For detailed information, see our Brussels weather by month guide. Brussels is a straightforward city to navigate, but a few practical details make the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one. From which airport you’ll actually land at to whether you should tip, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Brussels Travel Tips: Airports and Arrival
For detailed information, see our best time to visit Brussels guide. Brussels has two airports that serve very different purposes. Brussels Airport (BRU), also called Zaventem, is the main international airport 12km northeast of the city centre. The Airport Express train (line IC) runs from the airport’s basement-level station to Brussels Central in 17 minutes for 12.70 euros one-way. Trains run roughly every 15 minutes from 05:00 to midnight. Taxis from BRU to the centre cost 45 to 50 euros and take 30 minutes in normal traffic.
For detailed information, see our things to do in Brussels guide. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is 55km south of the city and serves budget carriers, mainly Ryanair and Wizz Air. A shuttle bus (Flibco) runs from Charleroi to Brussels Midi station in 55 minutes for 17 euros one-way booked online (20 euros at the bus). The bus schedule matches flight arrivals and departures. Do not confuse the two airports: a taxi from Charleroi to Brussels costs 120 to 150 euros. If your ticket says Brussels (CRL), budget 2 hours from landing to city centre.
Brussels Travel Tips: Getting Around
For detailed information, see our Brussels events and festivals guide. Brussels’ public transport is run by STIB/MIVB and covers the metro (4 lines), trams (17 lines), and buses (50+ lines). A single-jump ticket costs 2.60 euros (contactless payment on buses and trams, or buy at metro station machines). A 24-hour pass is 8.40 euros. The metro is the fastest way to cross the city: Line 1 runs east-west, Line 2 runs a ring around the centre, and Lines 5 and 6 head north-south. The metro runs from roughly 05:30 to midnight, with Noctis night buses covering key routes on Friday and Saturday nights until 03:00.
For detailed information, see our best neighbourhoods in Brussels guide. Brussels is an excellent walking city. The historic centre from Grand Place to the Sablon is a 15-minute walk. From Grand Place to the EU quarter is about 25 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by metro. Bicycles are available via Villo, the city’s bike-share scheme with 360 stations: a 24-hour pass costs 1.60 euros plus usage fees (first 30 minutes free per trip). Taxis are expensive by European standards: a 5km trip costs roughly 15 to 20 euros. Uber operates in Brussels.
Brussels Travel Tips: Language and Culture
For detailed information, see our where to stay in Brussels guide. Brussels is officially bilingual (French and Dutch), but French is the dominant street language. Roughly 80 percent of conversations you’ll overhear are in French. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, and most EU quarter establishments default to English. Street signs, metro announcements, and official documents appear in both French and Dutch. A simple “bonjour” (French) or “goeiedag” (Dutch) as a greeting goes a long way; defaulting to English immediately is common and generally fine.
Brussels Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Practicalities
For detailed information, see our Brussels city guide guide. Belgium uses the euro. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but some small cafes, market stalls, and older bars are cash-only. Carry 20 to 30 euros in cash for markets and smaller establishments. Tipping is not required or expected (service is included in prices by law), but rounding up a few euros or leaving 5 to 10 percent for exceptional service is appreciated. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Brussels, and restaurants are legally required to provide it for free if asked. Public toilets are scarce: expect to pay 0.50 euros at train stations or use cafe toilets when you buy a coffee.
Brussels Travel Tips: Safety and Practical Advice
Brussels is generally safe, but pickpocketing is common in tourist-heavy areas (Grand Place, Gare du Midi, metro lines 1 and 5). Keep your phone and wallet in front pockets, especially in crowded metro cars and at the Manneken Pis scrum. The areas around Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi can feel sketchy after dark: stick to well-lit main streets and avoid the park areas behind both stations at night. The Anneessens and Cureghem areas west of the centre have higher crime rates. The EU quarter, Ixelles, Uccle, and Woluwe are among the safest areas at all hours.
Emergency number: 112 (European-wide). The main hospitals with emergency departments are CHU Saint-Pierre (Rue Haute 322, near the Marolles) and UZ Brussel (Laarbeeklaan 101, Jette). Pharmacies are marked with a green cross and rotate night duty; check pharmacie.be for the nearest open pharmacy.
Suggested Hotels in Brussels
Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Brussels’ landmark 5-star hotel on the corner of Grand Place, with 173 rooms, the Bocconi Italian restaurant, and the heritage of a 16th-century building that once served as a prison. Best for luxury travellers who want to step out of the lobby directly into the Grand Place. Check rates and availability
Motel One Brussels
A German design-hotel chain’s Brussels outpost on Rue Royale, 10 minutes’ walk from Grand Place. The turquoise colour scheme, 24-hour bar, and reliable quality make it a solid mid-range choice at roughly 100 to 140 euros per night. Best for design-conscious travellers who want a known-quality brand. Check rates and availability
MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi
A budget-friendly option 300 metres from Brussels Midi station (Eurostar, Thalys, ICE arrivals). Private rooms and shared dorms, a guest kitchen, and a bar make it ideal for backpackers and budget travellers who prioritise location and price over luxury. Best for solo travellers, groups, and anyone arriving by international train. Check rates and availability
