Introduction: Brussels Travel Guide
Brussels is the capital and largest city in Belgium. Over 1.2 Million people are living on the 162km² city. Its official languages are Dutch and French, but English will also get by.
Brussels is a cute city and for most the entry point in Belgium. It is also the seat of the European Parliament.
The historical city is not too big, yet it is a wonderful place. Especially the main square (Grand Place).
Brussels is great for a couple of days travel and amazing to taste some of the finest Belgium chocolate.
Table of Contents
Mapping the Brussels Travel Guide
Getting there
The easiest way is to directly fly to Brussels Airport and then take a bus to the center. From there, if you are traveling within Belgium, buses and trains will be the best call of transportation.
Moving Around
To get around Brussels, public transportation is the best solution. The city has an extended network of trams, buses, and metros. But if you stay in its center, you will be able to walk to all places.
When to Visit
In Europe, this is pretty much always the same. Avoid July/August due to the summer holidays. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Brussels. But the city is open all year round. We were there in October and we still had a great time.
Where to Stay
- (€): Sleep Well Youth Hostel
- (€€): Grand Place Apartments 9
- (€€€): Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo
What to Eat
In Belgium, and Brussels there are some must-to-try food:
- Belgium Chocolates
- Belgium Fries
- Fries and Mussels (Moule Frites)
- Waffles
Top 10 Things to do in Brussels
Mont des Arts
Stroll around the hilltop urban complex and historical site of the city. This neighborhood dominates the city and include the Royal Library of Belgium, the National Archives of Belgium, the Square – Brussels Meeting Centre, and a public garden
Royal Palace of Brussels
Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels which is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians. But it is not used as a royal residence, the king and his family live in the Royal Palace of Laeken.
Brussels Park
After visiting the royal residence, head out and walk around the largest park in the city center of Brussels.
Place Sainte-Catherine
Enjoy one of the main and most beautiful squares of the city. Filled with cobble streets and near all landmarks.
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Shop, or just walk in the beautiful gallery of Brussels. There are much more than only one. By hanging around the center of the city, you will most certainly see them all.
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
As most city Europe, if not all, enter the beautiful Medieval Roman Catholic church which is considered to be one of the finest examples of Brabantine Gothic architecture.
Grand Place - Grote Markt
The heat of the city and certainly the most beautiful square of the city. There you will see a stunning architecture as well as an opulent guildhall and two larger edifices, the city’s Town Hall, and the King’s House (or Breadhouse building) containing the Brussels City Museum.
Castle of Laeken
North of the city, you can visit the official residence of the King of Belgium. It’s a impressive building and its park is composed of the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken.
Atomium
From the Park of Laeken, you can pop by the Aonium, an original landmark constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.
Bruges
Go on a daytrip the amazing and cute town of Bruges. The city is filled with canals, cobbles streets and medieval buildings.
3 days Itinerary in Brussels
Day 1
- Grand Place – Grote Markt
- Mont des Arts
- Royal Palace of Brussels
- Brussels Park
- Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
- St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
Day 2
- Castle of Laeken
- Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
- Atomium
- Place Sainte-Catherine
Day 3
- Bruges
When in Belgium chocolate calories don’t count
