Brussels

Brussels is a city of fascinating contradictions—it's the grand capital of the EU, but it feels surprisingly local and sometimes a bit gritty. One minute you're standing in a gold-leafed medieval square, the next you're in a trendy neighborhood buzzing with a creative, multicultural energy. It's a city that really grows on you.

There are three irresistible reasons to visit Brussels. First, the sheer architectural splendor is breathtaking; the Grand-Place is justifiably famous, but the Art Nouveau buildings sprinkled through neighborhoods like Saint-Gilles are the real prize. Second, the food and drink scene is legendary for a reason. You'll find more than just waffles and chocolate; the beer culture is a UNESCO-recognized heritage, and diving into a bowl of moules-frites (mussels and fries) is a quintessential European experience. Lastly, it's a perfect base for exploring. You can hop on a train and be in charming cities like Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp in about an hour, making it an incredibly practical hub for a wider Belgian adventure.

The people here are a real mix. Brussels is officially bilingual (French and Dutch), but in practice, French is generally the dominant language on the street. However, it's a massively international city thanks to the EU, so you'll hear languages from all over the world, and English is very widely spoken, especially in the city center and by younger people. Belgians tend to be a bit reserved at first, but they're polite and helpful if you ask. Don't be surprised by the directness; it's just part of the culture.

The food here is hearty, satisfying, and delicious. You absolutely have to try moules-frites (mussels with fries), which you'll find on almost every menu. Carbonnade flamande, a rich beef and onion stew made with beer, is another must-try. And of course, the frites (fries) themselves are a national treasure—find a good friterie and get them with a dollop of andalouse or samurai sauce. For a casual lunch, expect to pay €15-€25, while a decent dinner will run you €30-€50. A cone of frites is a steal at around €4-€5.

The infrastructure here is a mixed bag. On one hand, you have excellent, high-speed internet and reliable power. On the other, public transport, while extensive, can feel a bit dated, and the city is known for its traffic jams. The metro, trams, and buses will get you everywhere you need to go, but the stations themselves often show their age. Modern amenities like contactless payment are becoming more common, but they aren't quite as seamless as in some other major European capitals. It's a functional city, but it lacks the polish of, say, Amsterdam or Copenhagen.

You'll almost certainly fly into Brussels Airport (BRU), which is the main international hub. The train is the fastest and most efficient way to get to the city center. It has a station directly under the airport terminal that takes you to Brussels Central, North, and Midi stations in about 20 minutes, costing around €10.80. Taxis are also available, typically costing €35-€45, but they are significantly more expensive and can get stuck in traffic. An STIB bus is the cheapest option, costing about €3, but also the slowest.

Walking is an excellent way to see the core of Brussels—the area from the Grand-Place to the Sablon is very manageable on foot. For longer distances, the public transport system (STIB/MIVB) is your best friend. Consider getting a MOBIB card, which is a reusable travel card you can load with single journeys or multi-day passes; a basic MOBIB card costs €6. A single journey purchased on a MOBIB card is about €2.40. You can also pay with a contactless bank card or phone, which costs €2.30 per journey, and the system will cap the daily fare automatically at €8.40, so you never overpay. The metro is efficient for crossing the city, while trams are great for exploring specific neighborhoods.

Brussels is generally a safe city, but it requires a level of street smarts you might not need in other Western European capitals. The main issue for tourists is pickpocketing, which is rampant in crowded areas like the Grand-Place, Manneken Pis, and especially at the main train stations (Gare du Midi, Gare du Nord, and Central Station). Be extra vigilant there. Some neighborhoods like Anderlecht, Molenbeek, and parts of Saint-Josse and Schaerbeek are best avoided at night. It's not about fear-mongering; it's just about being aware that, like any major city, there are areas where you should be more cautious after dark. Note on terrorism & heightened security: Brussels currently maintains a "Serious" national threat level (level 3 out of 4) since October 2023, indicating a possible and imminent threat of terrorist attack. The primary threat stems from extremists linked to Daesh and homegrown terrorists. Potential targets are indiscriminate and include public transportation, large gatherings, and tourist attractions. Travelers can expect an increased police presence and are advised to remain vigilant in public places, be aware of their surroundings, and follow local authorities' guidance.