Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels blends grand boulevards, ornate squares, and intimate laneways with a relaxed, cosmopolitan feel. You will find historic architecture, lush parks, chocolate boutiques, and a strong café culture all woven into a compact, walkable city.

What to expect
The city is best known for the Grand Place and its guildhalls, Art Nouveau façades, and an easy-going rhythm shaped by European institutions and creative neighbourhoods. Expect a mix of French and Flemish influences, excellent museums, and a vibrant calendar of cultural events throughout the year.

Plan your trip
Brussels works well as both a city-break base and a gateway to wider Belgium. With fast rail links to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and beyond, you can explore canals, coastal towns, and countryside on easy day trips before returning to the capital for evenings of dining and discovery.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand Place

Admire the ornate guildhalls and impressive Town Hall on this UNESCO-listed central square, beautifully illuminated after dark.

Atomium

Visit this striking steel structure for panoramic views over Brussels and exhibitions inside its connected spheres.

Magritte Museum

Explore an extensive collection of works by surrealist artist René Magritte in a refined museum setting.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Discover masterpieces from Old Masters to modern art across several interconnected galleries near the city centre.

Brussels Comic Strip Route

Stroll the streets to spot colourful murals celebrating Belgium’s comic book heritage on walls and building façades.

Mont des Arts

Enjoy landscaped gardens, cultural venues, and one of the best skyline viewpoints overlooking central Brussels.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Walk under the triumphal arch, relax on the lawns, and visit nearby museums in this grand urban park.

Sablon district

Wander cobbled streets lined with antique shops, artisan chocolatiers, and weekend markets in this elegant quarter.

Experience Brussels’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels is easy to navigate using the metro, trams, and buses that link major districts and attractions. Walking is ideal in the historic centre, while bike-share schemes give you a scenic way to explore parks and canals. For late evenings, taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient for short hops.

Local life & culture
The city’s rhythm is defined by neighbourhood cafés, lively squares, and a strong arts scene. Around areas like Saint-Géry, Saint-Gilles, and Ixelles, you will find galleries, independent cinemas, and venues showcasing local music and design. Terraces fill on mild days as residents linger over coffee and conversation.

Where to unwind
Brussels offers generous green spaces where you can pause between museum visits. The Parc de Bruxelles and Parc du Cinquantenaire are ideal for morning walks or afternoon picnics, while lakeside paths in Bois de la Cambre are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Sunset is a pleasant time to relax on hilltop viewpoints such as Mont des Arts.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
Brussels is known for indulgent specialities such as crisp frites, fluffy waffles, and rich chocolates. Around the city centre, especially near the Grand Place and in the Marolles, you will find cafés and casual spots serving comforting local favourites alongside international snacks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods like Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Géry, and Ixelles offer relaxed bistros, brasseries, and contemporary eateries in one compact area. Many menus blend Belgian influences with global flavours, and smaller portions or sharing plates make it easy to sample a variety of dishes over one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider restaurants set in historic townhouses, stylish converted warehouses, or overlooking city rooftops. Around Mont des Arts and the upper town, you can pair refined menus with views of the skyline, creating a fitting finale to a day of sightseeing in Brussels.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In central Brussels, you will find shopping centres and department stores that bring together international labels, Belgian designers, and lifestyle brands under one roof. These spaces often include cinemas and dining areas, making them easy places to combine errands with a relaxed afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and nearby streets showcase elegant boutiques, chocolatiers, and specialty shops. For more local crafts and vintage finds, explore the Marolles district, the Sablon area, and parts of Ixelles, where independent stores and weekend markets highlight design, antiques, and artisanal products.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated arcades and busy streets around the Grand Place and Rue Neuve take on a warm atmosphere, especially during festive seasons. Late-opening shops and cosy cafés make it easy to browse and unwind. Central locations are well served by public transport, so you can return to your hotel comfortably at the end of the night.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Brussels brings mild temperatures of around 8–15°C (46–59°F), with trees and parks gradually turning green. It is a pleasant time for walking tours, outdoor café terraces, and exploring museums with fewer crowds than in the height of summer.

Summer outdoors (June to August, peak season)
Summer is comfortably warm, averaging 18–23°C (64–73°F), ideal for open-air events, picnics in city parks, and evening strolls in historic districts. Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore neighbourhoods and enjoy views from hilltop spots and riverside paths.

Autumn and winter charm (September to February, low season)
Autumn temperatures range from 10–18°C (50–64°F) before cooling in winter to around 3–8°C (37–46°F). This season suits museum visits, lingering in chocolatiers and cafés, and enjoying atmospheric streets and seasonal decorations that give the city a cosy character.

Frequently Asked Questions