Lykkers, if we’re planning a trip to Brussels, Belgium’s lively capital, we’ll need more than just a list of famous landmarks.

A real travel guide means knowing how much tickets cost, when attractions open, how we can move around the city, where to stay, and what food to try without overspending. Let’s build our Brussels journey step by step, with clear details that make our visit smoother.

Best Time to Visit

- Spring (April–June): Comfortable weather, around 15–20°C (59–68°F), fewer crowds.

- Fall (September–October): Pleasant temperatures, colorful parks, fewer tourists.

- Winter (December): Famous for the festive market at Grand Place, though colder (3–6°C / 37–43°F).

Tip: Summer (July–August) is busiest and hotels are pricier, but the Flower Carpet Festival (every two years in August) is unforgettable.

How to Get to Brussels

- By Air: Brussels Airport (BRU) → city center train takes 20 min, costs $7–$9.

By Train:

- From Paris: 1h 20m (Thalys/Eurostar), tickets from $40.

- From Amsterdam: 2h, tickets from $35–$50.

- From London: 2h (Eurostar), tickets from $50–$70.

Public Transport:

- Single ticket (metro, bus, tram): $2.80.

- 24-hour unlimited pass: $8.

- 72-hour pass: $19.

Tip: Buy a contactless MOBIB card for convenience.

Top Attractions & Prices

1. Grand Place – Free

- Open all day. The central square glows at night and hosts festivals.

2. Atomium – $18 adults / $9 children

- Open daily 10:00–18:00. Inside: exhibitions + 360° city views.

3. Royal Palace – Free (only summer, late July–early Sept)

- Open 10:30–17:00. Worth a stop if we’re here in summer.

4. Manneken Pis – Free

- Open-air statue, always accessible.

5. Magritte Museum – $11 adults / $4 students

- Open Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00.

6. Cinquantenaire Park + Museums – Park free / Museums $12–$15

- Includes Autoworld (cars) and Art & History Museum.

7. Mini-Europe – $19 adults / $13 children

- Open daily 9:30–18:00 (to 20:00 in summer). Perfect for families.

Tip: Get the Brussels Card (from $33/24h) for free entry to 49 museums + unlimited public transport.

Food & Dining Costs

- Waffles: $4–$6 from street stalls (try Maison Dandoy).

- Fries (Frites): $4–$5, served with sauces (try Frit Flagey).

- Chocolates: Artisan shops (Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini) small box $10–$15.

- Moules-Frites (mussels with fries): Restaurant dish $20–$25.

- Mid-range restaurant meal: $20–$30 per person.

- Fine dining: $60+ per person in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Tip: Avoid eating right on Grand Place; walk a few blocks for better prices.

Where to Stay

- Budget: Hostels near Gare du Midi or Botanique – dorms $25–$35 per night.

- Mid-range: Hotels near Grand Place or Avenue Louise – $90–$140 per night.

- Luxury: Hotel Amigo or Warwick Brussels – $250+ per night.

Tip: Booking a hotel around Grand Place gives us the advantage of being right in the heart of the city, with most landmarks, shops, and restaurants just a short stroll away.

Day Trips from Brussels

- Bruges: 1h by train, return ticket $18–$20. Famous for canals and medieval houses.

- Ghent: 40 min by train, ticket around $12. Known for castles and lively streets.

- Leuven: 25 min by train, ticket $8. A charming university city with great cafés.

Practical Travel Tips

1. Buy tickets online for Atomium & Magritte Museum to skip lines.

2. Wear comfortable shoes—Brussels’ old streets are often cobblestoned.

3. Be alert at train stations for pickpockets.

4. For budget travel, supermarkets like Carrefour Express sell sandwiches for $4–$6.

5. If staying more than 2 days, the Brussels Card with transport is cost-effective.

Wrapping Up Our Brussels Journey

Lykkers, Brussels is more than Belgium’s capital—it’s a city full of charm, history, and surprises at every corner. With clear ticket prices, easy transport, delicious local food, and iconic landmarks, exploring the city becomes both simple and exciting. We can enjoy crispy waffles from a street vendor, wander through the breathtaking Grand Place, and hop on a train to nearby gems like Bruges, filling our trip with unforgettable moments.

Lykkers, it’s time to embrace Brussels as a destination where history, culture, and everyday life meet. Each street, café, and museum has a story ready for us to discover, making this vibrant city an adventure we won’t forget!