Bruges and Ghent - Belgium's Fairytale Cities - from Brussels
4.25,068 reviews10h 30m
from €45
Check availabilityDaily budget (mid-range)
€185
Hotel per night (mid-range)
€120
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug
Language · Currency
French · Euro
Discover Brussels
Brussels is a city of delightful contradictions, where Gothic spires share the skyline with surrealist architecture like the Atomium, and the scent of artisan chocolate mingles with hops from centuries-old breweries. This isn't just the administrative heart of Europe; it's a living museum of Art Nouveau, with entire neighborhoods like Ixelles and Saint-Gilles showcasing the swirling ironwork and organic forms of Victor Horta's masterpieces. The city's soul is best felt in the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose gold-leafed guildhouses create a breathtaking theatrical stage, especially during the biennial Flower Carpet event.
Beyond the postcard icons lies a city obsessed with comic strips, with over 50 giant murals of Tintin, the Smurfs, and other beloved characters forming an open-air gallery across its streets. Brussels rewards the curious traveler: discovering a hidden *beguinage* courtyard, sampling a perfectly poured Gueuze at a traditional *estaminet* like À la Mort Subite, or finding the lesser-known Jeanneke-Pis statue after seeing her famous brother. It's a capital where you can debate EU policy over a plate of *moules-frites* and then get lost in the surreal Magritte Museum, all in a single afternoon.
Why Visit Brussels?
1
Architectural Splendor: From the breathtaking Gothic and Baroque opulence of the Grand Place to the pioneering Art Nouveau townhouses of Victor Horta (like the Horta Museum and Hôtel Solvay), Brussels is an open-air architecture textbook. The surreal, futuristic Atomium offers panoramic city views from its 1958 World's Fair spheres.
2
A Capital of Culinary Craft: This is the global epicenter for chocolate, with legendary artisans like Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus, and Mary offering praline tastings. Pair this with over 1,500 unique Belgian beers, from fruity Lambics to strong Trappist ales, and iconic street food like crispy Liège waffles and double-fried *frites*.
3
Quirky & Comic Culture: Brussels birthed the comic strip, celebrated along the Comic Book Route's giant wall murals and in the immersive Belgian Comic Strip Center. The city's irreverent humor is embodied by the ever-costumed Manneken Pis and his lesser-known counterparts, Jeanneke-Pis and Zinneke Pis.
4
The Heart of Europe: Witness democracy in action with tours of the European Parliament's hemicycle or visits to the Europa building. The European Quarter's modern architecture contrasts sharply with the historic core, offering a unique perspective on international governance.
5
World-Class Museums: Dive into diverse collections, from Old Masters like Bruegel and Rubens at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts to the surrealist wonders of the Magritte Museum. The Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) and the Art & History Museum at Cinquantenaire Park are also standout institutions.
6
Vibrant Neighborhood Vibes: Each district has its own character, from the trendy cafes and vintage shops of Saint-Géry and Dansaert to the upscale antique stores of the Sablon and the bustling, multicultural food scene of Matongé.
Brussels is Known For
Grand Place
chocolate
beer
waffles
Art Nouveau
EU institutions
Ready to explore Brussels?
Brussels Neighborhoods
The Pentagon (Historic Centre)
The medieval heart of Brussels, enclosed by the inner ring road. This is where you'll find the iconic Grand Place, the Royal Palace, and a labyrinth of cobbled streets packed with tourists, chocolate shops, and traditional restaurants. The vibe is bustling, historic, and quintessentially Brussels.
Highlights:
Grand Place
Manneken Pis
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Brussels City Museum
Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral
Best for:
First-time visitors
History buffs
Photographers
Sablon & Marolles
An area of elegant contrast. The Upper Sablon is sophisticated, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and the beautiful Notre-Dame du Sablon church. Just down the hill, the Marolles district is more bohemian and working-class, famous for its massive daily flea market at the Place du Jeu de Balle.
Highlights:
Place du Grand Sablon
Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market
Notre-Dame du Sablon
Magritte Museum
Palais de Justice
Best for:
Antique hunters
Art lovers
Bargain shoppers
Ixelles
A sprawling, trendy, and residential commune south of the center. It's characterized by its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, the expansive Bois de la Cambre park, and vibrant, diverse neighborhoods like the African-themed Matongé and the upscale Avenue Louise. The vibe is cosmopolitan, artistic, and lively.
Highlights:
Matongé district
Avenue Louise (shopping)
Horta Museum
Flagey Square & Art Deco building
Bois de la Cambre
Best for:
Foodies
Architecture enthusiasts
Local life seekers
Saint-Géry & Dansaert
The creative and hip epicenter of Brussels. Centered around the former covered market hall of Halles Saint-Géry, now a cultural venue and bar, this area is packed with design shops, concept stores, trendy cafes, and some of the city's best nightlife. The vibe is young, fashionable, and dynamic.
Highlights:
Halles Saint-Géry
Rue Dansaert (designer shopping)
Rue des Chartreux (bars)
Comic strip murals
Canal-side cafes
Best for:
Nightlife seekers
Design & fashion lovers
Young travelers
Top Attractions
1
Grand Place2
Manneken Pis3
Atomium4
Comic Strip Trail5
Art Nouveau Quarter6
Royal MuseumsTop tours and experiences in Brussels
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Hungry Mary's Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels
5.02,489 reviews4h
from €99
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Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting
4.91,481 reviews2h 30m
from €35
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All things to do in Brussels →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •For the best *frites*, avoid shops with generic, straight-cut fries. Seek out a proper *fritkot* like Fritland or Maison Antoine, which use Bintje potatoes, double-fry them in beef fat, and serve them in a paper cone with a choice of sauce (andalouse is a local favorite).
- •When ordering beer, specify the brand and type. Asking for 'a beer' will likely get you a standard pilsner. Dive into the menu and try a complex Trappist like Westmalle Dubbel, a sour Gueuze, or a fruity Kriek.
- •Most museums are free on the first Wednesday afternoon of every month. Plan accordingly for the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), and others to save significantly on entry fees.
- •The Manneken Pis has an extensive wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes. Check the schedule online at the City Museum to see if he'll be dressed up during your visit—it's much more fun than seeing him in his usual state.
- •Avoid the overpriced, mass-produced waffles sold on tourist streets. For an authentic Liège waffle (dense, sweet with pearl sugar), head to a place like Maison Dandoy. For a Brussels waffle (light, rectangular, eaten with toppings), try the stalls at the Place du Jeu de Balle market.
- •Use the 'Jump' ticket on public transport. A single €2.50 ticket is valid for one hour across all STIB/MIVB trams, buses, and metros, including transfers. For a day of intensive travel, the €7.50 day pass is a better deal.
- •Visit the Grand Place at different times. Go during the day for the stunning architecture, but make sure to return after dark when the square is spectacularly illuminated, creating a truly magical atmosphere with far fewer crowds.
- •Explore the city's many *passages* and hidden courtyards. The tiny, tranquil Notre-Dame de la Chapelle *beguinage* or the glass-roofed Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert offer peaceful escapes from the busy streets.
- •For a unique souvenir, skip the generic EU merch. Instead, look for a vintage comic book from a shop like Brüsel, a packet of speculoos spice mix, or a bottle of artisanal beer from a brewery like Cantillon.
- •Tipping is not obligatory as service is included. It's customary to simply round up the bill or leave small change (€1-2) in cafes and for taxi drivers. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
Brussels Food Scene
Brussels' food culture is a hearty blend of French finesse and Flemish comfort, centered around high-quality local produce. It's a city where Michelin-starred dining exists alongside legendary street food, and where beer is considered a key ingredient in cooking, from carbonnade flamande stew to beer-braised rabbit.
Must-Try Dishes
Moules-frites (mussels with fries)
Carbonnade Flamande (beef & beer stew)
Waterzooi (creamy chicken or fish stew)
Liège Waffle
Brussels Waffle
Frites with Andalous or Samurai sauce
Traditional Brasseries
- • Moules-frites at Chez Léon
- • Carbonnade at Restaurant Vincent
- • Waterzooi at 't Kelderke on Grand Place
Mussels are in season from roughly July to April. Look for the 'Moules de bouchot' label for the best quality.
Street Food & Snacks
- • Frites from Fritland or Maison Antoine
- • Liège waffle from Maison Dandoy
- • Mitraillette sandwich from Tonton Garby
Always get your frites with a sauce. Mayo is classic, but try the slightly spicy 'Andalouse' or 'Samurai' for a local twist.
Beer & Bar Bites
- • Cheese/meat board at Moeder Lambic
- • Beer-braised dishes at Nüetnigenough
- • Traditional bar snacks at À la Mort Subite
Order a 'dégustation' (tasting board) of beers to sample several styles. Many bars offer 3-4 small glasses for a set price.
Chocolate & Patisserie
- • Pralines from Pierre Marcolini
- • Neuhaus or Mary
- • Speculoos cookies from Dandoy
- • Pain à la Grecque from a local bakery
Visit the flagship stores on the Place du Grand Sablon for the ultimate chocolate experience and free samples. Avoid buying from airport-style shops in the main tourist drags.
Popular With
EU visitors
foodies
art lovers
beer enthusiasts
Best Time to Visit Brussels
Spring
Spring sees the city awaken with blooming flowers in the parks and milder temperatures. The famous Royal Greenhouses of Laeken usually open to the public for a few weeks in April/May.
Pros:
- + Pleasant weather for walking
- + Fewer crowds than summer
- + Cherry blossoms in the Japanese Garden at Laeken
Cons:
- - Unpredictable rain showers
- - Some outdoor attractions/cafes may not be fully operational yet
Summer
Warm, long days with average highs around 22°C (72°F). The city is vibrant with outdoor festivals, terrace cafes, and events like the Ommegang historical pageant and the biennial Flower Carpet in the Grand Place (even-numbered years).
Pros:
- + Best weather for outdoor dining and parks
- + Major festivals and events
- + Extended daylight hours
Cons:
- - Peak tourist season with large crowds
- - Higher accommodation prices
- - Some restaurants close for summer holidays in August
Autumn
Crisp air and beautiful fall foliage in parks like the Bois de la Cambre. The cultural season is in full swing, and the beer scene feels particularly cozy as the weather cools.
Pros:
- + Beautiful autumn colors
- + Cultural events and museum openings
- + Lower prices and fewer tourists after September
Cons:
- - Increasingly cool and damp weather
- - Shorter days
Winter
Cold and often gray, with temperatures around 5°C (41°F). The city transforms with Christmas markets, most notably the Winter Wonders event with an ice rink, light show, and market stalls around the Grand Place.
Pros:
- + Magical Christmas markets and decorations
- + Cozy atmosphere in cafes and beer bars
- + Potential for lower travel costs (excluding Christmas week)
Cons:
- - Short, cold, and often rainy days
- - Some smaller attractions may have reduced hours
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Day Trips from Brussels
Bruges (Brugge)
1 hour by train (frequent direct service from Brussels Central)
The quintessential medieval Flemish city, a UNESCO World Heritage site often called the 'Venice of the North' for its picturesque canals, cobbled lanes, and remarkably preserved Gothic architecture.
Belfry of Bruges climb
Boat tour on the canals
Market Square (Grote Markt)
The Basilica of the Holy Blood
Ghent (Gent)
30-40 minutes by train (frequent direct service)
A vibrant university city with a stunning medieval core, Ghent offers a perfect mix of history, lively nightlife, and a less touristy atmosphere than Bruges. Its altarpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, is a must-see masterpiece.
Gravensteen Castle
Graslei and Korenlei (canal-side streets)
Saint Bavo's Cathedral (for the altarpiece)
Street art in the Werregarenstraat
Antwerp
45 minutes by train (frequent direct service)
Belgium's fashion and diamond capital, a dynamic port city with a rich artistic heritage tied to Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. It boasts a stunning cathedral, a magnificent railway station, and a cutting-edge fashion district.
Antwerp Central Station
Cathedral of Our Lady (housing Rubens paintings)
MAS Museum by the river
Diamond District and Fashion Museum (MoMu)
Brussels Budget Guide
Brussels is moderately priced for a Western European capital. While luxury options abound, it's very possible to enjoy the city on a budget, especially by focusing on free attractions, street food, and affordable public transport.
Budget
€50-80 per day for budget travelers (hostel dorm, street food, free sights, public transport)
per day
Mid-Range
€100-180 per day for mid-range (private hotel room, sit-down meals, paid attractions, some taxis)
per day
Luxury
€250+ per day for luxury (boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours, high-end shopping)
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Many top sights, like the Grand Place and comic strip murals, are completely free.
- •Buy a 10-jump public transport ticket (€16.00) to share if traveling as a group—it's cheaper per ride.
- •Look for the 'Menu du Jour' (fixed-price lunch menu) at restaurants for a substantial, affordable meal.
- •Stay in neighborhoods like Ixelles or Saint-Gilles for better value accommodation compared to the historic center.
- •Visit during shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) for significantly lower flight and hotel prices.
Brussels Hidden Gems
Le Wolf - La Maison de la Littérature de Jeunesse
A whimsical bookstore and cultural center entirely dedicated to children's and youth literature, with a cafe and regular storytelling events.
It's a magical, quiet escape in the city center that feels like stepping into a storybook, perfect for families or anyone young at heart.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
A vast, triumphal arch-dominated park built for Belgium's 50th anniversary, housing the Art & History Museum and Autoworld.
Far less crowded than the central parks, it's perfect for a picnic, a run, or admiring the monumental architecture with stunning city views from the arch's rooftop.
Cantillon Brewery
A family-run, traditional lambic brewery in the Anderlecht district, operating since 1900 and open for self-guided tours.
This is a living museum of beer where you can see the spontaneous fermentation process up close and taste uniquely sour Gueuze and Kriek straight from the source.
Saint-Gilles' Town Hall and surrounding streets
An opulent, almost palatial town hall in the commune of Saint-Gilles, surrounded by stunning Art Nouveau and eclectic architecture.
It rivals the beauty of the Brussels City Hall but sees a fraction of the visitors. The surrounding streets are an Art Nouveau lover's paradise without the tour groups.
The Sewer Museum (Musée des Égouts)
A small, unique museum located in a real, functioning sewer vault near the Porte de Hal, explaining Brussels' underground history and water management.
It's a genuinely unusual and educational experience that offers a literal 'underbelly' perspective of the city, and it's surprisingly not smelly!
Brussels Culture & Customs
Brussels culture is a pragmatic and often self-deprecating blend of French and Flemish influences, with a strong international overlay from the EU and diplomatic communities. It values good food, good beer, and a certain 'art de vivre' without taking itself too seriously, as evidenced by its famous irreverent statue. The city is bilingual (French/Dutch), but English is widely spoken.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Greet shopkeepers with a simple 'Bonjour' (French) or 'Hallo' (Dutch) when entering small stores.
- •Wait to be shown to a table in most cafes and restaurants; seating yourself is not common.
- •Keep your hands on the table (not in your lap) during meals, a old-fashioned but still noted custom.
- •It's polite to attempt a few words in French ('Merci', 'S'il vous plaît') even if you then switch to English.
- •Conversations can be direct; Belgians value honesty and efficiency in communication.
Useful Phrases
Bonjour / Hallo - Hello / Good day(bon-zhoor / hah-lo)
Une bière, s'il vous plaît - A beer, please(oon bee-air, seel voo play)
Une gaufre de Liège - A Liège waffle(oon go-fruh duh Lee-ezh)
Où sont les toilettes? - Where is the toilet?(oo son lay twa-let)
L'addition, s'il vous plaît - The bill, please(la-dee-syon, seel voo play)
Dag / Au revoir - Goodbye(dakh / oh ruh-vwar)
Frequently Asked Questions about Brussels
Is Brussels safe for tourists?
Brussels is generally a safe city for tourists. Standard precautions apply: be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas like the Grand Place, on the metro, and at major train stations. Avoid poorly lit areas late at night. The neighborhoods around the North Station (Gare du Nord) can feel sketchy after dark.
Do I need to speak French or Dutch?
No. While the official languages are French and Dutch, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by most younger residents. Learning a few basic French pleasantries (bonjour, merci) is appreciated but not necessary for getting by.
What is the best way to get around Brussels?
Walking is best for the compact historic center. For longer distances, the integrated STIB network of metro, trams, and buses is excellent. Purchase a single 'Jump' ticket (€2.50, valid 1 hour) or a 24-hour pass (€7.50). Taxis are available but expensive; Uber also operates in the city.
How many days do I need in Brussels?
Two to three full days is ideal to see the major sights, explore a couple of neighborhoods, and enjoy the food scene at a relaxed pace. With four or five days, you can comfortably take one or two day trips to cities like Bruges or Ghent.
Is the Brussels Card worth it?
The Brussels Card can be worth it if you plan to visit several paid museums in a short time. It offers free entry to over 40 museums, discounts on attractions and tours, and includes free public transport for the 24, 48, or 72-hour duration. Calculate your planned entries first to see if it saves you money.
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes, tap water in Brussels is safe and of high quality. It's common and environmentally friendly to refill a water bottle. Many restaurants will serve tap water if you ask for 'une carafe d'eau' (a carafe of water).
What's the difference between a Brussels waffle and a Liège waffle?
A Brussels waffle is rectangular, light, and crispy, made with a yeast-leavened batter. It's typically eaten as a dessert with toppings like whipped cream and fruit. A Liège waffle is oval, denser, and sweeter, made with a brioche-like dough studded with pearl sugar that caramelizes on the grill. It's often eaten plain as a handheld snack.
What should I do on a rainy day in Brussels?
Brussels is perfect for rainy days. Dive into its world-class museums like the Magritte Museum, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), or the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. Explore the covered Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for shopping, or spend a cozy afternoon sampling beers and chocolate in a traditional estaminet like À la Mort Subite.
Brussels Itineraries
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How much does a trip to Brussels cost?
Typical daily costs for one traveller, from budget to comfortable travel.
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €50 | €120 | €200 |
| Food and drinks (per day) | €18 | €40 | €78 |
| Sightseeing and activities (per day) | €10 | €25 | €55 |
| Total per day | €78 | €185 | €333 |
Estimates exclude flights and long-distance transport. Compare daily costs across cities
Where to stay in Brussels
Hotels close to the centre of Brussels, from budget to luxury. Prices are typical nightly rates at our last check.
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LuxuryHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
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