Welcome to our guide on the three best city cards in Brussels! If you’re planning a trip to the capital of Belgium, a city card can be a great way to save money and get the most out of your visit. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. That’s where we come in! In this post, we’ll be sharing our top picks for city cards in Brussels, including what each one offers and how much you can expect to spend. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to explore the city’s top attractions, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
The 3 Best City Cards in Brussels
- Brussels Card: 24 48 or 72 Hour Validity
- Brussels: 49 Museums Atomium and Discounts Card
- Brussels: City Card with STIB Public Transportation
The 3 Best City Cards in Brussels
1. Brussels Card: 24 48 or 72 Hour Validity
Choose from 24, 48, or 72 hours of free access to 49 museums in Brussels with the Brussels Card. You can visit the same museum as many times as you want with this easy-to-use card. Enjoy free access to all permanent collections of the museums, and most of the temporary exhibitions are also included (except at Old Masters Museum, Natural Sciences Museum, and Cinquantenaire Museum). Benefit from discounts on tourist attractions, tours, restaurants, bars, and shops with the booklet you receive when you exchange your voucher. The discounts remain valid even after the card expires. To obtain a discount, simply present the Brussels Card and the corresponding voucher.
2. Brussels: 49 Museums Atomium and Discounts Card
The Brussels Card offers skip-the-line access to 49 museums in the city, including the Atomium, for a duration of 24, 48, or 72 hours. With savings of up to 40% compared to regular admission, visitors can explore some of the city’s must-see museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium and the Magritte Museum. In addition, cardholders can enjoy discounts on other activities such as guided tours, shopping, and dining. The card comes with a pocket guidebook, available in English, French, and Dutch, as well as a city and museum map. Activation occurs when the card is scanned for the first time at a museum or the Atomium, with no need for advance bookings.
3. Brussels: City Card with STIB Public Transportation
Save time and money during your visit to Brussels with the City Card and STIB Public Transportation package. With free access to 49 museums, you’ll be able to explore the city’s culture and history on your own terms. Take advantage of discounts on various tourist attractions and tours and enjoy exclusive offers at select restaurants, bars, and shops in the city. You can also benefit from free use of the public transportation system during the validity of your card, making it easy to get around Brussels. Choose from a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Brussels Card and create your own itinerary while experiencing the best of what the city has to offer. Simply present your card at the ticket desk of participating venues to start your adventure.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Brussels: Answered!
If you’re planning a trip to Brussels, you might have a few questions before you arrive. From transportation to cultural differences, there are some things to know before you visit this vibrant and historic city. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about Brussels.
1. What Is the Best Time to Visit Brussels?
The best time to visit Brussels is during the summer months of June to August. The weather is the most favorable during this time, and there are several cultural events happening around the city. The Grand Place is filled with people, and the atmosphere is vibrant.
However, it can also be crowded and more expensive during the peak tourist season. You might also experience some rain and thunderstorms, so be prepared with an umbrella.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip, consider visiting Brussels during the spring or fall when the weather is still mild, and the airfare and hotel prices are lower than in the summer.
2. What Language Is Spoken in Brussels?
Brussels is located in the heart of Europe and is a multilingual city where both French and Dutch are official languages. However, most locals also speak English, making it easy for tourists to communicate.
While French is the dominant language of Brussels, Dutch is also widely spoken. You should be able to get by with English, but attempting to speak some French or Dutch will be appreciated and could earn you some local friends and goodwill.
3. What Is the Currency in Brussels?
The currency used in Brussels is the Euro. It’s the same currency used in most European countries, so you won’t need to change your money if you’re coming from an EU country. However, if you’re coming from outside the EU, you will need to exchange your currency for Euros.
The easiest way to get Euros is from an ATM machine, which can be found all over the city. If you prefer to have cash on hand, you can also exchange your money at banks or currency exchange kiosks, but these will typically charge higher fees than ATM withdrawals.
4. What Is the Transportation System Like in Brussels?
Brussels has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, metros, and trams. Visitors are encouraged to use trams and metros, which are reliable and fast ways to get around the city. Buses can be slower due to traffic, but they offer a more scenic route.
You can purchase tickets for public transportation at machines or in the metro stations. Tickets can also be purchased ahead of time and online for convenience. Additionally, if you plan to travel outside of Brussels, you can take trains, which are fast and efficient.
5. What Are the Must-See Attractions in Brussels?
Brussels is full of history, shopping, and delicious food, so it can be challenging to decide where to go. A few must-see attractions in Brussels include:
- The Grand Place: The heart of Brussels and one of the most picturesque squares in Europe
- Atomium: An iconic building that looks like a giant atom
- Manneken Pis: A small statue of a boy peeing that is a beloved symbol of the city
- Jubelpark: A large park with museums, galleries, and national monuments
- The Royal Palace of Brussels: A stunning palace that is the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium
6. What Are Some Cultural Differences in Brussels?
As with any country or city, Brussels has some cultural differences that visitors should be aware of:
- Eating at a restaurant: Unlike in the US, servers in Brussels do not typically rush you out of the restaurant after your meal. It’s expected to linger and chat over coffee or drinks.
- Tipping: A 10% tip is customary in Brussels but not mandatory. It’s also not unusual for service charges to be automatically included in the bill.
- Public Transportation: It’s considered bad manners to talk loudly on the bus or tram. Visitors should also make a point to hold onto their belongings tightly in crowded public spaces.
Conclusion
Brussels is a beautiful and historic city, full of charm and character. There is so much to see and explore, from the stunning architecture to the delicious food. With these frequently asked questions answered, you should feel ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Brussels!
The 3 Best City Cards in Brussels – Your Ultimate Guide
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is famous for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and famous landmarks. If you’re planning a visit to this impressive city, you’re probably wondering about the best way to get around and see all the sights. One of the most popular options is to purchase a city card, which gives you access to various attractions, museums, and public transportation.
In this blog post, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about the three best city cards in Brussels, helping you make an informed decision about which one to choose.
1. What Are City Cards?
City cards are passes that give you access to various attractions and activities in a particular city. They often include free admission to popular museums and landmarks, discounts on local tours, and free public transportation. They’re a great way to save money and make the most of your time in a new city.
2. What Are the 3 Best City Cards in Brussels?
After extensive research and reviews, we’ve narrowed down the three best city cards in Brussels:
Brussels Card
The Brussels Card is the most popular city card for tourists visiting the city. It provides free access to over 40 museums, including the famous and the iconic Atomium and the Mini-Europe attraction. Additionally, it offers exclusive discounts on various guided tours, shops, and restaurants throughout the city.
With the Brussels card, you can also travel for free on public transport, including the metro, trams, and busses. The card is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and you can choose to add on Brussels Card + Hop-on Hop-off Bus to enjoy the open-top bus tour around the city.
Brussels Explorer
Brussels Explorer is another popular city card that offers free admission to over 25 top attractions in the city. These include access to the Comic Strip Centre, the Belgian Chocolate Village, and the Belgian Brewers Museum.
You can also enjoy discounts on various guided tours, restaurants, and cafes, and free public transport with the Brussels Explorer card. It’s available for 24 or 48 hours, and you can choose to add on a guided walking tour or a beer tasting experience.
STIB/MIVB JUMP Card
If you only need public transportation to get around the city, then the STIB/MIVB JUMP card is an excellent option for you. It provides unlimited travel on the city’s metro, trams, and busses for 24, 48, or 72 hours.
This card does not include free access to museums or landmarks, but it’s ideal for those who plan to explore the city at their own pace and don’t want to worry about purchasing tickets constantly.
3. How Much Do These City Cards Cost?
The cost of city cards in Brussels varies depending on the duration of your stay and which card you choose. Here’s an overview of the prices for the three best city cards:
- Brussels Card: 24 hours €29, 48 hours €39, 72 hours €48
- Brussels Explorer: 24 hours €22, 48 hours €33
- STIB/MIVB JUMP Card: 24 hours €8, 48 hours €14, 72 hours €18
4. Where Can You Purchase These City Cards?
You can purchase these city cards online, at the city’s tourist office, or at select train stations, museums, and attractions around the city.
5. What Are the Benefits of Using a City Card in Brussels?
There are several benefits to using a city card when exploring Brussels. Firstly, you can save a significant amount of money on admission fees and transportation costs. Additionally, the city cards often provide special discounts and exclusive offers on tours, attractions, and dining. Finally, city cards allow you to explore the city at your own pace, without having to worry about purchasing tickets or carrying cash.
6. Which City Card Should You Choose?
The city card you choose will depend on your individual needs and travel plans. If you’re planning on visiting multiple museums and landmarks and want to use public transportation, then the Brussels Card may be the best option for you. If you’re more interested in exploring the city’s unique attractions and enjoying exclusive discounts and offers, then the Brussels Explorer may be a better fit.
If you only need public transportation during your stay, then the STIB/MIVB JUMP card is the most affordable and convenient option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing a city card is a great way to save money and make the most of your time in Brussels. The three best city cards in Brussels – Brussels Card, Brussels Explorer, and STIB/MIVB JUMP Card – offer free admission to top attractions, discounts on tours and dining, and free public transportation. Choose the one that suits your needs the most and enjoy a hassle-free trip through this beautiful city!
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