Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Brussels (BRU)

About Brussels

Discover Brussels

Why visit Brussels?
Brussels blends grand boulevards, intimate squares, and ornate guildhalls with a creative, modern spirit. You will find impressive architecture, green parks, and a lively café culture that makes it easy to pause, explore, and enjoy the city at your own pace.

What to expect
The historic centre around Grand-Place is compact and walkable, with elegant façades, chocolate shops, and cosy bars lining cobbled streets. Further out, neighbourhoods like Ixelles and Saint-Gilles mix Art Nouveau buildings with galleries and design stores, while the European Quarter reflects Brussels role as a key international hub.

Plan your trip
Brussels is an ideal base for exploring Belgium, with fast rail links to Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, as well as nearby countries. Whether you stay a weekend or longer, the city rewards slow discovery, from museums and parks to quiet side streets, making it a welcoming gateway to north-western Europe.

Top sights in Brussels

Grand-Place

Admire Brussels ornate central square, surrounded by historic guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall, especially atmospheric in the evening light.

Atomium

Visit this striking landmark for panoramic city views and exhibitions inside its futuristic steel spheres.

Manneken Pis

See the citys small but famous statue, often dressed in different outfits, just a short walk from Grand-Place.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Explore a rich collection of classical and modern works, including masterpieces by Belgian and European artists.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Stroll under the grand triumphal arch, relax on the lawns, or visit the nearby museums housed in elegant galleries.

Magritte Museum

Discover the life and surreal works of René Magritte in a museum dedicated to his paintings, drawings, and objects.

Sablon district

Wander through this refined neighbourhood known for antique shops, chocolate boutiques, and weekend markets.

Canal area and Tour & Taxis

Head to this redeveloped zone for cultural events, exhibitions, and a growing selection of creative spaces.

Experience Brussels everyday rhythm

Getting around
Brussels is easy to explore using its metro, tram, and bus network, which connects the historic centre with outlying districts. Walking is ideal for short distances, while shared bikes and scooters offer a flexible way to cover more ground and discover side streets.

Local life & culture
You will notice a relaxed rhythm, with locals gathering in cafés, neighbourhood squares, and parks after work. Street art, comic murals, and design galleries appear across the city, and regular festivals, exhibitions, and performances highlight its creative and international character.

Where to unwind
Green spaces like Parc de Bruxelles, Bois de la Cambre, and Parc Leopold offer calm spots for a morning jog, afternoon picnic, or quiet break. In the evening, the canal-side paths and squares in areas like Saint-Géry become pleasant places to sit, talk, and watch city life unfold.

A taste of Brussels

Street food & local specialties
In the centre, you can enjoy classic Belgian favourites such as fries, waffles, and moules in casual spots and traditional brasseries. Around Grand-Place and the surrounding lanes, many small eateries serve comforting dishes that pair well with the citys rich brewing tradition.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods like Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and the canal area offer relaxed bistros and contemporary kitchens with influences from across Europe and beyond. Portions are often generous but balanced, making it easy to share plates and sample different flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special experience, look for dining rooms overlooking Grand-Place or rooftop venues with views of the city skyline. In the European Quarter and around Sablon, refined restaurants and stylish hotel venues provide calm settings for long lunches or memorable dinners.

Retail therapy in Brussels

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Galleries and shopping centres in and around the city centre combine international brands, Belgian designers, and cafés, creating convenient spaces to browse and take a break. These hubs often sit close to major metro stops, so you can easily add them to a day of sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
For characterful finds, explore areas like Sablon, Dansaert, and the Marolles, where you will come across antiques, vintage pieces, and independent labels. Covered passages and smaller side streets hide boutiques specialising in design objects, books, and local creations.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets remain lively with well-lit shopfronts, patisseries, and chocolate stores welcoming evening visitors. Occasional late-opening events and neighbourhood markets add to the atmosphere, and the citys public transport makes it straightforward to return to your hotel at the end of a shopping day.

Best time to visit Brussels

Spring in Brussels (March to May, shoulder season) brings gradually warming days, with average temperatures around 8–15°C (46–59°F). Blossoming parks, lighter crowds, and frequent cultural events make it a gentle and appealing time to explore the city on foot.

Summer in Brussels (June to August, peak season) is mild to warm, with average temperatures between 15–23°C (59–73°F). Longer days, outdoor terraces, and open-air events create an energetic atmosphere, while green spaces across the city offer comfortable spots to relax.

Autumn and winter in Brussels (September to February, low season) see cooler conditions, from about 3–12°C (37–54°F). Crisp air, cosy interiors, and seasonal decorations give the city a welcoming feel, and museums, galleries, and cafés provide many inviting indoor spaces to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions