A three-day visit to Brussels allows you to cover the city's historic center and explore key attractions further afield, such as the Atomium and the European Quarter.
The number one thing to do in Brussels is visit the Grand Place (Grote Markt), a stunning UNESCO World Heritage square known as one of Europe's most beautiful, with ornate guildhalls and the Town Hall, serving as the heart of the city and a perfect starting point for exploring.
Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).
BRUSSELS TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Brussels + What NOT to Do!
What is the prettiest town in Belgium?
❣️Bruges is the most beautiful city in Belgium. When you come to Bruges, you will be attracted by its long history. There are many ancient buildings and charming streets here.
The area around Gare du Midi in Brussels is known as the "Midi" or "Zuid" neighbourhood and is home to a diverse mix of cultures, cuisines, and attractions. It's considered dangerous because of petty crimes like pickpocketing and mugging.
Just like in many other European cities, Brussels has a contactless payment system to pay with contactless bank cards or smartphones (Apple Pay) without having to buy a physical ticket. The price of a ticket starts at € 2.30 ( US$ 2.67) for 60 minutes, and a daily cap applies at 8.40 EUR.
Brussels is famous for its iconic waffles, rich chocolate (especially pralines), crispy French fries (frites), and diverse Belgian beers, alongside savory dishes like mussels with fries (moules-frites), creamy Waterzooi stew, hearty stoemp, and fresh tomato with grey shrimp (tomate-crevette).
Nestled in the centre of Brussels, the Grand Place is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The market is also worth a visit and all the monuments around combine grandeur and fantasy.
In Belgium, the price of your meal or taxi ride includes the service charge. As a result, you do not have to leave a tip. However, you may if you received good service. You can give cash to your waiter or taxi driver or ask them to round the amount up to a higher figure if you are paying by card.
Bruges is called the "Dead City" primarily because of Georges Rodenbach's influential 1892 novel Bruges-la-Morte (Bruges-the-Dead), which portrayed the decaying, melancholic city as a perfect setting for a widower's obsessive grief, making it a symbol of death and lost glory for Symbolist artists and a morbid tourist attraction for romantics seeking atmosphere, even as the city's importance declined historically due to its silting Zwin channel.
Yes, the Atomium is generally considered worth visiting for its unique architecture, panoramic city views from the top, and historical exhibits about the 1958 World's Fair, but opinions vary on whether the experience inside justifies the cost and potential long lines, especially if you're short on time or dislike crowds. It's best for architecture lovers, families, and those wanting iconic Brussels photos, but some find the internal exhibitions underwhelming compared to the exterior's impressive look.
Yes, you can absolutely speak English in Belgium, especially in cities and tourist areas, as many Belgians, particularly younger generations and those in Flanders, have high English proficiency; you'll find it easy to get by, though learning a few basic phrases in French or Dutch helps with integration, especially outside major hubs.
The Grand-Place in Brussels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Brussels' central plaza, the Grand-Place is an exceptional example of Belgian architecture and history. ...
Beersel. Just fifteen kilometers south of Brussels, Beersel is a little gem in Flemish Brabant, famous for its imposing medieval castle surrounded by a moat. This peaceful village captivates visitors with its authentic atmosphere and beautiful heritage.
1. De Panne. De Panne is Belgium's westernmost seaside town and is known for its wide beach. Here you can get a breath of fresh air, sail on the beach or enjoy a quiet day in the sun.
