Guide to holidays in Brussels, Belgium

Resort Guides

Top City Breaks

Brussels

Overview

Brussels is the ultimate European city and is often referred to as The Capital of Europe. It is an international metropolis – a mosaic of languages, cultures, and traditions. The city of is one of the world's great cosmopolitan capitals, home to both the European Union and NATO, as well as a wealth of international trade and finance companies.

Aside from the splendid and varied architectural styles of the city, Brussels also hosts over 80 museums, numerous tourist attractions, a vibrant nightlife, and more restaurants than you could count. Brussels is the perfect destination for a short city break or a cultural break!

Don't miss the delicious Belgian chocolates or the famous Belgian beer while you're in Brussels!

Location Information

Well situated between France and Holland, the kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that Europe has to offer in an area no bigger than Maryland.

Brussels International Airport is located 8 miles (13 Km) northeast of the city centre - The train station is located on the lower level of Brussels International Airport (1st floor). There is a train shuttle service from the airport to the North, South and Central stations of Brussels. The shuttle runs at least every 20 minutes and takes approximately 20 minutes. Taxi service from the airport to the city center is approximately 30 Euro. Taxis are available 24 hours. Discount round-trip rates are available.

Brussels Charleroi Airport is located 1 hour from Brussels.

Antwerp Airport is located 1 hour from Brussels.

City Information

Top Ten Things to do in Brussels:

1 - Grand Place: The Grand Place, with its ornate baroque and gothic guild houses, is usually the first port of call for most visitors to Brussels and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. (Photo Credit: Flickr - IJsendoorn)

2 - Town Hall: The first building you notice upon entering the Grand place is the striking gothic town hall, which dates back to the 13th century.

3 - Manneken Pis: This famous statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain is a perfect representative of the irreverent Belgian humor.

4 - Galeries St Hubert: This gorgeous, glass roofed arcade in the center of town, lined with cafes, theaters and luxury stores has the distinction of being the first shopping arcade in Europe.

5 - Mont Des Arts: Situated half way between the broad avenues of Brussels' Park and the pretty gardens of Petit Sablon and Egmont, this area marks the transition between the 'upper' and 'lower' town.

6 - European Union: Brussels is home to the European Union (EU) which is comprised of 25 European countries.

7 - Ommegang Festival (Grand Place): Take a seat on the tiered stands or lean on the low barriers and find yourself transported to 1549. This festival next takes place in July 2008.

8 - Museum of Musical Instruments: A strikingly beautiful building in Brussels combining the architectural styles of Neo-Classic and Art Nouveau.

9 - The Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art: Housed in an art nouveau masterpiece designed by Victor Horta, this museum pays homage to a particular Belgian passion, cartooning. The museum's most famous characters include Tintin and the Smurfs.

10 - The Royal Palace: The official home of the Belgian king, you will always know if he is in the country when you see the Belgian flag flying on top of the building.

See all our activitybreaks in Brussels