Travel Guide > Europe > Belgium > Brussels
Originally developed on the historic trade route from Cologne to Bruges, Brussels is still easy to reach over land from just about any Western European city. Amsterdam, Paris, London and Cologne are all 3 hours or less by (high-speed) train. This convenient location, and the fact that a lot of hotels lower their prices between Friday and Sunday, make Brussels especially popular as a weekend getaway.
The statue that we see today was placed in 1619, and crafted by Jerome Duquesnoy. It replaced a statue that had stood on the same place, with a similar statue that was made of stone, and that had stood there since the middle ages. The statue was stolen no less than 7 times, during the years. On some days the little guy is peeing beer! that is served to the people that are passing. Another custom is to dress up the little guy. He has collected an impressive wardrobe during the years. The statue can be found on the crossing of the Stoofstraat and the Eikstraat (or in French: Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne). Since 1987 there is also a female counterpart, called Jeanneke Pis.
The most popular time to visit Brussels is between May and September when weather is at its' best. Temperatures are generally around 22 °C during the day from June to August and nights around 15 °C. Like most of the European capitals, this is also the busiest time of the year so booking in advance is recommended, especially during July and August. The winter months are a much quieter time to visit Brussels, but you will have to come prepared for colder conditions with temperatures just around zero. Snow is possible but not really common. Most of Brussels' rain falls during these months as well, though summers can see heavy rainshowers after hot conditions during the day.
Brussels International airport (BRU), located in Zaventem, is to the northeast of Brussels. The airport is well served by a number of airlines with flights across Europe and internationally.
The airport train station is located below the terminal. Trains run from the airport to Brussels North, Brussels Central and Brussels Midi stations, up to 4 an hour during busy times. Additionally there are direct train services to other locations in Belgium. There are bus services to other parts of Brussels as well, information on where they run can be found from the bus page at the Brussels Airport's website. For access to the "European District" close to the European parliament, the Airport-line provides access.
The second major airport is Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), which is used primarily for Ryanair, and WizzAir flights, although in summer also other charters leave from this airport, which is actually nearer to Charleroi than Brussels. There are however buses going in a frequency of about once every 30 minutes to and from the airport, and to and from the Brussel-Zuid train station. For a complete shedule, check the website of the Airport
From the trainstation in Charleroi, there is a busconnection going to the airport, bus A takes you to the airport in about 10 minutes. Know that you can get a 25% discount on the combined train/bus travel to the airport. The discount code you need to give is 814 for a single ticket, and 815 for a return ticket. These discounts are valid from every Belgian train station. If you arrive at the airport, and you need to go somewhere else in Belgium, you can buy a 'Billet Bulk´, which also gives you a discount on the bus and trainticket to every Belgian train station.
Brussels has multiple rail stations serving destinations across Europe. Brussels has three main train stations. Brussels South (Bruxelles Midi-Brussel Zuid, often referred to by English speakers as Brussels Midi) is in the south of the on Metro line 2. This station is the primary stop for high-speed trains from France, Amsterdam and England. The other two main stations are Brussels Central (Bruxelles Central-Brussel Centraal), which is right next to the city centre, and Brussels North (Bruxelles Nord-Brussel Noord), near Place Rogier. Brussels Luxembourg station, near the European Parliament has services to Luxembourg and Switzerland, though these trains can be caught at Brussels Midi station as well.
For travelling to and from London check the Eurostar website for details, including connections to Paris. A Eurostar ticket is valid to any Belgian train station at no additional cost if travelling within 24 hours of your Eurostar trip.
The Thalys has connections to Amsterdam, Paris and Cologne. From Brussels with the TGV you can travel further south to Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille and Nice, some of them directly. Sometimes it is cheaper to go to Lille first, and connect there to the TGV southwards.
The ICE connects Brussels with multiple German cities including Frankfurt and Cologne.
Check the Deutch Bahn Timetable for all other destinations further away in Europe.
There are many roads including major European highways that link Belgium with France, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. The most important ones are (E numbers are generally used):
Eurolines has services from multiple countries. In Brussels, they stop outside the Brussels North and Brussels Midi train stations. Gulliver's has services from Germany to Brussels.
Brussels public transport is run by MIVB/STIB. Brussels has 2 metro lines, as well as an extensive tram and bus network. The tram network runs underground through the centre of Brussels.
Fares are €1.70 (purchased from a machine) or €2 (purchased on the transit vehicle), you can get a JUMP ticket, allowing you 1 journey on the STIB metro, bus and tram network and also travel on the intra-city portions of the commuter trains run by DE LIJN and TEC and SNCB in Brussels. The Jump fares also exclude the special fares for the NATO-Brussels Airport section of lines 12 and 21 and the Noctis night network. Discounts can be had by purchasing multiple tickets at once. Note that in general the machines at metro and tram stops only take coins, and don't take credit or debit cards from outside Belgium.
Single day passes cost €4.50, and 3 day passes cost €9.50. Both passes exclude the airport line and the night buses.
The airport line fares are €3 for a single journey purchased outside transit vehicle in advance or 4,00 € if purchased on the bus. Tickets for the night buses are €3.
Check the MIVB?STIB website for more information with a journey planner, maps and timetables.
Most of the sights are located close to the Grand Palace, and are easy to walk to. The European Parliament is close to the Trône/Troon or Maelbeek/Maalbeek metro stops.
Belgium is famous for chocolate, and there are a number of excellent chocolatiers that you can visit in Brussels.
Moules frites is a Belgian speciality, mussels with french fries. Numerous restaurants serve the dish, and the mussels come steamed in a choice of sauces.
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2GO4 Quality Hostel | Emile Jacqmainlaan 99 | Hostel | 84 |
| A Taste of Belgium | Rue Nestor de Tière, 17 | Guesthouse | 91 |
| Apartment Eperonniers 56/1 | Rue des Eperonniers 56, 1000 Brussels | Apartment | 89 |
| Apartment Eperonniers 56/3 | Rue des Eperonniers 56, 1000 Brussels | Apartment | 90 |
| Apartment Pierres 54/1 | Rue des Pierres 54, 1000 Brussels | Apartment | 77 |
| Apartment Pierres 54/2 | Rue des Pierres 54, 1000 Brussels | Apartment | 78 |
| Apartment Pierres 54/3 | Rue des Pierres 54, 1000 Brussels | Apartment | 87 |
| Apartment Poulets 37 | Rue des Pierres 54, 1000 Brussels | Apartment | 89 |
| Auberge Autrichienne | Avenue de Stalingrad 122 | Hotel | 50 |
| B&B Phileas Fogg | Van Bemmelstraat 6 Brussels | Guesthouse | 76 |
| Beau Site | 76, rue de la Longue Haie 1000 | Hotel | 80 |
| Bed & Breakfast Valentine | Av. Georges Eekhoud 5 Brussels | Guesthouse | 95 |
| Brussels Hello Hostel | Rue de l'Armistice 1 | Hostel | 77 |
| Brussels Royotel | 312 Rue Royale 1210 Brussels | Hotel | 62 |
| Chez Dominique | Rue de la Montagne 27 | Guesthouse | 99 |
| Génération Europe Youth Hostel | Rue de l'Eléphant 4 | Hostel | 78 |
| Gîte d'Etape - Youth Hostel Jacques Brel | Rue de la Sablonnière 30 | Hostel | 81 |
| Hostel Grand Place | Haringstraat 6-8 | Hostel | 81 |
| Hotel Bloom | 250 rue Royale | Hotel | 82 |
| Hotel Chantecler | Rue de la Grande-Île, 26 | Hotel | 73 |
| Hotel de France | Bld jamar 21 1060 Bruxelles | Hotel | 69 |
| Hotel Des Colonies | 6 Rue des Croisades | Hotel | - |
| Hotel du Congres | rue du congres 38/42 | Hotel | 82 |
| Hotel François | Rue Borgval, 15 | Hotel | 73 |
| Hotel L'Auberge du Souverain | Avenue de la Fauconnerie, 1-5 | Hotel | 65 |
| Hotel La Madeleine | Rue de la Montagne 20-22 1000 Brussels | Hotel | 79 |
| Hotel Mirabeau | 18 pl.Fontainas | Hotel | 74 |
| Hotel Opera | Rue Gretry 53 1000 Brussels | Hotel | 81 |
| Hotel Queen Anne | Boulevard Emile Jacqmain 110 1000 | Hotel | 81 |
| Hotel Sabina | Rue du Nord 78 B-1000 | Hotel | 73 |
| Hotel Saint Nicolas | Marche aux Poulets 32 1000 Brussels | Hotel | 82 |
| Hotel the Moon | Rue de la Montagne 4 BIS | Hotel | 83 |
| Hotel Van Belle | 39 Chaussée de Mons | Hotel | 74 |
| La Cambre | Boulevard du Midi 41/2 1000 Brussels | Guesthouse | 90 |
| La Vieille Lanterne | 29 rue des grands carmes | Hotel | 91 |
| Luc VO B&B | Boulevard Maurice Lemonnier | Guesthouse | - |
| Monty Small Design Hotel | 101 Boulevard Brand Whitloc 1200 Brussels | Hotel | 80 |
| Prince de Liege Hotel | Chaussee de Ninove 664 | Hotel | 22 |
| Residence La Sablonnière | Rue de la Sablonnière 11 | Guesthouse | 68 |
| Residence les Ecrins | Rue du Rouleau 15 B-1000 Brussels | Hotel | 87 |
| Sleep Well | 23 rue Daumier 1000 Brussels | Hostel | 78 |
| Sleephere | 155, rue de l'Agriculture | Guesthouse | 92 |
| Sun Hotel | Rue Du Berger 38 Bruxelles | Hotel | 65 |
| Vanderstraeten-Bryxis | Beigemsesteenweg 320 BEIGEN-Grimbergen | Guesthouse | 88 |
| Youth Hostel Van Gogh (Chab) | rue Traversiere 8 1210 Bruxelles | Hostel | 70 |
This is version 16. Last edited at 14:28 on Nov 6, 09 by Utrecht (+527). 115 articles link to this page.

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