Brussels Travel Guide

BelgiumBrussels, the capital of Europe Home to the Union and NATO, it stands out as a political and economic centre beyond its touristic appeal.

Brussels, the country's largest city with a population of 1.2 million, stands out with its cosmopolitan structure; more than a third of the people living here came from different countries and settled in the city. Moreover, the Turkish population is quite dense!

With its historical buildings, charming squares, lush parks, impressive museums and rich seafood cuisine, Brussels is a great place to spend your time. However, you may be surprised to learn that this city was once a swamp.

Brussels' fame also goes beyond borders with its lace, world-famous chocolates, various beers and mussels!

When to Go to Brussels?

BBrussels has a cold winter and mild summer climate. However, it is a city that is notable for receiving more rainfall than London. The rainiest periods are mid-July and December. For this reason, the months of April-May or September-October, when the weather is drier, are among the best times to explore Brussels.

While the temperature usually drops to around 1 degree in the winter months, in the summer months the thermometer shows a maximum of 23 degrees. For this reason, Brussels is a pleasant place to visit for both those who like warm weather and those who prefer coolness!

How to Get to Brussels?

To Brussels İstanbulYou can easily reach from . Direct flights of Turkish Airlines (THY) and Pegasus make your travel quite practical. THY flies to Brussels Airport, which is only 12 km from the city center, while Pegasus uses Charleroi Airport, which is 46 km from the city center. The flight time from Istanbul to Brussels is approximately 3 hours.

You can also reach Brussels by taking connecting flights with other European airlines. However, do not forget to get a Schengen visa before your trip!

What to Eat in Brussels?

Brussels cuisine impresses its visitors with its rich and unique flavors. The city's most famous flavors include mussels, various seafood, chocolate, waffles, beer and French fries. In addition to these flavors that you can find on almost every corner, you should also try some special Belgian dishes:

• Filet Americaine: A dish made of almost raw minced meat served with various herbs.
• Lapin a la Kriek: A specialty prepared with rabbit legs and flavored with Kriek (cherry beer).
• Canard Cuisse: This dish made with duck meat is one of the unique flavors of Belgian cuisine.

Famous restaurants in the city for a taste discovery:

• Nordzee ve Vismet: Places that stand out with fresh seafood.
• At the Arms of Brussels ve At Leon's: Popular addresses for traditional Belgian food.
• Arcady: Offers local flavors with a friendly atmosphere.

If you like French fries, definitely stop by Cafe Beige and Maison Antoine for Belgian fries!

Activities to Do in Brussels

Brussels offers its visitors a wealth of opportunities to explore with its historical buildings, lush parks and impressive museums. In addition to these, there are also fun-filled places where you can have a great time with your children, such as a zoo and aqua park.

Another great option is to explore nearby Belgian cities by train, which are easily accessible from Brussels:

• Antwerp: Only 1 hour away by train.
• Ghent: You can reach in 30 minutes.
• BrugesYou can reach this fairytale city with a train ride of approximately 1 hour.

Also, if you want to see the city from a different perspective, you can take a unique tour by taking a hydrofoil ride on the Zenne Canal. This experience is ideal for discovering the beauties of Brussels from the water!

Brussels Nightlife

Brussels' nightlife offers a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. Especially on cold evenings, beer-based conversations have become a tradition in the city. Some bars, which stand out with their historical atmospheres, have stood for centuries, witnessing the past. Here are some of the famous bars you can try:

• A la Becasse
• A la Mort Subite
• Oh My High Temps
• The Golden Paper Flower
• The Image of Nostre-Dame
• Falstaff
• The Cirio

In addition to bars, you can have a night full of dancing by choosing one of the approximately 50 nightclubs in Brussels. Some of the most popular nightclubs are:

• Studio 44
• Fuse
• The Wood
• The Flat

For those who want to listen to live music, venues that offer rock, blues or jazz performances are ideal:

• Bison
• Music Village

You can also plan a cultural evening by checking out the programs of the Flagey and Théâtre de la Monnaie, two of the city's most important concert halls. Brussels Nightlife You can learn more in our article.

Shopping in Brussels

Brussels is a city that offers many options for shopaholics. If you are interested in luxury brands and chic boutiques, the city's two famous shopping streets, Boulevard de Waterloo and Rue Antoine Dansaert, are the perfect place for you. If you are looking for more affordable brands, the pedestrian-only Rue Neuve is the ideal address. The City2 Shopping Center located on this street offers both popular brands and a pleasant shopping experience.

If you want to be among the locals and discover authentic products, be sure to visit the local markets held on Sundays. In these markets, you can find fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as handmade cheeses and souvenirs.

The Grand Place in the city center is a popular spot for classic souvenirs like trinkets, mugs, and key chains. However, the most special souvenirs on your way back from Brussels include chocolate, beer, lace, and crystal. If you prefer luxury brand outlets, Maasmechelen Village, about an hour away from the city, is a great option for you.

Festival and Fair Calendar in Brussels

These events, which are spread throughout every season in Brussels, offer great opportunities for those who want to explore the city in a cultural and fun way!

Holidays and Important Days in Brussels

These special days are an important part of the cultural and religious traditions in Belgium. Many events and celebrations are held in Brussels on these dates. You can plan your holiday according to these days and experience the atmosphere of the city more closely!

Things to Consider and Important Information

• Visa Requirement: To travel to Brussels, you must have a Schengen visa.
• Language: Although the official and most common language is French, English is also frequently spoken in the city.
• Shopping: It is not possible to shop in the city on Sundays. Especially outside of tourist areas such as Grand Place, shops are usually closed. It is recommended that you complete your shopping on Saturday.
• Restaurant Working Hours: Many restaurants are closed during lunch breaks and on Sundays and Mondays. If there is a restaurant you plan on going to, it is important to check their opening hours beforehand.

By paying attention to these details, you can plan a more comfortable and enjoyable trip in Brussels!

Transportation and City Tours

Brussels is a city where you can walk to many places with its small and compact structure. However, if you want to use public transport, there are very efficient subway network is one of the best options. If you are not close to metro stops, you can choose bus lines; but keep in mind that buses do not run as frequently as metro.

If you want to explore cities outside of Brussels, intercity trains It offers a great transportation alternative. With trains, you can reach many cities around Brussels quickly and comfortably. Urban and intercity transportation options are arranged to make your trip easier!

Brussels Travel Guide offers all the important information you need to discover this fascinating city. With its historical texture, rich cuisine and vibrant social life, Brussels promises visitors an unforgettable experience. In addition to exploring the city, you can further enrich your trip by visiting other Belgian cities nearby. If you want to learn about other beauties in Belgium, Places to Visit in Belgium You can take a look at our article to discover the most special spots of Brussels. You can visit our guide titled Places to Visit in Brussels!