Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels combines grand historic squares, Art Nouveau facades, and a relaxed café culture. You will find a compact city that invites slow exploration, from quiet cobbled streets to lively terraces serving famous local treats.

What to expect
At the heart of the city, the Grand Place, elegant boulevards, and leafy parks sit alongside modern European institutions. Distinct neighbourhoods such as Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and the Royal Quarter each offer their own blend of galleries, museums, and everyday city life.

Plan your trip
Brussels is an ideal base for discovering Belgium and wider Europe, with fast rail links to Bruges, Ghent, Paris, Amsterdam, and beyond. Whether you stay a weekend or longer, the city works well as both a standalone destination and a convenient gateway for multi-city journeys.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand Place

Admire the ornate guildhalls and impressive town hall that frame Brussels iconic central square, especially atmospheric in the evening light.

Atomium

Ride the escalators through this striking 1950s landmark for city views and exhibitions inside its futuristic steel spheres.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Explore collections spanning Old Masters to modern art in a cluster of museums near the Royal Palace.

Mont des Arts

Stroll through landscaped terraces linking the lower and upper town, with panoramic views over the city and several major museums nearby.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Relax in this grand park framed by triumphal arches and visit the nearby art, military, and automobile museums.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Walk under the glass-roofed arcades lined with boutiques, bookshops, and traditional chocolate shops in the historic centre.

Magritte Museum

Discover an extensive collection dedicated to the surrealist artist, set in a refined townhouse close to Place Royale.

Bois de la Cambre

Escape to this expansive green space at the edge of the city, popular for lakeside walks, cycling, and picnics.

Experience Brussels everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels is easy to navigate using its integrated network of metros, trams, and buses, which quickly link the centre with outer districts. Walking is the best way to explore the compact historic core, while shared bikes or scooters help you cover a little more ground between neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
You will notice a relaxed pace, with locals filling pavement cafés, enjoying green spaces, and moving between work and cultural events. Distinct districts offer different atmospheres, from creative hubs with street art and galleries to elegant avenues lined with 19th-century townhouses and cultural institutions.

Where to unwind
Brussels has many parks and gardens where you can pause during the day, from formal royal parks to wilder woodland on the city edge. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for quiet walks, when the light is soft and you can see the city gradually come to life or wind down.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
In the historic centre you will find casual spots serving well-known local dishes, from comforting fried favourites to sweet treats dusted with sugar. Around the main squares and side streets, small counters and cafés make it easy to try a few different flavours in one outing.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Sainte-Catherine, Ixelles, and Saint-Gilles offer many relaxed bistros and contemporary eateries. You can sample a mix of classic Belgian plates and international cuisine, often in small portions that make sharing and tasting several dishes straightforward.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose venues overlooking the Grand Place, rooftops with city views, or refined dining rooms in historic townhouses. Around the upper town and the European Quarter, you will also find elegant restaurants that pair thoughtful menus with refined interiors and calm surroundings.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Brussels offers modern shopping centres where international brands, lifestyle stores, and entertainment sit under one roof. These complexes, often connected to major transport hubs, make it easy to combine shopping with dining and a relaxed break between sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
For characterful browsing, explore areas such as the Marolles district, Dansaert, and the Sablon. Here you can discover smaller boutiques, design shops, and markets with antiques, homeware, and locally made products that reflect the citys creative side.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets and covered galleries stay pleasantly active, with illuminated facades and late-opening shops on selected days. Smaller neighbourhoods may host occasional evening markets, and efficient public transport helps you return to your hotel easily once you have finished exploring.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring awakening (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Brussels brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 10–16°C (50–61°F). Parks and gardens start to bloom, café terraces reopen, and the city feels fresh and lively, making it a pleasant time for relaxed sightseeing and walks.

Mild summer days (June to August, peak season)
Summer offers comfortably warm weather, usually around 18–23°C (64–73°F), with long daylight hours ideal for exploring on foot. Outdoor events, open-air concerts, and busy terraces create a sociable atmosphere, while green spaces across the city provide welcoming shade on warmer afternoons.

Cosy autumn and winter (September to February, low season)
From autumn into winter, temperatures typically range between 3–15°C (37–59°F), with crisp air and a softer light over the citys architecture. Museums and cafés feel especially inviting, and seasonal decorations and events add warmth and colour to the historic streets.

Frequently Asked Questions