Brussels holidays

Europe’s political powerhouse has all the ingredients for a great cultural city break – imaginative cuisine, world-class museums and fashionable nightlife. Yet it’s the city’s unusual architecture that makes a holiday in Brussels different from a stay in other European cities. Art Nouveau buildings, church nightclubs and a collection of rather mischievous statues are all part of the fun.

Brussels holiday highlights

© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Art Nouveau

Championed by local architect Victor Horta, the Art Nouveau movement left its mark on Belgium’s capital. There are nearly 1,000 Art Nouveau buildings here so you’ll see lots of stained glass and wrought iron on your city break in Brussels. The Horta Museum is a fine example, but you’ll avoid the crowds by visiting the Maison Hannon townhouse and exhibition instead.

Mischief-makers

Belgium’s capital may be famous for its architecture, but it’s a bronze statue that really gets people talking. The peeing boy sculpture known as Manneken Pis cheekily captures the city’s rebellious spirit. Leave the tourists behind by checking out two lesser-visited tinkling statues – Jeanneke Pis (a girl) and Het Zinneke (a dog), both within a short walk from one another.

Tombstone trails

Do something spooky on a weekend break to Brussels and check out some cemeteries. Wander past overgrown tombs of famous Belgians in the eerie Dieweg Cemetery. Then descend into the underworld and explore funeral galleries in the ancient Laeken Cemetery. Back above ground, look for the tomb of art merchant Joseph Dillen – the ‘Thinker’ statue on top is an original by Rodin.

Brussels: Know before you go

Language

French, Dutch

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Brussels

Weather in Brussels

March – May: Spring showers bring cherry blossoms and tulips. During sunny spells, walk the Comic Strip Route, where murals depict European legends like Asterix, Tintin and the Smurfs.

June – August: Summers are mild with frequent rain showers, but temperatures rarely soar above 30°C. Few buildings are equipped with air conditioning, so stay hydrated.

September – October: The parks glow auburn as the autumn chill descends on the city. It’s a great time to visit the nearby Forêt de Soignes. The former imperial hunting ground is famous for its ancient beech forest.

November – February : Winters in Brussels can dip below freezing, though it rarely snows. Stay warm by bar-hopping through the city’s world-class beer bars.

Events in Brussels

Carnival (February or March): In nearby Binch, this ancient tradition sees costumed performers throw oranges at spectators as a gesture of good luck. Quick tip: it’s considered bad luck to throw them back.

Ommegang Festival (July): Knights and nobles trot on horseback through the streets in this Renaissance-themed celebration, which remembers the original procession of 1549.

The Belgian Beer Weekend (September): Monasteries have been producing Belgium’s liquid gold for centuries. Sample the best pours at the country’s biggest beer festival.

Brussels Christmas Market (November to January): An ice rink, wooden chalets and mulled wine paint a picture-perfect scene at this festive winter event. Don’t miss choir performances in front of the 13th-century Black Tower.

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The best neighbourhoods in Brussels

Pentagon

If you want to surround yourself with architectural masterpieces, the best area to stay in Brussels is the Pentagon. This central neighbourhood is where you’ll find the Royal Palace, traditional restaurants and jazzy rooftop bars. If you get lost, just look for the Town Hall tower – it’ll lead you to Grand Place where you can easily reset your journey.

Good for: Historical attractions, dining, entertainment

Quays Quarter

Tasteful changes have transformed this former port area into a lively urban district, attracting a young and artsy crowd. It’s a great launchpad for your city break in Brussels if you’re into architecture and maritime history. Canals and wharves have been turned into streets while old warehouses are now fashionable boutiques and upmarket seafood restaurants.

Good for: Galleries, restaurants, architecture

Leopold Quarter

If you like your political history, this international district is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Brussels. It’s also known as the European Quarter and all the main institutions of the EU are here, including Parliament. Stay the night in one of the city’s top business hotels and stroll over to Place du Luxembourg for trendy restaurants and bars.

Good for: Restaurants, business hotels, bars

Things to do in Brussels

© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Family friendly things to do

If you’re travelling with your young explorers, there are heaps of fun things to do with family in Brussels. Kids love meeting dinosaurs at the Institute of Natural Sciences while ZOO Planckendael is a great day trip for fans of more modern-day creatures. Visit Mini-Europe Park and feel like giants wandering beside scale models of famous landmarks.

Shopping

If you fancy a bit of retail therapy, the shopping in Brussels is some of the best in Europe. For luxury boutiques in a historic setting, head to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Bag a bargain at the Vieux Marche flea market in Marolles or stock up on international brand clothing at the stores on Rue Neuve.

Take in the culture

The museums in Brussels feature world-class art, heritage and even chocolate. Listen to African drums in the Musical Instrument Museum or discover a treasure trove of paintings at the Royal Museums of Fine Art. Don’t miss the chance to make pralines at Choco-Story and visit the World of Banksy to learn about the mysterious street artist.

Places to eat

While the fries and waffles are as delicious as you’d expect, restaurants in Brussels are about more than just fast food. Take your time over Flemish stews in ’T Kelderke, an Old Town eatery hidden in a cellar. Or for international favourites like Japanese sushi and spicy Syrian lamb, don’t miss the Wolf Food Market in the city centre.

Nightlife

If you like partying in unusual venues, you’ll love the clubs in Brussels. Le Botanique used to be an orangery, but now it’s known for its live music shows. Spirito is a nightclub in a church with chandeliers giving it a glamorous vibe. For something more relaxed, candlelight concerts take place in landmarks like the Planetarium and the Atomium.

Free things to do

It’s easy to find free things to do in Brussels if you know where to look. It costs nothing to admire the Grand Place architecture. For a unique view of this square, the Hard Rock Cafe’s upper floor takes some beating. If you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, the Design Museum, the Jewish Museum and the Horta Museum are free.

Plan your holiday to Brussels

Budget

Sprawling parks, urban art and free festivals make a cheap holiday to Brussels very doable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will set you back around 20 euros (€), but street food staples like waffles keep costs low. Feeling thirsty? Find a first-rate Belgian beer for €5. And take a short taxi trip for under €12.

Day trips from Brussels

Just northwest of Brussels, the medieval city of Bruges is torn right from the pages of a fairy tale. Explore it on a canal tour to get the full effect. Or head to Waterloo Battlefield, an hour south by train, where Napoleon’s defeat marked the end of an era. A museum animates the serene landscape with 3D displays, period uniforms and cannonballs.

Getting around Brussels

Brussels is an easy city to navigate. You can explore the centre on foot, but for longer journeys, it’s best to use the metro, trams and buses. Download the Floya app to plan trips and buy tickets for public transport. It covers taxis too. Save money with contactless payments — paper tickets from the kiosks cost more.

FAQs about Brussels holidays

The warmest month in Brussels is August, when temperatures peak at 27ºC (81ºF).
During your city break in Brussels, most people you'll meet will be speaking French or Dutch.
Your holiday to Brussels should be a smooth experience, as the city is generally considered a safe place. Still, you'll want to take a few commonsense precautions. Be alert in busy areas and ensure valuables like your phone and wallet are safely stored away. A money belt or crossbody bag with a zipper can help keep your belongings protected.
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Take your Brussels trip then and you can expect lows of -2ºC (28ºF).
The euro (EUR) is what you'll be spending on everyday expenses and entertainment during your trip to Brussels.
How long your trip to Brussels should be depends on where you're arriving from and what you want to do. If you live close by, three to five days is enough time to check out the leading sights. If you have a lengthy journey, it's worth staying a week or more to experience the city and nearby areas.
The rainiest month is August, which gets an average rainfall of 9 cm. But don't let the weather take the shine off your Brussels trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like shopping for unique finds, visiting galleries, or relaxing in cosy cafes.
The time of year you visit, how you get there, and where you stay will influence what you spend on your city break in Brussels. If you're looking to cut costs, keep your eyes peeled for special promotions or last-minute deals on Brussels flights and hotels. Travelling midweek and using frequent flyer miles are other ways to save.
For festivals and concerts, summer is perfect for a weekend break to Brussels. Don’t miss the July Ommegang, a theatrical procession dating to the Middle Ages. Spring brings quieter streets and cheaper hotels. Come in April to see the cherry blossoms in the Schaerbeek area. It gets cold in winter, a great excuse to warm up with mulled wine at the Christmas markets.
From Grand Place to Atomium, this city is filled with experiences worth your time. Kick off your next adventure by checking out the best things to do in Brussels.
Located in central Belgium, Brussels makes a great base for exploring more of the country. Hunt for chocolate and lace in Bruges, visit the fortress city of Dinant or stroll along the canals of Ghent. For something different, head to Waterloo and see where Napoleon fought his last battle.

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