Holidays to Brussels
Brussels highlights
Art Nouveau
Championed by local architect Victor Horta, the Art Nouveau movement left its mark on Belgium’s capital. There are nearly 1,000 Art Nouveau buildings here so you’ll see lots of stained glass and wrought iron on your city break in Brussels. The Horta Museum is a fine example, but you’ll avoid the crowds by visiting the Maison Hannon townhouse and exhibition instead.
Mischief-makers
Belgium’s capital may be famous for its architecture, but it’s a bronze statue that really gets people talking. The peeing boy sculpture known as Manneken Pis cheekily captures the city’s rebellious spirit. Leave the tourists behind by checking out two lesser-visited tinkling statues – Jeanneke Pis (a girl) and Het Zinneke (a dog), both within a short walk from one another.
Tombstone trails
Do something spooky on a weekend break to Brussels and check out some cemeteries. Wander past overgrown tombs of famous Belgians in the eerie Dieweg Cemetery. Then descend into the underworld and explore funeral galleries in the ancient Laeken Cemetery. Back above ground, look for the tomb of art merchant Joseph Dillen – the ‘Thinker’ statue on top is an original by Rodin.
Brussels: Know before you go
| Language | French, Dutch |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | July – August |
| Low season | January – February |
Find the best time to go to Brussels
Weather in Brussels
March – May: Spring showers bring cherry blossoms and tulips. During sunny spells, walk the Comic Strip Route, where murals depict European legends like Asterix, Tintin and the Smurfs.
June – August: Summers are mild with frequent rain showers, but temperatures rarely soar above 30°C. Few buildings are equipped with air conditioning, so stay hydrated.
September – October: The parks glow auburn as the autumn chill descends on the city. It’s a great time to visit the nearby Forêt de Soignes. The former imperial hunting ground is famous for its ancient beech forest.
November – February : Winters in Brussels can dip below freezing, though it rarely snows. Stay warm by bar-hopping through the city’s world-class beer bars.
Events in Brussels
Carnival (February or March): In nearby Binch, this ancient tradition sees costumed performers throw oranges at spectators as a gesture of good luck. Quick tip: it’s considered bad luck to throw them back.
Ommegang Festival (July): Knights and nobles trot on horseback through the streets in this Renaissance-themed celebration, which remembers the original procession of 1549.
The Belgian Beer Weekend (September): Monasteries have been producing Belgium’s liquid gold for centuries. Sample the best pours at the country’s biggest beer festival.
Brussels Christmas Market (November to January): An ice rink, wooden chalets and mulled wine paint a picture-perfect scene at this festive winter event. Don’t miss choir performances in front of the 13th-century Black Tower.
The best neighbourhoods in Brussels
Pentagon
If you want to surround yourself with architectural masterpieces, the best area to stay in Brussels is the Pentagon. This central neighbourhood is where you’ll find the Royal Palace, traditional restaurants and jazzy rooftop bars. If you get lost, just look for the Town Hall tower – it’ll lead you to Grand Place where you can easily reset your journey.
Good for: Historical attractions, dining, entertainment
Quays Quarter
Tasteful changes have transformed this former port area into a lively urban district, attracting a young and artsy crowd. It’s a great launchpad for your city break in Brussels if you’re into architecture and maritime history. Canals and wharves have been turned into streets while old warehouses are now fashionable boutiques and upmarket seafood restaurants.
Good for: Galleries, restaurants, architecture
Leopold Quarter
If you like your political history, this international district is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Brussels. It’s also known as the European Quarter and all the main institutions of the EU are here, including Parliament. Stay the night in one of the city’s top business hotels and stroll over to Place du Luxembourg for trendy restaurants and bars.
Good for: Restaurants, business hotels, bars
Things to do in Brussels
Family friendly things to do
If you’re travelling with your young explorers, there are heaps of fun things to do with family in Brussels. Kids love meeting dinosaurs at the Institute of Natural Sciences while ZOO Planckendael is a great day trip for fans of more modern-day creatures. Visit Mini-Europe Park and feel like giants wandering beside scale models of famous landmarks.
Shopping
If you fancy a bit of retail therapy, the shopping in Brussels is some of the best in Europe. For luxury boutiques in a historic setting, head to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Bag a bargain at the Vieux Marche flea market in Marolles or stock up on international brand clothing at the stores on Rue Neuve.
Take in the culture
The museums in Brussels feature world-class art, heritage and even chocolate. Listen to African drums in the Musical Instrument Museum or discover a treasure trove of paintings at the Royal Museums of Fine Art. Don’t miss the chance to make pralines at Choco-Story and visit the World of Banksy to learn about the mysterious street artist.
Places to eat
While the fries and waffles are as delicious as you’d expect, restaurants in Brussels are about more than just fast food. Take your time over Flemish stews in ’T Kelderke, an Old Town eatery hidden in a cellar. Or for international favourites like Japanese sushi and spicy Syrian lamb, don’t miss the Wolf Food Market in the city centre.
Nightlife
If you like partying in unusual venues, you’ll love the clubs in Brussels. Le Botanique used to be an orangery, but now it’s known for its live music shows. Spirito is a nightclub in a church with chandeliers giving it a glamorous vibe. For something more relaxed, candlelight concerts take place in landmarks like the Planetarium and the Atomium.
Free things to do
It’s easy to find free things to do in Brussels if you know where to look. It costs nothing to admire the Grand Place architecture. For a unique view of this square, the Hard Rock Cafe’s upper floor takes some beating. If you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, the Design Museum, the Jewish Museum and the Horta Museum are free.
Get ready for Brussels
Budget
Sprawling parks, urban art and free festivals make a cheap holiday to Brussels very doable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will set you back around 20 euros (€), but street food staples like waffles keep costs low. Feeling thirsty? Find a first-rate Belgian beer for €5. And take a short taxi trip for under €12.
Day Trips from Brussels
Just northwest of Brussels, the medieval city of Bruges is torn right from the pages of a fairy tale. Explore it on a canal tour to get the full effect. Or head to Waterloo Battlefield, an hour south by train, where Napoleon’s defeat marked the end of an era. A museum animates the serene landscape with 3D displays, period uniforms and cannonballs.
Getting Around Brussels
Brussels is an easy city to navigate. You can explore the centre on foot, but for longer journeys, it’s best to use the metro, trams and buses. Download the Floya app to plan trips and buy tickets for public transport. It covers taxis too. Save money with contactless payments — paper tickets from the kiosks cost more.Car hireis only advisable if you’re heading out of the city.
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