Brussels

Medieval squares, beer, chocolate and art

• Passport strength: ≈188 visa-free destinations
• Language: Dutch (Flanders), French (Wallonia), German (small region) · ~70% speak English
• Free-trade agreements: ≈45

Brussels — Grand squares and European capital

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Grand-Place Square

One of Europe's most beautiful squares, ringed by gilded guildhalls.

Best time: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct — Fine light and mild weather flatter the ornate golden façades.

Things to do:

• Admire the guild houses' gilded facades
• Time it for the biennial flower carpet
• Buy chocolates around the square
• Return after dark for the lights

Atomium Landmark

Giant 1958 model of an iron crystal, with viewing spheres over the city.

Best time: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct — Clear days give the best views from its top sphere.

Things to do:

• Ride up to the top sphere viewpoint
• Walk the escalator-linked spheres
• See Mini-Europe next door
• Photograph it lit at night

Royal Museums of Fine Arts Museum

Great collection from Bruegel and the Flemish masters to Magritte.

Best time: Year-round — A superb indoor day for any weather.

Things to do:

• See Bruegel and Rubens masters
• Descend the Magritte Museum wing
• Catch the fin-de-siècle collection
• Rest in the sculpture atrium

Manneken Pis Monument

The tiny, famously irreverent fountain-boy at the city's heart.

Best time: Year-round — A quick landmark en route through the old streets, any season.

Things to do:

• See the famous small bronze boy statue
• Find the unique costume displays
• Browse the gift shops for souvenirs
• Photo at this quirky Brussels landmark

Musée des Instruments de Musique Museum

World-class musical instrument collection in historic Art Nouveau building.

Best time: Year-round — Brussels' overlooked gem with stunning Art Nouveau architecture and rare instruments.

Things to do:

• Play interactive digital versions of ancient instruments
• View a collection of harpsichords, organs, and string instruments
• Listen to audio recordings of each instrument being performed
• Climb the staircase past 19th-century music boxes and gramophones

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Belgium?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, Grand-Place is best around Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct. Belgium has 6 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in Belgium?

Roughly 70% of people speak English. The main language is Dutch (Flanders), French (Wallonia), German (small region).

How strong is the Belgium passport?

The Belgium passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 188 destinations.

Is Belgium expensive to travel in?

This page lists indicative traveller costs for Belgium — medical, insurance, connectivity and education ranges — and the interactive travelogue holds the full breakdown.

What is there to do in Belgium?

Grand-Place, Atomium, Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Manneken Pis, Musée des Instruments de Musique, Markt & Belfry — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.