Travel Guide to Brussels, Belgium
Ra's Travel Guide to Brussels
The capital of Belgium and the city referred to as the “Capital of Europe”; a complete travel guide to Brussels.
Brussels, dubbed the “Capital of Europe” for its hosting of key government programs and organizations like the European Union, boasts stunning Gothic and Baroque-style architecture. Its allure extends to its culinary delights, including delectable frites, waffles, and chocolates, enticing millions of visitors annually. Don't miss the unique charm of Mannekin Pis. Immerse yourself in this diverse, multilingual city and delve into Belgian culture with this complete travel guide to Brussels.
Getting to Brussels, Belgium: Transportation Options and Travel Tips
As the heart of Europe, Brussels offers various transportation options, including buses, planes, cars, boats, and trains, catering to different budgets. For travelers coming from afar or beyond Western Europe, flying into Brussels Airport or Brussels South Charleroi Airport is recommended. Both airports provide direct shuttles or public transportation to Gare Midi or the city center. It's important to note that budget airlines primarily operate from Brussels South Charleroi Airport, so double-check your airport when booking flights.
Brussels boasts five stations connecting it with Europe: Central Station, South Station (servicing London, Amsterdam, and Paris via Eurostar, and France via TGV high-speed rail service), North Station (to Amsterdam), Luxembourg Station (to Luxembourg), and Schuman Station (serving European institutions). While train travel may take longer, it offers scenic routes and can often be budget-friendly. Consider purchasing a Trainline pass if you plan on frequent European travel to save money.
Similarly, several bus companies, including Flixbus, provide international bus tickets to and from Brussels daily. While traveling by bus is usually the cheapest option, it can also be the longest.
Within Brussels, the Brussels Cruise Terminal, located in the Port of Brussels, serves river-cruise boats and may expand to inter-country travel in the future.
Traveling by car, whether personal or carpooling with services like BlaBlaCar, is another option. However, Brussels-Capital Region operates as a low-emission zone, prohibiting most polluting vehicles. Foreign-registered cars must be registered before entering the city, irrespective of their origin. Check the website www.lez.brussels to ensure compliance with vehicle emissions standards.
During my visit to Brussels from Eastern Europe, I flew with a budget airline, landing at Brussels South Charleroi Airport unexpectedly. Although this option was more budget-friendly, transportation to and from the airport cost around $25 round trip, which came as a surprise.
When planning travel routes, assessing costs, and considering transportation options, tools like Rome2rio are invaluable. Rome2rio offers comprehensive information, suggesting routes, possible stops, and combinations for a customized and well-informed travel experience. Visit https://www.rome2rio.com/ for more details.
Where to Stay in Brussels, Belgium?
As the capital of Belgium, Brussels is a sprawling city with diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own vibe, style, and architecture. Within these neighborhoods, you'll find a plethora of accommodation options, including hostels, hotels, Airbnbs, and opportunities for couchsurfing, catering to various preferences and budgets. Ultimately, your choice will depend on factors such as your budget, preferred activities, and desired location. To assist you in navigating the city, here are some key neighborhoods to consider:
City Center: This medieval area is home to the iconic Grand Place and serves as the focal point for tourists, boasting many major attractions nearby. However, due to its central location, accommodation prices here tend to be higher.
The Marolles: Ideal for budget travelers or those seeking a more authentic local experience.
Saint Gery: A vibrant hub known for its lively nightlife, offering a plethora of bars, pubs, and clubs.
Saint Gilles: Characterized by its youthful and trendy atmosphere, this bohemian neighborhood is popular among the city's younger population.
Ixelles: Situated slightly outside the city center but well-connected by public transport, Ixelles offers a quieter, greener, and more artistic side of Brussels. It's particularly suitable for families or those seeking respite from the urban hustle and bustle.
During my visit to Brussels, I opted to stay in a hostel located a 20-minute walk from the city center. While this provided a budget-friendly option, it was nearing an area that locals had flagged as potentially unsafe, especially for solo female travelers after dark. It's advisable to inquire about the general safety of the neighborhood upon arrival, as insights from locals may reveal nuances not commonly known among travel bloggers.
Guides to Belgium
Getting Around Brussels, Belgium
Car
Whether you’re renting a car in Brussels or bringing your own, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the city’s driving rules in advance. Brussels operates as a “30 city,” meaning the speed limit is 30 km/h on most roads, except for specific major roads where it may vary. Moreover, the entire capital is a low-emission zone, requiring all cars with foreign license plates to be registered in advance before entering the city.
Metro/Tram/Bus
Public transportation operates from 6 AM to midnight every day of the week. Schedules can be found at stops, inside stations, or on Google Maps. For short-term visitors, buses, trams, or the metro can be conveniently accessed using tap-and-pay or Apple Pay. Longer-term visitors may benefit from purchasing a MOBIB card, offering multiple trips for one price.
Waterbus
From May 1st to October 31st, public transport via the canal connects Brussels, Van Praet, and Vilvoorde. Waterbus terminals are well-integrated with other public transport options. Enjoy picturesque views of Brussels from the water while commuting.
Taxi
While public transportation is efficient, sometimes a taxi is more convenient. Lyft and Uber operate in Brussels, alongside traditional local cab companies. Reserving a cab in advance is advisable for cheaper fares. Ensure the meter is on and the price is confirmed before starting the ride. Note that a taxi from the airport to the city center typically costs around 50 euros.
Bike/Scooter
Explore Brussels at your own pace by renting bikes from Villo!, with stations located throughout the city. Scooters are also available for rent through various apps linked to credit cards. Companies such as Lime, Dott, Tier, Bolt, Voi, Poppy, Pony, Gliize, and Bodaz offer scooter rental services, with scooters scattered across the city.
Walking
Brussels is highly walkable, featuring well-lit sidewalks and numerous pedestrian zones. Whether it's early morning or late evening, many people are seen running or walking, especially as the city transitions into its vibrant nightlife scene. Major tourist attractions are conveniently clustered near each other, making it easy to explore Grand Place and other nearby destinations on foot.
What to Do in Brussels, Belgium?
Historical Walking Tour
This is one of the first things that I do whenever I arrive in a new city because it's a great way to orient yourself, learn about where you’re visiting, meet new people, and gain local insights. Additionally, no matter how long you’re visiting Brussels, the walking tours tend to hit most of the major sites that are on a tourist’s list. While there are many tours available offered by many different companies, I highly recommend opting for a free walking tour. These tours (click here) are tip-based, which means that you set the price at the end with your cash tip.
Pis Statues
Everyone focuses on Mannekin Pis, which is the main statue in Brussels, but did you know that there are two more pissing statues in the city? While the story of Mannekin Pis is interesting, as well as the many costumes that he wears throughout the year, consider visiting Het Zinneke, the pissing dog, and Jeanneke Pis, the pissing girl.
Grand Place
As the heart of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand Place holds historical significance. Originally a 12th-century market square, it underwent destruction by Louis XIV's troops in 1695. Subsequently rebuilt and renovated in the 19th century, it stands today as an architectural masterpiece, bustling with museums, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Comic Strip Murals
Brussels was the birthplace of many famous comics such as Tintin and The Smurfs. To honor this piece of Belgian culture, comic murals were added around the city, making the city like a comic book itself. Embark on a comic mural guided tour or do your own DIY version with these trail links here.
Atomium
A site that itself is a sculpture. The Atomium was designed for the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958 and it represents an iron unit cell (9 iron atoms) magnified 165 billion times. The outside architecture has become a symbol or both Belgium and Brussels and the inside is a combination of a museum and a unique light show. From inside, you can also take in aerial views of Brussels. I highly recommend getting to the Atomium early within the first two hours of its opening, otherwise, the place is swamped with crowds.
Brussels Musical Instrument Museum
Belgium is home to the creator of the saxophone. Even if you’re not a huge fan of musical instruments, the building that houses the museum has stunning architecture and a fabulous rooftop that isn’t swamped with tourists. Inside, you will learn about the evolution of musical instruments and trace their history through interactive exhibits.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
One of the oldest churches in Brussels. While this cathedral was complete in 1519, after being in construction for 300 years, there was a chapel dedicated to St. Michael in this location since the 9th century. Similar to Notre Dame, the cathedral’s two towers are built in the French Gothic style. Inside are stunning columns and Gothic and Baroque chapels with beautiful stained glass windows.
Comics Art Museum
Learn about the history and evolution of comics and their roots in Belgium. The museum consists of a collection of permanent exhibits and a few temporary exhibits that change periodically in order to bring new content to visitors. Don’t forget to stop at the reading room to check out the collection of classic comics translated into over 40 languages.
Musée-René Magritte
For the art lovers, visit The René Magritte Museum which is located in the house where the painter lived and worked for twenty-four years from 1930-1954. Today, it is the headquarters of the Belgian surrealists who meet there every week and organize events. Immerse yourself in surrealism and discover the works of this renowned Belgian artist.
The Bois de la Cambre
Escape the city bustle and immerse yourself in nature at one of Brussels's largest parks. Legend has it that a group of lost hikers discovered this verdant oasis guided by a mysterious captain. Enjoy outdoor activities or dine at one of the park's restaurants amidst lush greenery.
Brussels is an enriching journey filled with historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and culinary delights. From the majestic Grand Place to the whimsical comic strip murals, each attraction offers a unique glimpse into the city's vibrant tapestry. Whether you're strolling through medieval streets, marveling at iconic statues, or immersing yourself in world-class museums, Brussels captivates visitors with its charm and diversity. With this comprehensive travel guide to Brussels, you're equipped to embark on an unforgettable adventure, discovering the essence of this dynamic capital at every turn.
Travel Tip
Catch a glimpse of Mannekin Pis in one of his many outfits! Visit GardeRobe Mannekin Pis’s website for the complete dressing calendar.
My Playlist for Brussels, Belgium
"Formidable" by Stromae
"Ne Me Quitte Pas" by Jacques Brel
"Alors on danse" by Stromae
"Quand C'est?" by Stromae
"J'te l'dis quand même" by Patrick Bruel
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