Brussels

Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling centre for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact centre of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the ‘petit ring’ of the city centre, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and restaurants.

Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theatres host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.

Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe’s finest, a shopper’s fantasy and a diner’s capital.

Climate for Brussels

Brussels has a maritime temperate climate, characterised by warm summers and mild winters. The city has a high average annual rainfall, and visitors can expect a downpour any time of year. Temperatures range from highs of around 73F (23C) in summer (June to August) to 34F (1C) during winter (December to February). Snow is possible, but not frequent, in winter.

Health Notes when travelling to Belgium

All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and it’s recommended that they’re up to date with routine vaccines as well. Medical facilities and care in Belgium are excellent but expensive, so travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. UK citizens should have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.

Safety Notes when travelling to Belgium

Most visits to Belgium are trouble-free, but travellers should be wary of street crimes such as mugging and pickpocketing in the cities, particularly in Brussels at major railway stations and on public transport. Brussels is home to a number of international organisations, including EU and NATO, which could become the target of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.

Customs in Belgium

Among young locals, especially Francophones, girls rarely shake hands but kiss other girls and boys. The number of kisses varies depending on the region of Belgium, foreigners often have a hard time determining which side to kiss first and how many kisses to give. It’s best to follow the Belgian’s lead. The law requires everyone to carry some form of official identification at all times; possession of drugs and trafficking in drugs are serious offences.

Duty Free in Belgium

Travellers to Belgium arriving from non-EU countries are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits over 22 percent in alcohol or 2 litres of dessert wine 22 percent in alcohol and sparkling wine, as well as 4 litres wine and 16 litres of beer; and other goods such as souvenirs to the value of €430. Prohibited items include unpreserved meat products.

Doing Business in Belgium

Belgians are very formal in business and have a keen sense of style. dress should be conservative. Conservative yet stylish suits are recommended for men; women should opt for stylish business suits, or dresses and blouses.

Punctuality is extremely important at meetings, which will begin and end with a quick, light handshake. It is standard practice that all involved exchange business cards, and it is recommended that cards are printed in English, with the other side translated in either French or Dutch, depending on the main language of the region where business is to take place.

Visiting business people should research beforehand whether a business is French or Dutch-speaking. Compromise is very important in Belgian business culture and may be required as a show of friendship. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm.

Communication in Belgium

The international access code for Belgium is +32. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Tipping in Belgium

Service charges are included in bills and tips are only left for exceptional service.

Passport/Visa Note

The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Nationals of non-EU countries are recommended to hold return or onward tickets, sufficient funds and documents for their next destination. It is recommended that passports are valid for six months after departure from any holiday destination.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadians must have a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British passports should be valid for the period of intended stay in Belgium. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a half-year period.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. A visa is required.

The modern and well-organised public transport system of Brussels consists of metro, tram and bus networks. The system is user-friendly with route diagrams and timetables posted at most stops, and there are free maps available from the tourist office. Trams provide an ideal way to get around and are faster than buses, especially when they travel underground in the city centre to become the premetro. Both tram and bus stops are by request only. There is a separate system of local trains linking the inner city to the outskirts, although they are of minimal use to tourists, except for getting to and from the airport. Tickets are valid for any form of public transport except local trains, and once validated can be used for multiple transfers within an hour. Taxis can be hailed from any of the taxi stands around the city; they are metered and expensive, and taxes and tips are included in the price. Ride-hailing apps include Bolt and Uber. The city is relatively easy to negotiate by car, though renting a vehicle is generally unnecessary.