Transport
Transport
The STIB/MIVB network of metro, tram and bus covers the city efficiently, with a single ticket valid for one hour of travel including transfers.
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Delegate City Guide
Brussels
A city of grand squares and grey drizzle, where European power meets Belgian chocolate and beer.
Getting Around
Brussels Essentials
Everything you need to know before you step out the door.
5-day forecastForecast by Open-Meteo
Airports
Airports
Brussels Airport (Zaventem) connects to the centre by train in around 20 minutes, while Brussels South Charleroi Airport is roughly an hour away by shuttle bus.
Currency
Currency
The euro (EUR) is used throughout Belgium, and contactless card payment is widely accepted, including on public transport.
Weather
Weather
Brussels has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool, often wet winters, so an umbrella is advisable year-round.
Safety & Emergency
Safety & Emergency
Brussels is generally safe for business travellers, though pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas; dial 112 for any emergency service.
Wi-Fi & SIM
Wi-Fi & SIM
Prepaid SIM cards from Proximus, Orange or Base are available at the airport and city stores, and most hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
Where to Eat
Dining in Brussels
From fine dining to neighbourhood classics. Filter by dietary preference.
Mano a Mano
Authentic Italian flavours, an urban atmosphere, a cosy terrace, and homemade dishes. Mano a Mano, a classic for a reason.
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
Al Barmaki
Long-standing Lebanese restaurant near the Grand Place, popular for business lunches.
- Vegetarian Options
Kobe by Yamato
Teppanyaki-style dining with halal-certified beef, favoured by visiting delegations.
- Gluten-free Options
Le Souk
Warm, tiled interior serving traditional tagines and couscous in the Matonge district.
- Vegetarian Options
Sahbaz
No-frills Turkish grill known locally for generous portions and quick service.
- Vegetarian Options
Yasmine
Family-run Levantine restaurant offering mezze platters suited to group dining.
- Vegan Options
- Gluten-free Options
Comme Chez Soi
Michelin-starred institution serving refined French-Belgian cuisine since 1926.
- Vegetarian Options
Chez Leon
Historic address near the Grand Place famous for mussels and Belgian fries.
Book a Table →Belga Queen
Grand former bank building turned brasserie serving modern Belgian classics under a stained-glass dome.
- Vegetarian Options
Bozar Brasserie
Elegant brasserie inside the Bozar arts centre, convenient for events near the Royal Museums.
- Vegetarian Options
Racines
Contemporary bistro near Avenue Louise offering a globally influenced seasonal menu.
- Vegetarian Options
- Gluten-free Options
La Quincaillerie
Former hardware store converted into a stylish brasserie known for oysters and steak.
- Vegetarian Options
Please note: Please confirm specific dietary requirements with the restaurant directly as their menu is subject to change.
Retail & Markets
Shopping in Brussels
High Street
Rue Neuve
Pedestrianised shopping street lined with mainstream fashion chains and department stores.
Visit →Luxury
Avenue Louise
Tree-lined avenue home to international designer boutiques and flagship stores.
Visit →Shopping Mall
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
One of Europe's oldest covered shopping arcades, housing chocolatiers and upscale boutiques.
Visit →Antiques & Vintage
Sablon Antiques Market
Weekend market where dealers set up stalls of antiques, prints and collectables around the Place du Grand Sablon.
Visit →Market
Marolles Flea Market
Daily flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle selling second-hand goods, furniture and curiosities.
Visit →Shopping Mall
City2
Central shopping centre with a wide mix of high street retailers, close to Rue Neuve.
Visit →Artisan & Souvenirs
Passage du Nord
Elegant covered passage with specialist shops selling Belgian chocolate, lace and souvenirs.
Visit →Department Store
Woluwe Shopping Centre
Suburban shopping centre popular with local professionals for a broad range of retailers.
Visit →Landmarks & Culture
Must-See Attractions
Landmark
Grand Place
UNESCO-listed square ringed by ornate guild halls and the Gothic Town Hall, a short walk from most business hotels. Best visited early morning before tour groups arrive.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Architecture
Atomium
Iconic 1958 structure with panoramic viewing deck, easily reached by metro for a half-day break from meetings.
Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts
Extensive collection spanning Flemish Primitives to Magritte, ideal for a cultural detour between sessions.
Gallery
Magritte Museum
Dedicated to Brussels-born surrealist René Magritte, housed in a neoclassical building near the Royal Palace.
Park & Gardens
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Landscaped park with a triumphal arch, popular with EU staff for lunchtime walks and outdoor meetings.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Business District
European Parliament & Parlamentarium
Interactive visitor centre explaining EU institutions, of particular relevance to delegates working in policy or trade.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Viewpoint
Mont des Arts
Terraced gardens offering a well-known skyline view over the historic centre, close to Central Station.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Heritage Site
Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula
Gothic cathedral with striking twin towers, a quiet stop for reflection between conference sessions.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Landmark
Manneken Pis
Small bronze fountain statue that has become a symbol of the city's irreverent humour.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Museum
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Art Nouveau building celebrating Belgium's comic strip heritage, including Tintin and the Smurfs.
Insider Knowledge
Delegate Tips
Confirm halal status directly
Restaurant certification and sourcing can change, so it is best to confirm halal status directly with the venue before dining.
Punctuality matters
Belgian business culture values punctuality and clear agendas, so arrive on time for meetings.
Language sensitivity
Brussels is officially bilingual in French and Dutch, so greetings or signage in both languages are common and appreciated.
Carry small cash
While cards are widely accepted, small amounts of cash are useful for markets and smaller cafes.
Dress code
Business attire remains fairly formal, particularly in meetings involving EU institutions or legal firms.
Public transport tickets
Buy metro and tram tickets in advance via the STIB app or machines, as validation is required before boarding.
Explore the City
Key Areas
City Centre (Ilot Sacre)
Historic core around the Grand Place with cobbled lanes, restaurants and major hotels.
European Quarter
Home to the EU institutions, glass office towers and a dense cluster of business hotels.
Sablon
Upmarket area known for antique dealers, chocolatiers and quiet café terraces.
Saint-Gilles
Bohemian district with Art Nouveau architecture and an emerging independent dining scene.
Ixelles
Lively student and professional area with international restaurants and boutique shops.
Heysel
Northern district around the Atomium, home to exhibition halls and conference venues.
Marolles
Working-class neighbourhood famous for its daily flea market and vintage stores.
Louise Quarter
Upscale shopping and business district anchored by the Avenue Louise.
Book Your Experiences
Things to Do in Brussels
Browse tours, attraction tickets and curated experiences. Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Brussels City Guide
Prepared for delegates by London Training for Excellence
All information was correct at the time this guide was prepared. Opening hours, prices and services change, so please confirm details directly before you travel or book. London Training for Excellence has no control over the content of external websites; some links are affiliate links through which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.