visiting Brussels – What You Need to Know

We are often asked what you need to know when you visit Brussels. This vibrant city of Belgium is the capital of Europe and home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Its historical sites, beautiful architecture and famous chocolates captivate millions of visitors from around the world every year.

There are many things you should prepare for when you visit Brussels as a first-time visitor. The city has a rich cultural heritage, a diverse range of activities and attractions, and convenient public transport. We’ll explore what you need to know about Brussels before you go and make sure you enjoy your stay.

Location & Climate

Brussels is located in central Belgium, near the border to France, in the Dutch-speaking area called Flanders. The city is spread out over an area of almost 80km2 and is home to over 1.2 million people. You can easily locate Brussels on a map as it sits at the intersection of two valleys and is surrounded by hills, forests, and nature reserves.

The climate in Brussels is temperate with warm summers and cold winters. Typically temperatures range from 10-20 degrees Celsius in the summer months and hover around 0 degrees Celsius in the winter. Keep in mind that the city can get quite cold and wet in winter, so dress appropriately if you are visiting during this time of year.

Getting There & Around

Getting to and around Brussels is quite convenient thanks to its international airport and well-developed infrastructure. You can reach the city by road, rail or the air. Brussels Airport is located just 17km south of the city centre and has flights to all major destinations. You can access the city center via bus, shuttle, train or taxi. There are also several regional airports around Brussels that provide easy access to local towns and cities as well as international destinations.

The public transport system in Brussels is efficient, making it easy to get around with ease. The comprehensive public transport network consists of buses, trams, underground trains, and taxis. You can buy tickets from vending machines at most stations and purchase a day pass or multiple journeys from the ticket office.

Sights & Attractions

Brussels has a plethora of attractions for visitors of all ages including world-famous monuments, parks, galleries, historic sites and more. Here are a few attractions you won’t want to miss out on:

• Manneken Pis – a small bronze sculpture of a boy urinating
• Grand Place – this World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved medieval squares in Europe
• The Atomium – built for the World’s Fair in 1958, this iconic landmark is shaped like an iron crystal molecule
• Museeum – this interactive science museum appeals to the whole family
• Centre for Fine Arts – featuring a range of exhibitions, performances, movie screenings and more throughout the year
• Brussels Parks – discover lush parks including Parc Cinquantenaire, Parc du Coudenberg, Parc de Bruxelles and many more

If you want to experience some unique local activities, why not check out nature reserves where you can observe local wildlife? And if you’re looking for an unforgettable food experience, sampling some traditional Belgian dishes is a must. With all these options and more, your stay in Brussels will be sure to be an unforgettable one!

Nightlife & Shopping

After a long day exploring all that Brussels has to offer, there’s no better way to relax than enjoying the city’s nightlife or shopping scene. Nightlife in Brussels includes dance clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues like the Ancienne Belgique club which features regular performances from both local and international acts. For a special experience, why not sign up for Brussels: Private Beers Bars & Live Music Tour By Night, which takes you on a tour of hidden bars and live music venues throughout the evening?

Shopping in Brussels is also expansive and diverse, ranging from luxury stores to traditional markets and family-run stores selling local goods. You can find designer labels at places like Avenue Louise and Rue Neuve, while the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert offers a unique shopping experience with its ornate glass roof and marble floors decorated with sculptures. Together with outdoor flea markets like Marolles, Brussels is one of the most attractive shopping destinations in Europe.

Conclusion

Brussels is well-known as a cultural hotspot with something for every traveler to enjoy. With world-famous monuments like Manneken Pis, vibrant nightlife options, delightful cultural attractions such as Grand Place and fascinating shopping scenes, this dynamic city has everything you need for a fantastic adventure in Europe! So don’t forget to book Brussels: Private Beers Bars & Live Music Tour By Night to get an unforgettable experience of Brussels’s quaint bars and live music venues when visiting!