The Belgian Government has set the national threat level at 3 'Serious'. You can expect to see an increased police presence, and additional safety measures may be in place.
Brussels is not more dangerous than any other big city in Europe. There are a few sketchy neighborhoods where you should probably not walk around on your own after dark and that's it.
When taking a trip to Belgium, Brussels is an attractive city to travel to. Since Belgium is a safe country ranked 21st on the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index, it can also be a good place for solo female travelers to go.
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Is it okay to speak English in Brussels?
Brussels is a melting pot of cultures and English is widely understood, thanks to the many diplomats and internationals who call Brussels their home. It's also pretty normal to use English as a common ground for Dutch and French speakers if they don't speak each other's languages.
Brussels is officially bilingual (Dutch-French), but in reality French is the dominant language. It is also an international city, so English (and a lot of other languages) are common. In parts of the town where you encounter a lot of tourists both languages should be equally fine.
While the prices of everyday living expenses in Brussels are quite high, the rental prices are luckily on the lower side compared to most of the major cities in the EU. Of course, the price you'll pay for accommodation in Brussels will vary dramatically depending on size, quality and the proximity to the city centre.
Can I travel from UK to Belgium without a passport?
British citizens don't need a visa to enter Belgium but must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium/entry-requirements. Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
The main red light district in Brussels is north of the Gare du Nord. In Rue d'Aerschot, Rue de Brabant and the surrounding side-streets there are sex shops and many windows where prostitutes sit. Most of the prostitutes near the Gare du Nord, including Rue d'Aerschot, are Romanian and Bulgarian.
You must quarantine for 10 days. This applies to everyone, even if you are fully vaccinated or have been in this country less than 48 hours. Get tested (PCR) on day 1 and 7 of your stay in Belgium. In the context of a very high risk country a RAT test is not valid, only PCR tests will be taken into account.
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Ixelles, and Uccle are some of the safest municipalities in Belgium for both expats and travelers. While Belgium is considered generally safe, it's a good idea for travelers to be careful while visiting Molenbeek and Gare du Midi.
Generally, many central areas in Brussels, such as the Grand Place, Ixelles, and the European Quarter, are well-lit and frequented by both locals and tourists at night, often with a visible police presence.
3 days is enough time to see all of the main sights in Brussels. You can visit the European Parliament, the Atomium and the numerous museums in the city. You might also have time to venture to a nearby city such as Antwerp and spend half a day or a day there.
beers range from about 2.50 for a pils up to 5-6 euros depending on the beer. A coffee is about 2.50-3 euros, for a small cup and there are no free refills, same for tea and soft drinks!
Prices are usually very reasonable – reckon on about €12 for the more modest dishes, €17 for the more substantial – though of course you will often pay more in the most popular tourist destinations.
It costs around €80-€100/day to visit Brussels for budget-minded travelers. These prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably on a budget. If you want nicer accommodation then you'll need to add an extra €60-€110/night depending on where you stay.
Tipping in Belgium isn't a standard practice, nor is it expected, as most service staff are paid a fair living wage. Furthermore, most restaurants automatically include a 10–15% tip in the bill. If you think the service was excellent and want to leave more, you can always leave a few euros on the table after your meal.
Definitely: Gent, Brugge, Antwerpen, Liège, Brussels. If you only have a few days. If you have more time: Mechelen, Ieper, Kortrijk, Dinant, Bouillon. If you want to visit museums: KMSKA, Bozar.
What behaviors are socially unacceptable in Belgium?
Do not put your hands in your pockets, yawn, scratch or use toothpicks in public. Feet should never be put on chairs or tables. Back slapping is considered offensive. The "okay" sign means zero.
Most Belgians will have had English as a second or third language at school, especially the generation under 50. Some Belgians, like the Flemish will watch movies and tv-shows in originial english with subtitles so are quite used to the sound. In touristy areas, speaking english will be a job requirement.
Some Belgians will be delighted to let you try your French, others will tolerate it, others will immediately switch to English, a few will inwardly grumble that nobody tries to speak Flemish, some won't be Belgian at all, but foreign expats who don't speak any more French than you do, and some will break into fluent ...
In Belgian schools the official two languages taught are French and Dutch, so the majority of Belgians are bilingual. Dutch (Flemish) is spoken in the Flemish communities, while French is spoken in Wallonia. In Brussels the most common language is French.
