City break in Brussels – discover sights full of heart, charm and flavour

Contents:

• Travel tips for Brussels – everything you need to know
• Brussels sights – what you shouldn’t miss
• Art & culture in Brussels – from surrealism to design and modern art
• Brussels’ culinary delights – from waffles to beer and chocolate
• Brussels’ neighbourhoods – colourful, lively, distinctive
• Finally: Why Brussels steals your heart

Travel tips for Brussels – everything you need to know

• Getting there: Brussels is easy to reach from Switzerland – with direct flights from Zurich (ZRH), Basel (BSL) or Geneva (GVA), the flight takes only about an hour and a half. From Brussels-Zaventem Airport (BRU), you can reach the city centre by train in about 20 minutes. Tip: If you want to travel in an environmentally friendly way, you can also take the train – for example, via Paris with a connection to Brussels.
• Getting around: The city centre is wonderful to explore on foot, as most attractions are close together. For longer journeys, the metro, tram and bus are available. Tip: With the Brussels Card, you can enjoy free entry to many museums, discounts at attractions and free travel on public transport.
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for discovering Brussels: mild weather, cosy street cafés and plenty of cultural events. In December, the Christmas market on the Grand-Place entices visitors with its festive splendour and the scent of waffles and mulled wine. Tip: Don’t forget your rain jacket – Brussels is known for its sudden changes in weather.
• Currency & payments: The currency in Belgium is the euro. With the Swiss Bankers Travel Card, you’ll be well prepared. Tip: Card payments are also increasingly accepted at smaller market stalls and food trucks – handy for impulse buys.
• Accommodation: From luxurious to charming – Brussels offers the right hotel to suit every taste. Our hotel recommendations: The elegant Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo, right next to the Grand-Place; the stylish Fleur de Ville with its modern boutique flair; and the cosy Zoom Hotel, popular for its creative design and relaxed atmosphere. Tip: On our Travel Deals page, you’ll find selected offers for hotels and flights worldwide – ideal for planning your next trip with ease.

Brussels sights – what you shouldn’t miss

In 2008, a TripAdvisor survey described Brussels as “Europe’s most boring city” – but anyone who’s ever been here knows how absurd that is. Because when you stroll through the city, you soon realise that the only thing boring here is the weather, if anything. Amidst gilded stately buildings, cheeky fountain figures and futuristic landmarks, Brussels shows just how charming contrasts can be. Anyone visiting Brussels’ finest sights will experience a city brimming with character, history and a zest for life.

• Grand-Place: The sparkling heart of Brussels: surrounded by magnificent guild houses and the Gothic town hall, the square is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Tip: Pop by in the evening – bathed in golden light, the square reveals its most magical side.
• Manneken Pis: Tiny, cheeky and world-famous – this little bronze statue is the epitome of Brussels’ sense of humour. Tip: If you look closely, you’ll also spot ‘Jeanneke Pis’, his female counterpart, nearby.
• Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: An elegant arcade full of charm, the scent of chocolate and the glamour of days gone by. Boutiques, cafés and chocolate shops invite you to stroll around. Tip: Treat yourself to a Neuhaus praline – this is where it was first invented.
• Atomium: This shimmering silver landmark resembles a giant iron molecule. A symbol of progress – and a highlight offering stunning views. Tip: The view from the top sphere stretches far beyond the city – particularly beautiful at sunset.
• European Quarter & Parlamentarium: Europe’s political heart beats amidst modern glass façades. EU history comes to life in the interactive Parlamentarium. Tip: Entry is free – perfect for an inspiring hour out of the ordinary.
• Mont des Arts: A little oasis above the city’s rooftops – with well-tended gardens, museums and sweeping views of the old town. Tip: Ideal for a quick break – or for one of the most beautiful photos of Brussels.
• Parc du Cinquantenaire: Monumental arches, sweeping lawns, museums – a place that combines history and relaxation. Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy the park just like the locals do.

Art & Culture in Brussels – from Surrealism to Design and Modernism

Brussels is a city for dreamers and explorers – here, you encounter art at every turn. From surrealist masterpieces to musical museums and colourful street art, the Belgian capital reveals just how creative it really is.

• First and foremost is the Magritte Museum, a tribute to the city’s most famous son. His surreal works play with dreams and reality – just like Brussels itself. Tip: After your visit, it’s well worth taking a stroll down Rue de la Régence – where several museums are lined up one after the other.
• Just a few steps away, the Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM), housed in an Art Nouveau building, delights visitors with over 1,000 instruments from all over the world. Tip: The top floor offers a magnificent panoramic view over Brussels – the restaurant there is currently temporarily closed for renovation work, but the view alone is worth the visit.
• Right next door is BOZAR – Palais des Beaux-Arts, the cultural heart of Brussels. Designed by Victor Horta, the building combines art, music, film and architecture into an inspiring all-round experience. Tip: BOZAR Brussels is at its most creative in the evenings, when concerts and exhibitions come together.
• Just outside the city centre, the Brussels Design Museum offers a fascinating insight into modern design. The ‘Plastic Design Collection’ showcases iconic furniture and everyday objects spanning seven decades – a journey through form, colour and function. Tip: Ideal to combine with a visit to the Atomium, just a few minutes away.
• Another architectural gem is the Villa Empain, an Art Deco masterpiece from the 1930s and home to the Boghossian Foundation. Here, marble, clean lines and contemporary art come together – elegant and timeless in equal measure. Tip: Allow some time to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere at your leisure.
• And then there are Brussels’ famous comic strip murals: over 60 façades feature characters such as Tintin and Lucky Luke – charming, colourful and quintessentially Belgian. Tip: A map of the ‘Comic Route’ is available free of charge from tourist information offices – perfect for a creative city tour.

Moments of indulgence in Brussels – from waffles to beer and chocolate

Brussels tastes great – and how! The city is a paradise for foodies, where down-to-earth home cooking meets sophisticated delicacies.

• On every street corner, the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked waffles – sometimes crispy, sometimes soft, always heavenly. Whether served classically with icing sugar or heaped with chocolate and fruit: a Brussels waffle is simply a must. Tip: We particularly recommend Maison Dandoy, a long-established Brussels institution, and the trendy Woodpecker Café, which serves up creative variations.
• Another must-try: chips. Almost a cultural treasure in Belgium – double-fried, golden brown and served with tangy sauces. Tip: Try them at ‘Maison Antoine’ on Place Jourdan – even the locals queue up there.
• The hearty fare continues with moules-frites – mussels and chips – or carbonnade flamande, a hearty beef stew cooked in beer. Naturally, this goes perfectly with a Belgian beer – of which there are more varieties than there are days in the year. Tip: At the legendary ‘Delirium Café’, you can sample over 2,000 beers.
• And then there’s the chocolate – in Brussels, it’s not just a sweet treat, but an art form. Names such as Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini and Wittamer are synonymous with artisanal perfection. Tip: Many chocolate shops offer small tastings or chocolate-making workshops – a sweet temptation you can happily give in to.
• Those who prefer a more modern vibe will find creative restaurants in neighbourhoods such as Ixelles and Sablon, where Belgian classics are given a fresh twist – often using regional ingredients and with great attention to detail. Tip: For a special treat, we recommend Le Petit Bon Bon, which delights with its modern brasserie atmosphere and sophisticated dishes.
• To round off the evening: a drink with a view at Rooftop 58. High above the rooftops of Brussels, you can enjoy creative cocktails, relaxing music and a 360° panorama. Tip: Come at sunset – that’s when Brussels shows its most romantic side.

Brussels’ neighbourhoods – colourful, lively, distinctive

Brussels is like a box of chocolates: every neighbourhood has its own character – sometimes elegant, sometimes whimsical, sometimes surprisingly colourful. If you really want to get to know the city, you should just go with the flow – from street to street, from café to café, from atmosphere to atmosphere. That’s how you’ll discover many of Brussels’ hidden gems, tucked away from the major tourist attractions.

• The Sablon district showcases Brussels’ elegant side. Amidst boutiques, galleries and chocolate shops, it exudes timeless sophistication. Tip: At the weekend, the Marché des Antiquaires du Sablon draws crowds – an atmospheric antiques market brimming with works of art and vintage treasures.
• The Marolles district is quite different – rough, authentic and a little rebellious. Amidst flea markets and street art, this is where the real Brussels comes to life. Tip: It’s worth getting up early – the daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle starts at the crack of dawn.
• In the creative district of Saint-Gilles, art, culture and coffee come together. Art Nouveau façades, studios and cafés characterise the neighbourhood. Tip: Book lovers should visit the Tipi Photo Bookshop – a little oasis of photographic art and inspiration.
• Ixelles epitomises cosmopolitan Brussels. Street art, international cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere are what make it so appealing. Tip: Flagey Square is particularly lovely in the evening. And if you enjoy shopping, take a stroll down Hoogstraat – full of boutiques, concept stores and small galleries.
• And then there’s the European Quarter – modern, glass-fronted and bustling. This is where the political heart of Europe beats, surrounded by green parks and impressive architecture. Tip: If you fancy a change of perspective, you can join a guided tour of the European Parliament here during the week.

In conclusion: Why Brussels steals your heart

Brussels isn’t a city that makes a loud impression – it does so quietly, with charm and character. Amidst gold-embellished façades, fragrant waffle stalls and modern glass buildings, a city full of contrasts emerges, all of which harmonise perfectly. Brussels is authentic, vibrant and sometimes wonderfully imperfect – and that’s exactly what makes it so endearing. Anyone who takes the time to explore it will discover a city that wins a little piece of your heart at every turn.