Brussels Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Impressions & Is Brussels Worth Visiting?
Is Brussels worth visiting? Many travelers say yes, though it often gets a bad rap. It’s not as “pretty” as Bruges or Ghent, but has its own charm, culture, history, and is a great hub for exploring Belgium.
Is Brussels boring? Opinions are divided. Some find it dull, while others find plenty to do, especially with its museums, food, and day trip potential.
How many days should I spend in Brussels? 1-2 days for the main sights is often recommended. If you plan on visiting museums or using it as a base for day trips, 3-5 days or even a week is good.
Is Brussels generally safe? Generally yes, especially in tourist areas during the day. Like any big city, exercise caution, especially around major train stations (Midi, North) at night, and be aware of pickpockets.
Is Brussels safe for solo female travelers? Most travelers who are solo female travelers report feeling safe, advising the same common sense precautions as in any large city.
Do people speak English in Brussels? Yes, most people in tourist areas and younger generations speak English well.
Is Brussels expensive? It can be, especially accommodation. However, there are budget-friendly options for food and transport.
Getting Around Brussels
What’s the best way to get around Brussels? Public transport (metro, tram, bus) is efficient. Walking is also great for the city center.
What public transport apps should I use? STIB-MIVB app for Brussels public transport, De Lijn for Flanders (if going to Ghent/Bruges), TEC for Wallonia. Citymapper is also highly recommended.
How do I buy public transport tickets? You can buy paper tickets from machines, or use contactless payment directly on blue scanners with your credit/debit card.
Are multi-trip passes worth it? A 10-trip card (JUMP/MoBIB Basic) is often cost-effective if you plan multiple journeys. Contactless payment caps at €7.50 per day.
Can I use my public transport pass for international travel? No, Belgian domestic passes like Youth-Multi or GoPass are not valid for international trains (like Eurostar, Thalys).
Is it easy to get from Brussels Airport (BRU) to the city center? Yes, trains are frequent and efficient.
How far is Grand Place from Brussels Midi station? It’s walkable, but the area around Midi can be a bit “sketchy.” Some recommend going via Brussels Central station instead.
Are taxis safe in Brussels? Generally yes, but there have been reports of taxi scams. Be cautious.
Are there ride-sharing apps like Uber? Yes, Uber operates in Brussels.
Is cycling a good way to get around Brussels? It can be, but the city has some hilly areas and busy traffic.
Must-See Attractions & Activities
What are the absolute must-sees in Brussels?
Grand Place (Grote Markt)
Manneken Pis (and Jeanneke Pis, Zinneke Pis)
Atomium
Mont des Arts
Are there any free things to do in Brussels?
Wander around Grand Place.
Visit Manneken Pis.
Explore the Comic Strip Route (murals).
Relax in parks (Parc de Bruxelles, Parc du Cinquantenaire).
Enjoy the view from Place Poelaert (Palace of Justice).
Visit the rooftop of the Brussels administrative Center for a great view.
Is the Manneken Pis overrated? Many travelers find it underwhelming, but it’s so close to Grand Place that it’s worth a quick look. The original is in the Brussels City Museum.
What museums should I visit in Brussels?
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (Old Masters, Magritte Museum)
Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)
Comic Strip Museum
Autoworld (in Cinquantenaire Park)
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
Parlamentarium (European Parliament’s Visitors’ Centre – often recommended as a must-visit)
House of European History
Horta Museum (for Art Nouveau enthusiasts – often requires booking in advance)
What are some good Art Nouveau sights?
Horta Museum
Maison Hannon
Hotel Van Eetvelde
Self-guided walking tours of Art Nouveau buildings.
Where can I find the best views of Brussels?
Mont des Arts
Place Poelaert (Palace of Justice)
Rooftop of the Brussels administrative Center
Is Mini-Europe worth it? It’s often recommended, especially for families, and it’s near the Atomium.
What about the Comic Strip Route? It’s a fun way to explore the city and discover murals featuring famous Belgian comic characters.
Are there any hidden gems in Brussels?
Marolles neighborhood for antique shops and flea markets.
St. Catherine’s Quarter for seafood.
Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (shopping arcade).
La Fleur en Papier Doré (historic cafe).
The Laken cemetery (unique and historic).
Parc Duden, Bois De La Cambre, Parc Josaphat, Parc de Laeken for nature.
What’s the best time to visit Grand Place? Both during the day and at night for different experiences (it’s beautifully lit at night).
Is the Atomium worth visiting inside? It’s unique and interesting, with good views. Many find it “retro” in a good way.
Should I do a walking tour? Many recommend self-guided Art Nouveau or Comic Strip walking tours. Guided tours are also available for general sightseeing or specific interests like chocolate/beer.
What about the Sablon area? Known for antique markets, chocolate shops, and the beautiful Petit Sablon garden.
Food & Drink
What Belgian foods must I try in Brussels?
Fries (Frites/Frieten) with various sauces.
Waffles (Liège and Brussels style).
Mussels (Moules frites).
Belgian Beer (especially Trappist beers and Lambic).
Chocolate.
Stoemp (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage).
Shrimp croquettes.
Where can I find the best fries in Brussels?
Maison Antoine (Place Jourdan)
Fritland (near Bourse/Grand Place)
Friterie Tabora (behind Bourse)
Frit Flagey
Where can I find the best waffles?
Maison Dandoy (often cited as the best, try plain Liège waffles)
Galet
Aux Merveilleux de Fred (for merveilleux, a different kind of pastry)
What’s the best way to enjoy Belgian beer?
Visit a traditional beer café (e.g., Delirium Café for variety).
Take a beer tasting tour.
Explore local breweries (e.g., Cantillon Brewery for Lambic).
Recommended Belgian restaurants for traditional food?
Nuetnigenough
Ploegmans
Stekerlapatte
La Fleur en Papier Doré
Les Brasseries
Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel (historic, traditional)
Where can I find good mussels?
Le Chou de Bruxelles
Chez Léon (touristy but generally considered decent)
Best chocolate shops in Brussels?
Pierre Marcolini (high-end)
Neuhaus (good quality/price ratio)
Mary
Laurent Gerbaud
Godiva (more tourist-focused)
Any good non-touristy food recommendations?
Shawarma King (for shawarma/pitta)
Bintje (burgers and fries)
Nona (pizza)
Ricciocapriccio (Italian)
My Tannour (Syrian/Lebanese)
Los Charros (Mexican tacos)
Au Bon Bol (hand-pulled noodles)
Ethiopian: Habesha Restaurant, Kokob, Toukoul
Where to go for brunch/coffee?
Peck 47 and Peck 20 (brunch)
Corica and Aksum (coffee)
L’Arcadi (coffee and pie)
Are there good vegetarian/vegan options? Yes, some restaurants mentioned like Rhubarb Cafe are veggie-friendly. Many other restaurants offer vegetarian dishes.
Any specific food streets or areas?
Rue des Bouchers (very touristy, some call it a “trap” for restaurants, but it’s lively).
Sainte Catherine quarter (good for seafood).
Place Jourdan (Maison Antoine fries).
Marolles for a more local vibe.
Is it okay to just walk into restaurants or should I book? For popular places, especially on weekends, booking is advisable. For casual eateries, walk-ins are usually fine.
What’s the deal with “tourist trap” restaurants? Often, places with aggressive touts outside are to be avoided. Check online reviews.
Accommodation
Where should I stay in Brussels?
City Center (around Grand Place/Bourse): Convenient for major sights, but can be noisy and pricier.
Brussels Central Station area: Good balance of convenience and less “sketchy” than Midi.
Ixelles/Saint-Gilles/Sablon: More local, charming, and often with good restaurants and bars, but may require public transport to central sights.
Near Brussels Midi Station: Can be cheaper, but the area is often described as “sketchy” or “not the nicest,” especially at night.
Are hotels or Airbnbs better? Depends on budget and preference. Hotels offer services, while Airbnbs can provide more space and a local feel.
Any specific hotel recommendations?
Hoxton
Radisson Plaza (near Midi, but described as quiet)
Ibis Budget (budget-friendly)
Hotel Argus, Hotel Aqua, Hotel La Grande Cloche, Vintage Hotel Brussels (mentioned as options).
Are hostels good in Brussels? Yes, hostels like Hostel Uppelink (in Ghent, but a good example) are often recommended for solo travelers and budget.
Should I stay in Brussels or base myself elsewhere for day trips? Brussels is a very good hub for day trips due to its central location and excellent train connections. Some prefer to split their stay (e.g., a few nights in Ghent, a few in Brussels).
Day Trips from Brussels
What are the best day trips from Brussels?
Ghent (highly recommended, often preferred over Bruges by some for a more authentic feel).
Bruges (very popular, picturesque, but can be crowded).
Antwerp (great for fashion, diamonds, and Rubens).
Leuven (university town, easy to reach).
Dinant (picturesque town on the Meuse, birthplace of Adolphe Sax).
Namur (capital of Wallonia, citadel).
Mechelen (charming, walkable city, easy access).
Luxembourg City (doable by train).
Ypres (historical WWI sites).
Bruges or Ghent for a day trip? Most travelers recommend both if time allows, but if only one, Ghent is often favored for its more “lived-in” feel and slightly fewer crowds compared to Bruges. Ghent is also closer to Bruges if you want to visit both.
How to get to Ghent/Bruges from Brussels? Easy train rides (around 30-60 minutes).
Are train tickets to other Belgian cities expensive? No, Belgian trains are generally affordable, especially compared to the UK. Look for weekend tickets for potential savings.
Can I visit Ghent and Bruges in one day? It’s possible but highly rushed and not recommended if you want to experience them properly. Ghent especially deserves a full day.
Any less common day trip ideas?
Durbuy (smallest city in the world).
Tournai (underrated, historic city).
Scherpenheuvel (pilgrimage site, known for pancakes).
Ardennes (for nature and hiking).
What about international day trips? Lille (France) and Rotterdam/The Hague (Netherlands) are easily accessible by train.
Safety & Practicalities
Is pickpocketing common? Like any major city, yes, especially in crowded tourist areas and train stations. Be vigilant.
Are there any areas to avoid in Brussels? Areas immediately surrounding Brussels Midi (South) and Brussels North stations, especially at night, are often mentioned as less pleasant. Molenbeek has also been mentioned, but tourists are unlikely to stumble into unsafe parts.
What should I do if I feel unsafe? Use common sense, stay in well-lit, populated areas, and trust your instincts.
Is tap water safe to drink? Yes, tap water in Brussels is safe to drink.
What currency is used? Euro (€).
Are credit cards widely accepted? Yes, major credit cards are widely accepted. It’s always good to have some cash for smaller purchases or markets.
Should I carry cash? Yes, especially for smaller shops, market vendors, or fritkots (fries stands).
What’s the best way to get cash? ATMs are widely available. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues.
Do I need an international driving permit? If you plan on driving (not recommended for Brussels city center), check your home country’s regulations.
What’s the emergency number? 112 for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance).
Are there public restrooms? Yes, but they might not be free. Look for them in museums, train stations, and shopping centers. Some restaurants/cafes might require a purchase.
What are opening hours for shops/attractions? Generally 9/10 AM to 6/7 PM. Museums often have specific closing days (e.g., Mondays). Check in advance.
Is it customary to tip in Belgium? Tipping is not as ingrained as in the US. A service charge is usually included. You can round up or leave a few euros for good service.
What’s the weather like in Brussels? Variable. Summers are generally mild, but rain is possible year-round. Winters are cold and often grey. Pack layers.
What language should I use for greetings? French and Dutch are the official languages. “Bonjour” or “Goedendag” (good day) are good starts. English is widely understood.
What should I pack? Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Layers, an umbrella, and a reusable water bottle are also good ideas.
Is it okay to bring my own alcohol/snacks into public places? Generally fine, especially in parks. Be respectful.
What are the local customs I should know? Belgians can sometimes be perceived as reserved, but are generally helpful if you ask. Punctuality is appreciated.
Specific Interests
Are there good options for football (soccer) fans? Yes, Union Saint-Gilloise has a rich history and a great fan base. Anderlecht is another major club. Some travelers recommend specific pubs for fans.
Where can I find antique/flea markets? Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles district has a daily flea market.
Any recommendations for art enthusiasts? Beyond museums, look for Art Nouveau architecture and street art (comic murals). Kanal Centre Pompidou is a modern art space.
What about music lovers? The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) is highly recommended. Kiosk radio/woodpecker in Warandepark (Parc de Bruxelles) is a chill spot for music.
Is Brussels good for shopping? Yes, from high-end boutiques in Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert to vintage shops in Marolles and mainstream stores.
Where can I find unique souvenirs? Chocolate, beer, comic books, lace, and Speculoos are popular choices.
Are there any good places for nightlife? Ixelles and Flagey areas are popular for younger crowds and bars. Saint-Catherine area also has good bars.
What about a romantic trip to Brussels? Bruges and Ghent are often recommended for romance for day trips. In Brussels, consider fine dining, walks in parks, and enjoying the Grand Place at night.
Are there good places for kids/families? Mini-Europe, Atomium, Comic Strip Museum, and parks are generally kid-friendly.
Where can I see “The Thinker” by Rodin? It’s at the Laken Cemetery, not widely known but a unique sight.
What about the European Quarter? You can visit the European Parliament, Parlamentarium, and the House of European History.
Any specific parks worth visiting? Parc de Bruxelles (Warandepark), Parc du Cinquantenaire, Parc Leopold, Jardin Du Petit Sablon.
Where can I find unique local markets? Besides Jeu de Balle, look for local food markets (e.g., on Sundays near Midi Station).
Are there specific events or festivals I should know about? Check local tourism websites for current events, as Brussels hosts various festivals throughout the year (e.g., Christmas markets, flower carpet).
Is it worth visiting a brewery or beer museum? Yes, for beer enthusiasts, a brewery tour (like Cantillon) or a visit to a good beer café is a must.
What’s the Royal Palace like? It’s impressive from the outside, and open to the public during certain times in summer.
Any good spots for photography? Grand Place, Mont des Arts, Atomium, Art Nouveau buildings, picturesque streets.
Miscellaneous Advice
Should I get a Brussels Card? Depends on how many museums and attractions you plan to visit. Do the math to see if it’s cost-effective for your itinerary.
Is it better to book tours in advance? For popular tours (chocolate, beer), it’s advisable. For general walking, you can often find free walking tours on arrival.
What are some common scams to watch out for? Pickpockets are the most common. Be wary of people trying to “help” you at ATM machines or ticket machines.
Are there luggage storage options? Yes, at major train stations like Brussels Midi and Central. Some users have reported issues with Midi luggage storage, so check recent reviews.
How far in advance should I book accommodation? The earlier, the better, especially during peak season or for specific events.
Should I learn some French or Dutch phrases? While English is widely spoken, knowing a few basic phrases in French or Dutch is always appreciated by locals.
What’s the best way to interact with locals? Be polite, respectful, and open. Belgians can be reserved but are generally friendly and helpful if approached respectfully.
Is Brussels good for a short layover? If you have 3-4 hours, you can see Grand Place and Manneken Pis, as they are relatively close to Brussels Central.
Any final general tips? Download offline maps, have a portable charger, and be open to exploring beyond the main tourist spots to discover the city’s true character.