Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium, as well as the administrative center of the European Union. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Brussels is home to a population of over 1.2 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the European Union. The city is renowned for its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage, making it an important cultural center in Europe.
In terms of attractions, Brussels offers an array of sights and activities to explore. From popular museums such as Magritte Museum and Atomium to iconic landmarks like Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and Leuven University , there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. In addition, Brussels hosts several annual events such as Belgian Beer Weekend and Christmas Markets that attract visitors from far and wide throughout the year.
There are also plenty of parks in which you can enjoy a peaceful stroll or cycle ride along with many delicious restaurants serving up delicacies from across Belgium – no visit would be complete without sampling some Belgian beer.
Getting around in Brussels is simple if you know all means of transportation there. If you want your trip to be as remarkable as possible, you should learn more about how to reach a particular site.
Walking Around Brussels
Brussels is an amazing city to explore on foot. With so much history and culture, there's never a dull moment when walking around the city. Whether you're in the historic core of the city or wandering through one of Brussels' many parks, there's always something interesting to see and explore. You can also enjoy a brief 2.5 hours tour across Brussels with professional guides to see the most popular sites of the city.
The streets of Brussels are filled with cobblestone paths and winding alleyways that are begging to be explored. As you wander around, take in the beautiful architecture, old shops and cafes, as well as the stunning cathedrals like Notre Dame du Sablon or St Michael & Gudula Cathedral. There's plenty of boutique stores tucked away in narrow alleys too where you can find all sorts of eclectic souvenirs from your visit to Brussels.
If art is more your thing then Brussel’s also has plenty for all art lovers too! Take some time out on your walk around Brussels to check out Galerie Ravenstein which showcases contemporary Belgian artists or head down to Place du Grand Sablon which is filled with galleries exhibiting everything from photography to painting and sculptures - it’s a great spot for those looking for culture during their visit.
A stroll through any one of Brussels' parks will give you a much-needed respite from hustle and bustle of the city center life - Bois de la Cambre offers tranquil lakeside views while Parc de Bruxelles provides a picturesque backdrop for some afternoon lounging under towering trees. Don't forget Jardin Botanique either; this charming garden offers an array of unusual plants surrounded by breathtaking surroundings making it the perfect spot for those looking at getting away while still exploring what this vibrant European capital has to offer.
Transportation in Brussels
Brussels is one of the most important cities in Europe, and its public transportation systems are some of the best in the world. The city is serviced by a network of trams, metro lines, and buses that make it easy to get around.
The tram system in Brussels is operated by STIB/MIVB (Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles/Maatschappij voor Intercommunaal Vervoer Brussel), which also operates much of the city’s metro and bus services. The tram network consists of 7 lines spread throughout the city, connecting all major points such as downtown Brussels and its surrounding suburbs.
The Brussels Metro consists of 4 lines: Lines 1-3 run east-west along a central corridor from west to east across downtown Brussels; Line 5 runs north-south from Saint Job Station to Heysel Station; Line 6 runs south-north from Heysel Station to Delta station; and Line 7 runs westward from Gare du Midi station through Laeken into Molenbeek.
Finally, there are buses that travel to most destinations of Brussels connecting different parts of the city with each other. These range from local buses serving inner neighborhoods to express buses going outwards towards suburbs around the greater Brussels Area. There are even night buses that operate on weekends so people can travel safely if they find themselves out after dark.
Cycling in Brussels
Cycling is a popular method of transportation in Brussels. With its modern infrastructure, cycling can be an easy and efficient way to get around the city.
The city’s flat terrain, wide bike lanes and abundance of parks make it a great place for cyclists. There are more than 5,000km of dedicated cycle paths throughout the city - including pedestrian-only streets - making it easier to get around without having to worry about traffic congestion or parking issues. The robust network of bike lanes makes it possible for commuters to ride their bikes directly from their homes to their destinations with minimal stress.
In addition, there are several initiatives that aim at encouraging people to use bicycles instead of cars in order to reduce pollution levels and alleviate traffic congestion. In recent years, the local government has invested heavily in expanding bicycle infrastructure with more bike paths as well as improving existing ones in order to make cycling safer and more comfortable for both experienced riders and novices alike. The city also has a public bike share system called Villo that allows users to rent bikes from designated stations on an hourly basis - helping those who don't own their own bicycles gain access to the convenience brought by two-wheeled transport.
Overall, cycling is becoming increasingly popular as an efficient form of transportation option in Brussels due its wide network of dedicated paths providing safe route options for cyclists who want to explore this beautiful city or commute quickly between home and work each day.
How to Buy and Use Tickets in Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a vibrant and lively city with plenty to do and see. Visitors to Brussels can take advantage of public transport tickets that are available for purchase in a variety of different forms.
The STIB service provides visitors with the best and most efficient way to get around the city. The STIB offers a range of tickets including day passes, multi-day passes, multi-trip cards and weekly/monthly subscriptions. Most tickets are valid on both buses and trams throughout the city centre.
Visitors can also purchase single fare tickets from kiosks located at all major bus stops in Brussels or through ticket machines located in each station or at some bus stops. Single fare tickets are valid for use on either buses or trams within one hour of purchase.
Taxis are also plentiful in Brussels and they can take you to any destination, but can be expensive for long journeys so it is best to avoid using them unless absolutely necessary. Fares will vary depending on distance traveled but most taxis will accept cash only payment methods upon arrival at your destination.
Finally, visitors looking to explore beyond Brussels may be interested in purchasing an Interrail pass ticket which allows unlimited travel across Belgium in most popular destinations, as well as other countries participating in the network such as France, Germany and Italy among others.
Best Hotels in Brussels
The Grand Place Hotel in Brussels is arguably one of the best hotels in the city. Situated just steps away from iconic landmarks such as Manneken Pis and the Grand Place, this hotel offers guests a luxurious stay that is conveniently located right in the heart of Brussels. The hotel features modern guest rooms with plush bedding and stylish amenities, two on-site restaurants offering delightful Belgian specialties, free Wi-Fi access throughout, and a well-equipped fitness center. Guests can also avail of spa treatments at their onsite beauty salon or make use of the meeting rooms for business events.
Another best pick among hotels in Brussels is Hotel Amigo, located close to many popular attractions such as Galeries Royales Saint Hubert and the Magritte Museum. This luxurious property offers 86 comfortable rooms equipped with cutting-edge technology such as satellite TV channels and high-speed internet access. Guests can also enjoy delicious cuisine at their 2 dining outlets or unwind with drinks at one of their 3 bars/lounges. Other amenities here include a concierge service, babysitting services for families with kids, an indoor pool and sauna facilities for relaxation after long days spent exploring the city's attractions.
For those seeking lavish accommodation along with fantastic views over Brussels skyline then Le Plaza Hotel should be your choice destination while visiting Belgium’s capital city. This 5 star luxury property boasts an array of prestigious awards including being recognized by TripAdvisor as one of Europe’s Leading Hotels 2020 along with receiving accolades from Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Hotels Awards 2018 and 2019. Boasting world class dining options within its premises - guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to both fine wining and dining options during their stay here. Plus they offer (almost) all you need - from complimentary Wi-Fi access to airport shuttle services so you don't miss out on any part during your trip.
