Brussels travel tips: 20 things to know before you go
What should I know before visiting Brussels?
Brussels is bilingual (French and Dutch, with English widely spoken), uses the euro and cards everywhere, and is compact and walkable with an easy metro/tram network. The train from the airport is fast and cheap, tap water is safe, tipping is modest, and the centre's tourist lanes hide better food one street back. Pack a rain layer any season.
Everything useful, in one place
A short list of the things that make a first trip to Brussels smoother — the practical, the cultural, and the money-saving. Skim it before you go and you’ll arrive like a second-timer.
Language & culture
- It’s bilingual — French and Dutch are both official; French is most common day to day. Street signs show both.
- English is widely spoken, especially in tourism and the EU quarter. You’ll be fine.
- A little politeness goes far — “bonjour”, “merci”, “s’il vous plaît” are appreciated.
- Don’t call Belgians “French” or assume the Dutch-speaking north is the same as Flanders’ culture — regional identity matters here.
- Brussels is self-deprecating and surreal — the city’s humour (Manneken-Pis, comics) is part of its charm.
Money
- Euro (€), and cards are accepted almost everywhere — even small purchases. Contactless is standard.
- Carry some cash for markets and the odd small café or friterie.
- Tipping is modest — service is included; round up or leave ~5–10% for good service, no more.
- Tap water is safe but not auto-served in restaurants; ask for eau du robinet if you don’t want bottled.
Getting around
- The centre is walkable — most sights are on foot.
- STIB metro/tram/bus covers the rest; a day pass beats singles (STIB guide).
- The airport train (~20 min) is the best way in from Zaventem (airport guide) — but check you’re not flying into distant Charleroi.
- Day trips are by train and need no advance booking (day trips by train).
Eating, drinking & sightseeing
- The best food is one street back from the Grand-Place and Rue des Bouchers (tourist traps).
- Belgian beer is strong — a “blonde” can be 7%+. Pace yourself.
- Buy chocolate from makers, not the shops by Manneken-Pis (chocolate guide).
- Many museums are free on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month (budget guide).
Practical & safety
- Pack for rain in any season — showers and sun often share a day.
- Watch for pickpockets around the Grand-Place, busy markets and on transport; the immediate Gare du Midi area is rougher at night.
- Sundays are quieter — some shops close, but markets, cafés and museums stay lively; it’s a great day for the flea market or a day trip.
One bonus tip
Don’t underestimate Brussels. Its reputation as a “boring admin city” is wrong — give it two days, walk beyond the Grand-Place into the Art Nouveau and comic-strip districts, eat where locals eat, and you’ll find one of Europe’s most quietly rewarding capitals. Start with how many days in Brussels and is Brussels worth visiting.
Frequently asked questions — Brussels travel tips: 20 things to know before you go
What language do they speak in Brussels?
Brussels is officially bilingual French and Dutch, with French most commonly heard. English is very widely spoken, especially in tourism, hospitality and the EU quarter, so visitors rarely have language trouble. A 'bonjour' and 'merci' are appreciated.Is Brussels safe for tourists?
Brussels is generally safe, with the usual big-city caution: watch for pickpockets around the Grand-Place, busy markets (Gare du Midi) and on public transport, and the immediate Midi station area is rougher at night. Standard street sense is all most visitors need.
