Travel to Brussels with travel insurance from Essential Travel

click here for an annual travel insurance quotation

Information on Brussels with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Brussels

Brussels is home to the headquarters of the EU and is a major centre for international relations, industry and trade. It also boasts some fabulous historical sites, grand buildings and, of course, plenty of famous Belgium beer. ' '

Info on Brussels Key attractions

Brussels is divided into two areas known as the Lower and Upper Towns. The Lower Town is home to the medieval town centre, built around the Grand Palace. This magnificent structure has an elaborate 100-metre high tower which is topped by a gilded statue of St Michel. After taking the tour, spend some time in the square outside, which is dotted with quaint sidewalk cafés and cellar restaurants. The Upper Town, with its wide boulevards, large museums and upmarket shopping areas (especially in Sablon and Ave Louise), is a stark contrast. Also worth a quick visit here is the Belgian parliament building. Located on the outskirts of the city, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts houses the countrys premier collection of fine art, exhibiting works by Pieter Breugel the Elder, Rubens and the Belgian surrealists.

Out and about

The countryside around Brussels offers scenic beauty, as well as several sightseeing attractions. The Ardennes in southeastern Belgium is the nearest ski resort. Alternatively, nine kilometres southwest of Brussels is Beersel, home to only local intact fortified medieval castle (dating from the 13th century). Thirteen kilometres from Brussels is Gaasbeek, most famous for the ancestral château of the Counts of Egmont. Nearby is the village of Vlezenbeek. Also of interest is Mechelen, located 16kms north of Brussels, and which lies midway between Brussels and Antwerp. It has a scenic position on the Dijle River and the Leuven Canal, and the medieval town square here is a history lesson in how cities looked in the 1400s and 1500s. Additionally, Waterloo’s battlefield remains much as it was in 1815 and it is just 10kms to the south of Brussels.

Leisure Options

There are plenty of places to shop in Brussels, ranging from fine boutiques to outdoor markets. The rue Neuve is a pedestrian shopping mall with many boutiques and department stores; while boulevard Anspach is home to a number of fashion boutiques and chocolate shops. The nightlife is also bustling, and best enjoyed in one of the city’s many bars or clubs.

Safety

Muggers are attracted to the international travellers at gare du Midi and pickpockets and bag-snatchers work the interior. To avoid the threat, do not go to or from the station on foot, but instead take a taxi or public transportation. Inside the station, keep a close eye on your possessions. We strongly recommend you take out adequate travel insurance for yourself and your family when visiting Brussels.

Weather in Brussels

Brussels has a temperate limate. The winters are characterised by damp weather and short days. By April the temperature creeps up to a friendler 16C. Summer begins in late June and temperatures begin to pick up and reach highs of 25C. Autumn usually brings the rainy season. ' '

back to city guides