Brussels

Orientation

Brussels is not only the national capital of Belgium, but also the European political and administrative hub, as the city hosts the European Union (EU) headquarters.
In the meantime, Brussels has kept its historic roots. The city centre is a cobbled old town that branches out from the remarkable Grand Place, a square that thrives with colours, people, music, markets and breathtaking Gothic architecture.

City Facts

• Brussels Population: 1,122,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Belgium Population: 10,257,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: Euro (€, EUR)
• Time Zone: GMT +1 hours
• Language: Flemish, French and German
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

Rain can be expected at any time of the year in Brussels, and there may be the occasional snowfall in winter. Summer temperatures vary from 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F), and winter temperatures range between 4°C to 7°C (40°F to 45°F).

Travel Tips

Arts and Events

A host of annual events are held in Brussels, including the Queen Elizabeth Music Competition for classical music; the annual Jazz Festival and the traditional Ommegang Mediaeval Pageant, a colourful expression of riches and glamour that dates back to 1549. The festival includes over 2,000 players dress as Renaissance nobles, guildsmen and peasants; riders on caparisoned horses, stilt walkers, flag throwers and fire-eaters. Moreover, the city’s cultural diversity is showcased in the annual Zinneke Parade.
Markets are popular in the city, with weekly flea markets at Place de Jeu de Balles, antiques markets in Sablon Square and several food markets throughout the city.

Dining

Combining its Flemish and French influences, Belgian food is widely acknowledged as the best in Europe. Some local specialties that visitors can’t miss are the Flemish carbonade (beef stewed in beer), Brussels chicory (rolled ham in béchamel sauce) and Choesels au Madere (sweet breads with Madiera sauce and mushrooms). Whilst in town, visitors may also like to sample the finest chocolates Brussels has to offer, as Belgium is widely regarded as the world capital for chocolates.

Tipping Advice

Tips are usually included in restaurant bills. It is unnecessary for visitors to tip porters, waiters and taxi drivers in Brussels, unless they received particularly good service.

Transportation

Brussels is serviced by the world-famous Eurostar train, which offers passengers a timely and comfortable service between central London, Paris, Lille and Brussels without the hassles of airport transfers.

Arriving by Air

Brussels Airport serves the Belgian capital with direct European and international flights.

Getting Around Brussels

The public transport system is convenient in Brussels, as the trams, buses and metro systems share the same ticketing system and are designed to interconnect. Brussels-Midi station is the main hub of the system.

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