Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels combines grand boulevards, intimate cobbled lanes, and elegant squares, giving you a mix of historic charm and contemporary energy. You will find world-class museums, famous chocolate and waffle shops, and a relaxed café culture that invites you to slow down and explore.

What to expect
At the heart of the city is the Grand-Place, framed by ornate guildhalls and landmarks that glow at night. Neighbourhoods such as Ixelles and Saint-Gilles showcase Art Nouveau façades, while the European Quarter reflects Brussels role as a major hub for international institutions and business.

Plan your trip
Brussels is an ideal base for exploring Belgium and nearby European cities by train. With efficient public transport and a compact historic centre, you can experience a lot even on a short stay. Stay longer to venture to Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp, all within easy reach for day trips.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand-Place

Admire the ornate guildhalls and impressive Town Hall that frame Brussels iconic main square, especially striking when illuminated at night.

Atomium

Visit this futuristic steel structure with exhibition spaces and viewing spheres offering wide city views from its observation decks.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Explore collections ranging from Flemish masters to modern works in a cluster of museums close to the citys royal district.

Mont des Arts

Stroll through landscaped terraces and gardens that connect the upper and lower town, with a classic postcard view over central Brussels.

Magritte Museum

Discover the surreal world of René Magritte through paintings, drawings, and personal objects in a dedicated museum space.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Wander beneath glass-roofed arcades lined with boutiques, chocolate shops, and cafés in one of Europes oldest covered galleries.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Relax in this grand city park, known for its triumphal arch, wide lawns, and museums set in monumental halls.

Mini-Europe

See detailed miniature models of famous European landmarks in an open-air park next to the Atomium, ideal for families.

Experience Brussels everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels has an integrated network of metro, tram, and bus lines that makes it easy to reach major districts and attractions. Trams offer a scenic way to cross neighbourhoods, while walking is often the quickest option in the compact centre for your final stretch.

Local life & culture
You will notice a relaxed pace of life, with residents gathering at pavement cafés, neighbourhood bars, and local parks. Areas such as Saint-Géry, Dansaert, and Flagey combine creative studios, galleries, and live music venues, giving you a sense of the citys contemporary cultural scene.

Where to unwind
Green spaces like Parc de Bruxelles and Bois de la Cambre offer quiet corners and lakeside paths close to the urban core. Early mornings are peaceful for a jog or walk, while late afternoons and early evenings are ideal for picnics, reading, or simply enjoying the mellow light over the city.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
You can sample Belgian fries, waffles, and chocolate in and around the historic centre, especially near the Grand-Place and in side streets off Rue de lEcuyer. Mussels, seafood, and hearty stews are also widely available in traditional brasseries and cosy bistros.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Contemporary eateries cluster around Sainte-Catherine, Dansaert, and Ixelles, where you will find everything from modern Belgian cuisine to international flavours. Many places offer sharing plates and modest portions, making it easy to try several dishes over a relaxed meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, choose restaurants on higher floors of central buildings or in the upper town near Mont des Arts and Place Poelaert. Some venues overlook city roofs and landmark domes, giving you a striking backdrop for a special lunch or dinner in Brussels.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
You will find international brands, homeware, and lifestyle stores in central complexes and along main shopping streets such as Rue Neuve. Larger malls on the edge of the centre combine shopping with cinemas and dining, making them easy places to spend a few relaxed hours.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and independent designers, explore the Dansaert area, Sablon, and the streets around Place du Châtelain. Here you can browse for local fashion, design objects, vintage finds, and artisan goods in a more intimate, neighbourhood setting.

Evening retail scene
In the early evening, illuminated window displays and covered arcades give the centre a warm, inviting atmosphere. Late-opening shops and seasonal markets, especially in winter, keep the streets lively after dark, and public transport makes it straightforward to return to your hotel when you are ready.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Brussels sees mild days around 10–16°C (50–61°F) and gradually lengthening daylight. Parks and avenues begin to blossom, café terraces reopen, and outdoor events start to appear, making this a pleasant time for walking tours and relaxed city exploration.

Summer days (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings average temperatures of 18–23°C (64–73°F), with occasional warmer days and long evenings. This is a lively period, with open-air concerts, festivals, and busy squares, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy Brussels outdoor spaces and vibrant social life.

Autumn and winter charm (September to February, low season)
Temperatures in autumn and winter typically range between 3–12°C (37–54°F), with crisp days and cooler evenings. Museums, chocolate shops, and indoor attractions feel especially inviting, and seasonal lights and markets lend the city a cosy atmosphere that rewards unhurried visits.

Frequently Asked Questions