Brussels is not only the capital city of Belgium, it’s also the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO. If you’re planning on visiting the city, make sure that the Europaviertel building, the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels Park and Leopold Park are all on your to-do list. Brussels is also home to the European Commission in Berlaymont, the European Council and the European Parliament. When it comes to the weather, the climate in Brussels is generally pleasant and mild all year round. Due to its temperate location, there are no major temperature fluctuations. Expect average temperatures of 3 degrees Celsius in January, and highs of around 22 degrees Celsius in July.
You’ll be able to access the airport internet from your favourite devices, or use one of the workstations in the Communication Centre to keep on top of online schedules and emails.
Throughout the city, you’ll find plenty of delicatessens and chocolate shops, and merchants on every corner. If you’re looking to pick up a local treasure at a bargain price, head to the Place du Grand Sablon in the Marolles district for some of the finest antique markets in the city. If you’re after something more conventional, there are plenty of shopping centres and malls on offer for when you’re in the mood for a spot of retail therapy. In the centre of town, you’ll find the Galeries Saint-Hubert and Bortier Gallery, both on the Grand Place. Once you’re done with the stores, enjoy a stroll back to your hotel and marvel at the architecture of this historic square up close. The area is a celebration of baroque style and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1998.
When it comes to must-visit attractions in Belgium, one of the first on the list is the Grand Place. This central square is packed with historic buildings and ornate architecture. The town hall can also be found here, with its richly ornamented facade and inspiring exterior. The Manneken Pis, a statue attraction of the city, can be found on the corner of the Rue des Grands Carmes and Rue de l’Etuve. Come the Christmas period, this landmark bronze statue is even dressed up in festive livery. Another essential attraction is the Royal Palace, where visitors are welcome to explore the breathtaking interiors during the summer months.
If you’re travelling with the whole brood, you’ll be glad to know that Brussels has plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained and enthralled. The Museum of Natural Sciences is filled with exciting exhibits that will instantly engage the minds of younger visitors, with their dinosaur gallery the largest of its kind in Europe. No visit to Brussels is complete without a trip to the Atomium, a truly unique building that offers 360-degree views of the city. The Atomium also offers overnight stays for youngsters, ideal for when mums and dads fancy some time to themselves in the evening. Another key attraction of the Atomium is its MiniEurope park. Here, no fewer than 350 of Europe’s most iconic landmarks have been reproduced at 1:25 scale.
Brussels is served by two different airports, Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (BSCA). Charleroi Airport is located around 30 miles south of Brussels itself and largely caters for domestic flights and direct flights to other European cities. Brussels Airport handles almost four times as many passengers annually, with international routes to destinations all over Africa, Asia and North America. If you’re planning on travelling to some far-flung capital after your stay in Belgium, Brussels Airport is the perfect place to make your connection. You can count on easy arrivals and departures, with convenient public transport routes connecting the airport to the centre of the city and other major districts, with four trains an hour. There are also more than 10,000 parking spaces on offer at the airport, so you can leave your vehicle behind safely if you’d prefer to drive yourself to the airport. The airport also offers car rental offices from several popular service providers.
Passing through Belgium on business? A connection at Brussels Airport is nothing to gripe about. This airport is incredibly accessible and user-friendly, especially for the business traveller who needs to stay online and connected at all times.