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Brussels Travel Guide

TripSavvy / Gautier Houba

Brussels is the Capital of Belgium and the European Union. A majority of the Brussels metropolitan area's 1.8 million inhabitants speak French, but Brussels is historically Dutch-speaking.

Although Brussels dates from the 19th Century, most of Brussels old town was destroyed for new construction between 1880 and 1980, so very little of the old city is preserved. The Grand Place-Grote Markt is the exception, and it's the tourist center of Brussels.

But potential tourists should not despair, Brussels has an extraordinary number of interesting museums, restaurants, and galleries to visit.

Brussels is prone to rain all year round, but storms tend to be short. Summer is ideal when city folks leave for vacation and high temperatures average just over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the Cheap

Larger cities in Europe may be expensive on the surface but offer many opportunities for cheap amusement. See Brussels on the Cheap for some travel tips for budget travelers. You'll find cheap eats, free museums and museum days, and even suggestions for cheap dates.

Train Stations

Brussels has three train stations, Brussels Nord, Brussels Centrale and Brussels Midi.

• Brussels Nord , as the name implies, is to the north of Brussels. It is the least convenient station to get to the city center.
• Brussels Centrale is in the center of Brussels, and thus far more convenient for tourists. It is surrounded by hostels and hotels. Trains depart from Brussels Centrale for all the other cities of Belgium.
• Brussels Midi is in the south of the city, and is the busiest train station, hosting not only intercity trains but international high-speed trains like the Eurostar and Thalys. It is about an hour and a half travel time to Paris from Brussels and an hour and 50 minutes to London on the high-speed trains from Brussels Midi. Hotels near the Gare du Midi (book Direct)

Brussels Airport is located about 14 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center. Major hubs associated with Brussels are London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam . Find out how to get from the airport to Brussels with our Brussels Airport Transportation Guide .

Where to Stay

Traditionalists may wish to book a user-rated Brussels Hotels (book direct). To get closer to the culture you're staying within, you might wish to rent a vacation rental.

Brussels has many self-catering accommodations, from small apartments to sprawling villas for large families and groups. Self-catering can save money by renting hotel rooms, especially for families. HomeAway lists almost 50 vacation rentals in Brussels (book direct).

What to See and Do

Brussels Tours - for travelers who don't want to discover Brussels on their own, try these tours whose themes range from gourmet food to chocolate to beer to day trips around Brussels.

One of the top attractions in Brussels is the Atomium , a representation of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times built as a temporary exhibit for Expo '58. The atom is composed of 9 spheres, 6 of them open to visitors and connected by escalators. There's a good view from the top sphere, which serves as a restaurant. A recent renovation has turned one of the spheres into a " Kids' sphere hotel."

Brussels is loaded with museums, and Thursdays night those museums are open late with special events, interactive activities, and tours. To prepare yourself, you might want to check out Museum Talks, where you can hear short talks in many different languages (including English) on particular exhibits found in Brussels museums.

A Brussels Card offers good discounts on museums and events in Brussels, plus free access to public transportation and a 25% discount to the Atomium. You can buy the card online in French, but it might be better to wait and purchase one at a Tourist office on the Grand Place, at midi train station or on the Mont des Arts.

The Mont des Arts , the "Art Town in the City" offers gardens and a profusion of museums, theaters, and historic buildings. Its position between the upper and lower town has made it a favorite view spot, especially at sunset.

The top art museums in Brussels are The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium ( Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts ). 2011 is not the time to visit, as they will be closed most of the year for renovation.

Lovers of music and the instruments that have produced it over the years will like the Museum of Musical Instruments ( Musee des Instruments de Musique--or MiM ) in the center of Brussels. You get some headphones at the entrance of the Art nouveau building to hear the musical instruments you're standing in front of, which include instruments from all over the world. Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2 Brussels.

Also popular with visitors is the Belgian Comic Strip Center located in the Art Nouveau Waucquez Warehouse and open every day except Monday.

The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken can only be visited in a two-week period of April-May when most flowers housed in the 18th century greenhouses are in bloom. The information page will tell you the planned dates for the current year.

Not only can you visit the Brussels Gueuze Museum at the Cantillon Brewery (Gueuze is a type of lambic beer) but they've mapped a historic walking tour in PDF form you can take to get to the museum. Download and print Brussels is definitely worth a gueuze before you go.​

Peeing Statues

Need a short walk after your beer? You can take an itinerary that includes Brussel's three peeing statues.

One of the most famed attractions in  Brussels  is Manneken Pis, literally "Little Man Pee," which is a bronze statue of a little boy peeing into a fountain. Its origins are unclear, but sculptor Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder's fame has reached around the globe. Today, it is a bona fide symbol of the city. But did you know there are two other "peeing" sculptures?

The second one is Jeanneke Pis, a girl equivalent made in 1987. Some call it gender equality; some may find it offensive--while to most others, it stands as another example of Belgians' sense of humor.

And the third peeing sculpture is the canine Zinneke Pis. This easy-to-overlook sidewalk sculpture at Rue de Chartreux 31 shows... well, a dog peeing.

Free Museums

Brussels, home of Art Nouveau, has great museums that chronicle Belgium's present and past. A number of public museums open their doors for free on first Wednesday of each month, from 1 pm. Some of the participating venues are:

• Place Royale 1, 1000 Bruxelles
• A museum dedicated to showing the surrealist master's works.
• 29, rue Vautier, 1000 Bruxelles
• A research museum with collections that encompass natural science as well as anthropology.
• 3, rue de la Régence, 1000 Bruxelles
• A royal collection of ancient and modern art.
• 2 rue Montagne de la Cour - 1000 Bruxelles
• A modest museum of musical instruments, with a stunning view from its rooftop cafe.
• Boulevard du Midi - 1000 Bruxelles
• The 14th-century city gate has an interactive exhibition about life in medieval Brussels

Yes, Brussels will accommodate them. Free Mussels for the little tykes? Yup.

Brussels Day Trips

A short drive or train ride north brings you to the town of Mechelen, then further north to Antwerp.

Brussels Cuisine

Enjoy Belgium's famous fries in a  frietkot . Brussels offers many sauces or dips as an alternative to ketchup and plain mayo. Waffles also are popular and inexpensive.

Belgian beer--Lambic is Brussels' regional brew, fermented from the wild yeasts of the Senne valley. Try Brussels' famous Rabbit cooked in beer; beer cookery is renowned in Belgium.

Try the Rue des Bouchers for your shellfish craving, especially for  Moules , the famous mussels of Brussels.

Buying Chocolate in Brussels

While  luxury chocolate boutiques  like  Pierre Marcolini  may seem pricey, they are certainly much more affordable here than in other cities. So despite their prices, they can be good deals. (But resist the temptation to stock up on them--good truffles contain no preservatives, and therefore only last a few weeks.)

Those of us who want to save should beeline to a  supermarket . You'll taste that a Belgian brand found in a grocery store still trumps what passes as chocolate in most other countries. A generic Delhaize supermarket baking chocolate is superb. And at €3, jars of chocolate spreads make great, affordable gifts. Try homegrown names like  Newtree  and  Leonidas .

Godiva , while marketed as luxury overseas, is another solid everyday product in Belgium .

A word of caution, however: Stay far away from souvenir shops and their "discounted" boxes of inferior chocolate. You won't see a local buying them. For connoisseurs and die-hard fans, Brussels also offers the Museum of Cocoa & Chocolate at Rue del Tete d'Or 90-11.

Wittamer  place du Grand Sablon has a cafe where you might try some of Belgium's famous chocolate in a hot chocolate.

Cheap Eats in Brussels

• Fritland - Let's clear up one thing. The French may have been unfairly credited, but it's really the Belgians who invented the culinary perfection that is  frites . And they know how to make fries like no other. In the heart of (touristy) Brussels, you'll find this excellent  frietkot , or fries stand, that serves fries in all shapes. Try the mayo, not ketchup, as it is the choice condiment in Belgium.
• Noordzee / Mer du Nord - A fishmonger in trendy St. Catherine also serves seafood that is grilled, poached, fried or however the cook's whimsy inspired him. It's super crowded--for a good reason. Grab one of the outside tables where you stand, and dine with a fashionable crowd.
• Chaochow City - If you want to eat very cheaply, go straight to this Chinese restaurant. In the shopfront looking out to the bustling sidewalk, diners choose from a respectable selection of dishes. Daily specials are as low as €3.50 for lunch and €5.20 for dinner. And before you dismiss it as a poor fast food substitute, watch the busloads of Chinese tourists coming in to eat here as well.
• Mr. Falafel - Really good falafels prepared right before your eyes for €4--but that's not the end of it. After you get your falafels, you fix your sandwich at the salad bar yourself. Load up on the fixings and sauce as much (and often) as you want. It's a steal.
• Msemen at a food stall - Brussels has a sizable North African population, and you have to look no further than the bustling Gare du Midi market to see the proof. Follow the comforting smell of cooking oil and mint tea, and you'll find a popular stall serving Msemen, or stuffed Moroccan crepe. A huge portion goes for €2.50.

Cheap Nightlife in Brussels

• Cinematek - The royal film museum, known as Cinematek, is one of the largest film archives in Europe. It shows a roster of classics and world cinema--for €3 a pop.
• Cinema Nova - Another great art house movie theater also stocks a selection of uncommon brews--so you can kick back with a bottle of obscure beer and watch an even more obscure film. €5 for a film.
• Bonnefooi - The "music cafe" bar is a live concert venue with an eclectic lineup. Most often there's no cover. The crowd is also mixed and lively. It's a great place to enjoy live music and meet people.
• De Markten - This "cultural center" has a diverse program of concerts and theater performances, as well as children-friendly shows. There's also a cafe with a good, affordable selection of food.

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More related articles.

Planning to visit Brussels? We can help you! At introducingbrussels.com, you will find updated information about the top attractions , where to stay , or the best places to eat and drink .

Brussels Travel Guide

• General Information
• Things to Do
• Getting to Brussels
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• Two Day Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Brussels the first things you'll want to read about are the city’s top attractions, where to stay, and the general prices of hotels and restaurants, among other useful information . To make it as easy as possible for you, Civitatis offers you this travel guide to Brussels and the country's nearby cities so you make the most of your holidays.

Why visit Brussels?

You'd like to discover Brussels because you want to try the best chocolate and beer in the world  because you’ve found a very cheap plane ticket, you’ve heard great things about the city, you're a fan of moules-frites (mussels and chips) or simply because you have always wanted to see the city’s most important symbol: The Manneken Piss .

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and is also considered the principal city of the European Union. It has all the characteristics of a metropolis, but at the same time is a small tranquil city. It has extremely modern neighborhoods that contrast with its renowned Art Deco buildings, and the streets of Brussels are packed with charm and history and make for a great getaway.

Any excuse is good to organize a holiday in Brussels , whether it be for 2 days, a week or longer. This city offers good food, interesting museums, and a selection of offbeat attractions, which will not leave you indifferent.

How to organize your trip?

Organizing your travel in advance is key to making the most of your holiday in Belgium's capital . We recommend reading first a little about the city’s history and reading our article on the most frequently asked questions about Brussels , such as travel advice, the languages spoken in Belgium, and its healthcare system. Followed by discovering Brussels’ top attractions and museums .   

Book the hotel in advance!

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend you visit our search engine where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed . You can get up to 75% off the price you would pay directly at the hotel.

• Hotels in Brussels – Book online for the best rates guaranteed.

top activities

Bruges and Ghent Day Trip On this Bruges and Ghent day trip from Brussels , we'll visit these two great jewels of Belgium. Two must-see cities for any traveller!

Luxembourg and Dinant Full-Day Trip Set off on a day trip to Luxembourg, one of the less-known cities of Europe and on your way back to Brussels stopping at Les Ardennes and the city of Dinant.

Bruges Day Trip Known as “The Venice of the North”, Bruges is one of the most picturesque medieval towns in Europe. Explore it with an English-speaking guide.

Brussels Free Walking Tour Join us on a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of Brussels . Let's explore its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique cultural treasures .

Antwerp Day Trip Enjoy a trip from Brussels to Antwerp: The Diamond Capital of the World, and join a guided tour of this trendy medieval city and hometown of Peter Paul Rubens.

Day Trip to Antwerp and Ghent On this day trip from Brussels you'll get to see two of the most beautiful cities in the Belgian region of Flanders: Antwerp and Ghent .

Luxembourg Day Trip Discover the contrasts between the abundant history and modern business centre with this Luxembourg Day Trip. Visit the vibrant city with 170 nationalities.

Choco Story Brussels Learn about the history of cocoa at Choco Story, the Chocolate Museum in Brussels. The ticket also includes a tasting of the museum's irresistible products.

Ghent Day Trip Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ghent & its historic center on this day trip from Brussels accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Brussels Hop On Hop Off Bus The Brussels Hop On Hop Off Bus  is the best option for getting to know the main sights around the Belgian capital in a comfortable and entertaining way.

Amsterdam Day Trip Travel from to Amsterdam on a 12-hour day trip and explore the city’s canals and tilted houses accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide.

Brussels Card The Brussels Card offers free admission to 49 museums in Brussels, as well as discounts for numerous guided tours, attractions, restaurants, stores and bars!  

Alternative Brussels Free Walking Tour Forget about chocolate, waffles and beer and set off on an alternative tour of Brussels where you will discover what makes the capital of Belgium truly unique .

Brussels Pub Crawl If you want to  go out partying in the Belgian Capital  don't miss this  Pub Crawl in Brussels . You'll meet loads of people and have lots of fun!

Brussels Open-Top Bus Tour Discover Brussels' most iconic landmarks  and areas on this panoramic tour of the city aboard a comfortable open-top bus ! 

Art Nouveau Free Guided Tour At the end of the 19th century , a movement emerged that perfectly combined these materials. Be captivated by modernism in Brussels with Art Nouveau Guided Tour .

Belgian Chocolate & Beer Tasting Tour Sweeten your visit to the Belgian capital on this chocolate & beer tour of Brussels, which includes a tasting of 3 cocoa products & 3 beverages.

Private City Tour of Brussels Book our private guided tour of Brussels and discover the best of the capital of the European Union with an expert English-speaking guide . You'll love it!

Belgian Chocolate Workshop at Choco Story Become a master chef for a day & learn how to make  Belgian chocolates with the help of a professional chocolate maker with this workshop in Brussels.

Mini-Europe Ticket Discover fabulous miniatures of the most famous monuments in Europe when you buy this ticket for the amazing Mini-Europe Park in Brussels .

Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Hard Rock Café Enjoy American-style music and delicious food with the Hard Rock Cafe Lunch or Dinner. Have fun at the restaurant in the Belgian capital at the Grand Place.

Belgian Beer Tour Embark on a fascinating  tour of Brussels , where we'll delve into the captivating world of beer , exploring the art of brewing that makes Belgian beer  so great!

Art Nouveau Pass With the Art Nouveau Pass , you can visit 3 Art Nouveau buildings in Brussels - the undisputed capital of Art Nouveau architecture.

Private Tour: Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp Surrender to the charm of Belgium's three most beautiful cities: Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp on a private tour from Brussels with an English-speaking guide.

Flanders Fields Tour Join us and explore  one of the most  important scenes from the First World War in Belgium on this  tour to Flanders Fields in Brussels .

Train World Ticket Do you want to discover the history of the oldest train network in Europe ? Book your ticket for the Train World museum and travel back in time.

Historic Brussels: The Origins of the City Adventure Quest On this  Historical  Brussels: The Origins of the City   Adventure Quest , you'll solve riddles and follow clues while touring the city. Discover Brussels' secrets!

Belgian Lunch or Dinner at Restaurant Bouillon If you want to delight in an  authentic Belgian meal , don't miss this  lunch or dinner at Restaurant Bouillon , a traditional brasserie in Brussels.

Belgian Beer World Ticket If you're in Brussels, don't miss the chance to uncover the secrets of Belgian brewing traditions with a ticket to Belgian Beer World . Plus, enjoy a tasting!

Brussels Chocolate, Beer and French Fries Tour Experience an authentic gourmet experience on our chocolate, beer and french fries tour in Brussels. Enjoy some of the best treats Belgium has to offer.

On this excursion to Keukenhof and Delft , we'll travel to the Netherlands to enjoy the colorful Dutch spring and see sprawling fields of beautiful tulips.

Brussels Christmas Bus Tour Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season on this Christmas Bus Tour through Brussels , turning the Belgian capital into a winter wonderland!

Free Tour of the European Quarter In this free tour of the European Quarter , we'll visit one of the most elegant areas in Brussels . Join us to discover the contrasts in the Belgian capital.

Brussels Comic Tour Belgium is spelled with a b for "bandé dessinée ", the French word for Ninth Art . In this comic tour of Brussels  we'll see various urban vignettes .

Introducingbeussels.com has been created for travelers like you, by travelers like you, based on personal experiences. We'll try to help you to plan your trip as comprehensively as possible, saving money and getting to know some of the little tricks to get the most out of your time.

The information contained in this guide has been updated in July 2024 . If you see any errors or anything which should be changed, we would be happy to hear from you .

Brussels printable map of top tourist attractions & city travel guide

Brussels city centre free travel guide - top 10 must-see sights & best destinations - brussels top tourist attractions map.

Maps of best attractions in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels maps will guide you to the best destinations in the city. The easiest way to get around the centre of Brussels is to walk, but to get from one side of the centre to the other, or to reach some of the outlying attractions, you'll need to use public transport. Central Brussels is well served by trams which encircle the old town. However, the tiny streets are often pedestrianized, and usually the quickest and most enjoyable means of transport for short distances is on foot. Otherwise metro stations are well placed. Brussels city center is small enough that walking is a viable option. The best solution is to use our maps to plan a combination of walking tours and trips on an excellent public transportation. Beyond the center, public transportation is a virtual necessity. Brussels top sights and key landmarks to visit are plotted on our detailed city plans. Public transportation points are also marked, and indicated by the symbols listed in the maps key. Armed with these maps, you should be able to find the accurate location of must-see places. Mapping out a trip to explore Brussels can be far from the usual. This page includes a range of maps and plans which will help you make the most of your visit to Brussels. If you are either a first-time tourist looking for the top 10 must-do sights or if you are returning to Brussels to discover something new - all you need to ensure an enjoyable trip is some advance planning. For some help in narrowing down the options, we present you with a range of high resolution maps which will help you find the detailed locations of the must-see sights - just click on a selected map to access a large version that can be downloaded and printed, or saved onto your mobile device. When in Brussels, you can also get free pocket-size maps of the city from the tourist information centres.

Brussels, Belgium Lower Town city center free printable interactive visitor's detailed guide map download for tourists showing inner city old town, must-see sights, sightseeing places of interest, public transport metro stations & tram stops plan - Brussels top tourist attractions map

You can view, download or print a full, high resolution (detailed, large) version of this image by clicking on the plan itself

Central Brussels Upper Town free to download offline popout English detailed guide map showing metro stations, historical streets, buildings, parks, best museums, art galleries, churches, shopping, tourist information, EU inner city centre top attractions - What to see, where to go, directions to interesting things to do - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Royal Quarter (Bruxelles Quartier) interactive downloadable tourist guide for visitors map showing Royal Palace & Place - Printable detailed interactive virtual guide map showing must-see places - Travel layout English guide free download - Offline map showing attractions & places to visit - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Map of Brussels metro, tram & bus - Public transport network showing subway, underground, tube, tram - Light rail stations, zones, railway routes, stops, updated transit diagram, suburban train, Airport - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Brussels top tourist attractions map, railway train stations, tourist information centre free interactive printable detailed visitor's guide with street names, must-see destinations, best points of interest, Grand-Place, - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Brussels metropolitan area top highlights guide map in English - High quality large scale printable sightseeing map with list of points of interest - Itinerary planner with navigation directions to best sights, landmarks, travel sites - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Hop-on hop-off bus map of Brussels city sightseeing tour for tourists - Visitor's 3d virtual interactive information plan with main points of interest, museums, landmarks - Double decker open top couch visitors' plan showing tour routes - Bird's eye graphical overview of the city trip highlights - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Detailed Upper Town street map of Brussels, Belgium - Free to download & print travel guide of city center, public transport metro stations, locations of major attractions, tourist information office, great historic spots, best must-see sights - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Brussels central district neighourhoods orientation map showing city centre, EU quarter, European Parliament - Free to download interactive map of directions to interesting sights, simple & easy to navigate diagram showing holiday top points of interest - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Central Brussels, Belgium city centre Lower & Upper Town detailed pop up map of must-see attractions, restaurants, hotel accommodation - Free to download street & road names detailed hd map - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Brussels city centre Grand Place map with hotels, restaurants, old town square district area neighbourhood, Hotel de Ville, Manneken Pis - Brussels old city centre top attractions - Historic centre printable sightseeing map with the list of points of interest in old town district area neighbourhood - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Upper Town city map of Brussels, Belgium showing 1-day trip travel locations to visit, must-see tourist attractions, famous destinations, must-do spots & landmark destinations - Download the free virtual explorer plan showing interesting sites & hot spots worth visiting - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Lower Town attractions showing areas West, North & South of the Grand-Place - Visitor's detailed virtual printable guide to download - Old town and inner city center walking tour guide itinerary planner map with favourite attractions & points of interest to visit by tourists - Brussels top tourist attractions map

EU Quarter & Parc du Cinquantenaire virtual interactive 3d aerial satellite detailed view map showing orientation & navigation directions map showing European Parliament - Brussels top tourist attractions map

St Gilles map of attractions, Gare du Midi train station, hotels restaurants - Walking tour guide itinerary planner showing layout of best things to do - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Brussels city center offline 3d interactive guide jpg map of main streets, sightseeing downtown attractions, metro & main train stations - Interactive walking trip downloadable itinerary planner to print & guide map showing best destinations to visit - Central district area outline layout map of best locations - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Brussels EU quarter buildings map - European Parliament institutions district area, city-break historical places to visit - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Greater Brussels metropolitan area free to download printable detailed guide map showing nearby attractions, road to airport, Atomium, cities, main neighbourhoods - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Brussels location on the map of Belgium, Europe - Brussels top tourist attractions map

Map of top 10 attractions in Brussels

The typical top ten attractions are listed below. You can find the detailed locations of these places on the maps above.

• Grand Place (Grote Markt) - Quite simply the most theatrical medieval square in Europe, with a magnificent array of gabled guild houses and a spectacular town hall. The geographical, historical & commercial heart of the city, the Grand Place is the first port of call for most visitors to Brussels. It is quite simply one of the most uniformly beautiful enclosed city squares in the world. This bustling cobblestone square remains the civic centre, centuries after its creation, and offers the finest surviving example in one area of Belgium's ornate 17th-century architecture. Open-air markets took place on or near this site as early as the 11th century, but by the end of the 14th century Brussels' town hall, the Hotel de Ville, was built, and city traders added individual guildhouses in a medley of styles.
• Hotel de Ville - From the south side of the Grand-Place, the newly scrubbed and polished Hotel de Ville, or town hall, dominates proceedings, its 96-metre spire soaring high above two long series of robust windows, whose straight lines are mitigated by fancy tracery, striking gargoyles, solid statuettes and an arcaded gallery.
• St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral - Although more than a little plain to look at, both outside and inside, compared to the generally extravagantly decorated run of Gothic cathedrals, St-Michel's, dedicated to the city's patron St. Michael, and to St. Gudula, has much to commend it.
• Manneken-Pis - The centuries-old fountain- statue of a small boy making water with a 'what-a-clever-boyam- I' look on his face, has become a much-loved symbol of the city.
• Our Lady of the Chapel (Notre-Dame de la Chapelle) - This Romanesque-Gothic church is interesting both historically and architecturally.
• Place Royale - Brussels royal square stands at the meeting point of rue de la Regence and rue Royale, two streets that hold many of the city's premier attractions.
• Royal Palace (Palais Royal) - The King's Palace, today is used for state receptions.
• Belgian Comic Strip Center (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinee) - A Victor Horta–designed department store hosts this temple to Belgian and international cartoons. Pride of place goes, naturally, to Herge's beloved Tintin.
• Parc de Bruxelles - Opposite the Palais Royal, the Parc de Bruxelles is the most central of the city's larger parks, along whose tree-shaded footpaths civil servants and office workers stroll at lunchtime, or race to catch the Metro in the evenings.
• Royal Fine Arts Museum (Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts) - Brussels' major gallery covers everything from early Flemish painting to surrealist master Magritte, who has his own dedicated gallery. Don't miss Bruegel's Fall of Icarus. A few metres from place Royale, at the start of rue de la Regence, the Musees Royaux des Beaux Arts comprises two interconnected museums, one displaying modern art from the nineteenth century onwards, the other older works. Brueghel, Rubens, Van Dyke, Magritte – this splendid collection takes the visitor on a tour of some of the greatest names in art.
• Musical Instrument Museum (MIM, Musee des Instruments de Musique) - Newly rehoused in a magnificent Art Nouveau building, the 'MIM' contains thousands of instruments – ancient, modern, ethnic and just plain wacky.
• Horta Museum (Musee Horta) - Victor Horta was the original Art Nouveau architect; his own house was the perfect expression of his art – down to the last doorknob. The building is now preserved as a shrine to Art Nouveau.
• Parc du Cinquantenaire - The EU district boasts the spacious and leafy Parc du Cinquantenaire, ringed by impressive museums including a military museum and one dedicated solely to cars. The Golden Jubilee Park has extensive gardens which at their heart have a triumphal arch topped by a bronze four-horse chariot sculpture, representing Brabant Raising the National Flag.
• Sablon District - The Sablon district anchors the southern end of the Upper Town and in its midst is place du Petit Sablon, a small rectangular area which was laid out as a public garden in 1890 after previous use as a horse market.
• Place du Grand Sablon - The Upper Town's most elegant square, perfect for hanging out on a summer's afternoon.
• Place du Jeu de Balle Page - Not as cheap as it once was, but still what a flea market should be, full of delectable old junk.
• Atomium - Stand Under the Seven Giant Spheres of the Atomium and hope that none of the giant spheres of this colossal representation of an iron atom will fall on your head.
• Other popular attractions worth visiting include: Musee Gueuze, Maison du Roi, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural Sciences, Mini Europe, Autoworld, Planète Chocolat (chocolatier factory) tour, Bourse (Stock Exchange).

What are some interesting facts about Brussels?

Tourist information centre - The city tourist office is Brussels International Tourism, at the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall). You can pick up visitor's guides and maps here. This includes a fairly detailed street map of the inner city, with the main tourist attractions marked.

Getting around - Central Brussels is well served by trams which encircle the old town. However, the tiny streets are often pedestrianized, and usually the quickest and most enjoyable means of transport for short distances is on foot. Otherwise metro stations are well placed. Brussels city center is small enough that walking is a viable option, but it's not that small and traffic can be heavy and frantic, adding up to a tiring experience. The best solution if you have several days is to slice your time into segments for walking tours. Otherwise, a combination of walking and using the excellent public transportation is best. Beyond the center, public transportation is a virtual necessity.

Public transport - Detailed maps of the integrated transit network - Metro (subway ), tram (streetcar), and bus - are available free from the tourist information office.

Orientation - The centre of Brussels is contained within a clearly defined shape called the Pentagon. Nowadays this outline is formed by a busy ring road called the Petite Ceinture. The road follows the path of the old city walls, a huge 14th-century construction 9 km (6 miles) long. Few traces of the walls have survived, but one old city gate, the Porte de Hal, still stands, and gives a fair indication of just how massive the fortifications must have been. Most of historic Brussels is contained within these bounds, including both the commercial and popular districts of the Lower Town, and the aristocratic quarter of the Upper Town, which includes the Royal Palace. The result is that Brussels is still a very compact city. You can walk right across the Pentagon in about half an hour. As well as monuments and cultural gems, you will find a concentration of excellent places to stay and eat, good shops, and vibrant cafes and bars.

City layout - Brussels is flat in its center and western reaches, where the now-vanished River Senne once flowed. To the east a range of low hills rises to the upper city, which is crowned by the Royal Palace and has some of the city's most affluent residential and prestigious business and shopping districts. The Grand-Place (Grote Markt in Dutch) stands at the very heart of Brussels, and is both a starting point and reference point for most visitors. An excellent railway network runs almost directly through the middle of the city, with Gare du Nord (Noord Station) just across the northern rim of the Petite Ceinture, Gare Centrale (Centraal Station) in the city center not far from the Grand-Place, and Gare du Midi (Zuidstation) near the southern rim.

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BELGIUM , DESTINATIONS , EUROPE

My perfect day in brussels: itinerary & self-guided walking tour.

Belgium’s capital is not just about beer, waffles and chocolate. But that’s not a bad start.

By spending just one day in Brussels you will be able to soak up its UNESCO-listed architecture and the vitality for which this cosmopolitan city is famous. Make every minute count with this 1-day Brussels itinerary which includes the very best things to do in the so-called capital of Europe.

To help you along your way, I’ve included a map with directions which you can use as a Brussels self-guided walking tour. Brussels is known as Brussel in Flemish; the city is known as Bruxelles in French.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Is One Day in Brussels Enough?

One day in Brussels is enough time to hit its highlights. These are scattered across a relatively small area and are clearly signposted. This is a walkable city.

However, if you are interested in visiting the city’s museums or the Atomium, or want to explore its famous Art Nouveau architecture, I recommend spending two or three days here.

Brussels is one of the best bases from which to explore Belgium by train.

1-Day Brussels Itinerary (Map + Self-Guided Walking Tour)

Whether you are visiting Brussels on a day trip or staying overnight, this itinerary will give you the jump start that you need. Simply tweak it according to your interests and available time.

To help you on your way, I have custom-made a map of the route that this Brussels itinerary follows. It covers a distance of three miles and includes stops for you to sample the food and drink for which this city is known.

Think of this as a free Brussels self-guided walking tour . For an interactive map with walking directions, or to send to your phone, click here or on the image.

BREAKFAST AT CHARLI

Start your day in Brussels with a tasty breakfast at Charli . This excellent bakery has a few seats to linger over your brioche and coffee and is inexpensive.

Address : Rue Sainte-Catherine 34

MANNEKIN PIS

Begin your Brussels sightseeing tour with the city’s mascot but manage your expectations.

Protected by a wrought-iron fence, this is a teeny weeny statue of a pissing urchin in a sort of shrine. Many origin tales and myths swirl around this little fella, but the most popular one posits that he was cast in the 17 th Century to embody the irreverent spirit of the city.

Address: Rue de l’Etuve 31

THE GRAND PLACE

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Europe’s most magnificent squares. The Grand Place was the hub of commercial life in the emerging city from the 12 th Century and became Brussels’ civil and political centre from the 15 th Century.

But what are those magnificent buildings lining the Grand Place?

With its 96m spire rising above the Grand Place like an exclamation mark, the Hôtel de Ville dominates the square. Much of the north side of the Grand Place is occupied by the 19 th Century Maison de Roi.

The west side of the plaza is home to the city’s gable-roofed guildhouses . On the eastern side of the Grand Place, the existing guildhouses have been subsumed into one façade.

BELGIAN WAFFLES AT AUX GAUFRES DE BRUXELLES

Are you ready for the best waffle of your life? Then grab a pavement table at Aux Gaufres De Bruxelles.

I recommend the Belgian waffle with strawberries, whipped cream and chocolate.

Address: Rue Marché aux Herbes 113

What about the Bourse?

La Bourse (Brussels Stock Exchange) frequently pops up on lists of things to see in Brussels. However, it has been undergoing renovation since 2020 and was shrouded in scaffolding when I visited in 2023. There are plans for it to reopen as a museum of Belgian beer.

MONT DES ARTS

Mont des Arts links the Lower Town and Upper Town of Brussels.

Literally meaning Hill of the Arts after a planned art museum that was never built, an imposing equestrian statue of King Albert I graces its lower end. From here, a landscaped garden and stone staircase lead to a terrace in the Upper Town.

Linger here for a few minutes to take in the views.

CATHEDRAL OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GUDULA

Known simply as St. Gudula by locals, this magnificent Gothic cathedral is dedicated jointly to St. Michael the Archangel and St. Gudula. Begun in 1215, this place of worship was 300 years in the making.

It’s safe to say that it is more striking on the outside than on the inside. However, it is worth venturing inside to take a peek at the wonderful stained glass windows and its elaborate carved oak pulpit. This depicts the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden as the Virgin Mary and some cherubs helpfully stamp on the head of a serpent dragon.

Entrance is free.

ROYAL PALACE OF BRUSSELS

The large but uninspiring Royal Palace is the official residence of the Belgian royal family. At its core, the Palais Royal is a clumsy conversion of 18 th Century townhouses.

If you are visiting Brussels between July and September, you will be able to see inside the palace (entry is free). If you are not in town during these months, by all accounts you are not missing much.

COUNDENBERG PALACE

Concealed beneath the 18 th Century Hôtel Bellevue are the remains of the Coudenberg Palace .

Staring life as a fortified castle in the Middle Ages, it kept a careful watch over Brussels from Coudenberg Hill. Over 600 years it was transformed into one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. 

After a devastating fire in 173, it lay forgotten underground. The charred ruins of the palace were pulled down and the ground levelled for the construction of the new royal district.

Today, the remains of the Palais du Coudenberg have been extensively excavated and can be reached from the Musée BELvue.

PLACE DU PETIT SABLON

The small but perfectly formed Place du Petit Sablon is a delightful refuge from the busy city. Formerly a horse market, it was laid out as a public garden in 1890.

Take a closer look at the wrought-iron balustrade surrounding the garden. This is embellished with 48 bronze statuettes that represent the medieval guilds.

At the rear of the park, there are ten statues, illustrating life in 16th Century Belgium through its scholars and humanists (most of these will not be familiar to most people).

CHURCH OF THE BLESSED LADY OF SABLON

Also known as the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon or Notre Dame du Sablon, this 15 th Century church began life as a chapel for the guild of archers in 1304. However, its fortunes changed for the better in 1348 when a statue of Mary, said to possess healing powers, was brought from Antwerp. This humble chapel became a pilgrimage centre and was transformed into a proper church to accommodate its visitors.

And that statue of Mary? The Protestants chopped it up for firewood in 1565 but two carvings of a boat with passengers and its sacred cargo tell its story.

ROYAL GALLERY OF SAINT HUBERT (GALERIES ROYALES SAINT-HUBERT)

I’m not a big shopaholic but not even I would skip the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert.

Featuring magnificent glass-vaulted galleries – du Rio, de la Reine and des Princes – this has to be one of Europe’s finest indoor shopping arcades. Dating from 1847, it is certainly one of the first.

It’s a lovely place to stop for a coffee or a Belgian beer.

DINNER ON RUE DES BOUCHERS

But perhaps it’s time for something a little more substantial. If that’s the case, then you are in luck.

Rues de Bouchers, which slices the Hubert Galleries in two, is Brussels’ best-known restaurant ghetto. The touristy restaurants are a little hit-and-miss but I had a very good meal at Aux Armes de Bruxelles , which had been recommended by my hotel.

When to Visit Brussels

The best time to visit Brussels is between March and May, and in September and October. Accommodation will be cheaper and there is less chance of rain.   Visit Brussels in summer and you can look forward to warmer days and nights and more festivals. But you can also expect a lot more visitors.   Although winter in Belgium can be grey and dreary, the twinkling lights and mulled wine of Brussels’ Christmas markets will lift your spirits. 

How to Get There

Brussels not only has an international airport, but it is also a terminus for Eurostar trains from London. This means that Brussels is an excellent day trip from London .

Thanks to its excellent train connections, Brussels is hard to beat as a base for a Belgium vacation.

If it is your first time in Brussels, its train stations can be confusing.

Brussels Midi / Brussels Sud /  Zuidstation

This gloomy station in a gloomy part of town is the main international hub, including that for Eurostar trains. To be avoided whenever possible.

Brussels Centrale / Gare Central / Brussel Centraal

As its name suggests, this is the most central of the city’s stations. This is not a place where you would like to linger but it is convenient.

Brussels Nord / Gare du Nord / Noordstation

Although many trains will pass through here, it’s unlikely that you will use this station as a departure point.

Most flights to Belgium’s capital land at Brussels International Airport, 14 km northeast of the city centre. From here, regular trains run to the city’s three main railway stations.

Budget airlines may land at Brussels-Charleroi airport, located 50 km south of the city centre. From here, there is a shuttle bus service to the city centre.

How to Get Around

If you stick with this Brussels itinerary, you shouldn’t need to use public transport. Many of its main attractions are scattered over a relatively compact area and are reachable on foot.

However, the user-friendly network of trams, buses and metro lines might be useful if you are staying out of the city centre or if you are visiting attractions further afield.

There is also the inevitable hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) bus service.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR HOHO BUS TICKET

Where to Stay in Brussels

Although you can visit Brussels on a day trip, I recommend booking a hotel for at least one night. This will allow you to make the most of your day and enjoy the city’s bars and restaurants in the evening when the day-trippers have departed.

Here are my recommendations:

Splurge : Hotel Le Dixseptième

I stayed at this elegant boutique hotel in the heart of the city centre. It was a remarkably peaceful refuge, considering its location, with stellar service.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK A ROOM 

Mid-range : B&B Villa 36

This small 3-star guesthouse close to Brussels City Hall has attracted fabulous reviews. Breakfast is included in the room rates.

If You Have More Than One Day in Brussels

Here are a few suggestions if you are in Brussels for two days or more.

CHOCO-STORY

Belgium is a chocoholic’s dream destination and Brussels is the birthplace of this long tradition. Visit Choco-Story to learn more about the cultivation, production and marketing of chocolate.

I visited Choco-Story as part of a mission to discover the best chocolate in Bruges and loved the interactive experience, not to mention the free samples.

Address : Rue de l’Etuve 41

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKET

Or perhaps you fancy being a little more hands-on? If so, why not join a chocolate-making workshop . Find out more here .

FONDATION BREL

This small museum close to the Grand Place celebrates the life and times of the famous gravelly-voiced Belgian singer Jacques Brel.

On the recommendation of travellers I met when visiting Ghent , I rented the museum’s excellent Jacques Brel walking tour.

Address: Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés 11

VICTOR HORTA MUSEUM

Brussels is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. This museum is housed in the former residence and studio of Victor Horta, one of the movement’s leading lights. Reservations are required.

Address: Rue Américaine 27

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS MUSEUM

Belgium’s Musical Instruments Museum is partly housed in another of Brussels’ landmark Art Nouveau buildings. Over a thousand historical and modern musical instruments are displayed in four galleries, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in the world.

Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2

COMICS ART MUSEUM BRUSSELS (BELGIAN COMIC STRIP CENTER)

The Belgians love their comics and some of the finest examples of this art form are on display in the Comics Art Museum , housed in another Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta.

Address: Rue des Sables 20

COMIC STRIP WALK

Brussels has street art with a theme. Since the early 90s, characters and authors of the Franco-Belgian comics have decorated walls in the city centre and Laeken district.

Download your comic strip walk map here .

OLD MASTERS MUSEUM

If your artistic tastes veer more towards the traditional, spend a few hours exploring the works of Flemish artists at the Old Masters Museum .

Address: Rue de la Régence 3

MAGRITTE MUSEUM

This was one of the places that I wanted to visit in Brussels but I ran out of time. It is located in Magritte’s former home and is reportedly a Surrealist extravaganza.

Address : Pl. Royale 1

THE ATOMIUM

This famous Brussels landmark, located in the northern part of the city, represents a molecule blown up 165 million times. The Atomium was built for the World Fair in 1958 and although it never became the symbol of the city as intended, it is reportedly an enjoyable excursion.

Address: Pl. de l’Atomium 1

MINI-EUROPE

Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe displays reproductions of monuments from around 80 European cities.

Address: Av. du Football 1

Is Brussels Safe for Solo Travellers?

The priority for female solo travellers is  staying safe when travelling alone . Brussels is a relatively small city and its tourist area felt relaxed with locals and visitors enjoying its attractions, bars and restaurants. There is a but though. As in many cities, petty crime, including pickpocketing, is not unusual and I found Brussels Centrale station unpleasant after dark. In recent years, there has also been the threat of terrorist attacks. As ever, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Although Brussels has a low crime rate, remain vigilant. Keep your belongings close to you and use your hotel safe to store valuables.

Ready to spend a day in Brussels?

Well, that’s a wrap! I hope that you have a wonderful day in Bruxelles.

If you have found this itinerary helpful and are planning further travel in Belgium, take a peek at my other guides (I suggest starting with this 1-week Belgium itinerary ).

Gorgeous Ghent is another terrific base for exploring the country by train. Belgium is synonymous with chocolate and Bruges is a honeypot for chocoholics .

Consider some of its lesser-touristed gems, such as Mechelen . I love Leuven , which is home to the oldest botanical garden in Belgium . Spend a day in Hasselt to sip gin at the Jenniver Museum or chase cherry blossom in Japanse Tuin Hasselt .

Happy travels!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Brussels travel blog — the fullest brussels travel guide for a great trip to brussels on a budget for the first-timers.

Brussels (or Bruxelles) is a famous city because it is not only the capital of Belgium but also of the European Union, and the headquarters of the NATO military bloc. It sounds a bit “academic” but actually traveling to Brussels you will be even more surprising because of the cultural and linguistic diversity (a majority of Belgians speak French or German) and a lot of other “specialties” are only available in this beautiful city. So, is Brussels worth visiting? Let’s discover one of the most visited destinations in Europe through our Brussels travel blog (Brussels blog, Bruxelles blog) with the fullest Brussels travel guide (Brussels city guide, Brussels visitors guide) for a wonderful trip to Brussels on a budget for the first time from how to get there, best time to visit, and top things to do… to find out the answer!

• Where to go in Brussels? — Top 12 must & best places to visit in Brussels
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• Dancing House Hotel Prague review — Once experience the masterpiece of architecture of Prague

Located between France and the Netherlands, I arrived in Brussels only 3 hours by train from Paris. With 1 to 2 days for this city in Europe travel itinerary, you should consider visit the most famous attractions in Brussels below.

Brussels visitor guide: When is the best time to visit?

Like Amsterdam, the best time to travel to Brussels is in Spring (April or May) and Summer (September or October). At this time the weather will not too cold. However, July is the hottest time of the year and is the peak tourist season. Or you can plan to visit Brussels from August 16-19, every 2 years in even-numbered years, there will be a flower carpet festival right at the Grand Place, extremely spectacular!

If you can tolerate the cold under 0 degrees C, want to experience the feeling of watching snow and Christmas in Belgium, you can travel to Brussels in the winter.

Brussels travel blog: Best places to visit and top things to do in Brussels

Grand-place de bruxelles.

Just 5 minutes walk from the central station, La Grand Place is known as a cultural center of Brussels with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes or museums, recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage world in 1998. This is the place where meetings of indigenous people took place for centuries. It is easy to understand that Grand-Place de Bruxelles is like the old town in Hanoi (Hanoi’s Old Quarter) and the names of the streets here are similar to Hanoi’s 36 streets.

First when you entering the square will see City Hall (Hôtel de Ville in French), the highest tower and also the most famous place here. From City Hall you mark the landmark to explore other buildings in this area. If Hanoi has 36 busy crowded streets, Grand Place also has 35 neighborhoods, buildings which represent cultures in different periods, can be said here with very rustic names as in Vietnam, such as avocado street, cheese street, coal street, herring street, .. they all have a common feature is the splendid and magnificence that create a huge square area of ​​cultural and commercial centers that never seen before … These buildings were built centuries ago and were restored and repaired after being destroyed by the French King Louis XIV in the 17th century attack.

Wandering around the square, watching each building you will see each building has its own unique feature. They were built in Gothic architecture style with pointed arches on top and evenly-lined doorways, looking very eye-catching. In addition to City Hall, one of Grand Place’s most popular areas is King’s House (Maison du Roi in French), the remains are Guild Houses. King’s House was formerly a 13th-century bakery, later replaced by stone buildings in the 15th century and restored to 18th century Gothic architecture. It now becomes Museum Musée de la Ville is known for costume exhibitions for “Peeing Boy” – Manneken-Pis (will be discussed below). One note is that if you get foot fatigue after walk, don’t sit on the paved stone roads at Grand Place.

Address: 1000 Brussels, Belgium Phone: +32 2 513 89 40

Museums in Brussels

Like many other cities in Europe, Brussels is also a paradise for those who love museums and art. The museum in Belgium has many unique features such as a museum of Chocolate, a museum of Manneken Pis, a museum of musical instruments, etc. On Wednesdays and the first Sunday of the months there will be some museums are open free for sightseeing, you can see the list here .

Some museums you should visit:

Musée Oldmasters Museum

Admission: €8, open for free on the first Wednesday of each month after 1pm, the museum exhibits many high-value artworks representing the artistic stages of the Flemish Baroque, Dutch Golden Age.

Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Hours: 10AM–5PM / Saturday & Sunday: 11AM–6PM / Monday: Closed Founded: 1801 Phone: +32 2 508 32 11 Url: https://www.fine-arts-museum.be/en/museums/musee-oldmasters-museum

Musical Instruments Museum – MIM

Ticket price of €8, open for free on the first Wednesday each month after 1pm, with thousands of different music and instrumental products. The Musical Museum is a collection area in four floors of display. You can spend a few hours to visit but want to know a little bit will probably take a few days.

Address: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Established: 1877 Hours: 9:30AM–5PM / Saturday & Sunday: 10AM–5PM / Monday: Closed Url: http://www.mim.be/en

Magritte Museum

Rene Magritte is one of Belgium’s most talented artists with two famous works, The Pilgrim and The Son of Man. The Rene Magritte Museum is located in northern Brussels, far from the city center a little bit. The museum shows us an overview of person and career as well as the paintings of this surrealist artist. You can get here by taking the Metro Line 6 – Pannenhuis, €8 for admission.

Address: Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Hours: 10AM–5PM / Saturday & Sunday: 11AM–6PM Founded: 2009 Phone: +32 2 508 32 11 Url: https://www.musee-magritte-museum.be/en

Choco-Story Museum (Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate)

Belgium is very famous for its chocolate, it is unclear whether Belgium is home to chocolate or not because this is still controversial, but the delicious taste and fragant of Belgian chocolate is unmistakable with famous brands such as Godiva, Guylian, and Leonidas. Here you can see, learn about the history of Chocolate, watch the workers make Chocolate, how they mix, put ingredients to the mold, .. Choco-story Museum is located at Rue de la Tête d’Or / Guldenhoofdstraat 9-11 with a few minutes’ walk from Grand Place, the entrance fee is €6.

Address: Rue de l’Etuve 41, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium Hours: 10AM–5PM Phone: +32 2 514 20 48 Url: http://choco-story-brussels.be/

MOOF – Museum Of Original Figurines

Belgium is not only known for its best Chocolate, it is also home to comics and famous cartoon characters like Smurf, Tin-tin, Lucky Luke… Here you will see a lot of lovely figurines about adorable cartoon characters, information about the history and development of animated films. The museum is located near the central station, passing Galerie Horta, the entrance fee is 10 €. And another comic book museum, Brussels Comic Book Museum, is a little further away from the center.

Address: Galerie Horta (Gare centrale, Grasmarkt Straat 116, 1000 Brussel, Belgium Hours: 10AM–6PM / Monday: Closed Phone: +32 2 207 79 92 Url: https://www.moofmuseum.be/

In addition to the above museums, Brussels also has many other museums such as Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles (Museum of the City of Brussels) displaying artifacts about the history, heritage of Brussels, Belgian Brewers Museum specializing in Belgian beer industry (ticket price € 5 ), Notre Dame Cathedral or Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon (similar Notre Dame in Paris) … If you are museum lover, you should buy Brussels Card to be able to visit 41 museums for free in the city, discounts at some other attractions. There are Brussels Card types valid within 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours corresponding to prices of € 22, € 30, € 38, details of Card information, buy online card, you see here .

Peeing Boy Statue – Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis statue is so famous that many people always think that this is the symbol of the city of Brussels. However, many people will be feeling disappointed by the statue so famous but the size is too small (only about 22 inches), not worth to be praised like that.

There are many anecdotes, legends covering the origin of this “peeing boy” statue. The most famous legend says that in 1142 when the army of lord – the two-year-boy fought against the army of the Berthouts, the soldiers took the boy into a basket and hung it on a tree to encourage them, and the boy peeing into the army of the Berthouts and thus drove them away.

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11 things to know before visiting Brussels

May 18, 2023 • 6 min read

All the tips and tricks you need for Brussels from a local in the know © Somyot Techapuwapat / Getty Images

It's been my honor and pleasure to call Brussels home for many years – the Belgian capital is a vibrant European hub that welcomes millions of visitors every year with open arms. 

However, there are some insider tips about Belgian culture, and Brussels in particular, that will make your trip go a little more smoothly. Before you throw yourself gleefully into the chocolate and beer, let me share some of my favorite local advice for new visitors to Brussels.

1. There are two Brussels and yes, it's confusing

Brussels is a city but also a region. There’s the city of Brussels proper and then 18 other towns (such as Ixelles, Anderlecht, Schaerbeek, Saint-Gilles or Molenbeek) that form the Brussels Capital Region, a component of the Belgium federal state. Each has its own mayor and regulations. Locals will use the term “Brussels” indiscriminately when talking about either the city or the region – if you're at all confused, just ask them to clarify.

2. Double check your airport

Two airports bear the name of Brussels: Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi. Brussels Airport is the older and larger one. Located in Zaventem, it’s about 20 minutes away from the city center by train. Brussels South is in Charleroi, about an hour's drive from Brussels, and it’s Belgium’s major hub for low-cost carriers.

It's pretty common for travelers to mix up the two airports, taking a train or a shuttle to the wrong one and missing their flight. When in doubt, check your booking: the IATA code for Brussels Airport is BRU and CRL is for Brussels South.

3. Ditch the car

Though the advent of remote working improved things a little, traffic is still a nightmare in Brussels – the city is in the top 15 of the most congested urban areas in Europe . Locals frequently bemoan the lack of parking spaces and the cost of garages (€22 for 1 day).

Brussels is also a Low Emission Zone, which means older vehicles are not allowed in. Getting a pass to enter the LEZ is mandatory and free. If you have to bring your vehicle, you can check if you can use it and register it on the LEZ Brussels Website .

However, the city center is very walkable and the public transport system is efficient. If you have to travel by car, a good compromise is to leave your car at a Park and Ride location . Parking is free and they are all next to a metro station – you’ll be at the Grand Place in no time!

4. Use the metro, trams and buses to explore the city

The STIB/MIVB runs almost all of the public transport in Brussels and it’s easy to get across the city, although the further from the center you go, the more difficult it gets. You’ll find ticket vending machines in the metro and main tram or bus stations. If you only need a single-ride ticket, contactless payment is available. Look for the gray validator as you enter a station or a vehicle, tap your card or your smartphone, and you’re on your way.

Most of the tourist attractions (except the Atomium ) are within a small area and can be explored on foot, so you won't really need a day pass unless you decide to visit different neighborhoods on the same day.

5. The train is a great option for getting around

One of Brussels’ best-hidden secrets is using the overground train to get around the city. With 35 train stations, it can often be faster than taking the tram or bus, especially to remote corners. However, you'll need to purchase a ticket before you board. Interestingly, the STIB/MIVB route planner doesn't account for this alternative very well, so it's best to rely on Google Maps instead.

6. Don’t plan a museum trip or fancy dinner on a Monday

Monday is a day off for many professionals (hairdressers, bakers...) and that's also the case for museums and restaurants (the latter may also be closed on Tuesdays). A few will be open but if your travel plans are focused on culture and/or gastronomy, it is better to be in Brussels during the second half of the week to have more options.

7. Everything is bilingual in Brussels

As the capital of Belgium, Brussels is officially bilingual. Everything, from road signs to advertisements, train announcements, street names and information boards is in French and Dutch, Belgium’s two main national languages (German is the third). It can be confusing if you’re not used to it. For instance, the station of Bruxelles-Midi (in French) is Brussel-Zuid (in Dutch).

My tip is: pick a language you’re more comfortable with and stick to it. Just bear in mind the two denominations for the most important places such as train stations – I’ve seen too many visitors missing their stops because of that!

On the plus side, Brussels is a multicultural city, and you should get by easily speaking English during your daily activities. It's unlikely anyone will get offended if you use it rather than one of the national languages.

8. Keep some change for the toilets

“ Madame / Monsieur Pipi ” as they are known locally, are a fixture of fast-food restaurants, stations, clubs, malls and even cinemas. They are the toilet attendants and hold the essential job of cleaning before and after you use the facilities.

You’ll find them chatting with customers, reading, knitting and doing crosswords in between rounds of cleaning. Their service is not paid for by the establishment, so you'll need to pay a small fee to use the bathroom. About 0.50 to €1 is customary, so keep some loose change in your wallet as they almost exclusively take cash. A smile and a thank you are also appreciated.

9. Always carry an umbrella or a raincoat

You’ve checked the forecast and it seems like the weather’s going to be fine during your stay in Brussels...don’t trust it. The weather here is particularly fickle and if Belgium is known for anything (apart from beer, chocolate and fries), it's rain, from an annoying little drizzle to a heavy downpour.

No Belgian would be caught dead without a retractable umbrella or raincoat in their bag “just in case”. Follow their lead and feel suitably smug when that unexpected shower begins to fall.

10. Kiss, handshake or hug?

Ah, that awkward moment! You’re in a foreign country and introductions are made. What do you do? In Brussels, where French-speaking culture is dominant, you’ll see many people kissing each other hello on the cheek, even if they’re not acquainted. COVID-19 changed that a bit but la bise is making a comeback.

Flemish culture, on the other hand, is more reserved and they'll simply shake hands or just say “Hi” to acknowledge your presence. Go with a handshake if you're at all unsure.

11. Babies, children and dogs are often welcome in bars

This is baffling to many foreigners. In the afternoon, especially at the weekend, it’s not uncommon to see whole families at a bar, with the adults enjoying their beers while the baby is asleep in a stroller and the older kids are sipping on their soft drinks and playing games.

Cafés, pubs and bars are places to socialize and for Belgians, children should not be excluded from the experience, especially since smoking is not allowed indoors. Dogs are also part of the family and are welcome too – they’ll probably get a bowl of water. 

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Unity makes Strength

Belgium, considered one of the low countries of Western Europe, should be high on anyone’s list of places to visit. That is if you crave one of the world’s ultimate experiences of sun, sea, city, history, food, fashion and fun! With its northern shore along the English Channel, its land neighbors are France, Luxemburg, Germany and the Netherlands all infusing a bit of their culture and heritage with Belgium’s. Over the centuries, Belgium has contributed so much to the Europe and the world at large. Known for its “Cities of Art,” many a master painter, sculptor and architect have come from Belgium and the museums and landscapes of the cities bear much evidence of this. What’s art without considering food? You need not break your budget in upscale restaurants to have a true gourmet experience here as all of Belgium’s regions offer some of the world’s finest cheeses, chocolates and more along every street. A country of contrasts and commerce, history and science, art and culture, coastline and hilltops…Belgium travel is full of experiences to have rather than read about.

Destination Must-See's

A perfectly preserved medieval town, Bruges is a tourist’s dream. With beautiful architecture and interesting trips through the canals you really get a feel for the atmosphere. While in the town, some popular places to visit are the main square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, the markets, museums, the “lake of love,” and mansions… and that’s just the beginning of so much more.

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. It is also the largest urban area in Belgium, comprising 19 municipalities, in addition to the seat of the French Community of Belgium and of the Flemish Community. Brussels has grown from a 10th-century fortress town founded by a descendant of Charlemagne to a sizeable city with a population of 1.2 million and a metropolitan area with a population of over 1.8 million. Since the end of the Second World War, Brussels has been a major center for international politics. Hosting principal EU institutions, the secretariat of the Benelux and the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the city has become the home of numerous international organizations, politicians, diplomats and civil servants.

Ghent is a city located in the Flemish region in the north of Belgium. During the middle Ages, Ghent became one of the largest and richest cities in northern Europe. Many indicators of Ghent’s rich history and past is evident in the architecture in the city center. The city council made the center of Ghent free of cars, so it is very easy for visitors and tourists to explore the city.

Antwerp is the most populous city in the country of Belgium. It is located on the River Scheldt, which links to the North Sea. Antwerp’s port is considered one of the biggest ports in the world. The city dates back to the 4th century. Today, it is known for being the world’s leading diamond city, with more than 70% of all diamonds traded in the city.

Destination Must-Do's

Beer (Trappist beer):

Trappist beer is brewed in Trappist monasteries in Belgium. The first beer brewed was made exclusively for monks and was described as dark and sweet. At the time it had low alcohol content and was the preferred drink over the often unsanitary drinking water. The beer was brewed and distributed as a way to raise funds. Today the beer is much stronger and is among some of the highest alcohol content in all of Europe.

Belgian cheese is part of a refined cheese selection. Some award-winning restaurants only offer Belgian cheese. They have semi-hard, hard, blue, soft, and cottage. They haven’t always been this popular for cheese but now their several hundred cheeses are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Belgian chocolate remains the gourmet standard for all chocolate. Even the Swiss copy their basic recipe from the Belgian chocolatiers. What makes Belgian chocolate so unique compared to others is the quality of ingredients and how they still make most of the chocolate by hand in small shops with original equipment.

Belgian waffles:

Originally the waffles were known as the Brussels waffles. The family trying to expand the popularity to America knew that wouldn’t sell so they changed the name to Belgian. The traditional way to serve Belgian waffles is crispy on the outside airy in the middle with freshly whipped cream and cut strawberries. Also, you are supposed to eat it with your hands.

Expert Advice

Belgium is home to two main languages, depending on where you are. Dutch is the primary language, with 60% of the population speaking it. French is right behind, and is spoken by more than 30%. You’ll see many road signs and other notices written in both of these languages.

Belgium’s medieval quaint town centers make its Christmas markets a great destination. The markets are a must because of its unique gifts, street food, and the atmosphere around the holidays. Bring home a special gift that you cannot find anywhere else.

See Belgium from a different perspective and get the best of both worlds by taking a canal tour! It is a great way to really see the fairytale cities while enjoying the pleasure of a boat trip.

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Belgium Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 25, 2024

Belgium may be small (it’s one of the smallest countries in Europe) but when it comes to things to see and do it punches well above its weight.

The country boasts over 1,000 breweries and Belgian brewers were some of the first in the world to perfect the beer-brewing process. And the country’s chocolate rivals that of Switzerland , offering decadent sweets that will have you gaining a few pounds during your visit.

On top of that, the country’s mouth-watering frites will make you look at French fries differently for the rest of your life.

And if you’re a history buff, Belgium has countless sites to keep you busy during your visit, including the famous grounds of the Battle of Waterloo, a bloody conflict in 1815 that shaped the face of modern Europe.

More often than not, Belgium gets glossed over by travelers who spend a day in Brussels, Bruges, and maybe a trip to Ghent before they travel onward. However, if you look deeper, you’ll see this country has plenty of medieval towns, historical sites, and parks worth sticking around for.

This travel guide to Belgium will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this incredible country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Belgium

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in belgium.

1. See Brussels

Brussels is the administrative center of the European Union — and an awesome city to visit. See the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts for its paintings, the magnificent Grand Place and historic Town Hall, sample amazing beer, and more. Spend a few days soaking it all in. It’s worth it!

2. Eat and drink

Though it’s a small country, Belgium has a few culinary aces up its sleeve. Waffles, chocolate, and frites shops dot every street. Beer is produced in massive quantities (there are over 1,000 breweries here, with the most famous being Delirium Cafe in Brussels, which made the Guinness Book of World Records for its selection of over 2,000 beers). Forget the health food, Belgium is a place to indulge in tasty food and hearty brews. If you want to dive even deeper, take a food tour. Discover Belgium has a variety of different food tours offered in all the major cities across the country.

3. Admire Bruges

Bruges is a city not to be missed. It’s one of the most stunning examples of medieval towns left in Europe. BE sure to check out the 14th-century town hall, the Belfry Tower, the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, its market squares, and canals. While touristy, it’s one of the best medieval towns in Europe and worth seeing up close (at least for a day).

4. Tour Ghent

Ghent is often overlooked compared with other cities in the country, but this university town is charming. To visit the city at its liveliest, come in July when the largest cultural outdoors festival in Europe — known as “Gentse Feesten” — takes place, boasting food, music, and live street entertainment. Just make sure to book your accommodation early!

5. Explore Flanders Field

Flanders was the site of half a million deaths during World War I (over 1 million people were either killed, injured, or went missing here). There are numerous military cemeteries and ‘Missing Memorials’ commemorating those of all nationalities who fell in battle (soldiers from 50 different countries fought here over the course of the war). It was also the site of the first use of poison gas in a major conflict on the Western Front. At the museum in Ypres, visitors can learn about the harsh realities of what it was like to be a soldier in the trenches. Admission is 10-13 EUR depending on which ticket option you choose.

Other Things to See and Do in Belgium

1. visit the castles.

There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world. With over 3,000 to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. The Castle of Bouillon in the Ardennes is one of the most historic as it was built in the 11th century. Other must-sees are Beersel, which was built in the 14th century and is one of the best-preserved in the country; Gravensteen, built in the 12th century and centerpiece of the 1913 World’s Fair in Ghent; the 16th-century Gaasbeek, with its lavish rooms and art collection; and 15th-century Freÿr, which is often described as a smaller Versailles.

2. Visit Waterloo

The Battle of Waterloo took place in 1815 and brought a decisive end to the Napoleonic Wars. The battle lasted a full day and involved some 200,000 combatants — tens of thousands of whom died. At the site of the famous battle, there is a memorial in the form of a statue of a lion (looking towards France) on a hill, with 226 stairs, called La Butte du Lion (Lion’s Knoll), which represents the Allied victory. There’s also a nearby visitor center where you can watch films that explain the battle and what it meant for world history (admission is 17 EUR). While here, you can also visit the Wellington Museum (admission is 5.50 EUR). It’s located in the building where Wellington spent the night before the battle and houses maps, an overview of the battle, artifacts, and more. For 23 EUR, you can get the Pass 1815, which includes admission to the Wellington Museum, Battle of Waterloo 1815 Memorial, and Napoleon’s Last Headquarters.

3. Explore Ardennes Forest

Ardennes Forest covers an area of over 11,000 square kilometers and is the place to go skiing and hiking. The area is also famous for wild game like boar and venison, smoked ham, paté, and the world-renowned Trappist beers (beer brewed by Trappist monks). Some popular hiking trails are the Vieilles-Forges Lake Loop (easy, 11 kilometers), The Hautes-Rivières-La Semoy (moderate, 13 kilometers), and Crêtes de la Meuse (hard, 14 kilometers). There are also several multi-day hikes here as well.

4. Visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Built in the 12th century, the Cathedral of Our Lady in Tournai is one of the most striking examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral has five towers reaching heights of 83 meters (272 feet), magnificent stained-glass windows. as well as paintings by Rubens and Jacob Jordaens.

5. See Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis

These two iconic sculptures can be found in Brussels and are considered by many as a ‘must see’ (there is always a group of people admiring them and taking photos). They are simple, nude male and female children’s figures that are peeing water into a fountain. The male is often dressed up in costumes (and the costumes are saved so you can view previous ones from years past). They are pretty odd tourist attractions but worth a quick photo.

6. Explore the Antwerp Zoo

Located in the center of Antwerp, this zoo is a full afternoon attraction. Open since 1843, it’s one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world (part of the 1920 Olympics was hosted here). There are several exhibits and unusual garden features to be seen, including some unique animal sculptures. Some of the wildlife here includes sloths, lizards, penguins, elephants, zebras, lions, primates, and more! It’s a great place to take the kids. Admission is 27.50 EUR in the winter and 32.50 EUR the rest of the year.

7. Sample the catch of the day

Ostend Fish Market Visserskaai is an open-air market where the Ostend fishing fleet sells their daily catch (Ostend is just 45 minutes from Ghent, located on the coast). If you’re a fan of seafood, this is an awesome place to check out to eat and take in the local flavor of life on the North Sea. There are numerous restaurants along the seafront and you are guaranteed to get a fresh meal.

8. Wander Parc du Cinquantenaire

Also known as Jubelpark, this park and museum complex opened in 1880 and covers over 74 acres. Located on the southeast side of Brussels, it’s home to the Army Museum, the AutoWorld Museum, an art museum, gardens, and more. It’s a nice place to come in the summer to relax and admire the views after you’ve done some museum hopping.

9. See the Basilique de Koekelberg

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world. In addition to its amazing architecture and impressive art deco, it offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area. Completed in 1970, the church is very close to the center of town and is free to see (just dress respectfully as it is a place of worship). Admission to climb the tower is 8 EUR.

10. Explore Antwerp

The country’s second-largest city, Antwerp offers an extraordinary variety of local food and beer for visitors to enjoy. For those interested in art, the Royal Fine Arts Museum houses the world’s best collection of the Flemish Masters’ works, including the largest group of Rubens masterpieces in existence. You can also see Brabo Fountain (a fountain with a weird sculpture of a man throwing his severed arm), the Art Nouveau Little Boat building, and the Whisperer statue (it’s a statue that lets you leave a message that someone else can listen to if they input the right code).

11. See the windmills

Belgium has a long history of using windmills, which were used for cutting wood, pumping water, and grinding grain. There are a number of historic windmills from the 18th-20th century still standing throughout the country, some of which you can visit too. Most are located near Bruges.

12. Visit the European Parliament

Founded in 1952, the EU parliament in Brussels is where all 705 members (from 27 countries) meet to debate the future of the EU. You can watch a parliamentary session in the debating chamber (known as the Hemicycle) or tour the building (with an audio guide) when parliament isn’t in session. Space is limited so book in advance (it’s free). On Mondays at 11am and 3pm, there are in-depth guided tours offered in both English and French.

For more information on specific cities in Belgium, check out these guides:

• Brussels Travel Guide
• Bruges Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Belgium

Belgium is a safe place to travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even if you’re a solo female traveler. Violent crime here is very rare, though petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Scams here are rare, but watch out for random people offering you stuff as this often is done to distract you while someone else swipes your belongings. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Belgium

Belgium has plenty of fun, social, and affordable hostels. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• KaBa Hostel (Ghent)
• Sleep Well (Brussels)
• Brussels 2Go4 Quality Hostel Grand Place (Brussels)
• easyHotel Brussels (Brussels)
• Meininger Brussels City Center (Brussels)
• Snuffel Backpackers Hostel (Bruges)
• St. Christopher’s Inn Bauhaus Hostel (Bruges)
• Lybeer Travellers’ Hostel (Bruges)
• Boomerang Hostel (Antwerp)
• Yust Antwerp (Antwerp)
• Ecohostel Andromeda (Ghent)

Belgium Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 18-35 EUR per night
• Hostel private rooms – 70-150 EUR per night
• Budget hotels – 75-150 EUR per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 50-60 EUR per night
• Airbnb apartments – 150-200 EUR per night
• Campsite – 13-17 EUR per night
• Cafe meals – 7-12 EUR
• Street food – 3-6 EUR
• Sit-down restaurants – 15-60 EUR
• Casual take-out places – 8-14 EUR
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 9 EUR
• Beer – 4-5 EUR
• Glass of wine – 4-5 EUR
• Cappuccino/latte- 3-4 EUR
• Bottled water -2 EUR
• Groceries for a week – 60-70 EUR

Belgium Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 60 eur per day.

If you’re backpacking, this budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, taking public transportation and walking everywhere, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities, such as free walking tours and visiting the markets.

Midrange – 150 EUR Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, enjoy a few drinks, eat out for some meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, rent a bike, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, taking a canal cruise, and visiting castles.

Upscale – 270 EUR Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Belgium Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Belgium is not a cheap country to visit. Accommodation is expensive and food and drinks can really add up. While it will never be the cheapest country in the world, there are a few ways to cut costs. Here are my tips on how to save money in Belgium:

Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Drink beer – This country has so many breweries (the most per capita in the world!) that beer is the cheapest form of alcohol. A beer will set you back just a few euros so if you’re going to drink, stick to beer.

Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to share and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money and have a more local experience.

Eat cheap – If you’re going to eat out, stick to things like sandwiches, kebabs, and frites. These meals cost between 5-7 EUR and are your cheapest options (unless you cook your own meals).

Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the country for cheap. It isn’t glamorous, but for tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!

Go on a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. You can find them in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!

Get a city tourist card – Local tourism offices have a tourist card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. Available in cities like Brussels and Bruges, this card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money if you’re planning to see and do a lot and you can choose between 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes.

Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe and affordable. It’s usually faster than the bus — and much more interesting!

Have an ISIC Card – To save up to 50% on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.

How to Get Around in Belgium

Public transportation – Belgium’s cities and towns have excellent public transportation. Brussels has the only metro system in the country but there are trams in all major cities. Public buses also run everywhere. Tickets cost between 2.50-3 EUR.

Most cities have transportation passes too. Brussels has a STIB-MIVB pass that provides unlimited rides for 24 hours for just 7.50 EUR. In Antwerp, you can purchase a day pass for 7 EUR. Multi-day options are also available.

Taxis – Taxis are generally quite expensive, and seeing as how you can get around on foot or by public transit, they’re not recommended. Fares start at 3 EUR but they can also start as high as 8.50 EUR in some places (like Ghent). Each kilometer starts costs between 2-2.50 EUR, depending on the city. Skip them if you can!

Train – Travel around the country by train isn’t that expensive as the country is relatively small. Brussels to Bruges via train costs about 10 EUR for the one-hour trip. Brussels to Antwerp via train costs about 6 EUR for the 45-minute ride.

You can track schedules and fares on the SNCB website. To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

A Eurail Pass, which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period, might also be a good option if you’re doing some country hopping. For more information, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Eurail passes work and can save you money.

But if you’re staying within Belgium, the SNCB also has some great value passes:

• Rail Pass Ten – This pass gives you 10 one-way trips anywhere in the country if you’re over 26 years old. The 2nd-class pass is 86 EUR, and it’s 131 EUR for the first-class pass. It’s valid for one year, and if you don’t use the whole thing, you can hand it off to someone else.
• Go Pass 10 – This is the same as the Rail Pass but for people under 26 years old. It costs 55 EUR.
• Go Unlimited – For people under 26 years old, you can get a week of unlimited travel during school holidays for 18 EUR, or a month of unlimited travel in July or August for 29 EUR.

Bus – Intercity bus tickets are often under 10 EUR for most journeys. Getting to and from most of the major airports is easy, with buses and trains readily available. Expect to pay 10 EUR (usually less) for a one-way ticket.

There are a few major bus companies servicing Belgium, including:

I recommend Flixbus for the cheapest rates and most comfortable buses. You can get from Brussels to Antwerp for as little as 4 EUR, or Brussels to Bruges for 6 EUR. Research the schedule ahead of time, however, as buses tend to not run every day. You may also need to use a service like STIB-MIVB if you’re venturing off the tourist trail.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Belgium is very safe, though not very common. HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info and tips for Belgium.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for 35 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. However, with trains and buses so cheap, I’d only rent a car here if you want to get off the beaten path. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old. To find the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Belgium

The peak travel season in Belgium is from July to August, when tourism traffic is at its highest (especially in coastal areas). It’s always warm and pleasant, with temperatures rarely going above 22°C (72°F). Rainfall increases slightly during the summer months, so bring some rain gear just in case. Expect crowds and higher prices during this period.

Personally, I think May-June and September-October are the best times to visit. In the spring, the entire countryside blossoms. Temperatures are pleasant, around 14-18°C (57-64°F), and there are fewer crowds. The same goes for autumn when the fall colors in the countryside become a photographer’s dream. Fall temperatures range from 5-19°C (41-66°F). You’ll get a lot of sunshine and better prices everywhere. Just bring a sweater and rain jacket.

The low season is during the winter, from November to March. The average daily temperature is 3°C (38°F) but it can go a lot lower than that as well. It can be very cold during these months but Belgium doesn’t get very much snow. Bruges and Ghent are particularly beautiful during this time of year and you can’t beat a mug of hot Belgian chocolate at a Christmas market!

Belgium Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Belgium Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Belgium travel and continue planning your trip:

The Best Things to Do and See in Brussels

My Step-By-Step Guide to Backpacking Europe

My 13 Favorite Hostels in Europe

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