Photo: Jostein Torstensen, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Brussels, Belgium
The de facto capital of the EU, and one of the easiest rail and air links in western Europe.
Brussels mixes Art Nouveau architecture, a famously ornate Grand Place, and a serious food and beer culture with its role as home to the EU's main institutions. High-speed rail and a well-connected airport make it a practical meeting point within western Europe.
Best time to visit
May–September has the mildest weather; Brussels is workable year-round for a short, indoor-heavy stay.
Top attractions
- •The Grand Place, one of Europe's most ornate market squares
- •The Atomium, built for the 1958 World's Fair
- •Belgian Comic Strip Center and the city's painted comic-book murals
- •Manneken Pis, the small bronze fountain statue everyone visits once
- •The Sablon and Marolles neighborhoods for antiques and chocolate shops
Practical tips
- •Trains run directly from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels Central Station in about 20 minutes.
- •Belgium has three official languages (Dutch, French, German) — signage in Brussels itself is mostly bilingual French/Dutch.
- •High-speed Eurostar and Thalys trains make Brussels a fast onward connection to London, Paris, and Amsterdam if you're continuing by rail.
Frequently asked questions
What airport serves Brussels?
Brussels's main airport is Brussels Airport (BRU).
When is the best time to visit Brussels?
May–September has the mildest weather; Brussels is workable year-round for a short, indoor-heavy stay.
Is Brussels a good place to meet someone flying from a different city?
The de facto capital of the EU, and one of the easiest rail and air links in western Europe.
Meeting someone in Brussels?
Compare real arrival times from two origins and find the airport where you’ll land closest together.
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