Flights from Dubai (DXB) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels blends grand boulevards, ornate squares, and leafy parks with a relaxed, creative atmosphere. You will find striking architecture, renowned museums, and a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot between cafés, chocolatiers, and elegant townhouses.

What to expect
At the heart of the city is the UNESCO-listed Grand-Place, surrounded by historic guildhalls, while nearby streets reveal boutiques, comic-book murals, and Art Nouveau façades. The European Quarter adds a contemporary edge with modern buildings and landscaped plazas, giving Brussels both a historic and international character.

Plan your trip
Brussels works well as a long weekend city break or as a base for exploring the rest of Belgium by rail. With fast connections to cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, you can easily combine culture, canals, and coastal escapes with time in the capital.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand-Place

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

Atomium

Visit this futuristic steel landmark for panoramic views of the city and a unique look inside its interconnected spheres.

Manneken Pis

See Brussels small but famous statue tucked into a street near the Grand-Place, often dressed in different themed outfits.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Explore extensive collections ranging from Flemish masters to modern works in a cluster of major art museums near the city centre.

Mont des Arts

Stroll through terraced gardens and enjoy one of the best skyline views over Brussels historic rooftops and towers.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Relax in this grand park with its triumphal arch, museums, and broad lawns popular for picnics and leisurely walks.

Comic Strip Route

Follow colourful murals celebrating Belgium comic-book heritage as they brighten up walls throughout central neighbourhoods.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Browse elegant glass-roofed arcades lined with boutiques, cafés, and chocolate shops in the heart of the old town.

Experience Brussels everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels has an integrated network of metro, trams, and buses that makes it simple to move between central sights and outer districts. For a scenic view, hop on a tram line that skirts parks and residential streets, then complete shorter journeys on foot in the compact historic core.

Local life & culture
Daily life flows between café terraces, neighbourhood squares, and cultural venues dotted across the city. You will notice a mix of languages, street art, and design details, from wrought-iron balconies to stylish galleries, that reflect Brussels creative and international spirit.

Where to unwind
You can unwind in spacious green areas such as Parc de Bruxelles and Parc du Cinquantenaire, ideal for an early-morning walk or a late-afternoon pause. On clear days, head to viewpoints like Mont des Arts to watch the light change over the city skyline.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
You will find classic Brussels treats around the Grand-Place and nearby streets, where cafés and kiosks serve favourites such as waffles and fries. Neighbourhoods just beyond the centre are dotted with relaxed spots where you can sample comforting local dishes in an informal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Areas like Sainte-Catherine, Ixelles, and Saint-Gilles offer a mix of bistros, contemporary eateries, and global flavours. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can try several plates in one meal, whether you are stopping for a quick lunch or a leisurely evening.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, choose restaurants with views over historic squares or elevated city outlooks. Some venues are set in landmark buildings or stylish hotels, giving your meal a sense of occasion alongside the city lights and architecture.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In and around the centre, you will find shopping complexes and high streets that combine international brands, local designers, and cafés. These areas often double as social gathering points, where you can browse, take a break, and enjoy the city atmosphere in one place.

Markets & local crafts
Explore neighbourhood markets and streets in areas such as Marolles, Sablon, and Dansaert for antiques, vintage finds, and Belgian-designed pieces. Smaller boutiques and craft shops here are ideal for discovering ceramics, fashion, and homeware with a distinct local character.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central shopping streets and historic arcades take on a warm glow, with window displays and façades lit up. Some markets and late-opening stores stay active into the evening, and public transport makes it straightforward to reach them and return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Brussels brings mild days around 10–18°C (50–64°F), with parks and gardens coming into colour. It is a pleasant time for walking tours, café terraces, and exploring museums with fewer crowds than midsummer.

Summer warmth (June to August, peak season)
Summer offers comfortable temperatures of about 18–24°C (64–75°F), with long daylight hours and a lively outdoor atmosphere. Squares, parks, and canalside spots fill with events and open-air seating, making it easy to spend full days outside.

Crisp autumn and winter (September to February, low season)
From early autumn onwards, temperatures range from 3–15°C (37–59°F), with cooler, fresher air and atmospheric streets. This period suits museum visits, cosy cafés, and seasonal events, and you can enjoy a calmer pace across many of the main sights.

Frequently Asked Questions