models of European landmarks) is excellent for families with children.
Midday: Comic Book Museum & Lunch
Metro back to the centre for lunch and the Belgian Comic Strip Center — hands down one of the most underrated museums in Brussels. Even if you didn’t grow up with Tintin, Lucky Luke, or the Smurfs, the building itself (a Victor Horta-designed Art Nouveau warehouse) is extraordinary, and the exhibition is genuinely funny and inventive. Takes about 1.5–2 hours. [ AFFILIATE LINK — Comic Strip Center tickets ]. Have lunch beforehand in the covered Galeries Saint-Hubert.
Afternoon: Ixelles & Place Flagey
Take the tram to Ixelles — Brussels’ most liveable neighbourhood — and spend the afternoon walking the art deco streets around Place Flagey, the étangs (ornamental ponds), and the Chaussée de Wavre. This is where Bruxellois actually live and socialise. If it’s a weekend, there’s a market at Place Flagey with excellent food stalls. Stop at a terrace café and just watch the world go by.
Evening: Dinner in Saint-Gilles
Saint-Gilles, just south of the Pentagon, is one of the best dining neighbourhoods in Brussels — a mix of Belgian brasseries, Turkish restaurants, excellent Vietnamese spots, and cocktail bars. The area around Parvis de Saint-Gilles is buzzing on weekend evenings. Significantly better value than eating in the tourist centre and far more interesting.
Day 3
The Art Nouveau trail, the European Quarter, and a day trip option if you’re feeling adventurous.
Morning: Horta Museum & Art Nouveau Brussels
Victor Horta’s former home and studio in Saint-Gilles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the world. The interior is extraordinary — every surface, from the stained glass skylights to the wrought-iron banisters, is designed as a unified whole. Book tickets in advance as it gets busy. [ AFFILIATE LINK — Horta Museum tickets ]. After, walk through the surrounding streets of Saint-Gilles and Ixelles to spot more Art Nouveau townhouses.
Midday: European Quarter & Cinquantenaire
Take the metro east to the Schuman station for the European Quarter — home to the European Parliament, the Commission, and the Council. Even if you’re not interested in EU politics, the Parlamentarium visitor centre is free and genuinely excellent. Then walk 10 minutes to the Cinquantenaire — a huge triumphal arch built for Belgium’s 50th anniversary, flanked by two spectacular museums: Autoworld (vintage cars, superb) and the Royal Museum of Art and History. [ TIQETS AFFILIATE LINK — Autoworld tickets ].
Afternoon: Bois de la Cambre or day trip option
If the weather is good, take the tram south to the Bois de la Cambre — Brussels’ main park, a beautiful forested area with a lake and rowing boats. This is where locals go on sunny afternoons. Alternatively, use the afternoon for a day trip: Ghent is just 30 minutes by direct train and one of the most beautiful cities in Belgium. The Graslei waterfront, the Ghent Altarpiece in St Bavo’s Cathedral, and the castle are all outstanding. [ INTERNAL LINK — your Ghent travel guide ].
Evening: Farewell dinner in the centre
For a final evening, come back to the Grand Place as the sun goes down — the square is floodlit at night and looks completely different to the morning. Have dinner at one of the traditional Belgian brasseries on the surrounding streets (avoid the ones directly on the Grand Place — they’re overpriced). Order carbonnade à la flamande (beer-braised beef), waterzooi (a Flemish stew), or just a simple steak with perfect Belgian fries.
Brussels Tourist Map:
I’ve collected all major tourist destinations of Brussels in a map, so you can use it as your ultimate Brussels Travel Guide. Don’t forget to save the map for later use!
Brussels City Quarters
- Pentagon
The Brussels Pentagon (or in dutch “Vijfhoek”) is the historical city centre of Brussels, within the contours of the old city walls of Brussels which is now the inner ring road. The Pentagon consist out of the following Quarters:- Central Quarter
The Central Quarter is Brussels heart of tourism, where you can find must-see destinations such as The Brussels Grand Place, Manneke Pis, The Royal Galleries, Brussels Stock Exchange and Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. - The Royal Quarter
The name says it all, at the Royal Quarter you’ll find the Royal Palace facing Brussels Park. Other must-see’s are Mont Des Arts, Place du Musée/Museumplein, Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Academy Palace. - Sablon / Zavel Quarter
This Brussels Quarter is home to the Egmont Palace and Royal Conservatory. The quarter is known for it’s antique markets and art dealers amongst other luxurious shops. - Marolles / Marollen Quarter
The Marolles/Marollen is the most authenthic Brussels quarter, with a daily flea market, that’s been held since 1873. One of the must sees is the Palace of Justice, that’s been under renovation for decades. - Midi Lemonnier / Lemonnier Zuidwijk Quarter
The quarter where Brussels Midi / Brussels South station is located. The neighborhood is sometimes also referred to as the Stalingrad Quarter.
- Central Quarter
- Eastern Quarters
- European Quarter
Located east of the Pentagon, this quarter hosts several European Institutions. - Squares Quarter
This Brussels Quarter is named after what is has most: Squares.
- European Quarter
- Northern Quarters
- Laeken
Laeken is home to the Palace of Laeken where the Belgian Royal Family resides. The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken are open for visit. The Heysel/Heizel area is the former site of the World Fair in 1938 and 1958 and contains the King Baudouin Stadion, Bruparck, the Atomium and Mini-Europe.
- Mutsaard
Often referred to as the Pagoda-Quarter or Japanese Tower Quarter due to it’s Museums of the Far East. - Nederoverheembeek
- Haren
Home of NATO’s headquarters
- Laeken
