Brussels is underrated. The capital of Europe has Art Nouveau masterpieces, the world's best beer selection, and a food scene that goes far beyond waffles and frites. The Grand Place is one of Europe's most beautiful squares. Comic strip murals dot the city. And the Belgians have perfected chocolate and beer to an art form. Brussels offers excellent value for Western Europe. Hotels are cheaper than Paris, food is hearty and affordable, and the beer costs a fraction of what it would elsewhere. Flight deals to Brussels appear on budget carriers.
Best Time to Fly to Brussels
Peak Season
April through October has pleasant weather. Summer (June to August) brings tourists but Brussels never feels overrun.
Off Season (Best Deals)
November through March is gray and cold but significantly cheaper. Christmas markets brighten December.
Brussels weather is famously gray. Summer (June to August) reaches 65-75°F with occasional rain. Fall (September to October) cools to 50-60°F. Winter (November to February) is cold at 35-45°F. Spring (March to May) warms slowly.
💡Book 4-6 weeks ahead for summer. Winter deals appear frequently. EU summits can affect hotel prices.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Brussels
Cheapest Months
January, February, November
Most Expensive
May, June, September
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Must-Try Foods in Brussels
Moules Frites
A pot of mussels with a mountain of fries is the national dish. Served everywhere from simple to upscale. Chez Leon is the tourist standard; local brasseries often do it better. Eat it in autumn when mussels are best.
$20-30
Belgian Waffles
Two types: Brussels waffles (light, rectangular) and Liege waffles (dense, sugary). Street carts serve both. Plain or with chocolate and cream, they're best fresh and warm. Avoid the pre-made tourist trap versions.
$3-8
Belgian Chocolate
Brussels has more chocolate shops per capita than anywhere. Neuhaus invented the praline. Pierre Marcolini is the modern master. Buy from established chocolatiers, not tourist shops near the Grand Place.
$10-30
Top Attractions in Brussels
Grand Place
Victor Hugo called it the most beautiful square in Europe, and he wasn't wrong. The medieval guild houses and town hall create an architectural masterpiece. Visit at night when illuminated. Free and essential.
Atomium
The 1958 World's Fair icon looks like a molecule magnified 165 billion times. Views from the top sphere and exhibitions inside make it worth the trip. Take the metro to Heysel.
Belgian Beer Culture
Belgium has 1,500+ beers. Delirium Cafe has 2,000+ on the menu. Cantillon Brewery offers authentic lambic tours. Order Trappist beers, krieks, and obscure local brews. This is world-class drinking.
Daily Costs in Brussels
Brussels is affordable for Western Europe. Hotels cost less than Paris or Amsterdam. Beer and food are reasonably priced. Budget $90-130 per day for comfortable travel.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$70-110
Mid-Range
$120-200
Airbnb
$80-150
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$10-18
Restaurant
$20-40
Coffee
$3-5
Transport
Local Transport
$2-3/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$90-140
Getting Around Brussels
From the Airport
Trains run from Brussels Airport to Central Station in 20 minutes for $12. From Charleroi Airport (used by budget carriers): buses take 60 minutes to Brussels Midi for $17.
Getting Around
The metro, trams, and buses share a unified system. The city center is walkable. A 24-hour pass covers unlimited travel. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find.
Tips
- •Buy a 24-hour transit pass ($8) if you're using public transport more than 3 times.
- •Most sights are walkable from the Grand Place. Save transit for the Atomium and outer neighborhoods.
Where to Stay in Brussels
Grand Place / Center
The medieval square and surrounding streets have the main attractions. Tourist-heavy but genuinely beautiful. Walking distance to Manneken Pis and chocolate shops. Start here.
Saint-Gery / Saint-Boniface
Saint-Gery has trendy bars around a historic market hall. Saint-Boniface in Ixelles has restaurants and local energy. Both neighborhoods stay alive late with less tourist presence.
Sablon
The upscale antiques quarter has chocolate shops, art galleries, and weekend markets. Notre Dame du Sablon church is beautiful. More refined than the tourist center with excellent restaurants.
Smart Travel Tips for Brussels
FAQs About Flights to Brussels
Brussels is affordable for Western Europe. Budget $90-130 per day. Beer, chocolate, and food are reasonably priced. Hotels cost less than Paris or Amsterdam.
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