Welcome to Brussels

Brussels is a compact capital where medieval squares sit beside modern institutions. It’s a city of contrasts — stately European architecture and gritty street art, refined chocolate shops and bustling market stalls — all packed into easily walkable neighborhoods.

History

Brussels grew from a medieval trading settlement into the capital of the Duchy of Brabant and later an important city in the Habsburg and Spanish Netherlands. Its central Grand Place, guild houses, and baroque facades tell stories of mercantile wealth, artistic flourishing, and periods of occupation and renewal. Over centuries the city has repeatedly reinvented itself while preserving visible layers of its past.

Current status

Today Brussels functions both as Belgium’s capital and as one of the administrative hubs of the European Union, hosting major institutions, international embassies, and a multinational population. The city’s economy mixes government and diplomatic services with finance, creative industries, and a lively tourism sector, giving it a distinctly international vibe alongside local Belgian life.

Local culture

Brussels culture balances Flemish and French influences and has its own distinct identity — often self-described in the local dialect, Bruxellois. The city is known for a playful, ironic sense of humor, thriving comic art (think Tintin and comic murals), and a vibrant nightlife that ranges from cozy brown cafés to sleek cocktail bars and electronic music clubs.

Food

Belgian cuisine as experienced in Brussels is comforting and prideful: waffles and fries are ubiquitous but best appreciated at street stands and family-run friteries. The city also excels in refined offerings — craft chocolate shops, artisanal bakeries, and restaurants serving hearty dishes like carbonnade flamande and moules-frites. Pair meals with Belgian beers — from sour lambics to rich abbey ales — for an authentic taste of local gastronomy.

Attractions

The Grand Place is Brussels’ showpiece: a UNESCO-listed square framed by ornate guild halls and the Town Hall. It’s a living postcard by day and becomes atmospheric at night when the façades are lit, while seasonal flower carpets and festivals add spectacle at various times of year.

The Atomium is an iconic mid-20th-century structure representing an iron crystal magnified many times over; its reflective spheres offer panoramic city views and rotating exhibitions about design, science, and modern history. Even if you skip the interiors, its futuristic silhouette is emblematic of Brussels’ postwar optimism.

The Royal Quarter and Mont des Arts combine museums, manicured gardens, and cultural institutions where visitors can explore fine art, musical archives, and historical collections. This area elegantly links the city’s artistic heritage with accessible public spaces and viewpoints over the rooftops.

Sablon and its antique-lined streets are perfect for savoring Brussels’ slower pleasures: chocolate boutiques, tea rooms, and weekend antique markets invite lingering strolls. The nearby Église Notre-Dame du Sablon provides a peaceful, richly decorated contrast to the commerce of the streets.

For contemporary flavor, the Marolles neighborhood offers a working-class authenticity, with flea markets, creative shops, and street art. It’s a place to experience everyday local life, bargain-hunting at the daily market, and discover small cafés where Bruxellois meet.

Practical tips

Brussels is highly walkable and well connected by metro, tram, and bus; wear comfortable shoes to explore varied neighborhoods. Try to balance iconic sights with wandering lesser-known streets to appreciate both the grand and the intimate sides of the city.

Final thought

Brussels rewards travelers who enjoy layers — history layered with modern institutions, serious gastronomy alongside playful street culture, and international bustle tempered by neighborhood charm. Whether you come for art, politics, food, or people-watching, it’s a city that lingers in memory long after you leave.

• Local customs

  • Languages: French and Dutch are official; English is widely spoken in tourist areas—use a greeting in French (Bonjour) or Dutch (Hallo) to be polite.
  • Greetings: A quick handshake or "Bonjour"/"Goede dag" is normal; keep conversations polite and moderately formal with new acquaintances.
  • Tipping: Service is usually included in bills; round up or leave 5–10% for exceptional service.
  • Dining: Restaurants may seat you at a table without asking; waitstaff expect payment at the table or at the till depending on the place.
  • Dress: Casual city wear is fine; smart casual for nicer restaurants or theatres.

• Transportation options

  • STIB (metro/tram/bus): Tap contactless (bank card, phone, smartwatch) or use a MOBIB card/app. Single rides are inexpensive; day caps apply—validate at each transfer.
  • Trains (SNCB): Best for day trips outside Brussels; check platforms and validate if required for regional services.
  • Airport: Regular bus/rail links to city; some airport buses require a specific Airport2City ticket—validate before boarding.
  • Bikes & e-scooters: Villo! bike-share and private e-scooters are common; use bike lanes and watch tram tracks.
  • Taxis & rideshares: Use official taxis or reputable apps; agree on meter/use app price to avoid overcharging.
  • Walking: Central Brussels is compact and walkable; cobbles and tram tracks mean good shoes are helpful.

• Safety

  • Pickpockets: Stay alert in crowded spots (Grand-Place, public transport, tourist attractions). Keep valuables zipped and use front pockets or a money belt.
  • Night travel: Night buses and metro sections run but check schedules; prefer well-lit routes and official transport or rideshare late at night.
  • Scams: Beware of distraction tactics (paper petitions, “found” rings) and unofficial ticket sellers.
  • Road safety: Trams have priority—don’t cross tracks without looking. Cyclists can be fast; watch bike lanes.
  • Emergencies: Dial 112 for police/medical/fire. Keep local emergency numbers and your embassy info handy.

• Insider tips

  • Cash vs card: Card/contactless works almost everywhere; carry a few euros for tiny shops, markets or museum cloakrooms.
  • Best times: Visit main sights early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; weekends get busy at Grand-Place and markets.
  • Food & drink: Try local specialties (waffles, chocolates, frites, moules); cafés close later but kitchens may stop earlier—order food earlier in the evening.
  • Museums & EU district: Many museums have quieter weekday mornings; EU institutions host free exhibitions but check opening hours in advance.
  • Markets & shopping: Sunday trading is limited—plan purchases for weekdays/Saturdays.
  • Weather: Pack a compact umbrella and layered clothing—weather can change quickly.
  • Connectivity: Free Wi‑Fi is common in cafés and public areas; download the STIB app and an offline map before arrival.
  • Respect local space: Belgians value personal space and punctuality—be on time for tours/reservations.