Flights from Xiamen (XMN) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels combines grand boulevards, elegant squares, and intimate neighbourhoods with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You will find historic architecture, world-famous chocolate and waffles, and a strong café culture that invites you to slow down and explore.

What to expect
The compact city centre is anchored by the ornate Grand Place, with museums, galleries, and comic book art dotted along its cobbled lanes. Modern districts house European institutions, contemporary architecture, and green parks, giving Brussels a blend of old-world charm and international energy.

Plan your trip
Brussels is an ideal base for exploring Belgium, with fast rail links to Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, as well as nearby European capitals. Plan time to stroll, sample local specialities, and use the city as a convenient gateway to wider journeys across Western Europe.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand Place

Admire the ornate guildhalls and impressive town hall on this central square, beautifully illuminated in the evening.

Atomium

Visit this striking landmark with panoramic views of Brussels and exhibitions inside its steel spheres.

Manneken Pis

See one of Brussels most recognisable statues tucked into the historic streets near the Grand Place.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Discover classical and modern works from Belgian and international artists in a cluster of major museums.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Relax in this grand park framed by monumental arches, museums, and tree-lined paths.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Walk through elegant 19th-century shopping arcades filled with boutiques, cafés, and chocolate shops.

Comic Strip Route

Follow colourful murals celebrating Belgiums comic heritage on building walls across the city.

Experience Brussels everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels is easy to explore with its integrated metro, tram, and bus network linking the centre to outer districts. Walking is often the most enjoyable way to see the old town, while shared bikes or e-scooters help you cover slightly longer distances.

Local life & culture
Cafés spill onto pavements, especially around the Grand Place and Place Sainte-Catherine, where people linger over coffee or local drinks. You will notice street art, small galleries, and independent bookshops giving the city a creative feel, alongside a steady rhythm of cultural events and exhibitions.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Parc de Bruxelles, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and Bois de la Cambre offer quiet paths, lawns, and lakes. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially calm, giving you time to unwind with a gentle walk or a simple picnic between sightseeing stops.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
You can try freshly made waffles from stalls around the Grand Place and in busy pedestrian streets nearby. Classic local dishes are easy to find in the old town, where many brasseries serve comforting plates in relaxed surroundings.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Sainte-Catherine and Dansaert offer casual eateries, bistros, and contemporary restaurants. You will find a mix of local and international flavours, with portions that make it easy to share dishes and sample a variety of tastes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a restaurant with views over a historic square or a leafy boulevard. Some venues combine refined menus with elegant interiors, allowing you to enjoy a memorable meal as the city lights up around you.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
You can browse international brands, lifestyle stores, and cinemas in central shopping centres within easy reach of the main sights. These spaces often combine fashion, dining, and entertainment, making them convenient meeting points for locals and visitors.

Markets & local crafts
Brussels smaller streets and markets are ideal for discovering local labels, second-hand finds, and design pieces. Areas such as the Marolles district, Sablon, and Dansaert showcase antiques, vintage items, and contemporary Belgian designers.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, illuminated shopfronts and cosy boutiques around the city centre create a relaxed atmosphere for a final stroll. Night-time markets and late-opening stores appear on selected days, and public transport makes it simple to reach these areas and return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Brussels brings mild temperatures of around 8–16°C (46–61°F), flowering parks, and lengthening days. It is a pleasant time for walking tours and café terraces, with a steady calendar of cultural events and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.

Summer warmth (June to August, peak season)
Summer temperatures usually range between 15–24°C (59–75°F), with long daylight hours ideal for exploring on foot. Outdoor festivals, open-air concerts, and lively squares give the city a vibrant feel, while green parks provide cool spots to relax when the sun is at its strongest.

Autumn and winter charm (September to February, low season)
From early autumn, temperatures gradually fall from around 14°C (57°F) to 5°C (41°F), with crisp days and cosy evenings. This quieter period offers atmospheric walks through tree-lined parks, museum visits without the rush, and seasonal lights that give the historic centre a warm glow.

Frequently Asked Questions