Where is Brussels
Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium, blends the old and the new. The city is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious chocolate, and world-renowned beers. Located in the heart of Europe, it’s easily accessible by land, sea, and air, making it a favorite destination for travelers worldwide. Medieval alleys stand side by side with modern international buildings, turning every walk into a curious and surprising discovery.
Best Time to Visit Brussels
If you’re planning a trip to Brussels, consider the weather first. The city has a temperate climate, with cold winters and pleasant summers. If you don’t enjoy chilly days, the best time to go is between May and September, when the temperatures are warmer.
However, if you want to avoid crowds and high prices, visit in April, May, September, or October. These months are outside the peak tourist season, so the city feels less crowded, and hotels and flights tend to be more affordable. We went in May and highly recommend it. We found a well-located hotel for a great price (link below). It wasn’t too cold or too crowded, which made our stay very comfortable.
Besides the weather, Brussels also offers many festivals and events throughout the year. For example, the famous Comic Strip Festival takes place in September, and the city becomes magical in December with its Christmas markets and festive decorations.
So, think about what you want to experience in Brussels, and choose the best time of year based on that!
We stayed at the Pentahotel Brussels City Centre, located next to the metro, close to many tourist attractions and restaurants.
Top Places to Visit in Brussels
Grand Place
This is Brussels’ historic center and one of the most impressive squares in Europe. Surrounded by Gothic and Baroque buildings such as the City Hall and the King’s House, its beauty is so surreal that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Visit during the day to admire the details and return at night to enjoy the magical lighting.
Manneken Pis
This bronze statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain is one of Brussels’ most beloved and irreverent symbols. Don’t miss checking out his outfits, as the statue often gets new costumes!
Atomium
Built in 1958, the Atomium represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. With nine connected metal spheres—each 18 meters in diameter—it reaches 102 meters high. Inside, you’ll find permanent and temporary exhibitions, and one sphere houses a panoramic restaurant with breathtaking city views.
Royal Palace of Brussels
Although the King of Belgium no longer lives here, the Royal Palace of Brussels remains a must-visit. In the summer, when it opens to the public, you can explore its luxurious state rooms, admire renowned artworks, and dive into Belgian royal history.
Ferris Wheel “The View”
The View Ferris wheel in Brussels is an incredible attraction that allows visitors to admire the city from a unique perspective. Standing 55 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of the city’s most famous landmarks.
But The View isn’t just for sunny days. At night, it lights up with colorful displays, creating a magical atmosphere for riders and spectators alike. It’s a perfect activity for families, couples, or friends who want to create unforgettable memories in Belgium’s capital. We went at sunset, and the view was absolutely stunning—we think that’s the best time to go!
How to Get to Brussels
By Plane
The main airport in Brussels is Brussels Airport-Zaventem, also known as Brussels International Airport or by its IATA code: BRU. It’s located about 12 kilometers northeast of the city center and is the largest in Belgium.
There’s also a second airport called Brussels South Charleroi Airport, about 50 kilometers south of the city. Its IATA code is CRL, and it’s often used by low-cost airlines.
By Car
Brussels has a well-connected road network linking it to the rest of Belgium and neighboring countries. If you decide to drive, prepare for heavy traffic and the city’s “blue zone” parking system.
By Train
The train is one of the best ways to reach the city. Brussels Central Station (Gare Centrale / Brussels-Centraal) is well connected to domestic and international destinations, including high-speed trains from Paris, London, and Amsterdam.
For buying train tickets we recommend Omio. The platform is very popular across Europe and makes it easy to compare prices and schedules from top companies. We’ve used it several times and always found good options.
By Bus
Long-distance buses arrive from many European cities at Brussels Nord Station. We came from Amsterdam with FlixBus. The trip cost €31, took 2 hours and 45 minutes, and was very comfortable. We recommend this option since the train would have taken the same time but cost more than double.
Traditional Dishes to Try
Here are some delicious foods you can’t miss when visiting Brussels:
Belgian Waffles
Brussels waffles are light, crispy on the outside, and fluffy inside. They’re usually served warm with toppings like powdered sugar, ice cream, fruits, whipped cream, or melted chocolate.
Belgian Chocolate
Belgium is world-famous for its high-quality chocolate. In Brussels, you’ll find countless chocolate shops offering pralines, truffles, and bars that look like little works of art. Some shops sell by weight, which is great because you can sample many varieties. Every piece we tried was amazing!
Belgian Fries (Frites)
Frites or Belgian Fries are thick, crispy, and often served in a paper cone with different sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup, or the traditional Andalouse sauce.
Moules-Frites
This dish combines mussels steamed with herbs and spices, served with a generous portion of fries. It’s one of the city’s signature meals. We ordered a Moules-Frites with shrimp at Ocean 11 Restaurant. It cost €34 for two people and was delicious! The traditional Moules-Frites there ranged from €20 to €25.
Carbonnade Flamande
This hearty beef stew is cooked with beer and onions, often seasoned with thyme and bay leaves. It’s the perfect comfort food for cold days.
Speculoos
These spiced cookies are traditional in Belgium and have a distinctive cinnamon flavor. They’re often ground and used as a base for pies or enjoyed with coffee.
Other Useful Tips
- Buy a Brussels Card for free access to museums and public transport.
- If you’re short on time, get the hop-on hop-off bus tour to see the highlights quickly.
- Whenever possible, walk around the city. You’ll discover stunning squares and churches that might not even be on your itinerary.
If you’re planning to travel across Europe, check out our guides:
Venice Travel Guide: What to See, When to Go & How to Visit
Milan, Italy: What to Do in 1 Day
For more travel tips, follow us on Instagram @beradatravel, where we post our adventures more often.
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