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BRUSSELS WEATHER

🏰 Must Visit in Brussels

Top Attractions

  1. Grand Place (Grote Markt) – UNESCO World Heritage Site; stunning at night with illuminated guildhalls.

  2. Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis – quirky, small statues that symbolize Brussels’ humor.

  3. Atomium – futuristic building and museum with panoramic views.

  4. Royal Palace of Brussels – open to visitors during summer; beautiful architecture.

  5. Mont des Arts – scenic viewpoint connecting the upper and lower town.

  6. Parc du Cinquantenaire – huge park with triumphal arch and museums.

  7. Magritte Museum – surrealist art by Belgian artist René Magritte.

  8. European Quarter – visit the European Parliament & Parc Léopold.

  9. Sablon District – antique shops, art galleries, and chocolatiers.

  10. Mini-Europe – miniature park featuring Europe’s most famous landmarks.

Day Trips from Brussels

  • Bruges (1 hr by train): fairytale canals and medieval streets.

  • Ghent (40 min by train): lively city with stunning castle and student vibe.

  • Antwerp (45 min by train): diamond district, fashion, and Rubens art.

🍽️ Must Eat in Brussels

Local Dishes

  • 🧇 Belgian Waffles – Try Liège (sweet) or Brussels (crispy & light) waffles.

  • 🍟 Belgian Fries (Frites) – with mayo or sauces; best at Maison Antoine or Frit Flagey.

  • 🥘 Moules-frites – mussels with fries, a Belgian classic.

  • 🍲 Stoofvlees (Carbonade Flamande) – beef stew with beer.

  • 🧀 Waterzooi – creamy chicken or fish stew from Flanders.

  • 🍫 Belgian Chocolates – Pierre Marcolini, Neuhaus, Godiva, Leonidas, or Mary.

  • 🍺 Belgian Beer – sample local favorites like Chimay, Duvel, or Kriek cherry beer.

🚆 Public Transport Guide to Brussels

Operator: STIB/MIVB
Transport Types: Metro, tram, and bus.
Tickets:

  • Single ticket (1 journey): €2.10

  • Day pass: €8.00 (unlimited travel for 24h)

  • Multi-journey card (10 trips): €14.00

  • Brupass: Covers Brussels + nearby regions (useful for commuters).

  • Contactless payment: You can tap your contactless card/phone on entry gates.

Apps:

  • STIB-MIVB app

  • Google Maps / Citymapper (for routes)

  • SNCB/NMBS app (for trains)

Metro Lines: 1, 2, 5, 6
Tram Lines: 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 25, 39, 44, 51, 55, 81, 92, 93, 94

🚇 How to Use Public Transport in Brussels

  1. Buy a contactless ticket or paper ticket from vending machines or inside metro stations.

  2. Validate your ticket by tapping it on the card reader.

  3. Transfers allowed within 1 hour for the same fare.

  4. Night buses (Noctis) run on weekends from midnight to 3 am.

  5. Language: All signs are bilingual (French/Dutch).

💡 Tips & Tricks for Transportation in Brussels

  • 🚶‍♀️ Many city attractions are walkable, especially around Grand Place.

  • 🚴‍♂️ Use Villo! (bike-sharing) for short rides.

  • 🚖 Taxis are expensive; use Bolt or Uber instead.

  • 🚆 For regional travel, use SNCB/NMBS trains.

  • 🎟️ Save with Brussels Card (includes transport + attractions).

  • 🕒 Avoid rush hour (8–9:30 am, 5–6:30 pm).

✈️ Public Transport from and to Airport in Brussels

Brussels Airport (Zaventem):

  • 🚆 Train: Brussels Airport Express to Brussels Central – 17 min (€10.30).

  • 🚌 Bus: STIB line 12 (weekdays) or 21 (evenings/weekends) to city center (~€7.00).

  • 🚖 Taxi: €40–50 to downtown.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport:

  • 🚌 Shuttle bus to Brussels Midi station (1 hr, €17).

  • 🚆 Alternative: local bus to Charleroi station + train to Brussels (~€15–18 total).

🗓️ 3-Night Itinerary for Brussels

Day 1:

  • Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

  • Chocolate tasting tour

  • Dinner at Chez Léon (moules-frites)

Day 2:

  • Atomium & Mini-Europe

  • Parc du Cinquantenaire

  • Magritte Museum

  • Evening at Delirium Café (beer bar)

Day 3:

  • Day trip to Bruges or Ghent

  • Return for dinner at Le Chou de Bruxelles (Belgian cuisine)

🗓️ 5-Night Itinerary for Brussels

Days 1–3: Follow 3-night plan
Day 4:

  • Visit Sablon area (antiques, chocolate shops)

  • Explore European Parliament

  • Relax at Bois de la Cambre park
    Day 5:

  • Day trip to Antwerp or Leuven

  • Return and enjoy waffles at Maison Dandoy

🗓️ 10-Night Itinerary for Brussels

  • Days 1–5: Follow 5-night plan

  • Day 6: Day trip to Ghent

  • Day 7: Day trip to Bruges

  • Day 8: Explore local markets and museums (Comic Strip Museum, Musical Instruments Museum)

  • Day 9: Visit Waterloo battlefield or Mechelen

  • Day 10: Leisure day for shopping & local cafés

💸 Budget Traveler to Brussels

  • 🏨 Stay in Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, or Schaerbeek for cheaper hotels.

  • 🍽️ Eat at Fritkots (fry stands) and local bakeries for meals under €10.

  • 🎫 Get a Brussels Card (with transport) for 24/48/72h passes.

  • 🎟️ Free museum entry on the first Wednesday of each month (afternoon).

  • 🚶 Walk or use Villo! bikes to save on transport.

💞 Honeymoon in Brussels

  • 🕯️ Romantic dinner in Le Wine Bar des Marolles or La Villa Lorraine.

  • 🍫 Chocolate-making workshop for couples.

  • 🌇 Sunset view from Mont des Arts.

  • 🏰 Day trip to Bruges — one of Europe’s most romantic cities.

  • 🛌 Stay at Hotel Amigo or The Dominican near Grand Place.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Trip with Small Kids to Brussels

  • 🎡 Visit Mini-Europe, Train World, and Natural Sciences Museum.

  • 🌳 Playtime at Parc du Cinquantenaire or Bois de la Cambre.

  • 🍫 Family-friendly chocolate tours and waffle-making workshops.

  • 🚆 Easy day trip to Pairi Daiza Zoo (one of Europe’s best).

  • 🏨 Family hotels: Novotel Brussels City Centre or Aloft Brussels Schuman.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Brussels (Weather, Seasons & Festivals)

🌸 Spring (March–May)

  • Best time to visit – mild weather (10–18°C), blooming parks, fewer crowds.

  • Highlights: Brussels Flower Carpet (April–May), Iris Festival (May).

☀️ Summer (June–August)

  • Warm (20–26°C), lively outdoor events, longest daylight.

  • Festivals: Brussels Summer Festival (August), Ommegang Parade (July), Belgian National Day (July 21).

  • Note: Slightly higher prices and tourist crowds.

🍂 Autumn (September–November)

  • Pleasant (10–20°C), colorful parks, wine & beer festivals.

  • Good for: fewer crowds, lower prices, cozy cafés.

❄️ Winter (December–February)

  • Cold (0–7°C) and grey, but festive!

  • Best for: Christmas Market (Winter Wonders), ice skating, chocolate and beer tasting.

  • Worst time to visit: January–February – chilly, wet, fewer events.

🛡️ Safety Level in Brussels

  • Overall Safety: Moderate to high. Brussels is generally safe for tourists.

  • Crime: Mostly petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching), especially around train stations (Midi, North, Central) and crowded tourist areas.

  • Political Stability: Stable – EU headquarters city, occasional peaceful protests but well-policed.

  • Scams: Small-time scams more common than serious crimes.

  • Tips:

    • Keep valuables hidden.

    • Avoid isolated streets at night.

    • Use official taxis or apps like Bolt/Uber.

    • Be cautious near Brussels Midi station at night.

🌐 Internet Access & SIM Card Options for Tourists

Main Operators:

  • Proximus – Best coverage, good speeds.

  • Orange Belgium – Balanced price and coverage.

  • BASE – Budget-friendly.

Tourist SIM Options (as of 2025):

  • Proximus “Pay&Go”: €10–€15 (3–5 GB data, local calls/SMS).

  • Orange Holiday Europe: €20–€30 (8–12 GB, valid in all EU countries).

  • BASE Prepaid: €15 (4 GB + calls).

📍Available at Brussels Airport, train stations, convenience stores, or telecom shops.
💡 EU Roaming: If you’re coming from an EU country, your SIM will work at no extra cost.
📶 Free Wi-Fi: Found in city squares, hotels, and many cafés.

💶 Currency & Exchange Rate in Brussels

  • Currency: Euro (€)

  • Exchange Rate (Oct 2025): €1 ≈ USD 1.08 (check current rates before travel)

  • ATMs: Widely available; prefer bank ATMs (avoid standalone currency booths).

  • Cards: Visa, Mastercard widely accepted; AMEX less so.

  • Tipping: Optional; rounding up or 5–10% for good service is enough.

🗣️ Languages Spoken in Brussels

  • Official Languages:

    • French 🇫🇷

    • Dutch (Flemish) 🇳🇱

  • English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and among younger locals.

  • Basic phrases:

    • Hello: Bonjour / Hallo

    • Thank you: Merci / Dank u

    • Please: S’il vous plaît / Alsjeblieft

💸 Ways to Save Money in Brussels

  1. 🎫 Brussels Card – Includes free entry to 49+ museums + unlimited public transport.

    • 24h: €29 | 48h: €37 | 72h: €45

  2. 🚶 Walk the city center – many attractions are close to each other.

  3. 🏨 Stay in Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, or Schaerbeek (cheaper than the center).

  4. 🍽️ Eat at Fritkots (fry stands) or lunch menus (€10–15).

  5. 🎟️ Visit museums on free-entry days (first Wednesday of each month afternoon).

  6. 🍫 Buy chocolates from Leonidas or Côte d’Or instead of luxury brands.

  7. 🚌 Use 10-journey pass (€14) or day ticket (€8) instead of single rides.

🎭 Seasonal & Cultural Events in Brussels

Month

Event

Description

February–March

Anima Festival

Animation film festival.

April–May

Iris Festival

City’s official celebration, street parties & concerts.

July

Ommegang Festival

Historical parade at Grand Place.

July 21

Belgian National Day

Parades, fireworks, military displays.

August

Brussels Summer Festival

Multi-day music event.

September

Comic Strip Festival

Parades, exhibitions (Belgium = birthplace of Tintin!).

December–January

Winter Wonders & Christmas Market

Lights, food stalls, skating.

⚡ Power Plug Type & Voltage in Brussels

  • Plug type: Type C and E (same as most of Europe).

  • Voltage: 230V, 50Hz.

  • Tip: Universal travel adapter recommended if your plug differs (e.g., UK, US, Australia).

🚨 Emergency Numbers & Major Hospitals in Brussels

Emergency Numbers:

  • 🚓 Police: 101

  • 🚑 Ambulance/Fire: 100

  • ☎️ EU-wide Emergency: 112 (works for all types)

Major Hospitals:

  • CHU Saint-Pierre – Rue Haute 322, City Center

  • UZ Brussel – Laarbeeklaan 101, Jette (large university hospital)

  • Clinique Saint-Jean – Rue du Marais 114, near Rogier

  • Erasme Hospital – Route de Lennik 808, Anderlecht

⚠️ Common Tourist Scams to Avoid in Brussels

  1. Pickpockets – especially at Grand Place, Midi Station, and Atomium.
    → Keep bags zipped, avoid showing phones in crowds.

  2. “Friendship bracelet” scam – someone ties a string on your wrist, then demands payment. Politely say no and walk away.

  3. Fake petitions or charity collectors – ignore clipboard-waving “students.”

  4. Taxi overcharging – use Bolt/Uber or licensed taxis (white plate, “TAXI” sign).

  5. ATM helpers – decline any “help” while withdrawing money.

  6. Overpriced bars near Grand Place – check the menu before ordering beer.

MIVB, STIB network maps

Network Map
Metro / Tram / Train Map + PRM
NOCTIS Network Map
Dynamic Maps
Journey Planner
Latest Offline Maps for DL
THE BRUPASS ZONE
THE BRUPASS XL ZONE

Brussels Airport

Airport Map
Airport HP
Flights
Take the train to the airport
Retaurants & bars
Shops
Dining

Services, ATM, Luggage, Pharmacy, Info desk
Travelling with children

Gay guide

https://mytripnavi.com/gay/brussels.pdf

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Foods you must try

Famous food top 5

  1. Moules frites=Mussels & Fries (Mosselen Met Frietjes, Moules-Frites)
  2. Belgian Fries: Belgian fries are just like any other type of deep-fried potato, but one of the secrets is that they are fried twice.
  3. Flemish Stew (Stoofvlees, Carbonnades Flamandes): Flemish stew, known in Dutch as stoofvlees or stoverij and in French as carbon(n)ade à la flamande is a Flemish beef (or pork) and onion stew popular in Belgium, the Netherlands and French Flanders, made with beer and mustard spread on bread, seasoning can include bay leaf, thyme, clove and juniper berries.
  4. Vol-Au-Vent (Koninginnehapje) : A vol-au-vent (pronounced [vɔlovɑ̃], French for “windblown”, to describe its lightness) is a small hollow case of puff pastry.
  5. Shrimp Croquettes (Garnaalkroketten, Croquettes De Crevettes)

Famous Sweets

  1. Belgian chocolate: From Godiva to Leonidas, from Côte d’Or to Neuhaus: Belgium has a wide variety of top chocolate brands made by the world’s finest chocolatiers.
  2. Belgian Waffles (Brussels & Liège Variety)
  3. Molten Chocolate Cake (Chocolade Moeulleux, Moelleux Aux Chocolate): a Chocolate Moelleux Cake is a decadent and intensely chocolatey cake, relying on only a few ingredients: eggs, sugar and a solid amount of butter and good-quality dark chocolate.
  4. Dame Blanche: Dame blanche (French, “white lady”) is the name used in Belgium and the Netherlands for a sweet dessert consisting of vanilla ice cream with whipped cream, and warm molten chocolate.
  5. Rice Pudding (Rijstpap, Riz Au Lait)

Famous Drinks

  1. Belgian beer: More than 160 breweries operate in the small country. Belgians love their beer and often brew special beers for festivals and events.

Food trivia

  • Lekker! means “It’s delicious”
  • French Fries: Despite its name and popularity, the French fries are not French. The origins can be found in Belgium, where historians claim potatoes were being fried in the late-1600s. According to Belgian lore, poor villagers living in Meuse Valley would often ate small fried fish they caught in the river. It’s said that this dish was discovered by American soldiers in Belgium during World War I and, since the dominant language of southern Belgium is French, they dubbed the tasty potatoes “French” fries.

Other famous foods

  1. Eel Stew (Paling In’t Groen, Anguille Au Vert)
  2. Flemish Asparagus (Asperges Op Vlaamse Wijze, Asperges À La Flamande)
  3. Endive With Ham And Cheese Sauce (Witloof Met Kaas En Hesp, Chicon Au Jambon)
  4. Stoemp