Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Lying on the North Sea coast, Belgium's immediate neighbours are France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. The small nation of Belgium might leave you surprised by its rich and gorgeous heritage. It boasts a number of fascinatingly historic cities packed with medieval and Art Nouveau architecture and famous for their long traditions in arts, fashion and fine dining. If you've seen the best of them, the Belgian countryside offers anything from sandy beaches to the densely forested hills and ridges of the Ardennes. Brussels, the country's vibrant capital, is a modern world city with a highly international character. It combines massive postmodern buildings in its European Quarter with impressive historic monuments, such as the World Heritage listed Grand Place, surrounded by guildhouses and the Gothic town hall. There's Laken Castle and the large St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, dedicated to the cities patron saints. The Royal Palace is a more recent but no less grand structure. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Atomium, a remarkable steel structure and remnant of the 1958 World's Fair.

Belgium

Are you ready to get inspired by a world of art, design and culture? From creative hubs filled with the best galleries, museums, and ongoing exhibitions, to imaginative centres and workshops frequented by locals - check out the coolest curated spaces in {{area}}. 
The scene here is dynamic and endlessly evolving, whether you're an architecture admirer, a culture vulture, or an art and design enthusiast. Feed your creative side and dive right in! 

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Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

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Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what {{area}} has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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Welcome to the capital of Belgium! Known as the heart of the European Union, Brussels is absolutely buzzing. Modern neighbourhoods sit side by side with Art Deco buildings and historic landmarks. 

Brussels

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Family Fun 

Schaerbeek

Forest

Anderlecht

St Josse-ten-Noode

Uccle

Jette

Watermael-Boitsfort

Auderghem

Essentials

Languages: Walloon French

Emergency numbers:  Police (urgent): 101  Fire, ambulance, police: 112 

### Tourist Office

Visit Brussels 

Website: https://visit.brussels/en 

Address: Rue Royale 2, 1000 Bruxelles

Email: tourist@visit.brussels

Telephone: + 32 (0)2 513 89 40


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City building from the outside in a park in Brussels, Belgium

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Horse drawn carriage on a cobbled street in Brussels, Belgium

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Town hall from below in Brussels, Belgium

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Old guild hall buildings in the city centre of Brussels, Belgium

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Parc du Cinquantenaire arch outside by a fountain in Brussels, Belgium

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Belgian buildings in the city of Brussels in the city centre, Belgium

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Man sitting on the steps outside looking at view of the city of Brussels, Belgium

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Meet Brussels

### Why go to Brussels? 


Whether you’d like a quick visit to the city or an in-depth dive into Brussels, there’s tons to keep you busy. 


Brussels is a city you have to take the time to discover and seek out to really find the beauty of the city; and it is rather spread out. Don’t stick to the city center but venture out into the districts and find those hidden gems and we promise you’ll have a completely different experience. 


Be warned! Don’t just do the grand place and [Manneken Pis](https://app.livetheworld.com/activities/manneken-pis) (aka the little peeing boy - yes he’s real), and grab a waffle around the grand place; get out and find the charm in this amazing spread-out urban landscape.


### What you need to know about Brussels 


#### Green spaces 


Brussels is more than just a city. You might think of capital cities as grey and polluting, but Brussels is built different!  Your urban adventure will have a visit from Mother Nature, though you might not expect it. This city has 8,000 hectares of green spaces dotted around the capital. Brussels is sometimes called Europe’s green capital and for good reason. Some of the most popular parks are Leopold Park and Josaphat. Breathe in that fresh air in the middle of the city!


#### A melting pot 


Brussels is a multicultural city and the heart of Europe! All of Brussels’ neighbourhoods have something special to offer. There’s tons of expat communities that have made a home in Brussels - it’s a mini taste of the globe. Check out all the Chinese food, Polish shops, and the bustling European Quarter. Culture is booming in Brussels. From classic Belgian vibes in its famous Ommegang festival to artsy events, concerts and more everyday. If you’re looking for an urban adventure, Brussels is THE place to be. 


#### Museums galore 


Do you think a trip to the capital of Belgium will be expensive? Think again. Brussels has tons of free museums to visit to enrich your travel experience. Drop by on the first Sunday of the month for your choice of tons of museums in the capital. Even if you can’t visit for free, history and art buffs are spoiled for choice for museums everyday in Brussels. You might not have time to explore them all, so choose what you love the most to get the best experience. 



### Wanting to get a more authentic view of Brussels? Once you’ve seen the city centre venture out into all of the capital’s cute neighbourhoods to explore like the locals do! 


Oh Brussels, the land of goey waffles, strong beer, and a statute to make everyone wonder, “where’s the nearest bathroom?” While most people are familiar with the centre of Brussels for its plentiful museums, picturesque parks, and gorgeous architecture, there’s so much more to see.

We’ve compiled a list of Brussels neighbourhoods for you to explore, with fun activities you’ll definitely want to check out. Looking for a peaceful escape from the bustling city life? Brussels has cool places for you too! Here’s our ultimate breakdown of Brussels’ neighbourhoods!


#### Brussels City Center
 
The center of it all! Where beer, waffles, and frites all come together to form the heart and soul of Belgium’s city centre. When visiting Brussels, this is typically the main place people go. That means there’s loads to do here! Most people spend their time checking out historical landmarks like the **Royal Palace**, **Grand-Place**, and **Manneken Pis**. Outside the well-known tourist spots are luscious green parks, plenty of museums, and an endless amount of bars serving up delicious Belgian beer. Make sure to check out all of the centre’s hidden secrets to make your time worthwhile. 


#### Dansaert 

Dansaert is a Flemish neighbourhood within the centre of Brussels. Here you’ll find plenty of cute shopping spots, especially along the street **Rue Antoine**. Even though you’ve left the main centre, you can still find historic landmarks like the Sint Katelijnekerk. There’s plenty of stuff to keep you entertained while in Dansaert, but one of our favourite things here is the Saint-Catherine district. With plenty of hip bars and food options, this is a great, lively spot to go out with friends.


#### Ixelles 

One of the largest neighborhoods in Brussels, Ixelles is pretty unique. It’s a diverse neighborhood known for the famous “Matonge” African neighbourhood that evolved from the 1960s. Here you’ll find plenty of African shops and restaurants to try something different than the Belgian classics. If it’s green scenery you’re looking for, Ixelles has you covered with local parks **Abbey de la Cambre** and **Parc ten Bosch**. If you’re not sold yet, maybe you will be after finding out it’s the birthplace of Audrey Hepburn! 


#### Flagey

Within the Ixelles neighbourhood is the Flagey district, a lively area with great bars and its massive cultural house in the **Flagey Building**. One of its most beloved features is the weekly Flagey market in the Flagey square. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are an expat working in the EU bubble, Flagey is a beloved neighborhood in Brussels. While you’re here make sure to check out the popular drinking spots - including Belga! 


#### Chatelain 

A small, cozy neighbourhood where you can easily spend a day wandering around. Shop-a-holics can rejoice along the **Rue Da Bailli** street, or you can take a break from the busy life and head out to the **Bois de la Cambre** and enjoy Belgium’s nature. Chatelain is also filled with great food and bar options you don’t want to miss. 


#### Saint Gilles  

If it’s an arty neighborhood you’re looking for, look no further. Saint Gilles feels like a village within a city - but a beautiful one at that! This place is known for having Art-Nouveau galore, which makes sense considering the **Horta Museum** is here. As you walk along the friendly, local neighborhood, make sure to check out the impressive sights like the Town Hall or Halle Gate. And if you really want to do as the locals do, go sit out on a terrace at Parvis Square and enjoy a drink with friends. 


#### Schaerbeek

In the northern part of Brussels is Schaerbeek - a diverse neighborhood that is the city’s melting pot. You can also find a lot of Art Deco and Art Nouveau in the area, along with famous artist Rene Magritte’s last house. Try and find out why the neighborhood has a donkey for a mascot, or visit the infamous Parc Josaphat. If you’ve got kids tagging along, you can’t miss **Trainworld**. For the rest of Schaerbeek’s great features, you’ll have to head there to find out!


#### Etterbeek

Etterbeek and expats, kind of goes hand in hand! This neighbourhood is known for being one of the main resident areas for international families. Since a lot of the EU offices are located around here, it makes sense that it’s drawn in an EU crowd. If you want to see where everyone goes to hangout, Place Jourdan is your spot. And while you’re here, you can’t forget to try (arguably) the best frites location in town - *Maison Antoine!* 


#### Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

It may be one of the smallest neighborhoods, but it sure knows how to pack a punch! Saint-Josse-ten-Noode is one of the most densely populated areas, with over 60 different languages spoken! Consider it a pocket sized global village, right in Brussels. If you’re into music, this is the right neighborhood for you. Everyone knows about **Botanique**, the botanical garden that also acts as a concert and event venue. Or head over to Jazz Station for a drink and let the smooth music hit you right in the soul. 


#### Uccel

Laid back and beautiful. That’s an easy way to describe the neighborhood of Uccel. Here you’ll find a lot of families, and even retired couples who want to move out of the fast-paced centre. What that means is there’s a close sense of community here, with super friendly residents. You can’t have a cozy neighborhood without a weekly market! The peace and serenity continues throughout the green parks in the **Bois de la Cambre** and **Parc du Wolvendael**. 


#### Woluwe-Saint-lambert

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is a lovely and stylish neighborhood in the East of Brussels. You’ll find that it’s quiet enough to feel like you’re separated from the hustle and bustle, but still close enough to get in and out of the centre easily. Some people may describe it as calm, clean, and filled with friendly people. It still attracts quite a big international crowd due to its proximity to the EU institutions, meaning it’s definitely no ghost town. There’s cute parks where you can become one with nature like **Malou Park** or the **Roodebeek Park**. Plus if you’re looking for your next purchase, they have a monthly antique market! 


#### Sint Pieters Woluwe 

If you’re really looking for a slow paced neighborhood that’s the opposite of the city centre, you should check out Sint Pieters Woluwe. It’s a relaxed neighborhood where everyone seems pretty settled. There may not be a huge variety of young people compared to other neighborhoods, but there are still plenty of things to get into here. Find out how transportation works at the **Tram Museum**, or catch a show at the **W:Hall venue**. Of course there’s several green parks to get a breath of fresh air, and if you’ve got little ones with you - go play mini golf!  


#### Molenbeek

Molenbeek is considered one of the most underrated neighborhoods in Brussels. But what used to just be an industrial area is making a big turnaround! It’s colourful and diverse, and it’s right next to the canals where you can get a scenic view. If it’s museums you’re looking for, you can check out **MIMA** or **La Fonderie**. There’s also the **Tour & Taxis** building that has a huge food market on the inside! This place does not get enough credit, so you should go find out all that it’s worth. 

Crowd in an Indoor shopping street with glass ceiling in Brussels 

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### When to go


Brussels gets a little quieter around March and May, and September and October, when the tourist season is at its lowest. The weather is usually mild in Brussels, so expect rainy days! The capital of Belgium has lovely sights to see in every season. 

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Dates for your calender

Transport

### Getting There

**Good to know** - there’s a train station right below the airport terminal that takes you directly into the city. Direct trains come by every 15 minutes. The standard ticket to get from the airport into Brussels is 8.60€. 

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If you’re coming to Brussels in your car, we recommend Park & Ride. The city of Brussels is a Low Emissions Zone. You’ll have to check if your car fits the criteria to be allowed inside the city and also register the vehicle before coming [here](https://www.lez.brussels/mytax/). 


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Brussels has 5 train stations that are all linked together.  
Central Station Carrefour de l'Europe 2 - 1000 Brussels (This one is the most centrally located and has the most trains)
South Station rue de France 2 - 1070 Brussels (Eurostar, Thalys, TGV)
North Station rue du Progrès 85 - 1210 Brussels (Amsterdam) 
Luxembourg Station place du Luxembourg - 1040 Brussels (Luxembourg) 
Schuman Station Rond-point Schuman - 1040 Brussels (serves many European institutions and takes you to the airport) 

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Brussels Airport. An international airport - one of the busiest airports in the world! Budget airlines fly into Charleroi, you’ll have to take a bus to get to Brussels from there.


### Getting Around

Getting around on foot and by public transport are your best options to get around Brussels as traffic gets pretty packed. There’s buses, trams and metros to choose from. 

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You can buy tickets at the stations and info offices, most newsagents, or use contactless payment as you go into the station. Most public transport is run by STIB, a single ticket is 2.10€. Get the 1-day card for 7.50€ to hop on any STIB transport to easily get around the city.  The metro is by far the easiest but is not the most extensive metro system.

We recommend Park & Ride since the traffic is not fun. If you go off-hours, there are many paid parking lots.  

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Brussels is not known as the most cyclist friendly city but it is possible as there are plenty of roads with bike lanes. You can rent a bike with “Villo” pretty much anywhere in the city or use “Pro Velo” (rent 1 bike for 1 day for 15€). We highly recommend electric scooting! There are a few options including Lime scooters and Ride with Billy (highly recommend using the apps for this). 


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Walking is an easy, hassle free way to get around the heart of Brussels. We recommend using electric scooters or public transport, particularly the metro, to get out further into the other districts. 

### Other

**By Taxi**

A convenient ride back to the hotel from the bar, but pricier. Uber is going to be your most affordable option. Unless you’ve pre booked a taxi, only use the taxis with the official Brussels taxi sign. The price adds up quickly. The price per km is around 1.80€ or 2.70€ depending on where you are in the city. Some taxi services do offer a discount charge if you’re going to the airport. Tips are included in the price, so it’s not necessary to tip but no driver will turn it down if you’re feeling generous. 

**Waterbus**

The waterbus goes along the canal from Brussels, Van Praet and Vilvoorde. You’re allowed to bring your bike onto the boat for an extra 1€. Adult single tickets are 2/3€ (depends on which zone you’re in), special discount rates available. You can buy tickets online for the waterbus [here](https://www.waterbus.eu/en/timetableAndRates.php). 

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