Brussels
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is located in the centre of the country. The city is home to over 80 different museums, so there is something for every kind of interest. Brussels is also one of the greenest capital cities in Europe, with over 8000 hectares of green space.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 100 (fire and ambulance) and 101 (police)
- Language: Dutch, French and German
- Currency: Euro
- Country Code: BE
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 2,095,688
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 100 for fire and ambulance services, and 101 for police.
Hospitals in Brussels
Travelling Around
Airports
Train Stations
Brussels Safety
Where can I keep up with local news?
What are some city safety tips?
Brussels is a great city to visit, make sure before you go you browse a city map and look up the places you want to visit before arriving.
If driving in Brussels be aware of the motorway system, it can be confusing. When parking make sure you are in an official car park and not on the streets.
Are there any areas that I should avoid?
Brussels is generally a safe city, beware of pickpockets in busy areas around tourist hotspots and attractions or the city center as it can get very busy during the tourist season and summer months.
It is advisable to stay in tourist areas until you are more familiar with your surroundings before venturing somewhere rural.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Local Traditions
Every culture has its customs and traditions, they have been handed down the generations and are always held in high regards by the local residents.
Annual Ceremonies
Traditional Foods
Brussels has many traditional foods such as Moules and Frites and Belgian Waffles. They are well worth trying and are available in lots of places around the city.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Brussels Events
The Brussels Film Festival brings together many professional actors and film makers and celebrates talented directors of the European film industry. There is tough competition to make it in to the festival, during the 10 day festival there are around 60 films shown. If you are lucky enough to get tickets to see the latest releases it can be an amazing experience walking the red carpet.
The Brussels Jazz Marathon is an annual musical festival of amazing writeen and improvised music. During a weekend at the end of May local and international artists come together to play this huge 3 day concert. Outdoor stages are set up at the Grand Place, the Sablon and Place St Catherine and the music kicks off with a bang.
Brussels offers two annual runs one full and one half marathon. The routes are not easy but very scenic taking the runner through the city’s most beautiful parks, past monuments and around the highlights. Most choose to run and raise money for charity.
Brussels Highlights
What are some good places to visit?
Mini Europe. The only place for a tour of Europe in mini, cool place to visit for the family. The tour gives birds eye views expanding visitors minds of the amazing parts of Europe and how the places are interlinked. A really interesting place to visit.
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate. Well worth a visit to taste some of the best chocolates in the world, learn about the art of chocolate that the Belgium’s have down to a fine art. A must for any lovers of chocolate.
Grand Place. The town square in Brussels, amazing buildings and architecture which offers many interesting angles to photograph from. It also creates a beautiful atmosphere to relax in and enjoy a coffee or beer.
