Top reasons to visit Brussels
- Cultural Richness: Brussels is steeped in history and culture, featuring numerous museums, art galleries, and stunning architecture.
- Diverse Culinary Scene: Indulge in Belgium's renowned cuisine, with a variety of local dishes and delicacies to savour.
- Charming Neighbourhoods: Explore picturesque areas within the Brussels-Capital Region, each offering a unique atmosphere and friendly locals.
- Vibrant Markets: Experience lively public markets and flea markets, perfect for unique finds and local experiences.
- Varied Accommodation: Choose from modern hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts, catering to all types of travellers.
Find great hotels in Brussels
Explore a variety of accommodation options in Brussels, ranging from modern hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. Whether you’re seeking a pet-friendly space, facilities for business travel, or a family-friendly environment, Brussels has something to suit every traveller's needs. Discover popular choices like Ibis Brussels and enjoy comfortable hotel rooms that serve as the perfect base for your Belgian adventure.
- Warwick Grand-Place Brussels: Nestled in the heart of Brussels, the Warwick Grand-Place is a distinguished 4-star hotel with a guest rating of 8.8. Ideal for families and business travellers, this hotel offers amenities tailored for children, including childcare services and family-friendly breakfast options. The elegant design and central location provide easy access to the city's attractions, making it a comfortable base for both leisure and work. Guests appreciate the thoughtful services aimed at younger visitors, ensuring a pleasant stay for families.
- Bedford Hotel & Congress Centre: The Bedford Hotel & Congress Centre is a well-regarded 3-star property, boasting a guest rating of 8.2. This hotel is particularly suited for business travellers, featuring comprehensive meeting facilities and a convenient location close to key business districts. Its modern amenities and functional spaces create an efficient environment for those visiting for work. The combination of comfort and practicality makes it a reliable choice for professionals seeking a productive stay in Brussels.
- The Hotel: With an impressive guest rating of 9.0, The Hotel is a sophisticated 4-star accommodation that caters to romantic escapades and shopping enthusiasts alike. Set within a vibrant shopping district, it offers luxurious romance packages, including 24-hour room service and champagne service for special occasions. Guests can unwind at the spa, enjoying treatments like hot stone massages and sauna sessions, or dine with enchanting garden views. The Hotel’s blend of elegance, relaxation, and convenience makes it a desirable retreat for discerning travellers.
Where to stay in Brussels
Brussels, a vibrant metropolis, offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical experiences. Explore the bustling city centre, where stunning architecture and charming cafes await. Venture beyond to the picturesque neighbourhoods of the Brussels-Capital Region, perfect for families and budget travellers alike. Discover the unique atmosphere, friendly locals, and diverse vibes that make Brussels an unforgettable destination, whether for business or leisure. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this captivating city and its surroundings.
- Zaventem: Nestled in the Brussels-Capital Region, Zaventem is a charming city that serves as a gateway for many visitors. With a steady flow of travellers year-round, peaking in April, July, and September, Zaventem offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. The city is well-known for its shopping areas and educational venues, while local landmarks such as historic sites and picturesque piazza squares provide a glimpse into its past. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant arena entertainment facility, making it an ideal stop for those seeking both leisure and culture.
- Machelen: Located near Brussels, Machelen is a city that boasts a diverse appeal, attracting visitors predominantly during the early months of the year and in September. Known for its cultural, business, and city-themed experiences, Machelen offers a dynamic atmosphere. The city features a variety of shopping areas and hosts music concerts, ensuring a lively social scene. With monuments and historic places dotting the landscape, Machelen invites exploration and appreciation of its unique heritage, making it a delightful destination for cultural enthusiasts.
- Grand-Place: Situated in the heart of Brussels, Grand-Place is a stunning neighbourhood famed for its breathtaking architecture and historical significance. This vibrant area sees a surge of visitors during the summer months and in October, as tourists flock to its markets and shopping areas. Grand-Place is a cultural hub, ideal for business and leisure travellers alike, with its bustling public market and surrounding piazza squares. The blend of monuments and historic sites creates an enchanting atmosphere that captures the essence of Belgium’s rich history, making it an unmissable part of your journey.
Things to do in Brussels
Shopping
In Brussels, visit the iconic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for luxury shops and artisan chocolate. For a more traditional experience, head to the Marché aux Poissons, a charming market offering local products and souvenirs. Don’t miss the trendy shops along Avenue Louise for high-end fashion.
Recreation
Explore the serene surroundings of the Thermae Boetfort, a luxurious spa set in a historic castle. Enjoy various saunas, steam baths, and outdoor pools. For a tranquil escape, indulge in a soothing massage or wellness treatment that rejuvenates both body and mind.
Adventure
Explore the thrill of indoor rock climbing at Climbing Factory, where you can scale various walls tailored for different skill levels. For a unique experience, try the escape rooms at Escape Rush, challenging your wits and teamwork in solving puzzles to break free in time.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife at Delirium Café, known for its vast selection of beers. For a lively atmosphere and dancing, visit La Machine du Moulin Rouge. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, head to Café Belga for a drink by the water and enjoy the local scene.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Brussels
Brussels provides numerous free attractions, such as La Grand Place and the Manneken Pis Statue, making it easy to explore on a budget. For public transport, consider using the Metro, trams, and buses, or opt for bike-sharing to save money. The cheapest months to visit are January to February and August, with the best hotel deals available when booked about a month in advance. Saturdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay, while Tuesdays are the most costly. Combining flights and accommodation through Expedia can also yield significant savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Brussels are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Brussels about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Brussels is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Brussels is Tuesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Brussels with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Brussels
Brussels is a fantastic destination for those seeking a culture-rich, city-themed vacation, offering a variety of attractions such as museums, piazzas, and art galleries. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying family-friendly experiences. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking to explore the vibrant city life, Brussels and its surroundings provide a delightful array of points of interest to suit every traveller's tastes.
- La Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning square is surrounded by ornate guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall. Visitors can soak in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere, especially during events such as flower carpet displays and Christmas markets.
- Atomium: An iconic symbol of Brussels, this unique structure resembles an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Inside, it houses exhibitions showcasing art and science, and the panoramic views from its spheres offer a distinctive perspective of the city.
- Avenue Louise: Known for its upscale boutiques and chic cafés, this elegant street is a prime destination for shopping and leisure. Strolling along Avenue Louise provides a glimpse into the stylish lifestyle of Brussels, with beautiful architecture lining the way.
Best time to go to Brussels
The best time to visit Brussels can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Brussels falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Brussels falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Brussels
Flying into BRUssels is convenient with two major airports. Brussels Airport (BRU) is located 11km from the city centre, with nearby hotels such as the 5-star Radisson Collection Grand Place Brussels and Le Châtelain, both offering various airport transportation services. Charleroi Airport (CRL) is situated 43km away, with excellent options like the 4-star Van Der Valk Hotel Charleroi Airport and Novotel Charleroi Centre, providing easy access to the airport. Additionally, EINdhoven Airport (EIN), located 100km from Brussels, has hotels like the NH Collection Eindhoven nearby. These hotels also offer transportation services making your arrival seamless and enjoyable.