Brussels makes for a great city break. As Belgium’s capital (and you could argue the de facto capital of Europe), this city has a unique feel with Flemish and French influences. Beyond the usual spots like Grand Place and Manneken Pis, there’s plenty more to explore. The city has a lot of museums, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, and a food scene you’ll want to dive into. Here’s our guide to everything you’ll need to know for your Brussels city break. Whether you’re just passing through for the weekend or staying longer, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy.
Brussels is located in the heart of Belgium, sitting between the Dutch-speaking Flanders region in the north and French-speaking Wallonia in the south. The euro is the currency here, and while most places take credit cards, it’s good to have some cash for smaller shops. The city is bilingual—French and Dutch are both spoken—but you’ll find that English is widely understood in tourist areas and restaurants. Brussels runs on Central European Time (CET), and the power outlets are the European-style plugs (types C and E).
The best time to visit Belgium is for most between March and May, or between September and October, when the temperatures are around a comfortable 60s to 70s°F (15-25°C). Spring is a nice time to see the parks bloom and avoid larger crowds. Summer means festivals, including the biennial Flower Carpet in August, where Grand Place is made into an elaborate floral display. Fall is also great for enjoying the changing colors of the parks and trying out seasonal dishes.
A Brussels city break isn't complete without a visit to the Grand Place © Shutterstock
Brussels is right in the center of Europe, making it easy to get to from just about anywhere. The city’s well-connected, whether you're flying, taking the train, or driving in. If you’re first time in Brussels, or in Belgium, be sure to see our Belgium travel advice.
Brussels has two main airports: Brussels Airport (BRU), located about 8 miles (13 km) northeast of the city, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), around 35 miles (56 km) south. Brussels Airport has direct train service to the city center that only takes 17 minutes, so it’s very convenient. Charleroi is mainly for budget airlines, with shuttle buses connecting it to the city. When booking, flying midweek can usually get you better rates, and it's a good idea to book 2-3 months ahead to find the best prices. It’s also worth checking both airports, since Charleroi is farther out but sometimes has cheaper flights. For more tips, see our guide to getting to Belgium.
Brussels has great rail connections if you're traveling from other cities. The Eurostar gets you to Brussels from London in just under two hours, and Thalys trains make it easy to reach Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne. The main train station, Brussels-Midi/Zuid, is the hub for most international services.
For travel within Belgium, trains are quick and frequent, with cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp all about an hour away. If you're planning to travel internationally, booking your tickets 2-3 months ahead can help you get a better deal. The Belgian Rail Pass is also a good option for multiple journeys, and if you're traveling on the weekend, there’s a 50% discount for domestic trips.
If you’re driving to your Brussels city break, it’s a great way to explore Belgium’s countryside and neighboring areas at your own pace. The city’s easy to reach from major highways, with the E40 connecting to Germany and France, and the E19 heading toward the Netherlands. Just be aware that Brussels has a Low Emission Zone, so you’ll need to register your vehicle before driving in to avoid fines.
Parking can be tricky and pricey, especially in the city center, so it might be better to park at one of the metro stations on the outskirts and take public transport into the city. While you don't really need a car once you’re in Brussels, having one is helpful if you want to explore the towns nearby.
West view of the Magritte Museum from the Rue Montagne de la cour © Shutterstock
Brussels is organized as a collection of distinct communes. The city spreads out from its medieval core, and as you move away from the center, the areas more or less start to shift from historic to modern. Here is a quick look at some of neighborhoods, but for a more detailed look, see our guide to where to stay in Brussels.
This is the center of it all, where Brussels began. The Grand Place is a stunning square, surrounded by impressive buildings like the town hall and the King's House. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for first-timers. The area is lively day and night, with attractions like Manneken Pis, the Royal Galleries, and the Museum of the City of Brussels all within walking distance. If it's your first time in Brussels, staying here puts you right in the middle of everything, which is great for seeing the top attractions. But keep in mind, it can get pretty busy.
Sablon has a more refined vibe, with its upscale cafés, antique shops, and luxury boutiques. You’ll also find the lovely Notre Dame du Sablon church here. On weekends, the Place du Grand Sablon hosts an antique market, where you can find anything from fine art to quirky vintage items. If you're into chocolate, this area has some of the best spots in the city, like Pierre Marcolini and Wittamer. It’s a quieter neighborhood than the Grand Place but still in a central location.
The Grand Place of Brussels © Shutterstock
Saint-Gilles is where you’ll see the more creative side of Brussels. Once a working-class district, it’s now a bohemian neighborhood filled with art galleries, cafés, and a laid-back vibe. The area is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, including Victor Horta’s home, which is now a museum. The main square, Parvis de Saint-Gilles, has a market and is surrounded by a mix of eateries from different cultures and is a great place to stay during your Brussels city break. It’s less touristy than the city center, so it gives you a chance to experience the more authentic, everyday side of Brussels.
Ixelles is a trendy, youthful neighborhood that’s full of energy. It’s home to stylish boutiques, great restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene. The area includes different micro-neighborhoods, such as Matongé, which has a strong African influence, and the more upscale Avenue Louise. Ixelles is particularly popular with students, and you’ll find lots of cafés and bars where you can relax or people-watch.
The weekend market at Place Flagey is one of the highlights of the area, with a mix of fresh produce, local goods, and international food stalls. Ixelles also has nice green spaces like the Ixelles ponds, as well as the Abbaye de la Cambre. It’s a good spot if you love food, with plenty of creative dining options to explore.
The European Quarter is Brussels’ international hub, home to the European Parliament and modern glass and steel buildings. This area has a more professional feel compared to other parts of the city but still has some interesting spots to check out. Luxembourg Square has a number of cafés, and Cinquantenaire Park, with its triumphal arch and museums, is nearby. The neighborhood’s international community means you’ll find a variety of European cuisines in the local restaurants. It’s a quieter, more business-oriented area, but it’s still got enough charm to make it worth a visit if you’re looking for something a little different.
Art Nouveau is a style you will likely encounter in Brussels © Shutterstock
You can spend your time during your Brussels city break by wandering through its well-known squares, checking out the museums, or discovering little local spots. There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Brussels.
The Grand Place is one of those places you won’t want to miss. This central square is surrounded by beautiful guildhalls and the impressive Gothic Town Hall. A short walk away, you’ll find Manneken Pis, a quirky statue of a boy relieving himself. It’s a fun little spot, and the statue is often dressed in different costumes, giving it some personality. If you’re looking for a great view of the city, the Atomium is the place to go.
Standing 335 feet tall, this unique silver structure was built for the 1958 World's Fair and represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer months, and it’s worth taking a walk through its grand rooms, full of chandeliers and gilded details. Although low-key, another sight the Parc du Cinquantenaire. The park has a triumphal arch, fountains, and gardens, making it perfect for a walk, picnic, or a morning jog—and visiting is one of the best things to do in Belgium.
If you like art, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts has a lot to explore, with works ranging from the 15th to the 21st century. You'll find Flemish primitive paintings by Van Eyck and Brueghel, along with modern pieces. Another must-see is the Magritte Museum, which is dedicated to the surrealist René Magritte. It has over 200 of his works, so it’s easy to get lost in his strange, dreamlike scenes, and is one of the best things to do in Belgium. For comic fans, the Belgian Comic Strip Center is a great stop. Here you’re sure to find many familiar characters, like Tintin and The Smurfs, with original sketches and interactive exhibits.
For a more local experience, the Marolles flea market is a great spot. It’s packed with vintage items and antiques, and the area itself has a real Brussels vibe. If you’re into architecture, you can take an Art Nouveau tour to see some of the city’s most famous buildings by Victor Horta. One of the highlights is the Hotel Tassel, which is considered the first Art Nouveau building in the world. The Mont des Arts viewpoint is another spot with great views. From here, you can see the Town Hall’s gothic spire and the dome of the Palace of Justice. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
Avenue Louise is where you’ll find Brussels’ luxury shopping, with international brands and Belgian designers. If you’re looking for mainstream shops, Rue Neuve is the busiest shopping street in the city, with plenty of European chains and department stores. Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is also worth a visit. It’s a 19th-century arcade with a glass roof, home to chocolatiers, jewelers, and specialty stores. It’s a nice place to wander, especially on rainy days. For a more authentic market experience, check out the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market in Marolles. It’s been around for over a century, with locals selling antiques, vintage clothes, and quirky items. Get there early.
A Brussels city break means lots of tasty beers © MisterStock/Shutterstock
When you’re in Brussels, there are a few local dishes you’ll want to try. Waffles are a given, and of course, the chocolate is hard to miss—there are plenty of places to pick up some. Frites with mayo are everywhere, and don’t skip the mussels and Belgian beer, which are both staples. For something sweet, try speculoos, the spiced shortcrust biscuits, or cuberdons, the purple cone-shaped candies. Stoemp, mashed potatoes with veggies, and carbonade flamande, a beef stew made with beer, are also worth tasting. Keep in mind, many places close on Sundays and Mondays, but lunch specials (“plat du jour”) are usually a good deal.
Place Sainte-Catherine is a great place to find seafood, especially if you’re craving moules-frites. La Belle Maraîchère is a solid choice, serving up fresh North Sea seafood. Their grey shrimp croquettes are a local favorite. Rue des Bouchers, known as "Stomach Alley," is busy and lively, with waiters calling out to passersby. It can be a bit touristy, but places like Aux Armes de Bruxelles stick to the classics, like carbonnade flamande (a beef stew made with beer) and waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew). For a more refined experience, L'Arquebuse in Place du Châtelain is worth checking out, especially if you're in the mood for seasonal Belgian-French dishes.
Rue du Bailli has become a popular spot for food lovers. Humphrey Restaurant is a good place to try creative small plates with a mix of Belgian ingredients. The street also has wine bars focusing on natural wines, which is a nice touch. If seafood is what you’re after, head to Rue de Flandre, where Mer du Nord serves fresh seafood at outdoor tables. Their fish soup and oysters are simple but tasty. De Noordzee nearby has a mix of Belgian dishes with Mediterranean influences. Over in the Ixelles, Rue Saint-Boniface is where you’ll find La Buvette, a cozy place with tasting menus made from local ingredients.
Place Flagey is a popular spot for both international street food and Belgian snacks. Flagey Frites is a must-try for fries, cooked to perfection and served with homemade sauces. On Sundays, you can find oyster vendors setting up in the market, making for a nice brunch spot. Gare du Midi Market, which is one of the largest in Europe, has everything from North African spices to fresh produce. If you’re in the mood for something unique, Tapas Locas is a hidden gem that serves Spanish-Belgian fusion small plates like bacalao croquettes. Place Jourdan is home to Maison Antoine, where you can grab some of the city’s best fries along with artisanal cheeses and fresh bread.
Place Saint-Géry is the go-to place if you want to experience Brussels' nightlife. The area has bars like Zebra Bar, where you can enjoy Belgian beers with live jazz. Mappa Mundo is another spot with a more laid-back vibe and a selection of global beers. The square stays lively well into the night.
Over in Ixelles, the nightlife is a bit more refined, with plenty of cocktail lounges and wine bars. Belga is a great spot for craft cocktails, and if you’re in the mood for something unique, try their Speculoos Old Fashioned, made with cookie-infused whiskey.
Saint-Gilles has a more diverse mix of nightlife, from casual bars serving lambic beers to places like Moeder Lambic, which has a great selection of small-batch brews. The Dansaert Quarter is ideal if you’re looking for trendy spots and underground electronic music.
Do not miss Moules while in Belgium © Shutterstock
Getting around Brussels is pretty straightforward, thanks to its well-connected public transportation system. The metro, trams, buses, and bike-sharing services make it easy to travel across the city. The historic center is compact and walkable, so you'll likely spend a lot of time on foot. Since most of the main attractions are in a concentrated area, you have plenty of transport options to choose from. Brussels also has multilingual signs and apps that give you real-time updates. If you're taking a trip beyond just Brussels, see our guide to getting around Belgium.
The metro and tram system is the backbone of Brussels' public transport, with four metro lines and plenty of tram routes. If you're visiting for a short time, the 24-hour or 72-hour passes are a good way to save money and travel as much as you want. The STIB/MIVB runs the metro, trams, and buses, and single tickets cost €2.10, while day passes are €8. You can check schedules and plan your route through the STIB/MIVB app, which has multiple languages available. The metro stations themselves have some interesting art installations, especially at Maelbeek and Stockel stations.
To avoid the crowds, try to avoid rush hour (8-9 AM and 5-6 PM). The last metro leaves around midnight, but it’s a bit earlier on Sundays.
Brussels has embraced biking and micromobility, with a number of bike-sharing options and electric scooters around the city. Villo! is the main bike-sharing system, with stations near key attractions and transport hubs. It’s easy to sign up with a bank card, and if you're just visiting, there are short-term passes that work well. There are also electric scooters available through various apps, giving you a quicker way to get around. The city’s growing network of bike lanes makes it easier to ride, though some of the cobblestone streets in the historic center can be tricky.
Brussels' historic center is compact, so walking is an ideal way to get around. A good place to start is the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s worth exploring.
From there, you can wander into charming neighborhoods like the Sablon district, where you’ll find antique shops and chocolate boutiques tucked along cobblestone streets. For a great view of the city, head to Mont des Arts, which connects the Lower Town to the museum district. Brussels is also known for its street art—if you’re into comics, follow the Comic Book Route to spot murals of famous Belgian cartoon characters.
In the summer, several central streets become pedestrianized, which creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for exploring the city’s food and beer scene.
Taxis in Brussels are easy to find but can be a bit expensive. If you want a more affordable option, consider using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Heetch. They’re often cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis, though keep in mind that surge pricing may kick in during busy times.
What could be better than trying Belgiun beer in Belgium? © Shutterstock
How many days do you need in Brussels? Three to four days is just the right amount of time to explore the city at a relaxed pace. You’ll get to see all the key sights, like the Grand Place, Atomium, and Manneken Pis, and still have time to dive into the city’s history at places like the Royal Palace and the Magritte Museum. You’ll also be able to enjoy the local food delicacies (waffles, chocolate, and beer) and maybe even squeeze in a day trip to nearby Bruges or Ghent.
This Brussels itinerary starts off at the Grand Place—it’s a central spot in Brussels and definitely worth seeing. The square is surrounded by beautiful guild houses and the 15th-century Town Hall. From there, take a walk over to Manneken Pis, a cheeky statue that’s become a symbol of the city. After that, explore the historic center, stopping by Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a charming 19th-century shopping arcade.
If you’re a chocolate fan, head to Pierre Marcolini or Mary’s for a tasting of pralines, which were first created in Brussels. In the evening, head to Mont des Arts for a good view of the city, then finish the day with dinner on Rue des Bouchers, where you can try some traditional Belgian dishes.
Spend the second day diving into Brussels’ art and architecture. Start with the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, where you can see works by Dutch masters and surrealist pieces by René Magritte. After lunch, check out the Sablon district with its antique shops and the lovely Gothic Sablon Church.
Next, head to the Horta Museum, which was once home to Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta. If you enjoy fashion, stroll down Avenue Louise for some Belgian designer boutiques like Dries Van Noten. Wrap up the day in Saint-Gilles, where you’ll find plenty of artsy spots to grab a bite.
On day three, explore Brussels’ role as the political heart of Europe. Start with the European Quarter, where you can visit the European Parliament and the European Commission headquarters. Then, take a break at Cinquantenaire Park or the nearby Botanical Garden.
For lunch, head to Place Sainte-Catherine and try a local dish—carbonade flamande (a beef stew cooked with beer) or some fresh seafood. Grab a quick snack from a frietkot (that’s a spot for fries with mayo) before heading to Brussels Beer Project or Cantillon Brewery to sample some of the local brews, like lambic or gueuze.
If you’ve got an extra day, I would recommend taking a day trip to one of Belgium’s other cities.
If you have the time, Bruges is a short day trip away © Shutterstock
In Brussels, the weather can be a bit unpredictable, with microclimates that mean it might be raining in one neighborhood while it's sunny just a few streets away. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast.
If you're visiting in August, expect many local businesses to be closed as most Belgians take their summer vacations, so the city can feel a little quieter. If you're looking to visit museums, most places have free entry on the first Wednesday or Sunday of the month. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts, for example, let you in for free after 1 pm on the first Wednesday. For picnic supplies, the Sunday market at Gare du Midi is a great spot to grab fresh bread, cheese, and produce at reasonable prices. For more tips, see our Belgium travel advice.
There are plenty of things in Brussels that kids will enjoy. Mini-Europe is a fun stop where you can see miniature versions of famous European landmarks. The Belgian Comic Strip Center brings characters like Tintin and the Smurfs to life with interactive exhibits. If your kids have a sweet tooth, the Choco-Story Brussels museum lets them join in on chocolate-making workshops.
The Museum of Natural Sciences has Europe’s largest dinosaur gallery, which is a hit with young dinosaur fans. If they need to run off some energy, head to Parc de Bruxelles or Bois de la Cambre for a playground and picnic spot. Most restaurants are kid-friendly, though it’s a good idea to eat earlier (around 6 pm), since many local families tend to dine before the usual 8 or 9 pm dinner time.
The Brussels Card (available for 24/48/72 hours) is a good deal if you plan to visit museums and use public transport—it includes both free museum entry and transport. Though, many museums also let you in for free on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month.
If you’re using public transport, a 10-journey STIB ticket (€16) is cheaper than paying for single rides. Y
You can also explore free attractions like the Grand Place, street art trails, and the views from Mont des Arts. For picnic supplies, try shopping at Delhaize or Carrefour supermarkets instead of eating out for every meal. And don’t forget that water from public fountains is safe to drink—just bring a reusable bottle and save on bottled water.
If you're planning your Brussels city break or a Belgium trip at large, our tailor-made trips can help. Our trips are created by locals who know the area inside and out, and created for you uniquely. You can customize the trip to your liking, and you'll receive support while on the road, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Whether you’re just starting to think about your plans or already have a rough itinerary in mind, we’ve got the info you need. Check out our Rough Guide to Belgium and Luxembourg for expert tips, suggestions, and practical information.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 22.03.2025
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