Grand Place (Grote Markt)
UNESCO-listed medieval square ringed by gilded guildhalls, the Gothic Town Hall and the Maison du Roi. Biennial Flower Carpet in August of even years.
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About Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the seat of the main European Union institutions. The medieval Pentagon centre around the Grand Place meets 19th-century boulevards, Victor Horta's Art Nouveau houses in Saint-Gilles and Ixelles, and the European Quarter. Beer, chocolate, waffles and frites are the food icons, and the city is officially bilingual in French and Dutch.
- Capital
- Brussels
- Largest city
- Brussels
- Population
- About 1.25 million in the Brussels-Capital Region (the City of Brussels itself has about 190,000)
- Languages
- French, Dutch, English
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Explore Brussels by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Brussels
The 21 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Atomium
Silver spheres
Manneken Pis
The tiny bronze fountain statue (a 1619 design, current statue a 1965 copy) with a wardrobe of 1,000+ costumes. The Garderobe MannekenPis museum at Rue du Chêne 19 shows the outfits.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Old Masters (Bruegel, Rubens, Jordaens, Bosch-circle works), Belgian Symbolism and the modern wing, in one building complex beside Place Royale.
Magritte Museum
The world's largest collection of René Magritte paintings, drawings and objects, spread over three floors of the Hôtel Altenloh on Place Royale.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
Brabantine Gothic cathedral (13th-16th c.) of the Belgian state ceremonies, with Renaissance stained glass, a baroque pulpit and an archaeological crypt.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Brussels Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Brussels, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Brussels
- Days 1-2Brussels city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Brussels
- Days 1-3Brussels comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Brussels, departure
Where to stay in Brussels
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $65-95
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $170-260
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $420-800+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Amigo
Rocco Forte hotel a few steps from Grand Place, built on the site of the old Vrunte prison and decorated with Belgian art and tapestries.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Metropole
The grand Belle Époque hotel opened in 1895 and still family owned, with an Art Nouveau cafe, ornate lobby and a prime location on the central boulevards.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Hotel Brussels
A modern 5-star tower opposite the Palace of Justice and the Louise shopping district, with city-view rooms and a large breakfast buffet.
Check rates on Booking.comSteigenberger Wiltcher's
Classic grand hotel on Brussels's most elegant avenue, within sight of Place Louise's boutiques and a short tram ride from the Sablon.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Brussels
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Fin de Siècle
Candle-lit canteen-style tables, shared with strangers, serving big plates of Flemish stew and meatballs at modest prices.
In 't Spinnekopke
Brussels' bistro in a 1762 coaching house, cooking with lambic and local beers and pairing every dish with a beer.
Chez Léon
A Brussels institution since 1893 on tourist-heavy Rue des Bouchers, with big pots of mussels in many styles and reliable frites.
La Roue d'Or
Near the Grand Place, decorated in Magritte-style murals and serving traditional Belgian brasserie cooking.
Maison Antoine
The best-known fry stand in town, in a square close to the European Quarter, with a wide sauce list and a cone of double-fried potatoes.
Noordzee Mer du Nord
A fishmonger with a standing counter that serves very fresh fish, shrimp and fish soup on the pavement.
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Getting around Brussels
Transportation options in Brussels include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $28-70 (hostel dorm) | $100-200 | $250-700 |
| Food (per day) | $18-30 | $50-85 | $120-250 |
| Transportation | $3-10 | $5-12 | $20-80 |
| Activities | $5-15 | $20-45 | $50-150 |
| Daily total | $65-95 | $170-260 | $420-800+ |
Best time to visit Brussels
Weather through the year in Belgium
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Belgium.
Brussels is rainy year-round; always carry a light waterproof.
Essential travel tips
- Greet shop staff with 'bonjour' before asking questions.
- French dominates daily life; Dutch is co-official.
- Sundays are quiet for shopping outside the centre.
Safety information
Watch for pickpockets around Gare du Midi, Gare Centrale, Gare du Nord and on the metro.
Keep phones out of sight at café terraces.
Avoid poorly lit streets near Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi after midnight.
Use official taxis or apps.
Keep copies of your passport.
Don't leave bags on car seats.
Beware of 'friendship bracelet' and petition scams.
Know the emergency number 112.
Stay on main streets late at night.
Lock bikes with two locks.
Check tram stops for pickpockets in rush hours.
Report theft at a police station for insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brussels safe to visit in 2026?
Yes. Petty theft near stations is the main risk; check your government advisory.
How many days do you need in Brussels?
Two to three days for the highlights.