Brussels holidays

Popular holidays

Holidays to Brussels major in pristine architecture, classy beer cafés and first-rate museums.

Encased capital

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a laid out a lot like one of its signature praline chocolates. A surrounding boulevard – which was once a perimeter wall – is like the chocolate casing, and the city centre is the soft fondant in the middle. This part’s nicknamed the ‘Pentagon’, because of its similar shape, and houses the majority of Brussels’ most historic sites. If you want to test the theory with your taste buds, there are plenty of chocolate shops selling the iconic pralines in pretty gift boxes.

A-star architecture

All eyes are drawn to Grand Place, the city’s central square, and it really lives up to its name. Baroque and neo-Gothic buildings line the perimeter, and the last surviving Medieval building – the town hall – has a huge spire that catches your gaze. The whole square’s a UNESCO-protected site, and every August it’s turned into a huge kaleidoscopic flower carpet, full of intricate patterns and designs. As you amble away from the centre, Art Nouveau townhouses inspired by architect Victor Horta start to crop up. And it’s worth passing by the city’s most famous statue – the Manneken Pis. It’s a fountain of a little boy urinating, and every gift shop sells t-shirts, bags, bottle openers and posters featuring his iconic image.

Big on beer

Belgium as a nation is pretty dedicated to the beer scene, but Brussels takes things up a notch with its clutch of cool cafés, called estaminets. These little watering holes are all about having a snack and a decent tipple, as opposed to sinking pint after pint. In fact, most Belgian beers are stronger drops served in smaller measures. Most places stock a good variety, but for the biggest selection make tracks for the Delirium Café, which has more than 2,000 on its menu. And for the food that goes with it, fries and mayo-like frite sauce are a favourite, along with moules frites, fully loaded mitraillette baguettes and sweet Belgian waffles.

Museums galore

Culture takes a well-deserved seat at the table in Brussels, too – there more museums than you can shake an audio guide at. Lots of them take up residence near the Mountain of Arts – it’s not really a mountain, but more a park-draped hillside. There are more than 20,000 paintings and sculptures in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the Magritte Museum celebrates one of the nation’s most revered artists. There are a few quirky numbers in the line-up, too – the Belgian Comic Strip Center is devoted to the history of cartoons, including Belgium’s own Tintin, and the Musical Instruments Museum has 700 items on show, dating back to the Middle Ages.

Popular hotels in Brussels

Top things to see and do in Brussels

Shopping

Bargain buys

Haggle-centric shopping is front and centre at the Jeu de Balle Flea Market, also known as the Old Market. It’s open every day, and has tonnes of antique and knick-knack stalls to browse. It’s been around since the 17th century, too, so it’s a real staple of city shopping.

Mid-range buys

Head to the Dansaert neighbourhood, just north-west of Grand Place, and you’ll find some of Brussels’ best independent fashion brands. There are studios as well as boutique shops, and loads of the names are local rather than national.

Designer buys

The biggest fashion names line up along Boulevard de Waterloo, near the grand Palace of Justice. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Jimmy Choo, Cartier, Gucci and Ralph Lauren are all neighbours, so you’ve got loads of premium brands in one spot.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Bar hopping is the main port of call for nights in Brussels, as there are so many clustered together in the city centre. Craft beer places, brewery-style bars and cafés are all dotted around Grand Place – the main square. You’ll often see them nicknamed ‘estaminets’, which is the name for a low-key venue that serves drinks.

Lively evenings

Brussels’ Saint Jacques area has one of the best – and most inclusive – club scenes you could hope for. This part of the city’s not only known for its high-energy nightspots, but also for being a great spot for the LGBTQ+ community to hit the town.

Food & drink

Trappist beer

Belgium is no stranger to beer, and Trappist beers are some of the most signature ones you can try. These strong tipples can only be called ‘Trappist’ if they’re made at one of 13 particular Trappist monasteries around the world, and six of them happen to be in Belgium. They’re usually bottled, and some of the best-known drops include Chimay, Westmalle and Orval. You’ll find them in bars all around Brussels.

Pralines

Praline chocolates are pretty popular all around the country, but the signature confectionary actually has roots in Brussels. They share a name with a hazelnut-filled treat, but these Belgian pralines are actually hard chocolate shells with a fondant chocolate filling. You’ll usually find them in neat little gift boxes, with a variety of fillings that includes caramel, coffee, cherry and liqueurs.

Moules frites

Crisp on the outside and fluffy in the centre – that’s how the Belgian’s like their fries, and the country’s known for doing them well. And to turn the snack into a full dish, moules frites is just the ticket. A heap of steaming mussels is served in a pot – with a creamy, mustardy flavour for the Brussels version – and fries come on the side. Mussels have been popular here for a long time, with boats over the years using Brussels’ waterways to deliver fresh seafood to the city.

Kriek lambic

Lambic is a type of beer that’s been brewed in and around Brussels since the 13th century. It’s usually a blend of a couple of different brew types, and the kriek version is a fruity number. Sour cherries are part of the process, so the result is a slightly sharp but super-flavoursome drink.

Mitraillette

There’s no set way to make this full-to-bursting sandwich, as the ingredients vary from café to café. It always starts with a crusty baguette, then the fillings consist of fries, mixed meats and lashings of sauce. The meat inclusion can be as little or as large as you like, with common options including steak, meatballs, sausages and hamburger patties. Then mayo, garlic sauce and ketchup – or all of the above – are added along with caramelised onions and grated carrot.

Facts about Brussels

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Flemish Dutch, French, German

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

1 hours and 15 minutes from Heathrow

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What travel adapter do I need for Brussels?

When visiting Brussels, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. Most sockets are type C or E, which are compatible with standard European plugs. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your devices, as UK-style plugs are not commonly found in hotels.

Where are the best places to shop in Brussels?

Brussels offers diverse shopping experiences. You'll find luxury brands on Avenue Louise, while Rue Neuve is great for high street fashion. For a unique experience, explore the antique shops in the Sablon area. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful glass-roofed arcade, houses elegant boutiques and chocolatiers.

Where can I try local food in Brussels?

For authentic Brussels cuisine, visit the restaurants around the Grand Place or in the Sainte-Catherine area. You'll find traditional dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonnade flamande (beef stew), and of course, Brussels waffles. Don't miss trying the local chocolates and beers, which are integral to Brussels' culinary culture.

What's the nightlife like in Brussels?

Brussels offers varied nightlife with historic beer cafes, live jazz venues and nightclubs. Head to Place Saint-Géry for lively bars and the Delirium Cafe for an extensive beer selection. The Sablon district features refined wine bars, while Ixelles has alternative music venues and late-night spots.

What are the best beaches in Brussels?

Brussels, being an inland city, doesn't have natural beaches. However, you'll find artificial beach experiences during summer at 'Brussels Beach' along the canal. For natural beaches, we recommend taking a day trip to the Belgian coast, about an hour away by train, where you'll find lovely seaside towns like Ostend.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Brussels?

When visiting Brussels, greet locals with a handshake and maintain polite conversation. French and Dutch are spoken, so learning basic phrases like bonjour or goedendag is appreciated. Service is included in restaurant bills, though leaving a small tip for good service is a nice gesture.

Should I tip in Brussels?

Tipping in Brussels isn't obligatory, as service charges are typically included in your bill. However, if you're pleased with the service, rounding up the bill or leaving a small extra amount is appreciated. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% for exceptional service is common practice.

What should I pack for Brussels?

For Brussels, pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city. Bring a mix of casual and smart-casual clothing, including a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Don't forget an umbrella or rain jacket, as Brussels can experience sudden showers throughout the year.