Flights from Tokyo (TYO) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels combines grand historic squares, elegant avenues, and contemporary culture in a compact, walkable city. You will find stately architecture, lively café terraces, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that reflects its role as a major European hub.

What to expect
The city centres on the Grand-Place and nearby historic streets, where ornate guildhalls sit alongside modern galleries and institutions. Trendy neighbourhoods such as Saint-Gilles and Ixelles add creative energy, with art nouveau façades, green parks, and an easy-going pace that invites slow exploration.

Plan your trip
Brussels works well as a city-break destination and as a base for exploring Belgium and nearby countries by train. With efficient rail links to cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Paris, and Amsterdam, it is an ideal starting point for a wider European journey.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand-Place

Admire the ornate guildhalls and impressive Town Hall that frame this UNESCO-listed central square, especially atmospheric in the evening light.

Atomium

Visit this striking landmark with its gleaming spheres, offering panoramic views over Brussels and exhibitions inside the futuristic structure.

Mont des Arts

Stroll through landscaped terraces linking the upper and lower towns, with sweeping views of the city and nearby museums to explore.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Discover collections spanning Old Masters to modern works in an impressive complex that showcases Belgium's rich artistic heritage.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Relax in this grand urban park, framed by monumental arches and museums, ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic on fine days.

Sablon district

Explore elegant squares, galleries, and specialist shops in this refined neighbourhood, known for weekend markets and café-lined streets.

Comic Strip Route

Follow colourful murals across the city that celebrate Belgium's comic art tradition, turning building walls into an open-air gallery.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Wander through these glass-roofed arcades, home to boutiques, cafés, and cultural spaces in a beautifully preserved 19th-century setting.

Experience Brussels's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels is well connected by metro, tram, and bus, making it easy to move between the historic centre and outlying neighbourhoods. Walking offers the best way to appreciate the compact core, while shared bikes or e-scooters help you cover slightly longer distances.

Local life & culture
Day-to-day life in Brussels unfolds in leafy squares, local cafés, and small cultural venues scattered across its distinct districts. You will notice a blend of languages and influences, with regular festivals, exhibitions, and performances adding colour to the city calendar.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Parc de Bruxelles and Bois de la Cambre provide quiet corners for a break from sightseeing. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times for a gentle walk, jog, or lakeside pause before you continue exploring the city.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
You can sample Belgian favourites in the streets around the Grand-Place and in lively areas such as Sainte-Catherine. Casual eateries and kiosks make it easy to try comforting local dishes between sightseeing stops.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods like Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and the city centre offer many brasseries, bistros, and contemporary restaurants. Menus often mix Belgian influences with international flavours, and sharing plates or smaller portions let you try a variety of tastes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for dining rooms with city views or historic interiors near Mont des Arts and the upper town. Some venues sit in landmark buildings or along elegant boulevards, turning lunch or dinner into a relaxed, scenic experience.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In central Brussels you will find modern shopping centres and department stores with a mix of international labels and local brands. These complexes often combine shops with cinemas and dining, so you can easily spend a few relaxed hours indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and squares such as Sablon, Dansaert, and the Marolles district host boutiques, vintage stores, and markets. Here you can look for design pieces, antiques, artworks, and one-of-a-kind items that reflect the city’s creative side.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopfronts and busy café terraces give the centre a pleasant atmosphere for a stroll. Seasonal markets and late-opening stores provide extra browsing opportunities, and public transport makes it straightforward to return to your hotel afterwards.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Brussels is mild, with temperatures around 8–16°C (46–61°F) and parks gradually turning green. It is a comfortable time for walking tours, enjoying café terraces, and visiting attractions before the main summer crowds arrive.

Summer outdoors (June to August, peak season)
Summer brings warmer days, typically 15–23°C (59–73°F), and longer evenings that are ideal for outdoor dining and events. Many cultural festivals and open-air activities take place, and the city has a lively, welcoming feel.

Autumn and winter charm (September to February, low season)
Temperatures range roughly from 3–15°C (37–59°F), with crisp days and cooler nights. Museums, galleries, and cosy cafés become inviting refuges, and seasonal decorations and markets add atmosphere to the city streets.

Frequently Asked Questions