Cheap flights from Tirana🇧🇪 Brussels

What to see in Brussels

• Grand PlaceThe central square with its gilded façades, one of the most beautiful in Europe.
• Manneken PisThe little statue of a boy, the city's quirkiest symbol.
• AtomiumThe atom-shaped structure from the 1958 World's Fair, with views from the top sphere.
• Galeries Royales Saint-HubertThe elegant covered arcade, full of chocolate shops and cafés.
• Mont des ArtsThe garden with the finest view over the old town, set among the royal museums.
• Comic Book RouteDozens of murals of Tintin, the Smurfs and other Belgian heroes on façades around the centre.

Book tickets for museums and sights in Brussels →

A 3-day itinerary

1. The Grand Place, Manneken Pis and the Galeries Royales. In the afternoon, Mont des Arts and the Magritte Museum, then mussels for dinner in Sainte-Catherine.
2. The Atomium and Mini-Europe in the morning. In the afternoon, the European Quarter with the Parlamentarium (free) and the Cinquantenaire park.
3. A day trip to Bruges or Ghent; you can even do both in the same day.

Where to stay

• City centreAround the Grand Place and Central station, with everything within walking distance.
• Sainte-CatherineThe neighbourhood of fish restaurants and bars, five minutes from the centre.
• Ixelles and Saint-GillesArt Nouveau architecture, cafés and local life.
• Near Gare du MidiHandy for the bus from Charleroi and for international trains, but not the most pleasant area.

What to eat

• Moules-fritesA pot of mussels with fries, the national dish.
• WafflesThe Brussels waffle is light and rectangular; the Liège one is sweeter and denser.
• ChocolatePralines were invented here: Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini and dozens of artisan chocolate shops.
• Belgian beerHundreds of kinds, from Trappist to lambic. Many are strong: check the percentage.

From the airport to the centre

Rather have a driver waiting? Book a transfer from the airport →

Getting around the city

The centre can be seen on foot. You pay for the metro and trams by tapping a contactless bank card, with a daily cap on what you spend. Trains from the three main stations (Nord, Central, Midi) take you to almost any city in Belgium in under an hour.

Day trips from Brussels

• BrugesThe medieval city of canals, about an hour by train.
• GhentLess touristy and just as beautiful, 35 minutes by train.
• AntwerpThe city of diamonds and of Rubens, 40-50 minutes by train.

Tips

• Bruges and Ghent are easy day trips by train.
• From Charleroi, allow at least an hour and a half to reach the centre of Brussels.
• Fries are bought from street kiosks and eaten with mayonnaise or one of dozens of sauces.

Frequently asked questions