Brussels Tourism

It’s one of the most important cities in Europe and certainly the most important in the country. Many major European institutions are headquartered here; it’s at the junction of a number of major European cultures; has a well preserved if culturally mixed Flemish heritage; has major identities in both French and Dutch (most people speak French); and is simply a beautiful metropolis. It’s history is said to have properly begun when the remains of St, Gudula were transferred into it. Over the years, marshes were drained away, fortified walls were built and Brussels gained a proper identity as a city.

The French bombarded and flattened a large part of the town in 1695, but the city built itself back. In the aftermath of the 1830 Belgian Revolution, Brussels became a capital. It survived the first half of the 20th century with few scratches. It’s got a brilliant cultural, political and social scene, and is probably one of the friendliest cities in Europe.

Essential travel information and Brussels tips for your visit

  • Brussels Time Zone -  Central European Time Zone (UTC+01:00)
  • Currency – Currency in Budapest is Hungarian Forints
  • Electricity – Budapest uses 230 V, 50 Hz alternating current as the power. Plugs and sockets have ungrounded 2 pin connections (Type C) and have grounded / earthed 2 pin connections (Type F).
  • Languages - The official language in Brussels is Dutch which is mostly spoken among the Flemish communities and in the Flemish Region. French is the main language of the Brussels-Capital Region.
  • Internet – 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi connections are available in almost every hotel in the city. There are numerous Cafes providing free Wi-Fi to the tourists.
  • Security – Police: 101, Ambulance: 100, Fire: 100, Medical Emergencies: 112
  • Tipping – Tipping is not a common practice in Belgium and the service providers include the service charge for the provisions.  However, if one is happy with the service, one can tip a maximum of about 10%-15% of the total bill.
  • Pickpockets are most active on public transport vehicles metro, in crowded shops, shopping centres, food markets, and popular touristy places. Make sure to keep your money, documents, mobile phone safe and secure.
  • Passports and travel documents should be kept in a safe place
  • Try and avoid the weekends when the EU leaders are in town as prices shoot up at these times. There's a good range of choice for most budgets all your round, and prices are lowest in summer when the EU folks head off on vacation.
  • Before you start exploring the city, remember to buy a Brussels Card, which offers free entry to most museums, free use of public transport and discounts in many other places.
  • Be warned most shops don't open before 10.30/11.00 a.m. and often close on both Sundays and Mondays.
  • Confirm cab charges before getting in to the cab.
  • Confirm cab charges before getting in to the cab.
  • Don’t let cabs from the airport rip you off; first timers I Brussels can get charged up to EUR 80 for a trip to the centre. The actual fare is about EUR 30 - 40.

Brussels Trip Planner

Plan your customized day by day trip plan for Brussels. Choose from various experinces categories as adventure, romantic and family and kids friendly for your trip using using Brussels trip planner.

The best tours and activities in the city, guided by experts to give you a local insight to the best of Brussels