Brussels Travel Guide

Belgium

196K
Population
BRU
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
85
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

All POIs
Top Picks
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Plan your arrival in Brussels

Arriving

  • Brussels Airport (BRU) · 11 km awayServes Zaventem
  • Main stationsBrussels Central and Brussels Midi

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your Belgium eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Brussels Airport (BRU), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our Belgium plans: Base (4G), Orange (4G) and Proximus (5G).
  4. Belgium plans currently start at $2.75, for 500MB/day over 1 day. Compare all 13 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · excellent
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalCertain parts of the outskirts
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • Food deliveryDeliveroo and UberEats

Brussels at a glance

Population
195,546 (2024)
Elevation
70 m above sea level
On or near
Senne and Brussels–Charleroi Canal
Currency
euro (EUR)
Plug types
C and E
Emergency numbers
Police 101 · Ambulance 100 · Fire 100
Drives on the
right
Official languages
Dutch, French and German
Calling code
+32

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Top Attractions

1
Grand Place
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate guildhalls.
1h Free
2
Atomium
A unique building and museum that represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
2h $16

Best Areas to Stay

City Centre
Close to major attractions and public transport.
TouristsBusiness
Saint-Gery
Known for its vibrant nightlife and restaurants.
NightlifeFood enthusiasts

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Greeting with a handshake is common, and try to speak a few words of french or dutch.
Common Mistakes
  • Underestimating public transport schedules
  • Not trying local cuisine

Food & Drink

Must Try:Moules-frites, Carbonnade flamande, Waffles
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
Chez LéonLes Halles Saint-Géry

Getting Around

Public Transport:Excellent
Rideshare:Uber
Walkability:85/100
MetroBusTram

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: May, September, October

Warmest monthJul23°C average high
Coolest monthJan1°C average low
Wettest monthDec87 mm of rain
Driest monthApr47 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain (mm)
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan6.11.47613
Feb7.11.56512
Mar10.93.55911
Apr15.06.0479
May18.49.26010
Jun21.212.07110
Jul23.214.17710
Aug23.013.98710
Sep19.511.36510
Oct14.98.16811
Nov9.94.67612
Dec6.62.18714

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (Uccle, 5 km from Brussels).

Brussels travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Brussels?

May, September and October are usually the best months to visit Brussels. Average daytime highs range from about 6°C in January to 23°C in July.

How much does a day in Brussels cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Brussels?

Public transport includes metro, bus and tram and is rated excellent. Ride-hailing is available through Uber. Walkability scores 85/100.

Which airport serves Brussels?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Brussels Airport (BRU), about 11 km from Brussels.

Is Brussels safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for pickpocketing in crowded areas. Areas generally considered safe include Ixelles and Sablon. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Brussels?

Install a Belgium eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Brussels Airport (BRU). Our Belgium plans list Base (4G), Orange (4G) and Proximus (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Brussels?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable.

Explore more of Belgium

Belgium travel guideBelgium eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Brussels.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.