Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels is a cosmopolitan capital known for its grand squares, elegant boulevards, and rich artistic heritage. You will find a mix of historic architecture, contemporary design, and a relaxed café culture that invites you to slow down and explore.

What to expect
At the heart of the city is the Grand-Place, ringed by ornate guildhalls and opulent façades that glow at night. Neighbourhoods such as Saint-Géry and Dansaert blend galleries, bars, and boutiques, while the European Quarter showcases striking modern buildings and landscaped squares.

Plan your trip
Brussels is a compact, walkable base that connects easily to other Belgian cities and nearby European capitals by rail. Whether you stay a few days or use it as a gateway to Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, and beyond, the city offers a calm, well-organised starting point for your journey.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand-Place

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

Atomium

Ride up through this futuristic steel structure for sweeping views of Brussels and exhibitions in its spherical galleries.

Manneken Pis

Visit the city’s most famous statue, tucked into a street near the Grand-Place and often dressed in themed costumes.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Explore masterpieces from Flemish and European artists, from Old Masters to modern works, across several connected museums.

Magritte Museum

Discover the surreal world of René Magritte through paintings, drawings, and personal objects in a dedicated town-house museum.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Stroll through this grand park with its triumphal arch, wide lawns, and nearby museums dedicated to history and mobility.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Walk through these elegant 19th-century glass-roofed arcades lined with boutiques, chocolatiers, and cafés.

European Quarter

See the modern architecture of European institutions, green squares, and informal bars that fill with office workers after work.

Experience Brussels’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels has an integrated network of metro lines, trams, and buses that makes it simple to move between central sights and outlying districts. Trams are particularly scenic for crossing the city above ground, and walking is often the easiest way to navigate the compact historic core.

Local life & culture
Terrace cafés and local bars spill onto squares, where you will see residents meeting after work or lingering on weekends. Street art and comic-inspired murals brighten building walls, while small theatres, concert halls, and galleries add to a lively yet unhurried cultural scene.

Where to unwind
For a quiet break, head to green spaces such as Parc de Bruxelles near the Royal Palace or the lakeside paths of the Bois de la Cambre. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant for gentle walks, relaxed reading, or simply watching daily life unfold.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
You will find freshly cooked waffles, golden frites, and artisanal chocolates across the city, particularly around the historic centre. Neighbourhoods near the Grand-Place and Sainte-Catherine are dotted with casual spots where you can sample these favourites alongside local snacks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Converted warehouses and contemporary streets in areas like Dansaert and Saint-Géry offer relaxed bistros, brasseries, and international eateries. Menus usually feature smaller portions and sharing plates that make it easy to try different flavours in one meal and suit varied appetites.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, seek out restaurants facing the Grand-Place, rooftop venues with city views, or elegant dining rooms near the Royal Quarter. Many places offer refined Belgian and European cuisine in settings that showcase Brussels’s architecture and nighttime skyline.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Brussels offers modern shopping centres where you can browse international brands, lifestyle stores, and services under one roof. These complexes double as social hubs, with cafés and casual dining, making them convenient stops between sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and weekly markets reveal independent designers, vintage finds, and craft stalls. Districts such as the Marolles, Dansaert, and Place du Châtelain are known for characterful shops and local labels, ideal for picking up distinctive gifts and homeware.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, illuminated arcades and main shopping streets take on a relaxed, inviting feel as people stroll and window-shop. Seasonal markets and pop-up events sometimes add to the atmosphere, and public transport links keep these central areas easy to reach after dark.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Brussels brings mild weather, with temperatures around 8–16°C (46–61°F). Parks and tree-lined avenues start to blossom, and outdoor terraces reopen, making it a pleasant time for city walks and day trips without peak-season crowds.

Summer days (June to August, peak season)
Summer is comfortably warm, with temperatures typically between 15–24°C (59–75°F). Longer daylight hours are ideal for exploring neighbourhoods on foot, enjoying open-air events, and relaxing in parks, while occasional showers keep the city’s greenery fresh.

Autumn and winter charm (September to February, low season)
Autumn begins with cool, crisp days around 7–18°C (45–64°F), while winter temperatures usually range from 1–7°C (34–45°F). This quieter period suits museum visits, cosy cafés, and festive season lights, giving Brussels a calm, atmospheric character.

Frequently Asked Questions