Guide to Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, is the capital of Belgium, and the host of the European Union Assembly - giving rise to Belgium being informally considered the capital of the EU.

Brussels became the capital city of a new country in the 19th century, and only a small historic centre was retained whilst a new city was built (palaces, schools, barracks, offices etc.) between 1880 and 1890.

Brussels blends the heritage of a medieval Flemish town with impressive modern architecture, and is officially bi-lingual due to it’s history with French and Dutch communities.

Top reasons to visit Brussels

Brussels blends the heritage of a medieval Flemish town with impressive modern architecture, and is officially bi-lingual due to it’s history with French and Dutch communities.

Belgium is renowned on the world stage for two main exports - chocolate and beer! - and there’s plenty opportunity to sample (and take home!)

Main areas of Brussels

Lower Town

Sights - Manneken Pis, Brussels Town Hall

Upper Town

Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula

Ixelles

Sights - Ixelles Ponds, Flagey

Cinquantenaire and Schuman

When to go to Brussels

The weather in Brussels is very damp, raining on average around 200 days per year. Due to the damp, the weather feels colder than it perhaps is, however in Summer average daily temperatures rarely exceed 22 degrees C. So, always be prepared for rain, and in the colder seasons after October, be prepared for cold also.

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Top Attractions in Brussels

• Brewery Tours - Boon, Cantillon, Lindemans, Brasserie de la Senne
• Guildhalls on the Grand Place (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998)
• Manneken Pis
• Palaces - Palais de Justice, Royal Palace of Brussels, Stoclet Palace
• Art Nouveau buildings - Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, Etterbeek and Schaerbeek
• Cinquantenaire Park
• Atomium
• Mini-Europe (1:25 scale macquettes of famous European buildings)

Shopping in Brussels

Shopping District - Avenue Louise

Shopping Centre - Bortier Gallery, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Chocolatier - Elisabeth, Chocopolis, Corne Port Royal

Eating in Brussels

Try some moules-frites (mussels fries) or waffles at Chez Moeder Lambic, A La More Subite or Chez Leon.

Recommended restaurants include Le Pain Quotidien, Exki, Mokafe, Noordsee Seafood Restaurant, Pizza Saco, Toscana 21, Pee Klak, Past Divina, Arcadi, Chez Leon, Delirium Cafe and Comme Chez Soi.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Brussels

• Coffee - Aksum Coffee House, OR Espresso Bar, Cafe de la Presse
• Speciality Beer - Cafe Lombard, Au Brasseur, Poechenellekelder
• Bars - Belgica, Pepete and Ronron, Le Papillon, The Old Oak, Cobra Bar, The Funny Horse, Chez Richard
• Clubs - The Wood, Madame Moustache, Mirano Continental, Bazaar Brussels, Claridge Events, Sett Club, K-Nal, The Fuse, Scenario Urban Club, You
• Live Music - The Music Village Jazz Club, La Salsa
• Museum - Royal Museum of Fine Arts, BELVue Museum, Musee Horta, Musee des Enfants, Musee d’Architecture
• Art - Belgian Comic Strip Centre
• Music - King Bedouin Stadium, Flagey (Brussels Philharmonic)

Book a hotel today in Brussels, Belgium - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Brussels, Belgium.