Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the heart of Europe, is an elegant city famed for its magnificent Grand Place, world class chocolate and beer, striking landmarks and rich culture. Grand yet welcoming, it delights every visitor. The best time to visit is April to June and September to October, and two days let you enjoy its squares, culture and cuisine.
Why Visit Brussels
Brussels is an elegant and cosmopolitan capital, the seat of the European Union and a city that blends grand architecture, rich history and world famous indulgences. Its crowning glory is the magnificent Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, surrounded by ornate guildhalls and a splendid town hall. Combined with striking landmarks, charming streets and a welcoming atmosphere, this grandeur makes Brussels a genuine delight to explore.
The city is famous the world over for its exquisite chocolate, its outstanding beer, its waffles and its cuisine, offering endless delicious pleasures. It also boasts fine museums, elegant arcades, quirky landmarks and a rich cultural life shaped by its role at the heart of Europe. Whether you come for the stunning Grand Place, the chocolate and beer, the culture or the cosmopolitan atmosphere, Brussels offers a grand yet thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Top Things to Do in Brussels
Brussels offers its stunning Grand Place, landmarks, arcades and culinary delights.
Admire the Grand Place
The Grand Place is the magnificent heart of Brussels and one of the most beautiful squares in the world, surrounded by ornate, gilded guildhalls, the grand Gothic town hall and elegant historic buildings. Admiring this stunning UNESCO listed square, especially when illuminated in the evening or hosting events, is an unforgettable experience. The Grand Place captures the grandeur and beauty of Brussels and is the essential starting point for any visit.
See the Landmarks
Brussels has a variety of famous landmarks, from the quirky little Manneken Pis statue to the futuristic Atomium, a giant model of an atom offering panoramic views. Exploring these iconic sights, along with grand buildings, elegant squares and the royal quarter, reveals the city’s blend of the historic, the grand and the quirky. Seeing these landmarks adds variety and character to a visit and captures the distinctive spirit of Brussels.
Stroll the Elegant Arcades
Brussels is home to beautiful covered shopping arcades, above all the elegant Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, one of the oldest and loveliest in Europe. Strolling through these graceful, glass roofed galleries, browsing the chocolate shops and boutiques and soaking up the refined atmosphere is a delight. The arcades, with their beautiful architecture and tempting shops, capture the elegant, indulgent character of the Belgian capital.
Indulge in Chocolate and Beer
Brussels is a paradise for lovers of chocolate and beer, and indulging in these world famous delights is essential. Sampling exquisite Belgian chocolates from the many chocolatiers, enjoying a tasting of the country’s outstanding and varied beers, and treating yourself to a fresh waffle are all quintessential experiences. Savouring these delicious specialities, for which Belgium is justly celebrated, is one of the great pleasures of a visit to Brussels.
Food You Must Try in Brussels
Brussels offers world famous chocolate, beer and hearty Belgian cuisine.
- Belgian chocolate, from the city’s famous chocolatiers.
- Belgian beer, with its huge variety of styles.
- Belgian waffles, fresh and delicious.
- Moules frites, mussels with fries.
- Belgian fries, the beloved crispy classic.
Brussels is a culinary delight, so be sure to indulge in exquisite Belgian chocolate, sample the country’s outstanding beers, enjoy a fresh waffle, and savour classic dishes like moules frites and crispy Belgian fries.
History and Culture
Brussels has a rich history stretching back to medieval times, growing into an important trading and cultural centre, as reflected in its magnificent Grand Place, ornate guildhalls and historic buildings. Over the centuries it developed into an elegant capital, blending Flemish and French influences that shape its bilingual and cosmopolitan character. This heritage of trade, craftsmanship and culture is visible throughout the historic heart of the city.
In modern times, Brussels has become the de facto capital of the European Union, giving it an international, cosmopolitan and diplomatic character, home to people from across the continent and beyond. Alongside this, it retains its rich traditions of art, comic strips, chocolate, beer and cuisine. This blend of grand history, cosmopolitan modernity and delicious cultural traditions gives Brussels its distinctive and appealing character as the elegant heart of Europe.
Nearby Attractions and Day Trips
Brussels is well placed for several charming Belgian day trips.
- Bruges, the beautiful and romantic medieval city.
- Ghent, a stunning historic city rich in heritage.
- Antwerp, known for its art, fashion and diamonds.
- Other Belgian towns, easily reached by train.
The beautiful medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent, both stunning and rich in heritage, make superb day trips from Brussels, while the stylish city of Antwerp is also within easy reach by train, showcasing more of Belgium’s charm.
Best Time to Visit Brussels
April to June and September to October are generally the most pleasant times to visit, with mild weather ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the squares and terraces. Summer is warm and lively, while winter is cold but atmospheric, especially around the festive season with its Christmas markets. The Grand Place occasionally hosts a spectacular flower carpet in summer. For the best balance of pleasant weather and enjoyable exploring, spring and early autumn are ideal, though Brussels rewards a visit year round.
How to Reach Brussels
Brussels is exceptionally well connected, served by an international airport and at the heart of Europe’s high speed rail network, with fast trains linking it to Paris, London, Amsterdam and beyond, as well as good connections across Belgium. Good road links also serve the city. Within Brussels, an efficient network of metro, trams and buses, along with taxis and app based cabs, makes getting around easy. The compact historic centre is also very walkable, ideal for exploring the main sights.
Where to Stay in Brussels
Brussels offers a good range of accommodation, from luxury and boutique hotels to comfortable mid range options and budget stays. Staying near the Grand Place or the central areas keeps you close to the main sights, arcades and dining, and within easy walking distance of the historic heart. Well connected areas offer good value. Choosing a well located, central stay near the Grand Place helps you make the most of a visit to this elegant and walkable capital.
Planning Your Trip
Brussels rewards a day or two for its stunning Grand Place, landmarks, arcades and culinary delights, and it makes an excellent base for day trips to Bruges and Ghent. Admire the Grand Place, both by day and illuminated at night, indulge in chocolate and beer, and explore the elegant arcades. The compact centre is easy to walk. With its grandeur, culture and delicious indulgences, and superb rail links, Brussels offers a rewarding and enjoyable city break at the heart of Europe.
Practical Travel Tips
- Admire the Grand Place both by day and illuminated at night.
- Indulge in world famous Belgian chocolate and beer.
- Stroll the elegant Galeries Royales Saint Hubert arcades.
- Take a day trip to the beautiful medieval city of Bruges.
- Explore the compact historic centre on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brussels famous for?
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and heart of Europe, is famous for its magnificent Grand Place, world class chocolate, beer and waffles, striking landmarks like the Atomium and Manneken Pis, and its role as the seat of the European Union.
How many days do you need in Brussels?
A day or two are enough to enjoy the Grand Place, landmarks, arcades and culinary delights. Brussels also makes an excellent base for day trips to the beautiful medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent.
What should you eat in Brussels?
Be sure to indulge in exquisite Belgian chocolate, sample the outstanding beers, enjoy a fresh waffle, and savour classic dishes like moules frites and crispy Belgian fries. The city is a paradise for these delicious specialities.
What is the best time to visit Brussels?
April to June and September to October offer mild weather ideal for sightseeing, though Brussels rewards a visit year round. Winter is atmospheric with Christmas markets, while summer is warm and lively with occasional special events.
How do you reach Brussels?
Brussels has an international airport and is at the heart of Europe’s high speed rail network, with fast trains to Paris, London and Amsterdam. Within the city, an efficient metro, trams and buses make getting around easy.
Final Thoughts
Brussels is an elegant and cosmopolitan capital where the stunning Grand Place, world famous chocolate and beer, and rich culture come together at the heart of Europe. Admire the magnificent gilded square, explore quirky landmarks and elegant arcades, and indulge in the city’s delicious chocolate, waffles and beer. Grand, welcoming and full of flavour, Brussels offers a refined and thoroughly enjoyable city break, blending historic beauty with cosmopolitan energy and serving as a perfect gateway to the medieval treasures of Belgium.