Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is one of the most enticing destinations for a quick city break. It's a compact, walkable city, and you can easily see all the sights in just a couple of days. Just make sure to wear comfy shoes. Its world-famous cuisine, beautiful architecture and fascinating museums make it a popular choice for any curious traveller. Find the best deals on trips to Brussels and discover the crossroads of Europe for yourself!
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, as well as the largest city in the country. The town is famous for its architecture and monuments, as well as its complicated, often war-torn history. Visitors to Brussels may want to spend their days indulging in local food and drink, but before then, here's what you need to know.
Flight duration (from London): 1 hour 10 minutes
Main airport: Brussels International Airport (BRU); further from the city, Charleroi Airport (CRL) is a low-budget alternative
Population: 190,000
Language: Officially bilingual in French and Dutch, but French is more commonly spoken
Currency: Euro
Socket type: Type C (European standard)
Time zone: CET (GMT+1)
Some truly adventurous travellers choose Brussels as a destination for an extreme day trip, flying there in the morning and returning in the evening. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, then you'll need to find a good hotel in Brussels. Decide which neighbourhood you want to stay in as you plan your trip.
There's a simple rule of thumb for staying in Central Brussels: the closer you are to the Grand Place, the better. This is a good choice if you want to do lots of sightseeing, as most of the city's famous attractions are just a short walk away.
If you want an upmarket city break in Brussels, look for a hotel in the Sablon neighbourhood. This area is known for its great shops and elegant restaurants. Fans of Belgian chocolate will be pleased to know that the city's best chocolatiers can be found scattered around the leafy boulevards of Sablon.
Brussels isn't just a city for stuffy old politicians. It also has a vibrant youth scene, which you'll find in the neighbourhood of Ixelles. This trendy part of town is packed with Art Deco apartment blocks and Art Nouveau townhouses. There are lots of cheap and cheerful options for dining, and the nightlife in Ixelles has a lively, student-oriented vibe.
Brussels really is a city with something for everyone. From fascinating museums and chic boutiques to lively beer halls and gourmet restaurants, Brussels is sure to please. Here are a few of the city's unmissable attractions.
Pay a visit to Manneken Pis, a true symbol of the city: This cheeky statue of a little boy answering the call of nature is one of the most popular spots for a holiday selfie.
Follow the Comic Strip trail: Download a map of this attraction, which is hidden in plain sight. Frescoes and murals on walls all over the city show Belgium's finest comic book stars, including the much-loved Tintin.
Explore the glamorous centre of the Grand Place: Discover Brussels Town Hall and the intriguing Brussels City Museum. Don't miss the Royal Galleries, a series of beautiful (and expensive) shopping arcades.
Belgian waffles are an indulgent treat. You can find freshly made waffles all over the city, with a variety of toppings. Do you prefer strawberries and ice cream, Nutella or just a sprinkling of sugar?
Forget France, as Belgium is the true home of hot chips. Of course, there are many different ways you can try these crunchy fried potatoes, but for a true Belgian experience, grab a bowl of moules-frites. These are tasty mussels served with fries.
Raise a glass of Belgian beer. There are more than 300 breweries in Belgium, so you'll truly be spoiled for choice. With many types readily available, Belgians like to match their beer with food, and many restaurants in Brussels offer a beer-pairing menu.
Brussels is the perfect holiday destination for your next European city break. Book your flights to Brussels today!
A: Most major UK airports have direct flights to Brussels. That includes London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle and more. The most popular route is from London Heathrow to Brussels, with up to eight flights a day.
A: You'll find cheap flights to Brussels available in January and February. In general, winter is the low season in Brussels, but interest peaks over the Christmas break when people flock to the Christmas markets. To travel to Brussels on a budget at other times of the year, consider taking the Eurostar train instead.
A: Seasoned travellers recommend booking flights to Brussels two months in advance for the best prices. If you're really well-organised, you might be able to book even earlier and find incredibly cheap flights for a Brussels holiday.
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