An informative guide of Brussels city, Belgium

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and this region holds the country’s largest municipality. Being the administrative hub of the European Union, Brussels has gained the ‘Capital of Europe' title.

The city centre of Brussels is split into a Lower Town and an Upper Town. These two distinct divisions in the city are surrounded by the Petit Ring road which borders the line of the city’s medieval walls. Both Lower and Upper Town areas are very different from each other and their unique beauty makes Brussels what it is today. Whilst the Lower Town is famous for its historical quarters and of course the magnificent Grand’ Place; renowned as being one of the most attractive town squares in Europe, the Upper town is branded as the ‘posh’ half, for housing royalties and holding many important institutions.

Beyond the city centre of Brussels lie the quieter areas of Anderlecht & Molenbeek, EU Quarter & Etterbeek, Ixelles, Schaerbeek & St Josse and St Gilles. All these regions have their own individual characteristics, ranging from upmarket avenues and beautiful green parks to industrial boroughs by the canals.

Brussels is mainly inhabited by the French and Dutch but nowadays, more noticeably in the city, it has changed into a more multicultural environment. The city is also officially bilingual, with information presented in both French and Flemish.

The city centre offers a variety of architecture which ranges from medieval constructions to modern EU institutions. Brussels' has many attractive attributes, such as the city’s picturesque medieval streets, lively town squares, beautiful boulevards and Gothic styled cathedrals and churches.

There are also a great number of restaurants, especially some marvellous fish taverns down by the old port area of Ste-Catherine (Lower Town). Furthermore, the nightlife in Brussels can be entertaining as well, especially as the city is well-known for attracting many hen parties from abroad.

Before Brussels’ EU involvement it was nothing more than just another European city with fine architecture and intriguing historical features. However, its international role has brought the capital into the limelight, especially from constant media coverage. The city has also evolved culturally and politically, and there have been many modern developments constructed to accommodate the EU headquarters and organisations involved.

Transport Services

TRAVELLING INTO BRUSSELS

• By Plane:

Brussels’ main airport is just 9 miles north east of the capital, at Zaventem. It has good transport services to and from the city centre, such as taxis, train services (Airport City Express), and buses (Airport Line & De Lijn).

Information on costs and time schedules can be found at the airport.

Tel: +32 02 753 77 53

• By Rail:

The Euro star in London at St Pancras, Kings Cross station has up to ten departures each day to and from Brussels. It takes approximately 50 minutes.

St Pancras international, Tel: 01233 617575

Gare du Midi (Brussels to London), Tel: +32 02 528 28 28

• By Car:

You and your car can be transported by the Eurotunnel (UK) to Calais in France where there are direct motorway directions for Brussels. Eurotunnel Tel: 08705 353535

TRAVELLING AROUND BRUSSELS

• Belgian railways

SNCB, cheap railway system. Tel: +32 02 528 28 28

• Trams, Metro & Buses

These are run by the public services STIB/MIVB Tel: 0900 10 310

Also another bus service available, De Lijn. Tel: 070 220 200

Tickets can be bought at rail and metro stations and there is also a night bus available.

Check out the special Brussels travel card for tourists – offers three days of unlimited travel on any public transport services and includes admission to 30 museums for 30 Euros. Children under the age of 6 travel free.

• Walking

Strolling around the city centre of Brussels can be a convenient way of getting around at your own leisure especially in the Grand’ Place where no vehicles have access.

• Cycling

The city centre of Brussels can be quite dangerous for cyclists as there is a lot of traffic, but a bike ride out of the city centre into the countryside can be a very pleasant experience.

• Taxis

This method of transport can be quite useful for getting around the city, but taxis can be expensive so keep an eye on the meter.

• Driving

Driving in the city of Brussels is not too bad once you get used to the roads but parking places can be difficult to find in the centre. However there are many car hiring companies which you can locate at the city’s airport for your convenience.