CityTouring
City trip to Brussels
BelgiumBrussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a vibrant hub that elegantly blends rich history with modern flair. As the administrative center of the European Union, it offers a captivating mix of global culture and local charm. Visitors can explore its stunning Gothic architecture exemplified by the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate guildhalls. The city's museums, such as the Magritte Museum and the Atomium, showcase its diverse artistic heritage.
Brussels is also famed for its gastronomy; don't miss trying Belgian waffles, chocolates, and its renowned beers. Street art enthusiasts will enjoy the colorful murals of the Comic Strip Route, a nod to the city's love for bande dessinée. Modern visitors will find a cosmopolitan atmosphere with trendy neighborhoods like Saint-Géry teeming with cafes and nightlife, making this city both a cultural mecca and a contemporary urban experience.
Grand Place
Brussels' central square, known for its ornate guildhalls, vibrant flower markets, and hosting various cultural events throughout the year. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and often considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
Atomium
An iconic symbol of Brussels, the Atomium is a unique structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Visitors can explore its spheres for exhibitions and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Manneken Pis
This famous bronze statue of a little boy urinating is a quirky symbol of Brussels' irreverent humor. Located near the Grand Place, it often sports costumes during special celebrations.
Brussels is an ideal destination for travelers with a penchant for cultural exploration, art aficionados, and those interested in European politics. It's perfect for history buffs who wish to wander through museums and historical sites. Food lovers will find delight in Belgian culinary specialties, making it a must-visit for gastronomes. The city also offers an intriguing landscape for street art and comic book fans, thanks to its dedicated murals scattered across the urban landscape.
Brussels excels in offering a blend of cultural depth and metropolitan pleasures, making it a fantastic choice for weekend getaways. Business travelers often find themselves in Brussels due to its political significance, but leisure travelers seeking a melange of experience-packed urban sightseeing and cultural immersion will find it rewarding.
Best time to visit Brussels
The best time to visit Brussels is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods, the weather is mild and the city hosts various festivals, offering an energetic ambiance without the peak summer crowds.
More activities and things to see in Brussels:
Royal Palace of Brussels
Open to the public during summer, the Royal Palace is the official palace of the King of Belgium. Visitors can admire the opulent interiors and explore the surrounding Parc de Bruxelles.
Magritte Museum
Dedicated to the works of surrealist artist René Magritte, this museum showcases over 200 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, providing deep insights into his artistic genius.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
A vast public park housing impressive structures like the Triumphal Arch and various museums. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, picnic, or exploring art and history exhibitions in its galleries.
Sablon District
Known for its antique shops, galleries, and vibrant weekend markets, the Sablon District is a haven for art and history lovers. The area also offers charming cafes and historic churches.
Brussels Comic Strip Center
Celebrating Belgium's rich comic book heritage, this center features exhibitions on famous characters like Tintin and The Smurfs, appealing to comic enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Mini-Europe
A unique park featuring miniature models of famous European landmarks. It offers an educational and entertaining journey through Europe, suitable for families and travelers of all ages.
Halle Gate
The last remaining medieval city gate of Brussels, Halle Gate offers insights into the city's history. It's a museum featuring fascinating exhibits on medieval Brussels and its fortifications.
Getting around in Brussels
Brussels is a fairly walkable city with many attractions conveniently located within the central areas. The public transportation system is efficient and comprehensive, consisting of metro, trams, and buses operated by STIB/MIVB. This makes it easy to access various neighborhoods and sites. The metro is often the fastest way to cover longer distances within the city. Brussels is also cycling-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and those interested can also rent bikes via the Villo! bike-sharing program. Taxis are available, but ridesharing services like Uber are also popular. While renting a car is an option, it's not necessary because of the robust public transport system. Drivers might find parking and navigating narrow streets challenging, especially in busy areas. Overall, public transportation combined with walking or cycling is the best way to explore Brussels.
Getting to Brussels
Brussels is easily accessible by several means of transportation. Brussels Airport (BRU), located about 12 kilometers northeast of the city center, serves as the main gateway with numerous international flights. It connects directly to major cities across Europe and beyond. For train travel, Brussels is a key hub in the European network, with the Brussels-South station (Gare du Midi/Zuidstation) offering extensive connections to cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Cologne via high-speed trains such as Thalys and Eurostar. For bus travelers, companies like FlixBus operate services connecting Brussels to various destinations in Europe, often at competitive prices. These buses usually arrive at Brussels-North station. Whether flying, taking a train or a bus, Brussels is well-integrated into Europe's transportation infrastructure, making it relatively straightforward for international travelers to reach the Belgian capital.