Introduction
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and of the European Union, is a compact, multilingual city where French and, to a lesser extent, Dutch are the primary languages. The city centre features the UNESCO-listed Grand Place with its stunning Gothic architecture, whilst modern districts house the European Parliament and numerous EU institutions. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Atomium, Manneken Pis, and Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral, alongside a rich cultural scene offering over 23,000 annual events. The city is renowned for its culinary heritage, particularly Belgian chocolate, waffles, beer, and French fries (which originated in Belgium). Brussels is well-connected by rail, sitting less than two hours from London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne, and its manageable size makes it easy to explore by foot, bicycle, or public transport.
The Brussels-Capital Region is composed of 19 municipalities, each with its own distinct character, giving the city a unique feel akin to an amalgamation of separate towns. The region as a whole has a population of approximately 1.2 million, while the metropolitan area encompasses around 2.7 million inhabitants. In contrast, the City of Brussels, which constitutes the historical center, has a population of about 188,000 residents. Economically, Brussels ranks as the third wealthiest city in Europe in terms of GDP per capita, following Luxembourg and Inner London. Additionally, it is renowned for its culinary excellence, boasting a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, making it an exceptional destination for fine dining.
Interesting Facts about Brussels
- Brussels is often referred to as the unofficial capital of Europe, hosting the headquarters of the European Union and numerous international institutions.
- The city is home to over 40,000 EU employees and 4,000 NATO employees, contributing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Brussels is famous for its culinary delights, including over 800 brands of beer, renowned chocolate, and the origins of French fries.
- The city boasts the largest court in the world, the Justice Palace, covering an area of 26,000 square metres.
- Brussels is a major hub for comic strips, with numerous murals and landmarks dedicated to famous characters like Tintin.
- The city's Grand Place is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Brussels is known for its quirky landmarks, including the famous Manneken Pis statue and its companions, Jeanneke Pis and Het Zinneke.
- The Atomium, built for the 1958 World Expo, remains a prominent symbol of Brussels and Belgian engineering.
- Audrey Hepburn, the renowned actress, was born in Ixelles, Brussels, in 1929.
- Brussels hosts more than 23,000 cultural events annually, making it a vibrant cultural centre.
Orientation & Language
Map & Orientation
Understand Brussels' complex multilingual make-up, its administrative divisions, main thoroughfares and transport hubs.
History
History of Brussels
Brussels through the ages, from the capital of the Duchy of Brabant to the governing city of the Habsburgian Netherlands, to the capital of independent Belgium and the European Union.
Highlights
Find out about the most popular attractions, Brussels' highest towers, as well as attractions in the outskirts.
Grand Place & Downtown
Discover the world's greatest market square, its magnificient Gothic town hall, the classical architecture in the downtown area, and the world-famous peeing boy, Manneken Pis.
Upper Town
Shop for antiques at the Grand Sablon, stroll around the Fine Arts Museum, and explore the elegant classical administrative Upper Town, with its monumental Supreme Court, the sumptuous Royal Palace, and the elegant Belgian Parliament.
EU district
Visit the European Parliament, a stupendous piece of postmodern arhitecture, and have a look at the seats of the European Commission and Council.
Jubilee Park & Palais Stocklet
Gape at Europe's widest triumphal arch in the Jubilee park, visit its world-class museums, and admire the unusual Palais Stocklet, a World Heritage Site.
Laeken & Koekelberg
From Mini-Europe at the foot of the iconic Atomium to the Japanese pagoda and Chinese pavilion, Laeken is full of surprises. Incidentally, the nearby Basilica of Koekelberg is the world's third biggest church after St Peter of Rome and St Paul in London.
Museums & Festivals
Did you know that Brussels had over 100 museums and dozens of annual festivals ? Find out about the most interesting ones.
Local Cuisine
Brussels offers a delightful array of hearty and flavourful dishes that showcase Belgium's rich culinary heritage. The city's most celebrated dishes include moules-frites (steamed mussels with crispy chips), which is often considered the national dish, and the comforting carbonade flamande, a rich beef stew cooked in Belgian beer. Local specialities feature seafood prominently, with grey North Sea prawns stuffed in tomatoes being a particular delicacy. The waterzooi, a creamy stew made with chicken or fish, exemplifies the region's comfort food tradition. Traditional meatballs, known as boulettes, are served with various sauces, including a distinctive sweet-savoury gravy made with Liège syrup. For a truly local experience, one must try the chicons au gratin, featuring Belgian endives wrapped in ham and smothered in cheese sauce, typically served as a warming main course in many Brussels establishments.
Shopping
Shopping & Markets
It's not always easy to find what you are looking for in a big, decentralised city. Be it for shopping centres, hypermarkets, food markets, flea markets, or just to find speciality tea shops, souvenirs, or a good English-language bookshop, you will find it all here.
Entertainment & Recreation
Entertainment & Recreation
Know your way around Brussels' nightlife scene, its cinemas, theatre, the opera, and other venues for spectacles or jazz concerts. Find sports and fitness clubs near your home, and enjoy Brussels' dozens of great parks and gardens.
Life in Brussels
Life in Brussels
Need to find a doctor or a hospital ? Looking for a post office or a police station ? Or do you just need publications on living in Brussels ? Check this section.
Getting Around
Transportation
Compare travel time by air, train or coach from surrounding countries, and organise your trips around Belgium and Brussels.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Brussels is during the shoulder seasons of May and September, when you'll find a perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourist crowds. During these months, you can enjoy mild temperatures ideal for exploring the city's historic sites and outdoor attractions, whilst benefiting from lower accommodation rates compared to the peak summer season. May brings vibrant spring blooms and cultural events like the Brussels Jazz Weekend, whilst September offers gentle warmth and a more authentic experience of the city's culture. If you're travelling on a budget, consider visiting during late autumn to early winter (late October to early December), when you'll find better deals on accommodation and can experience the enchanting Christmas markets and Winter Wonders festival.
Luxembourg Guide
Netherlands Guide
