Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels combines grand boulevards and intimate squares with a relaxed, walkable feel. You will find ornate architecture, leafy parks, and a creative scene that blends traditional charm with a modern European outlook.

What to expect
The city is known for its striking Grand-Place, elegant Art Nouveau facades, and compact historic core. Distinct neighbourhoods like Sablon, Ixelles, and Saint-Gilles each offer their own atmosphere, from antique shops and galleries to lively café terraces.

Plan your trip
Brussels works well as both a city-break destination and a gateway to nearby Belgian cities such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. With high-speed rail links across Europe, it is also an easy starting point for a wider journey through the region.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand-Place

Admire the ornate guildhalls and Town Hall on Brussels central square, especially atmospheric in the evening when the façades are illuminated.

Manneken Pis

Visit the small but famous bronze statue, tucked into a street near the Grand-Place and surrounded by lively cafés and shops.

Atomium

Take in panoramic views from this futuristic 1950s landmark, whose interconnected spheres house exhibitions and viewing platforms.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Explore collections spanning Old Masters to modern art, including works by Magritte and other renowned Belgian artists.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Stroll through this grand park with its triumphal arch, formal lawns, and museums housed in impressive exhibition halls.

Magritte Museum

Discover the life and work of René Magritte through an extensive collection of his surrealist paintings and drawings.

Sablon district

Wander among antique shops, chocolatiers, and galleries in this elegant quarter, ideal for a leisurely afternoon.

Comic Strip Route

Follow colourful murals across the city that celebrate Belgiums rich comic-book heritage on building walls and side streets.

Experience Brussels everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels has an efficient network of metro, tram, and bus lines that make it easy to move between districts. Trams are a scenic way to cross the city above ground, while walking is ideal within the compact centre. Taxis and rideshare services help with late-night or door-to-door journeys.

Local life & culture
You will notice a relaxed café culture, with residents lingering on terraces in all seasons. Creative districts blend design studios, galleries, and performance venues in refurbished warehouses and townhouses. Bilingual street life, with both French and Dutch spoken, adds another layer to the citys character.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Parc de Bruxelles and Bois de la Cambre offer calm breaks from urban streets. In warmer months, lakeside lawns and shaded paths fill with locals heading out for picnics and gentle walks. Early evenings are a pleasant time to enjoy the soft light and cooler temperatures.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
Across the city, you will find casual spots serving crisp fries, sweet waffles, and other simple snacks. Areas around the Grand-Place and central boulevards offer an easy introduction, with small eateries and takeaways suited to a quick bite between sights.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Ixelles and Saint-Géry offer a mix of brasseries, contemporary bistros, and international options. Food courts and dining galleries bring together multiple kitchens, making it easy to share plates and sample several styles in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, you can look for restaurants set in historic townhouses or high above the city with skyline views. Some venues near the Royal Quarter offer refined menus in elegant dining rooms, ideal for marking an occasion during your stay.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Brussels has several shopping galleries and modern malls featuring well-known international brands, local labels, and lifestyle stores. These spaces often combine fashion, homeware, and cafés, creating easy meeting points for a relaxed day out.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets in areas such as Sablon, Dansaert, and Marolles are ideal for browsing design boutiques, vintage stores, and artisan workshops. Weekend markets add a lively feel, offering everything from second-hand treasures to contemporary Belgian-made goods.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, key shopping streets and covered arcades remain inviting, with illuminated windows and late-opening boutiques on selected days. Pop-up events and design fairs sometimes extend into the night, and public transport makes it straightforward to return to your hotel after a late browse.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring (printemps), March to May, brings mild temperatures of around 8–15°C (46–59°F) and lengthening days, labelled as shoulder season. Blossoming parks, outdoor café tables, and fewer crowds make it a pleasant time for relaxed sightseeing.

Summer (été), June to August, is peak season, with average temperatures of 18–24°C (64–75°F). City parks feel lively, and open-air events and terraces make the most of the long daylight hours while remaining generally comfortable for walking.

Autumn and winter (automne and hiver), September to February, are low season, with temperatures typically between 3–12°C (37–54°F). Cooler air brings a cosy atmosphere to cafés and indoor attractions, and seasonal lights and decorations add charm to the historic streets.

Frequently Asked Questions