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You'll Love Brussels City if:

  • You're looking for a family holiday with plenty to see and do.

  • You're seeking a romantic break with a scenic backdrop.

  • You're looking for a cultural getaway with plenty to explore.

Short breaks in Brussels

The ideal city break for those wishing not to travel far from home, Brussels is a fascinating cosmopolitan city where the European Union HQ is based.

Please note: City taxes payable locally.

Grote Markt, Brussels

The central square in Brussels is Grote Markt or Grand Place. The square is surrounded by stunning guild houses, the Bread House and the Brussels Town Hall.

A holiday n Brussels is a great way to see a cross-section of European culture. As the capital of Belgium, and home...

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The ideal city break for those wishing not to travel far from home, Brussels is a fascinating cosmopolitan city where the European Union HQ is based.

Please note: City taxes payable locally.

Grote Markt, Brussels

The central square in Brussels is Grote Markt or Grand Place. The square is surrounded by stunning guild houses, the Bread House and the Brussels Town Hall.

A holiday n Brussels is a great way to see a cross-section of European culture. As the capital of Belgium, and home to over two million people, it’s a showcase of German, Dutch and French influences. The city also has a culture that’s all of its own, with an incredibly tourist-friendly feel, and lots to see and do. So if you’re thinking of heading to Europe this year, a Brussels holiday could be just the thing.

Visit Brussels city

The Grand Place-Grote Markt is a great way to see what makes Brussels such a unique and interesting place. This plaza is a stunning monument to three hundred year old architecture, and by night it’s illuminations draw scores of visitors. Its beauty has to be seen to be believed. By day you can enojy something that Belgium’s famous for, but taken to another level of excellence: the Belgium waffle with caramelised sugar topping. At the other end of the spectrum, the ultra-modern architectural feature, The Atomium, is bound to impress. This huge polished metal atom contains nine spheres, each with their own exhibits. The view from the top stretches all the way to Antwerp, so you’ll need a head for heights. And if you’re easy with heights there’s a zipline set up in the summer months for as real adrenaline kick.

If you want to see something of Brussels’ mixed heritage on a simple scale, head to mini-Europe. This modern village shows all the main features of Europe’s landmarks in one little place, so it’s perfect for kids to explore. For some more serious diversion, Brussels has a fine selection of museums. These include everything from beautiful exhibitions of artworks, to comic book emporiums and even a classic car showcase. Whatever your tastes, a 2013 holiday in Brussels will offer you some heritage you can appreciate.

There’s a great café and bar scene in Brussels, so if you want to relax and knock back a few it gives you plenty of opportunities. There’s a great brewery in the town, with the option of tours, so if you want to see how the beer reaches your table you’re in for a treat. With shops opening late, the nightlife can include some retail therapy too. A Brussels holiday has it all.

Other recommended destinations:

Take a boat ride, a walking tour, hire a bicycle or horse drawn carriage, or simply wander wherever your feet lead you in the Belgian city of Bruges.

One of our most popular city break destinations owing to its proximity to the UK is the wonderful city of Paris. Cruise the Siene, climb the Eiffel Tower and visit world famous museums and galleries.

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Brussels Family Holidays

  • Attractions >
  • Activities >
  • Water Parks >
  • Hotels >
museums

Museums aren’t often the most exciting places to children, but the Scientastic Museum in Brussels definitely appeals to visitors both old and young. This unique museum takes visitors on a journey through interactive exhibits, using light, sound, smell and touch. You can delve into optical...

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Museums aren’t often the most exciting places to children, but the Scientastic Museum in Brussels definitely appeals to visitors both old and young. This unique museum takes visitors on a journey through interactive exhibits, using light, sound, smell and touch. You can delve into optical illusions, try sitting like a Muslim fakir and can even see yourself flying in a mirror.

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city landscape

One of the most exciting ways of exploring the city with children is to follow the Comic Strip Trail. This tour will take you across the collection of Brussels’ bright and vibrant cartoon murals, that often soar across the entire height of tall buildings. These pieces of art depict the city’s famed...

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One of the most exciting ways of exploring the city with children is to follow the Comic Strip Trail. This tour will take you across the collection of Brussels’ bright and vibrant cartoon murals, that often soar across the entire height of tall buildings. These pieces of art depict the city’s famed comic book characters, such as Tintin, Gaston and Gil Jourdan.

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water park

Boasting the biggest choice of water toboggans in Belgium, the Oceade Waterpark is the perfect destination for a fun fuelled family day out. This tropical water sports setting allows you to rush down the longest water slide in the country, delve into the largest wave pool in the country and even...

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Boasting the biggest choice of water toboggans in Belgium, the Oceade Waterpark is the perfect destination for a fun fuelled family day out. This tropical water sports setting allows you to rush down the longest water slide in the country, delve into the largest wave pool in the country and even dodge the geysers and jet streams in the Aqua Fun House.

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hotel bar

The Holiday Inn Garden Court enjoys a peaceful position outside the city, so it’s ideal if you wish to explore Brussels but have a quiet place to retreat to in the evening. If you’d rather stay in the heart of the city, Bristol Stephanie is found on the bustling Avenue Louise, and offers a hearty...

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The Holiday Inn Garden Court enjoys a peaceful position outside the city, so it’s ideal if you wish to explore Brussels but have a quiet place to retreat to in the evening. If you’d rather stay in the heart of the city, Bristol Stephanie is found on the bustling Avenue Louise, and offers a hearty American buffet breakfast.

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Brussels Couples Holidays

  • Day Trips >
  • Attractions >
  • Activities >
  • Hotels >
old town

There are a number of day trips that are worth venturing on from Brussels, some of which will even lead you into other countries, such as Luxembourg and Holland. You can also explore some of Belgium’s nearby cities, with a trip to the romantic Bruges or the dreamy Antwerp, or you can stay in the...

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There are a number of day trips that are worth venturing on from Brussels, some of which will even lead you into other countries, such as Luxembourg and Holland. You can also explore some of Belgium’s nearby cities, with a trip to the romantic Bruges or the dreamy Antwerp, or you can stay in the city and enjoy a sightseeing tour from the water.

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gallery

Brussels boasts a vast network of galleries that will please art lovers from the modern and contemporary to the ancient and classical. The Palace of Fine Arts and the Museum of Ancient Art are home to some phenomenal historical collections, or you can head to the Centre of Contemporary Art and the...

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Brussels boasts a vast network of galleries that will please art lovers from the modern and contemporary to the ancient and classical. The Palace of Fine Arts and the Museum of Ancient Art are home to some phenomenal historical collections, or you can head to the Centre of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Modern art to spy some striking installations.

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cafe

Chocolate lovers will be in their element in Brussels, with some of the finest chocolatiers in the world found in this city. You can join a tour across some of the 2,000 chocolate shops found here, with tasting, workshops and chocolate making courses available. You can also learn of the history of...

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Chocolate lovers will be in their element in Brussels, with some of the finest chocolatiers in the world found in this city. You can join a tour across some of the 2,000 chocolate shops found here, with tasting, workshops and chocolate making courses available. You can also learn of the history of this favoured sweet treat or cosy up in a tea room with a mug of hot chocolate.

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Offering a private, luxurious home for two is the B Aparthotels Grand Place. These superb apartments give guests the chance to enjoy a romantic stay in the heart of the city. Le Plaza is an opulently designed hotel, with impressive interiors and furnishings. It is found just a short walk from the...

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Offering a private, luxurious home for two is the B Aparthotels Grand Place. These superb apartments give guests the chance to enjoy a romantic stay in the heart of the city. Le Plaza is an opulently designed hotel, with impressive interiors and furnishings. It is found just a short walk from the Grand Palace.

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Nightlife in Brussels

  • Bars >
  • Clubs >
  • Restaurants >
  • Live Music >
bar

Belgium is famed for its beer, so there is no better place to sip on a pint than in Brussels’ bars. You will find a range of venues that cater for every taste, from laid back pubs where you can enjoy a relaxed pint, to energetic venues that offer live music and entertainment. The more sophisticated...

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Belgium is famed for its beer, so there is no better place to sip on a pint than in Brussels’ bars. You will find a range of venues that cater for every taste, from laid back pubs where you can enjoy a relaxed pint, to energetic venues that offer live music and entertainment. The more sophisticated drinkers will also find some lavish cocktail lounges and wine bars offering a refined atmosphere served alongside delicious drinks.

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club

The club scene in Brussels starts late and remains busy until the early hours of the morning. You will find clubs that open their doors from 10pm and begin to get lively around an hour later. You can choose from relaxed venues in the lower city, to high class clubs with dress codes in the upper...

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The club scene in Brussels starts late and remains busy until the early hours of the morning. You will find clubs that open their doors from 10pm and begin to get lively around an hour later. You can choose from relaxed venues in the lower city, to high class clubs with dress codes in the upper city.

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restaurant

Brussels is known for three classic dishes, mussels, fries and chocolate. Visitors on a budget can tour across the ‘fritkoks’ deciding themselves on the much heated debate of who serves the best fries. The bustling Rue des Bouchers-Beenhouwerstraat is filled with charming restaurants, serving...

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Brussels is known for three classic dishes, mussels, fries and chocolate. Visitors on a budget can tour across the ‘fritkoks’ deciding themselves on the much heated debate of who serves the best fries. The bustling Rue des Bouchers-Beenhouwerstraat is filled with charming restaurants, serving Belgian, French and fresh seafood dishes. Restaurants range from friendly local bistros to upmarket fine dining venues, serving all manner of cuisine, from English and Italian to Indian and Dutch.

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live music

Brussels boasts an eclectic music scene, with numerous venues offering live entertainment from a range of acts. You can find cool, relaxed jazz clubs, refined opera shows in theatres and even café theatres that provide low key entertainment as you eat. Caberet shows are wildly entertaining,...

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Brussels boasts an eclectic music scene, with numerous venues offering live entertainment from a range of acts. You can find cool, relaxed jazz clubs, refined opera shows in theatres and even café theatres that provide low key entertainment as you eat. Caberet shows are wildly entertaining, offering a range of acts that perform as you enjoy some fine food and drink.

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Exploring Brussels

  • Botanical Gardens >
  • Art and Culture >
  • Parks >
  • Shopping >
botanical gardens

The Botanical Gardens stretch across 92 hectares and are home to 18 thousand species of plants. This charming and beautiful attraction offers some stunning landscapes to wander around, from the English Bridge and the Medicinal Plants to the North American Wood and the Walled Garden. The Plant...

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The Botanical Gardens stretch across 92 hectares and are home to 18 thousand species of plants. This charming and beautiful attraction offers some stunning landscapes to wander around, from the English Bridge and the Medicinal Plants to the North American Wood and the Walled Garden. The Plant Palace offers flora from across the world throughout the year.

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gallery

Brussels brims with culture, whether it is in its museums and art galleries or through its street art and cultural attractions. The Comic Strip Trail will take you across the city’s infamous cartoon murals, or you can head to the Palace of Fine Arts in search of some more classic art exhibitions.

parkland

There are a number of quiet green spaces where you can find some refuge in the midst of this bustling city. Brussels Park is a pretty space found between the Royal Palace and Parliament, and boasts delightful floral borders and an 1840s bandstand. The Bois de la Cambre is a large park situated in...

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There are a number of quiet green spaces where you can find some refuge in the midst of this bustling city. Brussels Park is a pretty space found between the Royal Palace and Parliament, and boasts delightful floral borders and an 1840s bandstand. The Bois de la Cambre is a large park situated in the south of the city, and the Foret de Soines is a vast landscape of forest that stretches towards Waterloo.

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shopping

There is nothing like a little retail therapy, and there are plenty of shops to browse and make purchases in and outside the city. You will find everything from extensive shopping centres with high street names, to small side streets crammed with lovely boutiques and one off gift shops. Don’t...

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There is nothing like a little retail therapy, and there are plenty of shops to browse and make purchases in and outside the city. You will find everything from extensive shopping centres with high street names, to small side streets crammed with lovely boutiques and one off gift shops. Don’t forget to visit one of Brussels’ 2000 chocolate shops during your stay also.

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  • Brussels City Travel Information

    Language
    French, Dutch, German, Flemish
    Currency
    Euro
    Local time
    GMT +1 hour
    Local airport
    Brussels Charleroi
    Flight time
    1 hour 5 minutes
    Transfer time
    40 minutes
  • View Map >