How Can I Visit Brussels from the United States?

People from the United States, who wish to visit the Belgian capital of Brussels, should plan ahead and familiarize themselves with both US and Belgian visa and travel regulations. Luckily, traveling to Brussels is a fairly straightforward process, with convenient air travel options available. With some prior preparation, visiting the grand and unique city of Brussels is a safe and exciting endeavor!

Step One: Applying for a Visa

U.S. citizens, who wish to visit Brussels for less than 90 days, can do so without obtaining a visa in advance, as long as they have a valid passport. U.S. citizens will receive a stamp upon arrival in Belgium which allows them to stay in Belgium for up to 90 days.

Those who intend to travel for more than 90 days will need to apply for an extended stay visa before coming to Belgium. The Schengen Visa Info website provides information on how to apply for an extended stay Belgian visa and includes links on where to obtain this visa.

Step Two: Booking Flights

Brussels is serviced by two airports – Brussels Airport and the smaller Charleroi (Brussels South) Airport. Brussels Airport is conveniently located close to downtown Brussels and the center of this grand city. Both airports are serviced by most major airlines offering flights from U.S. airports, such as American Airlines, Delta, United and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. For those intending to travel from a major U.S. city, KLM also offers direct flights from several cities like New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and more.

Step Three: Arranging for Lodging

Brussels has a variety of lodging options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Accommodation costs in Brussels vary widely, depending on which type of lodging you prefer. The hotels can be booked from the websites of the independent hotel providers or from the travel websites such as Expedia or Booking.com, where special offers can often be found.

Step Four: Registration with the Belgian Immigration Office

Visitors who stay in Belgium for longer than 3 months must register with the local Belgian immigration office (Immigration Office in Brussels) within 8 days of entering the country. The registration process includes providing copies of your passport, proof of address and a copy of your employment or study contract (if applicable). Once you have registered, you will be provided with a certificate of registration allowing you to stay in Belgium for up to one year without any additional administrative actions.

Final Considerations

If you are intending to travel to Brussels on a budget, there are various options available for cutting down on your expenses; for example you can purchase public transport season tickets for passengers using public transportation frequently during their stay. Additionally, there are various discounts available for visitors tourist attractions and various public transportation tickets around Belgium and in Brussels.

In conclusion, visiting Brussels from the United States is simple and straightforward process with plenty of support available to make your travel plans better organized and significantly more cost effective. With some basic research and prior planning you can enjoy a convenient and exciting trip to this grand European capital!

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Brussels

Looking for a city to explore that has it all? Look no further than Brussels – a vibrant city that offers amazing attractions, unique culinary experiences, a rich cultural heritage, and captivating history. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or an art lover, Brussels has something for everyone. In this insider’s guide, I will take you on a journey exploring Brussels, showing you hidden treasures, fun experiences, and little-known facts.

Explore Local Attractions

Brussels is a city full of well-known sites such as The Atomium, Grand Place, and Manneken Pis, but there are also hidden gems that are worth exploring. For example, have you heard of the Comic Strip Museum? The museum, located in a stunning Art Nouveau building, celebrates the history of the Belgian comic strip, including the famous Adventures of Tintin. Another hidden gem is the Sonian Forest, a beautiful and peaceful getaway from the bustling city that offers excellent walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Belgian cuisine is a rich blend of French and German influences. In Brussels, you can find everything from waffles to mussels to chocolates. For a unique dining experience, try out Rue des Bouchers – a narrow cobbled street lined with restaurants that are all known for their delicious local cuisine. One of my favorites is Aux Armes de Bruxelles, which has been serving fresh seafood and traditional Belgian dishes for over 100 years. Don’t forget to also try a local delicacy – Belgian fries – which are crispy and golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Embrace the Local Culture

Brussels has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for hosting several festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Flower Carpet, which is a biennial event held in Grand Place. The event is a visually stunning display of over a million begonias that are woven together into a tapestry covering the square. Brussels is also famous for its chocolate-making tradition, and you can explore the city’s chocolatiers through delicious chocolate tastings.

Learn About the Local History

Brussels has a long and captivating history dating back to the Roman era, and there are plenty of stories and legends to explore. Did you know that the iconic Atomium was originally built for Expo 58, a world’s fair held in Brussels in 1958? Another interesting fact is that one of the world’s most famous detectives, Hercule Poirot, was created by Agatha Christie while she was staying in Brussels. You can even take a walking tour and discover the city’s hidden history.

Try Something New

For those who want to go off the beaten path and try something new in Brussels, there are plenty of unique experiences to be had. For example, take a walking street art tour to discover the vibrant murals scattered around the city. Another unique experience is a visit to the Cantillon Brewery, where visitors can see and taste the traditional process of Lambic brewing. You can also explore the city on a vintage bike ride or even take a Segway tour for a fun and alternative way to visit the city.

Brussels is full of surprises, and this insider’s guide gives just a small taste of what this city has to offer. From hidden gems to unique culinary experiences and captivating history, Brussels is a city that never fails to impress.