Brussels
Guide to Brussels
Brussels virtual tour
Brussels is primarily captivating for its architectural wonders, featuring numerous Gothic-style buildings and iconic monuments. Among the most famous are the Atomium and the renowned Manneken Pis, often adorned in national costumes from various countries. When it comes to iconic structures, consider exploring the Cathedral of St. Michael and the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.
Brussels is home to a plethora of captivating museums. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Royal Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of works by René Magritte, alongside paintings by renowned artists such as Picasso and Chagall. Car enthusiasts should not miss the Autoworld exhibition, which boasts one of the world's finest collections of vintage automobiles. The Museum of Army and Military History houses an extensive collection of weaponry, artillery, uniforms, and an intriguing hangar featuring 130 aircraft.
For those with a sweet tooth, don't pass up the opportunity to savor the world-famous Belgian chocolate! You'll discover the finest confections at Confiserie Neuhaus, where the standout dessert is the "Brussels balls" with an impressive array of 65 fillings. Noteworthy dining establishments are concentrated in the Ruede Bouchers / Beenhouwersstraat neighborhood, situated behind the Market Square and unofficially known as "The Womb of Brussels."
Photos of Brussels
Tours to Brussels
The cost of a vacation in Brussels can be considered quite low, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If you spot "people of Asian nationality" on the streets of the Belgian capital, you'll understand how popular tours here are.
Most travelers, when they hear of a hot tour to Brussels, may not know what this city can boast of beyond Brussels sprouts. In reality, it's home to the famous Pissing Boy statue and offers numerous museums and squares to captivate tourists of all ages and backgrounds.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate that entry to some public places is free. For the best city views, head to the top of the local Town Hall. The Cathedral of St. Michael and Gudula holds a significant place in the hearts of the city's residents. Even a simple, inexpensive stroll around the city can be remarkably interesting, showcasing the harmonious blend of medieval and high-tech buildings.
However, finding the most reasonably priced holiday may require some effort. It's advisable to search for such tours through online resources. With their help, you can enjoy a vacation filled with vibrant experiences at a fairly reasonable cost.
Interesting places in Brussels
You can explore the key attractions of Brussels through guided bus or walking tours, with tours available in English or Russian. Local guides offer a diverse range of fascinating itineraries, which may even include a visit to the Red Light Quarter. Shopping in Brussels typically revolves around acquiring souvenirs and indulging in exquisite chocolates. For travelers who can't envision a vacation without music and dancing, Brussels offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous nightclubs and discos.
Flight ticket prices
Brussels Airport (Brussels Airport, IATA code: BRU) receives numerous direct flights from European cities. You can reach the Belgian capital from Warsaw, Munich, Barcelona, Vienna, Budapest, Paris, and other major European cities. Popular airlines flying to Brussels include Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair, KLM, Air France, and Vueling.
Ticket prices vary depending on the season. For example, flights from Krakow or Berlin to Brussels can be found for 50–90 EUR, while flights from Madrid or Rome start at 70 EUR. Booking in advance can help you find great deals on low-cost airlines. Travel time ranges from 1 to 3 hours depending on the departure point.
The best hotels in Brussels
The most budget-friendly accommodation options can be found in one of the hostels in Brussels, where a shared room costs as low as 18 EUR per night. For those seeking inexpensive hotels, prices start at 50 EUR, while four-star hotels in the city center typically begin at 100 EUR, and five-star options start at 145 EUR per night. Some of the best hotels are situated on the central square of Brussels, known as Grand Place, or on the Old Grain Square. Examples include Residence Grand Place, Le Coupde Coeur Brussels, and Hotel Saint Michel. Additionally, picturesque country houses are available for rent in the beautiful surroundings of Brussels.
Travel budget
To save the budget on a trip to Brussels, you just need to know a few tricks. You can save money on flights by buying your tickets well in advance. Many hotels also offer early booking discounts and reduce prices after the season is over.
To cut down on sightseeing costs, you should buy a Brussels Card, which allows you to visit 31 museums for free. The card costs 22 EUR for 24 hours, 30 EUR for 48 hours, and 38 EUR for 72 hours. There are more expensive options that include a Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket.
| The budget for a trip to Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 170 EUR | Accomodation | from 18 EUR per day |
| Average check in a restaurant | from 30 EUR | Transport fare | from 2 EUR |
| Excursion | from 15 EUR | ||
| Total: about 580 EUR for four days | |||
Brussels Airport
The international airport is located in the city of Zaventem, 11 km from the center of Brussels. It serves about 20 million passengers annually. It is a hub for Brussels Airlines, European Air Transport, EVA Air, Jet Airways and Ryanair.
Transfer to Brussels from the airport
Up to 6 trains per hour leave from the airport to Brussels North, Brussels Central and Brussels Midi stations. The journey to the center takes about 17 minutes. You can also get into the city by De Lijn and MIVB/STIB buses, cabs or free hotel shuttles.
Public transportation in Brussels
The city transportation system includes metro (4 lines), streetcars (3 lines), buses and trains. To pay for transportation in the STIB network you can buy a refillable MOBIB card for 5 EUR. A single trip costs 2.1 EUR or 2.5 EUR if you pay to the driver.
Car rental in Brussels
You can rent a car at the airport or in the center of Brussels, or book in advance online from anywhere in the world. Rental costs from 50 EUR per day. In addition to an international driver's license, a credit card is required.
Security in Brussels
In the evening, avoid walking alone in areas with a bad reputation (e.g., near South Station). To avoid becoming a victim of street theft, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and don't show large sums of money in front of strangers.