Brussels, Belgium - Travel Guide

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, known for its grand architecture, historical sites like Grand Place, and delicious culinary scene including waffles, chocolates, and beer. It also hosts major European Union institutions.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

BruxellesBrusselBelgiumEuropeEU CapitalAtomiumGrand Place

🇧🇪 Country Information: Belgium

CapitalBrussels

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Dutch, French, German , English

Phone Code+32

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as service charges are usually included, but rounding up or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
For taxis, rounding up the fare is common
For hotel staff, a small tip for good service is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas
Bringing some cash is advisable for smaller purchases or less urban areas
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is valued, especially for appointments
Belgians can be reserved initially but are generally polite
Chewing gum in public is generally accepted, but littering it is not
Removing shoes when entering someone's home is not a universal custom but may be appreciated
When dining, keep both hands visible above the table (not in your lap)

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Belgium is very progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with legal same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits
Drug laws are strict, with possession of any illegal drugs being prohibited

Special Laws

It is generally advisable to carry identification
Littering is subject to fines

Common Phrases

Hello (Dutch)Hallo (hah-low)

Hello (French)Bonjour (bon-zhoor)

Thank you (Dutch)Dank u (dahnk oo)

Thank you (French)Merci (mehr-see)

Climate

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Floods: While not typically severe, some localized flooding can occur during periods of heavy rain, especially in late fall and winter (Oct
Feb)

Getting There

Fly into Brussels Airport (BRU)
High
speed trains (Thalys, Eurostar) connect from major European cities
Buses available from neighboring countries

Getting Around

Public transport (STIB) includes trams, buses, and metro
Villo\! bike
sharing system
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are available

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude sickness or malaria concerns
Probiotics not typically required for general travel

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major providers like Proximus, Orange Belgium, and Base support eSIM
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well

Local Cuisine

Moules-Frites must_try

This national dish consists of steamed mussels typically served in a broth made with white wine, shallots, and herbs, accompanied by a generous portio

Frites (Belgian Fries) street_food

Known worldwide, these potatoes are fried twice to achieve a fluffy interior and an extra crunchy exterior. They are traditionally served in a paper c

Liège Waffle dessert

The Liège waffle is round, moist, and doughy on the inside with a crisp, caramelized exterior due to chunks of pearl sugar baked into the batter. Thes

Carbonnade Flamande regional_speciality

A rich, slow-cooked Flemish beef and beer stew from the Flanders region, often referred to as a Belgian beef stew. The meat is tenderized by simmering

Belgian Chocolate Pralines dessert

Belgium invented the praline, and their chocolate is renowned for its high quality. These small, bite-sized chocolate confections often have a soft fi

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Atomium Ticket Attraction

Book 1–3 weeks in advance

Queues can be long, and booking in advance secures entry and saves time, especially during peak season or holidays.

High-Demand Restaurants (e.g., Bozar, Comme Chez Soi) Dining

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Top restaurants in Brussels, especially those listed in guides like 50Best, often have limited seating and book out quickly.

Fun Facts

1. Brussels is home to the world's largest chocolate selling point.
2. The Justice Palace (Palais de Justice) in Brussels is one of the largest court buildings globally, covering 26,000 square meters.
3. The city has an impressive concentration of restaurants, with 138 per square mile, and almost all of them serve a variation of french fries.
4. Brussels is often called the "Capital of Comics" and is the birthplace of famous characters like The Smurfs and Tintin.

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