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The Best Time to Visit Brussels

The best time to visit Brussels naturally depends on your personal preferences. Here are some tips to help you choose the best season for your stay.

Discovering Brussels Through the Seasons To enjoy blooming parks, the city’s lush beauty, and mild weather, spring is the ideal season. Summer, on the other hand, brings a lively atmosphere with festivals like the Brussels Summer Festival, though attractions and streets can get crowded. Autumn boasts the warm colors of trees with yellow and red leaves, dramatic skies, and fewer tourists. Winter is perfect for lovers of Christmas markets and the magical atmosphere created by festive decorations, despite the cold and damp weather.

To avoid crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather, consider visiting in May, June, or September. But regardless of the season, Brussels enchants with its architectural heritage, gastronomy (waffles, chocolate, beer...), and cultural events.

Must-See Events Brussels offers unmissable events all year long. In February, Anima Festival delights animation lovers. In May, the Iris Festival celebrates the Brussels-Capital Region with free concerts and events.

Summer is packed with major happenings: in August, every other year, the Flower Carpet covers the Grand Place with a magnificent floral design, and the Brussels Summer Festival attracts music fans with a variety of concerts.

In September, the Comic Strip Festival honors Tintin, Spirou, and their companions with exhibitions and a giant balloon parade. In July, the Ommegang historical pageant revives the time of Charles V with a grand parade.

In December, Winter Wonders transforms Brussels into a magical village with a Christmas market, ice rink, and lights. These unique events embody the heart of Brussels’ rich cultural life and diversity!

Exploring Brussels: A Neighborhood Guide Here are some tips for visiting Brussels neighborhoods based on your mood and interests.

The European Quarter: Beyond Institutions Brussels’ European Quarter is the political heart of the European Union, hosting key institutions such as the European Commission, Parliament, and Council. It blends modern architecture with green spaces like Leopold Park and Cinquantenaire Park. The Parlamentarium, an interactive center, explains how the EU works. The area also has popular cafes and restaurants frequented by Eurocrats. On weekends, its calmer atmosphere invites visitors to explore its landmarks and museums like the House of European History.

The Historic Center: A Journey Through Time Brussels’ historic center, a true architectural gem, reflects the city’s charm and rich past. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s known for cobbled streets, majestic buildings, and a warm ambiance.

The Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, is its heart, surrounded by the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall, the King’s House, and lavish guildhalls. It often hosts cultural events like the Flower Carpet.

Just steps away, the iconic Manneken Pis attracts visitors with its quirky costumes. The 19th-century Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries charm with their elegant windows housing chocolatiers, luxury shops, and typical cafes.

Other cultural highlights include the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula and Sainte-Catherine Square, known for its fish market and friendly vibe. Lively day and night, this district invites you to stroll, discover local treats (waffles, chocolate, craft beer), and soak in Brussels’ unique atmosphere.

Trendy Districts: Ixelles and Saint-Gilles Ixelles and Saint-Gilles are among the trendiest Brussels neighborhoods, known for their cosmopolitan atmosphere, vibrant culture, and architectural heritage.

In Ixelles, the Châtelain area is famous for chic cafes, designer shops, and a lively weekly market. Place Flagey is a must-visit spot to enjoy Belgian fries or hang out in trendy bars and restaurants. The African neighborhood of Matongé adds a multicultural flavor with exotic grocery stores and eateries.

In Saint-Gilles, Avenue Louise and Place Van Meenen feature bars, art galleries, and concept stores. It’s also a hub for Art Nouveau architecture, with masterpieces by Horta. The Parvis de Saint-Gilles, with its terraces and market, is perfect to experience the city's convivial side.

Brussels’ Special Touch: What Makes the City Unique Brussels is unique for its blend of history, culture, and diversity. The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of Europe’s most stunning squares. Manneken Pis reflects the local humor and self-deprecation. As a bilingual city and EU capital, Brussels stands at a linguistic crossroads.

It is also a highlight of Art Nouveau, with many architectural gems by Victor Horta. Comics are everywhere—in murals and museums dedicated to Tintin and Spirou. Gastronomy shines with fries, waffles, chocolate, and globally renowned craft beer. Its cosmopolitan vibe, lively neighborhoods (like Sablon, Saint-Gilles, and Châtelain), and a calendar packed with festivals—from Brussels Summer Festival to Winter Wonders—make it a proud and unique destination.

Activities and Walks in Brussels

Best Walks to Explore Brussels Brussels offers plenty of walking routes to explore its iconic neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and green spaces:

• Historic Center Walk: Start at Grand Place, see Manneken Pis, stroll through the Royal Galleries, continue to Sainte-Catherine Square for seafood, and end at Mont des Arts for a city view.

• Art Nouveau Tour: Begin at Hotel Tassel or Horta Museum in Saint-Gilles, and walk along Victor Horta and Paul Emile Janson streets to admire the facades.

• European Quarter Walk: Visit the Parlamentarium, relax in Leopold Park and Cinquantenaire Park.

• Ixelles & Saint-Gilles Stroll: Explore Châtelain’s shops and market, then head to Place Flagey for fries.

• Bois de la Cambre Escape: A huge park ideal for a nature break, with boat rentals available on the lake.

Nightlife in Brussels: Where to Go Out Brussels has a vibrant and varied nightlife with trendy bars, clubs, rooftops, and festive areas.

• Lively Districts: Saint-Géry has hip spots like Le Roi des Belges and Mappa Mundo. Flagey is relaxed with popular places like Café Belga. Saint-Gilles & Châtelain offer boho charm with bars and small music venues.

• Bars & Rooftops: Delirium Café (2,000+ beers), À La Machine (rock/alternative bar), Beursschouwburg Rooftop (summer views).

• Clubs & Live Music: Fuse (techno), C12 (underground), Madame Moustache (retro/electro). For concerts, try Botanique or Ancienne Belgique.

Practical Information for Your Stay in Brussels

How to Get to Brussels Brussels is easily accessible thanks to its excellent transportation network:

• By Plane:

  • Brussels Airport (Zaventem): Direct train to Central Station (20 mins), STIB bus lines 12/21 to the EU district, taxis, and shuttles.

  • Brussels South Charleroi Airport (for low-cost airlines): Shuttle to Gare du Midi (~1 hr).

• By Train:

  • Thalys & Eurostar connect Brussels to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Cologne.

  • National trains arrive at:

    • Gare du Midi (Thalys, Eurostar, ICE)

    • Gare Centrale (ideal for city center)

    • Gare du Nord (regional/international trains)

• By Bus:

  • FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus connect many European cities. Main stops: Gare du Nord or Gare du Midi.

• By Car:

  • Via highways E19, E40, E411. Use Park & Ride (P+R) lots to avoid city-center traffic.

• By Carpooling:

  • BlaBlaCar offers budget rides to Brussels. Once there, public transport (metro, tram, bus) is very convenient.

Getting Around Brussels

• Public Transport (STIB):

  • Metro: 4 lines (1, 2, 5, 6)

  • Tram: Ideal for areas like Ixelles & Saint-Gilles

  • Bus: Includes night service (Noctis)

  • Tickets: Single ride or Mobib card, day passes (24h, 48h, 72h)

• Biking:

  • Villo! bike-sharing system

  • Electric bikes via Billy Bike, Dott

• Scooters & E-Scooters:

  • Lime, Dott, TIER for e-scooters

  • Felyx, GO! for e-scooters

• Taxis & Ride-Sharing:

  • Local taxis (Taxi Verts, Taxis Bleus), Uber, Bolt

• Car & Parking:

  • Use P+R lots and car-sharing (Cambio, Poppy)

What Budget to Plan for Brussels?

• Accommodation:

  • Hostel / Budget: €30–€60/night

  • 2–3 star hotel / Airbnb: €70–€120/night

  • 4–5 star hotel: €150–€300/night

• Food:

  • Budget meal: €5–€12

  • Mid-range restaurant: €15–€30

  • Fine dining: €50+

  • Beer: €3–€7

• Transport:

  • STIB ticket: €2.10

  • 24h pass: €8

  • Villo! bike rental: €1.60/day

  • Uber/taxi in center: €10–€20

• Activities:

  • Museums: €5–€15

  • Atomium: €16

  • Mini-Europe: €19

  • 3-day museum pass: €50

• Daily Budget Estimate:

  • Budget: €50–€80

  • Mid-range: €100–€150

  • Comfort/Luxury: €200+

Brussels can be affordable with simple meals and free activities like walking tours in the historic center.

Why Choose 9Hotel Chelton for Your Stay in Brussels?

Comfort and Amenities in the European Quarter Located in the heart of the European Quarter, 9Hotel Chelton offers comfort and convenience. Room types include Classic, Classic with Terrace, Club, Superior, Executive, and Family Rooms, catering to solo travelers, couples, and families. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning.

Services at 9Hotel Chelton A breakfast buffet is served from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays, and until 10:30 AM on weekends, with gluten-free options available on request. An express breakfast option is also available—please ask at reception. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and the reception desk is open 24/7 for assistance.

Additional Amenities A coworking table and business corner are available for business travelers. After recent renovations, the hotel is now a 4-star property and offers a swimming pool and fitness room—perfect for relaxing during your stay.

9Hotel Chelton combines a strategic location, modern comfort, and tailored services to provide an enjoyable stay in the heart of Brussels’ European Quarter.