Plug – Type F

Credit Cards – Widely Accepted

LGBTQ Friendly – Yes

The white and orange Line 12 STIB Airline Bus departs from a terminal beneath the arrivals hall and operates every 20 minutes to the City Centre.

Buy tickets with contactless payment for EUR7.90 (as of 1st September 2025). Your ticket is valid for one hour across the STIB bus and tram network.

De Lijn operate alternative bus services. 

Official Brussels taxis are black with a black/mango checkerboard stripe beneath the windows. 

There is a taxi rank outside the arrivals hall. Journeys are metered and will typically cost EUR45-55 to the centre of the city.

The usual ride hailing apps are in operation.

Brussels is a city where history, culture, and modern life blend seamlessly. As the capital of Belgium and the heart of the European Union, it is a place that surprises visitors with its mix of grand architecture, charming neighborhoods, and an unbeatable food scene. The city is compact and easy to explore.

Most visitors begin in the Grand Place, the central square and one of the most beautiful in Europe. Surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall, the square has an almost theatrical quality, especially when lit up at night. Just a short stroll away you’ll find the Manneken Pis, the cheeky little statue that has become one of Brussels’ most famous symbols. While many tourists stop for a quick photo here, the surrounding streets are worth wandering for their chocolate shops and traditional cafés.

The Sablon district is known for antique shops, art galleries, and the elegant Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon. The Marolles, in contrast, offers a more bohemian atmosphere, with its daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle and its lively bars. The European Quarter, dominated by sleek glass-fronted buildings, is home to the European Parliament and institutions, offering a fascinating glimpse into modern European politics.

Art and design have a strong presence in the city. The Magritte Museum showcases the surrealist works of Belgium’s most famous painter, while the Royal Museums of Fine Arts hold masterpieces from Bruegel to Rubens. For lovers of architecture, Brussels is a treasure trove of Art Nouveau. The works of Victor Horta, whose houses are scattered across the city, are UNESCO World Heritage sites and highlight the city’s creative spirit at the turn of the twentieth century.

A visit to Brussels would not be complete without exploring its culinary delights. Belgian waffles, freshly made and topped with cream or fruit, are a treat found on almost every street corner. Chocolate is taken seriously here, with world-class chocolatiers such as Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, and Leonidas offering irresistible selections. The local cuisine also shines in heartier dishes like moules-frites and carbonnade flamande, a rich beef stew simmered in beer. Beer itself is an essential part of the culture, with hundreds of varieties ranging from light Trappist brews to strong local ales, many best enjoyed in atmospheric old cafés.

For a glimpse of Brussels’ modern identity, the Atomium stands as both an architectural curiosity and a symbol of postwar optimism. Built for the 1958 World Expo, its futuristic design continues to fascinate visitors. From its upper spheres, you can admire panoramic views over the city. Nearby, Mini-Europe offers a quirky experience with scale models of famous European landmarks.

Brussels is also perfectly placed for day trips. A short train ride brings you to medieval cities like Bruges and Ghent, with their canals and historic charm, or to Antwerp, known for fashion, diamonds, and vibrant nightlife.

EU regulation EU261 gives compensation to passengers when their flight from or within the European Union is either cancelled or delayed and arrives at its destination more than 3 hours behind schedule and the airline is at fault. You will not be entitled to compensation if the delay is due to “extraordinary circumstances” such as weather, strikes or security issues.