Brussels holidays take you to the heart of one of Europe’s most elegant and picturesque countries. Come for the cuisine and culture, the grand architecture and dazzling art.
Brussels is home to an array of famous landmarks, with the beautiful Grand Place at its centre. There are plenty of cultural treasures to enjoy here too – not least the collection of six museums that together form the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
There are Michelin-starred restaurants galore, while areas such as Ixelles are brimming with fashionable fusion eateries. Quirky attractions include Mini-Europe, a theme park filled with tiny replica versions of sights from 80 other cities, and the eye-catching Atomium.
Check out our Brussels holiday packages and prepare for your unforgettable European adventure.
From its world-famous cuisine to awe-inspiring architecture, the Belgian capital never disappoints. Our Brussels holidays offer the perfect way to experience this fine city.
Filled with charming cafes and delightful boutiques, the Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries shopping arcade is right in the heart of Brussels. Designed by Dutch architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer and dating back to the 1840s, its glazed ceilings are a sight to behold.
As well as its fine range of shops, the arcade is home to a small theatre and cinema. Explore this beautiful complex to see why it attracts more than six million visitors each year.
Part of the legacy of Leopold II, Mont des Arts sits in the centre of Brussels and comprises a spectacular garden and an array of buildings.
This area lets you immerse yourself in the arts, whether you’re watching a classic movie at Cinematek, checking out an amazing exhibition at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, or paying a visit to the wonderful Musical Instrument Museum. You can also simply sit back, relax and take in the glorious views of this spectacular part of the city.
Brussels transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland when the temperatures drop. The city buzzes with excitement between late November and the start of January as it plays host to the Winter Wonders market.
Visit to enjoy a wide range of tasty local delicacies and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Get into the swing of things by visiting one of many charming stalls selling gifts, chocolates and much more besides. Be sure to take a ride on the big wheel for sensational views across the city.
Take a half-hour trip from the centre of the city to Heysel – or jump on the line six of the metro – to find the unusual Atomium, a striking structure of nine interlocking iron crystals.
Originally built for the 1958 World Expo, this is now a museum with a variety of exhibits as well as great views over Brussels from the restaurant at the top. While you’re in Heysel you could also visit the Mini-Europe theme park – containing tiny versions of the continent’s famous landmarks – and the Chinese Pavilion.
Belgium is a compact country, which means you can reach many of its other highlights in a couple of hours or less from Brussels. Liège, for example, is only an hour away, and boasts a delightful mix of medieval architecture, museums and art.
The Église St-Jacques has stood since the 11th century and is well worth exploring, while the town comes alive on Sundays with its busy La Batte market. Great food abounds – head for Le Bistrot d’en Face for Belgian and French specialities in a 16th-century building.
Home to some of the capital’s most popular tourist attractions, cafes and restaurants, the centre of Brussels is undoubtedly a great base for your holiday here.
The Hotel Metropole and NH Collection Brussels Centre are both handily situated for shopping and key sites such as Stock Exchange Square and Brussels City Museum – both must-sees on a Brussels city break.
Elegant and stylish, the European Quarter is home to hotels catering for a wide range of budgets, making it ideal for a family holiday in Brussels.
Top choices include the Aloft Brussels Schuman, a five-minute drive from the European Union Parliament Building. You can visit the remarkable Royal Palace and the nearby Brussels Park. Head a little further and you’ll discover the stunning Parc du Cinquantenaire.
Birthplace of film legend Audrey Hepburn, Ixelles is conveniently located in the south of Brussels and boasts a lively nightlife and restaurant scene. This is the district where the in-crowd hang out.
Here you can explore historic streets that sing with authentic European charm and choose from a selection of great accommodation options. Check out the Argus Hotel – it’s a short distance from Louise Metro Station and features spacious rooms decorated with modern art.
The currency used in Brussels is the euro (EUR). Most places accept credit cards and ATMs are readily available.
Brussels has a well-connected transport system, with taxis, a metro, trams and buses all on hand to help you make the most of your time here.
The official languages spoken in Belgium are Dutch, French and German. English is also widely used, especially in major tourist cities.
The public holidays in Brussels include Labour Day (1 May), Iris Day (8 May) and Belgium National Day (21 July), which features parades through the streets.
The cuisine in Brussels is renowned across the globe and has been heavily influenced by neighbouring countries, including France and the Netherlands. Frites are hugely popular – they’re traditionally double-fried and served in a paper cone with a generous dollop of mayonnaise.
The Belgian capital is also famed for its mussels. You’ll find them, along with plenty of other hearty seafood dishes, on the menu at most cafes and brasseries throughout the city.
For the perfect sweet treat, indulge in delectable Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream, ice cream, fruit or chocolate. You can even visit the city’s sublime chocolatiers and confectioners to learn the secret of their success.
Brussels is a huge cultural melting pot. With influences from across Europe found within the city, you’ll discover rich linguistic diversity and a wealth of delicious foods that are loved by millions.
The capital boasts a wide range of museums – including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and Brussels City Museum – and there is also a thriving art scene.
Experience Brussels in winter to witness the city truly come to life with incredible festive decorations and varied market stalls. If you’re a football fan, head to Lotto Park to see the stars of RSC Anderlecht in action.
Brussels has long been a place of huge political importance and retains that status today as home to the European Union and NATO.
Sites across the capital reflect its historical prominence, with the city’s attractions including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Top historic spots to explore include the antique guildhalls of the Grand Place in the heart of the city centre and Stoclet Palace, a charming mansion that can be found in the Woluwe-Saint-Pierre municipality a short distance outside the city.
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