Brussels, the official capital of Belgium and unofficial capital of Europe, stands out as the meeting point of Germanic and Romance cultures, boasting cross-cultural and modern charm. The duel official languages of French and Dutch give every street and place two names, and English is also widely spoken, thanks to the European Parliament and other organizations stationed here that make it an international political center. The ornate guildhalls lining the classic Grand Place stand as city centerpiece and showcase, but the Atomium also warrants a visit, a bizarre building of steel spheres created for the 1958 World's Fair that now functions as a museum featuring a prize view over the city. With Belgium seemingly locked in a confectionery competition with the Swiss, a Brussels chocolate tour delivers insight into how the industry grew here and, of course, involves plenty of samples. Visitors can continue tasting their way through town well into the evening with a beer tour, where the rich monastic heritage of Belgian beer bubbles up from the glass. Beyond the capital, Ghent and Bruges make for easy day trips, both charming towns packed with medieval architecture within just over an hour’s drive. The city's central location also makes it easy to go further out for trips to the Flemish countryside and historic battlefields, or into neighboring Luxembourg or Amsterdam (each just over two hours away).
The weather in Brussels is notoriously rainy and cool. The summers tend to get less rainfall and a good amount of sunshine, particularly in the warmest, driest months of July and August. If you want easygoing weather and fewer crowds, visit in September or early October, when it’s still relatively pleasant out and a little less rainy than winter or spring.
The best way to get around Brussels is by public transit, and there’s an extensive network of metros, trams, buses, and local trains connecting all areas of the city and its surrounding suburbs. There’s also a boat service—Waterbus—that travels up and down the river between Vilvoorde Centrum and Place Sainctelette. If you plan to stick to sightseeing, the local hop-on hop-off bus is a convenient option and you can reserve tickets in advance.
If you like your beer served up with plenty of atmosphere, head over to Au Bon Vieux Temps, a tiny but beautiful pub set at the back of a narrow alley. This historic pub allegedly opened its doors back in 1695, and the interior decor does much to confirm this claim. Decor highlights include an elegantly carved wooden bar, beamed ceilings, and tons of stained glass.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +32 | Language(s) French | Attractions 49 | Tours 414 | Reviews 16,176 |
Brussels is known for its food and drink—particularly beer, chocolate, fries, and waffles—and for the large number of international organizations based there, including NATO and the European Commission. It’s also famous for its varied architecture, especially around the city’s central square, the Grand Place.
...MoreBelgium has many famous attractions, from historic battle sites to stately old buildings. Four famous ones are the canals of the medieval city of Bruges, buildings of the Grand Place in Brussels, World War I battlefields of Flanders, and Jan Van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece at St. Bavo's Cathedral.
...MoreBelgium gets a lot of rain, so many of the more popular things to do in the country involve spending time indoors (think visiting museums and hanging out in cozy brewpubs). When the weather is pleasant, however, people head outdoors to spend time at local beaches and parks.
...MoreYes. While Brussels merits more than a day, it's compact enough that you can easily do a lot in just one day. If you want to hit up all the main sights in just one day, you're probably best off joining a sightseeing tour, either by bus or bicycle.
...MoreYes. Many people in Brussels speak fluent English, which can partially be attributed to the presence of large international organizations (notably the EU and NATO). While Brussels is in the Flemish part of Belgium, French is more commonly used than the Flemish Dutch language that dominates in the surrounding region.
...MoreBrussels has all sorts of special features, from beautiful old buildings to an abundance of chocolatiers. You'll also find plenty of alley bars—tiny pubs tucked away in old alleys. While beer and liquor are the main draw at most of these establishments, some also serve up fantastic food.
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