Brussels city breaks

Best hotels in Brussels

If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing city break with tasty food, stunning scenery and plenty of atmosphere, Brussels is the destination for you. This old-meets-new city will impress you with its Art Nouveau architecture, relaxed cafe culture and cool art scene. Take in the opulent golden architecture of the spectacular Grand Place square, stop off for a glass of Gulden Draak beer, and be sure to buy a box of homemade Belgian chocolates to take home – if they make it that far!

Things to do

Whether you’re sipping traditional hot chocolate, trying to find all the Tintin murals in the city or checking out what's on at the stunning Bozar arts centre, there are plenty of activities in Brussels to fill your stay.

Highlights include the huge Grand Place (also known as Grote Markt), the space age Atomium (check out its ball-shaped rooms!) and the markets – Jeu de Balle is one of the most fun to browse. And as for food, don't miss the mussels! They're a Belgian classic.

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More City Breaks

We have more travel guides for top city breaks destinations, including: Bruges | Dublin | Florence | Lisbon | Paris

3-18 ℃

Brussels has a mild climate with four seasons and an even amount of rain throughout the year.

1 hour

Brussels Airport (BRU), is located 8 miles northeast of central Brussels.

Other popular city breaks

Map of Brussels

Brussels is best for...

Artsy types: Creatives will fall in love with Brussels’ Art Nouveau architecture.

Leisurely lunchers: Brussels’ rich cafe culture provides the perfect opportunity to catch up and people-watch.

Culture vultures: From film festivals to jazz marathons, Brussels has an exciting calendar of cultural events throughout the year.

Getting around Brussels

Bus or tram: Brussels has an efficient bus and tram network that can easily take you from one side of the city to the other.

On foot: Brussels is a great city for walking. Most of the tourist attractions are located around the centre and are easily accessible on foot.

By metro: For a fast and reliable journey from one side of the city to the other, jump on the metro.

By taxi: Taxis are ideal for travelling back to your hotel at night when public transport is less frequent.

Fast facts for Brussels

Language: The languages spoken in Brussels are French and Dutch. English is well-known here too.

Currency: The currency used in Brussels is the euro (€).

Local time: Brussels is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Brussels Airport (BRU). It's 8 miles northeast of central Brussels.

Flight time from UK: Approx 1 hour 5 mins.

Travel advice: Before your holiday to Brussels, check out the latest travel advice from the FCDO, including passports, visas, health, safety and security.

Events in Brussels

Culture Bonanza: The legendary Kunstenfestivaldesarts festival kicks off in May, with three weeks of opera, theatre, dance and music performances at various venues in Brussels.

Sound of Music: Enjoy a long weekend of live jazz music at the Brussels Jazz Marathon in May. Concerts take place at open-air venues, jazz clubs, cafes and bars around the city.

Film Festival: Film lovers will not want to miss the Brussels Film Festival (BRIFF) in June, a nine-day feast of European films screened at cinemas and open-air spots in the city centre.

Brussels weather

Temperature: 3-18 (°C)

Explore the city’s Art Nouveau architecture in the spring, when there is the least chance of rain and temperatures rest in the mid-30s (°C). For warmer weather, come in the summer when you can enjoys highs of 22 (°C), or take advantage of fewer crowds in the autumn. Winter is the best time to snuggle up in Brussels’ cosy cafes.