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Belgium

Brussels

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About Brussels

Brussels is a compact, cosmopolitan city on a human scale, known as the capital of Europe as well as the capital of surrealism, comic books, Art Nouveau, chocolate, and beer. Its walkable city center is divided into two main areas, with the Lower Town fanning out from the iconic Grand Place, a historic square lined with exquisite guildhouses and the town hall. Beyond its culinary scene of microbreweries, chocolatiers, and famous chips, visitors can explore authentic districts such as the Marolles, which hosts a daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle. Half of the city is comprised of parks and gardens, offering a green and diverse setting where 184 nationalities live together.

When to go

Brussels is at its best for work, food, beer and easy train connections.

Brussels changes drastically across seasons, offering distinct highlights throughout the year. The shoulder month of September brings mild weather, thinner crowds, prime mussels season, and events like the Belgian Beer Weekend. In spring, visitors can enjoy blooming displays at Groot-Bijgaarden castle alongside lively gatherings such as the Zinneke Parade. The peak summer season of June to August features sunny outdoor terraces, 10pm sunsets, and festivals like Couleur Café, though tourist crowds and accommodation prices hit their highest points. Winter brings cold days but lower lodging prices outside the holiday period, alongside the Plaisirs d’Hiver market with ice skating at Place de Brouckère and lights at the Grand Place.

Where to stay

Pick a neighbourhood.

Brussels offers distinct neighbourhoods catering to every type of traveler, from historic central squares to budget student districts.

Grand Place / Historic Centre

Ideal for first-time visitors seeking central access to sights like the UNESCO World Heritage Grand-Place and beer bars, though prices are higher and streets are often crowded.

Sablon

An elegant, quiet central district known for art galleries, top chocolatiers, gothic architecture, and a weekend antiques market.

Marolles

A historic working-class neighborhood retaining local character with vintage shops, brasseries, the daily Place du Jeu de Balle flea market, and Fuse nightclub.

Saint-Gilles

A budget-friendly, artistic area southwest of the center with Art Nouveau homes, affordable international dining, and vibrant terraces around Parvis de Saint-Gilles.

Ixelles

A trendy neighborhood stretching south to Bois de La Cambre, home to diverse dining, classic cafes like Cafe Belga, and Victor Horta Art Nouveau architecture.

Châtelain

A central enclave within Ixelles featuring boutique hotels surrounded by flamboyant 19th-century Art Nouveau balconies and UNESCO-listed Victor Horta townhouses.

Saint-Géry

A central neighborhood directly adjacent to Grand Place that serves as a primary hub for nightlife and live music.

Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

Energetic, eclectic, and one of Belgium's most densely populated areas, offering a budget option for accommodation.

Things to do

The things worth planning around.

Brussels offers an array of historic squares, world-class museums, iconic comic strip murals, and unique architectural landmarks for first-time visitors.

Grand Place

This historic central square features the ornate Town Hall, the Brussels City Museum inside the Maison du Roi, and late 17th-century private guildhouses.

Belgian Beer World

Located in the renovated stock exchange building near Grand Place, this interactive venue explores beer history and features a rooftop terrace drink spot called The Beerlab.

Manneken Pis

A playful 15th-century fountain sculpture and mascot of local temperament whose wardrobe is displayed at the nearby GardeRobe MannekenPis Museum.

Comic Strip Trail

A 5km self-guided walking trail showcasing over 80 multistory street frescoes featuring iconic characters like Tintin and The Smurfs.

Magritte Museum

Situated near Place Royale as part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, this popular venue celebrates the famous Surrealist painter.

Place du Jeu de Balle

Set in the authentic Marolles district, this central square hosts a sprawling daily flea market known as the Vieux Marché.

Atomium

Originally built for the 1958 World Fair, this landmark represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and offers panoramic views from its top sphere.

Mini-Europe

Located steps from the Atomium, this park features detailed miniature models of Europe's top landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben.

Where to eat

Come hungry.

Brussels offers a diverse culinary scene featuring everything from nostalgic seafood institutions and cozy, authentic bistros to innovative fine dining experiences.

L'Écailler du Palais Royal

A Brussels seafood institution decorated with turquoise tiles and woodwork, known for briny oysters, bouillabaisse, sole meunière, and seasonal game dishes.

Selecto

Located in the Rue de Flandre neighbourhood, this bistro serves modern French fare with options like a slow-roasted shoulder of pork or set menus priced at 44 or 52 euros.

Henri

Situated on Rue de Flandre, this laid-back bistro offers dishes like mussels in pastis-flavoured sauce, beef tartare with a Thai slant, and sole meunière.

Eliane

Led by chef Kobe Desramaults, this creative establishment features an open kitchen counter, a daily changing set menu, and unique dishes like red mullet cooked on a binchotan.

Les Petits Oignons

Set in the Sablon district, this luxurious brasserie serves classic French and Mediterranean fare including calf's brains in lemon sauce, beef tagliata, and French toast.

De l'Ogenblik

A authentic brasserie with over 55 years of history located in Galerie des Princes, featuring Franco-Belgian classics like shrimp fritters, rare veal kidneys, and sole sautéed in butter.

Sole Meunière

A classic fish dish prepared in butter and featured at traditional establishments like L'Écailler du Palais Royal and De l'Ogenblik.

Shrimp Fritters

A traditional Belgian classic dish highlighted on the menu at De l'Ogenblik.

Climate

Average daily high / low (°C)
6°
1°
Jan
9°
3°
Feb
12°
4°
Mar
14°
5°
Apr
18°
9°
May
23°
13°
Jun
23°
14°
Jul
23°
15°
Aug
21°
12°
Sep
16°
10°
Oct
10°
5°
Nov
8°
3°
Dec

Climate data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0).

Ready when you are

Your version of Brussels, built around you.

Rough idea or exact dates — either works. Go Globie lines up the flights, a place to stay and a day-by-day plan.

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