Practical tips for visiting Brussels
Airports
Brussels Airport (BRU) in Zaventem is 12 kilometres north-east. Trains run to Brussels-Nord, Central and Midi in 15 to 25 minutes; the fare includes a Diabolo airport supplement. Bus 12 (or 21 at weekends) runs to the European Quarter. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), used by low-cost airlines, is about 55 kilometres away; a shuttle bus to Midi takes about an hour.
Getting around
STIB/MIVB runs the metro, trams and buses. You can tap a contactless bank card on readers to pay, with daily fare capping. The centre is walkable, though the Upper Town around the Royal Palace requires climbing; the free public lift at the Marolles connects Place Breughel de l'Ancien to the Palace of Justice. Villo! shared bikes and electric scooters are available. Trains to other Belgian cities are frequent and affordable; consider a weekend return ticket or the Rail Pass for 10 trips.
Brussels Card
The Brussels Card gives free entry to around 50 museums and discounts, with an option to add public transport. It pays off if you visit three or more museums per day. Many museums are free on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month.
Best time to visit
May to September offers the best weather, but Brussels's climate is changeable with rain possible at any time; summer temperatures are around 20 to 23°C. August brings the Flower Carpet in even years and the Ommegang pageant in early July. Winter is cool and damp, but the Winter Wonders Christmas market, the Grand-Place light show and an ice rink make December atmospheric.
Budget
Brussels is moderately expensive. Hostel beds cost €30 to €50, mid-range doubles €100 to €180 and luxury hotels €250 or more. A Belgian beer costs €4 to €7, fries €4 to €5, and a two-course lunch special €18 to €25. Chocolate prices range widely; supermarket brands such as Côte d'Or are excellent value souvenirs.
Languages
Brussels is officially bilingual, so street signs appear in both French and Dutch: Grand-Place is Grote Markt, and Midi station is Zuid. French is most commonly spoken, but English is widely understood. Using French or Dutch greetings is appreciated, though don't assume the language preference of the person you are addressing.
Safety
Brussels is generally safe for visitors, but pickpockets operate in metro stations, at Midi, Nord and Central stations, and around the Grand-Place. Some areas around Midi and the canal can feel unsafe at night; take a taxi if unsure.
Dining
Lunch is typically 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner 19:00 to 22:00. Service is included in the bill, so tipping is optional; rounding up is common. Water is not always free in restaurants. Beers are served in their own specific glasses, part of Belgian beer culture.
Shopping hours
Shops generally open 10:00 to 18:00 or 19:00, Monday to Saturday. Some centre shops open on Sundays. Many museums close on Mondays.
Brussels by tram and metro
STIB-MIVB runs the metro, trams and buses. You can tap a contactless bank card or smartphone at validators, and the system caps your daily spending at the price of a day ticket. Premetro tunnels carry trams under the city centre. Validate each time you board, including on transfers.
Train travel from Brussels
Brussels-Midi (Brussel-Zuid) is the hub for Eurostar trains to London, high-speed TGV and Eurostar services to Paris and Amsterdam, and ICE trains to Germany. Belgian domestic trains (SNCB/NMBS) are frequent and inexpensive; weekend return tickets offer discounts. Bruges and Ghent are under an hour away.
Low emission zone
The whole Brussels region is a low emission zone. Foreign-registered cars must be registered online before entering, even if they meet the standard, or they risk a fine. Parking in the centre is costly, so many visitors leave the car at a Park and Ride.
Weather and clothing
Brussels has a mild maritime climate with frequent rain at any time of year, so a compact umbrella is essential. Summer days are around 20 to 23°C, winters a few degrees above freezing.
Public holidays
Belgium's main holidays include 21 July (National Day, with a military parade and fireworks), 15 August, 1 November and 11 November. Museums and shops may follow Sunday hours on these days.
Tap water and toilets
Tap water is safe. Public toilets often charge a small fee, usually 50 cents, and attendants expect coins.
Language basics
Brussels is officially bilingual, French and Dutch, and street signs show both names, such as Rue Neuve and Nieuwstraat. French is spoken most widely in the city. A friendly bonjour or goedendag when entering a shop is appreciated, and English is widely understood in hotels and restaurants.
Sundays
Many shops close on Sundays, but markets thrive: the Midi Market near Gare du Midi is one of the largest in Europe, and the antiques market on the Sablon runs on weekend mornings.
Emergencies
Dial 112 for emergencies and 101 for police. Tap water is safe to drink.
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