Destination Travel Guide

Travel to Brussels, Belgium

Capital of Europe

About Brussels

Getting to Brussels
Things to do
Where to stay
When to Visit
Brussels Weather
Currency & Language

Brussels Travel Guide & Information

Brussels is the de facto capital city of the European Union and the largest urban area in Belgium. The city has grown from a 10th-century fortress town, founded by a descendant of Charlemagne, into a thriving metropolis of more than one million. Brussels character was shaped by French and Flemish culture; today it is home to nationalities around the world, adding a cosmopolitan flavor to its atmosphere.

Travel to Brussels, a sophisticated city with a plethora of cultures and languages reflecting its role as the crossroads for all of Europe. Flights to Brussels will give you access to a city that has plenty to see and do for travelers. Brussels' vibrant, broad-based atmosphere and multicultural beat make it a rich and exciting city to visit.

The energetic atmosphere of Brussels further enhanced by picturesque medieval streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, impressive monuments, spacious parks, cozy cafes, interesting restaurants and an active life. Brussels fits the definition of a “melting pot", yet still retains its own unique character. With a host of sights and delights to entertain, Brussels offers visitors a great deal to enjoy and build memories for a lifetime.

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Getting to Brussels

Map of Brussels

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Things to do in Brussels

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Museums:

Brussels has a multitude of museums showcasing the city’s magnificent past with its world class exhibitions and collections.

Horta Museum: is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the Belgian Art Nouveau architect, Victor Horta. In the splendid Art Nouveau interiors there is a permanent display of furniture, utensils and art objects designed by Horta and his contemporaries, as well as documents related to his life and time. The building is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The BELvue Museum: Milestones from Belgian history, the World Wars and the Royal Question, the Golden Sixties and recent reform, are some of the exhibits at The BELvue Museum. BELvue is located next to the Royal Palace in the immediate vicinity of many museums on the Mont des Arts and right across from the Warande Park. The museum, through its exhibits and collections aims at educating visitors about Brussels fascinating history.

Natural Sciences Museum of Belgium: The Museum of the Royal Institute for Natural sciences of Belgium gives a fascinating overview of natural history in Belgium and elsewhere, from the past to present day. The major attraction of the museum is its splendid collection of the so-called "Iguanadons of Bernissart". Skeletons of these dinosaurs were found in the late 19th century in the small village of Bernissart in the south of Belgium.

Prominent Attractions:

Paired with museums, there are several other attractions that are a definite “Muse See” on your visit to this premier tourist destination.

Le Sablon: The Sablon is one of the most prestigious and attractive areas in Brussels. In recent years, it has become the center of antique shops and art galleries. A lot of people also visit the daily flea market, situated at the Vossenplein/Place du Jeu de Balle in the adjacent Marolles area. Not only famous for its antiques, the Sablon offers a range of good restaurants and pleasant cafes.

Manneken Pis: Manneken Pis, also known in French as the petit Julien, is a famous Brussels landmark. It is a small bronze fountain sculpture. The statue is dressed in costume several times each week, according to a published schedule, which is posted on the railings around the fountain.

Parc du Cinquantenaire: Parc du Cinquantenaire is a large public, urban park in the easternmost part of the European Quarter in Brussels. Most buildings in the U-shaped complex, which dominates the park, were commissioned by King Leopold II, and built for the 1880 National Exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. Today the various buildings of the Cinquantenaire host three museums and a mosque.

Where to Stay in Brussels :

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Brussels is a world class tourist destination, so you’ll find numerous choice hotels, ranging from cheap hotels, 4-Star Hotels Under $99, 5-star hotels, youth hostels and extended stay hotels.

Ixelles-Elsene: Ixelles-Elsene is a large district in the South of Brussels off the Chausee D'Ixelles near the town center and close to the Bois de la Cambre. The area is home to some of the district's best shops and restaurants. Ixelles-Elsene has got some great extended stay hotels, which are ideal for travelers that plan on being in the city for a long time. The area also offers several other hotels for budget travelers.

City Center: The City Center offers several fantastic options for travelers, all conveniently located near many popular attractions and public transportation. The area also features several hotels near the Grote Markt and Grand Place. The area is home to the Sablon Square - one of the most popular attractions in Brussels. The city center also has some youth hostels.

Passport & Visa Requirements

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For US Citizens:
As per the latest travel information available to Brussels, the city is a part of the Schengen Agreement. U.S. citizens may enter Brussels for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.

* If you are traveling for any other purpose, you may need to obtain a visa.
* Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
* The 90-day period begins when you enter any of the Schengen group of countries.

For Canadian Citizens:

* A tourist visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days within a 6-month period.
* A Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Brussels.
* The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of the expected departure from the country.

This requirement applies to all travelers, regardless of age, including children.

We recommend that you check the latest travel alerts, various airlines baggage policies and travel safety tips, so that you do not miss out on any of the fun while visiting Brussels.

*Kindly note that we take the utmost care in providing you with correct information at all times. However, the passport and visa regulations are subject to change and we strongly urge you to check the requirements directly with the US passport office and, or the Canadian Passport Office before traveling.

When to visit Brussels

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Brussels experiences all four seasons of weather.

The months of May and September are high-peak travel times to this destination, primarily due to the best weather conditions.

Budget travelers can also choose to visit Brussels during the winter months of November through March. These months have fewer crowds due to the cold weather.

Planning your Visit:

High season: (May to September)

Low season: (November to March)

Brussels Weather

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Brussels experiences an oceanic climate. The city's proximity to coastal areas influences the area's climate by sending marine air masses from the Atlantic Ocean.

* The city has a high average annual rainfall and visitors can expect downpours year round.
* Temperatures range from very hot summers to incredibly cold winters, mostly smack dab in the middle of winter. Snow is possible, but not frequent.

Currency and Language:

Currency:
* The official currency of Brussels is Euros or €.
* ATMs are available throughout Brussels. Be sure to let your bank know your dates of travel and find out what the cost of cash withdraws are.

Languages:
* Brussels has two official languages: French and Flemish.
* Most people do speak some English. However, consider learning some key phrases in French before departure.

Travel Phrases to Get Around:

Good morning		Bonjour
My name is...		Je m’appelle
Thank you		Merci