Brussels City Guide - Useful tips & info

Things to do in Brussels

ABOUT BRUSSELS

Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, it is also the administrative capital of the European Union, thus becoming one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Street signs are written in French and Flemish, but you will also see and hear English everywhere. The city’s architecture is as varied as its population, with gothic churches and art nouveau façades coexisting with 1960’s concrete buildings.

Ready to dive into this huge melting pot? Start with our Free Tour of Brussels, which gives you an overview of the city’s history and main attractions.

GOOD TO KNOW

Airport transfer

Brussels is served by two airports - Zaventem and Charleroi. Getting to the city center is easy: Zaventem has its own train station, and the journey to Brussels’ Central Station takes about 20 minutes.

If you land at Charleroi, there is an express bus line that takes you to the nearest train station, from where you can continue to the city center. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus to Gare du Midi (Brussels South Station). There are several companies offering this service and the journey takes about 55 minutes. We advise you to buy your tickets online to make sure there will be a seat available for you.

Public transportation

Brussels’ public transport system is comprised of metro, trams and busses. They are all operated by the same company: STIB. This means you can ride anywhere using the same ticket. A single ticket costs 2.50€ and can be used for up to two hours. There are also daily and multi-day tickets. Intercity trains are operated by another company called SNCB and require a different ticket.

You must check in before every journey - look for the little red machine upon boarding the tram or bus. At the metro stations, beware the red line on the ground. You must have checked-in before crossing it or you risk getting a fine.

Safety

Several security measures have been taken in Brussels since the terrorist attacks from March, 2016. You will see soldiers in every metro station, as well as in front of official buildings and main touristic areas. While you are advised to remain vigilant, bear in mind the vast majority of tourists enjoy the city without any incident at all. Don't let these events discourage you from having nice experiences!