Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–40 | €80–140 |
| Food | €15–25 | €35–55 |
| Transport | €5–8 | €10–20 |
| Activities | €0–15 | €20–40 |
| Drinks | €5–10 | €15–25 |
| Daily Total | €50–98 | €160–280 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone — most nationalities get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period
- Brussels Airport (BRU) is 12km from centre. Train to Bruxelles-Central takes 17 minutes (€14.70)
- Charleroi Airport (CRL) is 60km south — budget airlines fly here. Bus to Midi station takes 55 min (€17)
Health & Safety
- No special vaccinations required. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers EU citizens
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Belgium — carry a refillable bottle
- Pickpocketing around Midi station and on metro — keep valuables secure. Avoid Midi at night
Getting Around
- STIB/MIVB runs metro, tram, and bus. Buy a MOBIB card (€5) and load trips. Day pass: €8
- Brussels is very walkable — the historic centre is compact. Bike-share Villo (€1.60/day + first 30 min free)
- Taxis are expensive (€2.40/km). Use the Uber or Bolt app for better rates
Connectivity
- EU roaming included for European SIM cards. Local SIMs from Proximus, Base, or Orange (€10–15 for 5GB)
- Free WiFi at most cafés, museums, and all STIB metro stations
- Download the STIB app for real-time transit info and the SNCB app for national train schedules
Money
- Euro (€) used everywhere. ATMs (called "Bancontact") are widespread. Avoid Euronet ATMs — high fees
- Cards accepted almost everywhere, but carry cash for flea markets, small cafés, and friteries
- Tipping is not mandatory — service is included. Rounding up or 5–10% for good service is appreciated
Packing Tips
- Rain gear is essential year-round — Brussels gets frequent light rain even in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones. Layers for unpredictable weather (10–25°C range in summer)
- A tote bag for market shopping and museum freebies. Smart-casual for evening restaurants
Cultural tips
Language Sensitivity
Brussels is officially bilingual French/Dutch but French dominates. Starting with "Bonjour" is polite. The Flemish-Walloon divide is a real political tension — avoid taking sides.
Beer Culture
Belgium has over 1,500 beer varieties. Each beer has its own glass — bartenders will refuse to serve in the wrong one. Order a "pintje" (25cl) not a pint. Trappist ales are brewed by monks.
Chocolate Etiquette
Belgian pralines are serious business. Don't call them "candy." Artisan chocolatiers like Marcolini and Mary are to Belgium what wine châteaux are to France. A box makes an excellent gift.
Café Culture
Brussels café culture is about lingering — nobody rushes you. Ordering one coffee earns you hours of people-watching. Many cafés double as bars from afternoon onwards. "Terrace season" is sacred.
Timing & Pace
Belgians eat dinner at 7–8pm, later than the Dutch but earlier than the French. Sunday is quiet — many shops close. Monday is museum closure day for most institutions.
Social Norms
Greet with one kiss on the cheek (right cheek first) among friends. Handshake for strangers. Belgians are modest and self-deprecating — they'll joke about their own country before you can.
