Where to stay for Brussels Christmas Market?

For the best access to the Brussels Christmas Market ("Winter Wonders"), stay in the Central/Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine, or Dansaert neighborhoods. These central areas are within walking distance of the main market, the Ferris wheel, and the light show, offering easy access to the festive atmosphere.

Where to stay in Brussels Christmas Market?

Check out the most booked hotels from the past month!

• Marivaux Hotel. Hotel in Brussels. ...
• Ibis Brussels City Centre. Hotel in Brussels. ...
• Craves. Hotel in Brussels. ...
• Safestay Brussels Grand Place. Hotel in Brussels. ...
• Novotel Brussels City Centre. ...
• NH Collection Brussels Centre. ...
• Atlas Hotel Brussels. ...
• easyHotel Brussels City Centre.

Where is the main Christmas market in Brussels?

The Christmas market on Place de la Bourse, the Marché aux Poissons at the Bourse de Bruxelles, is one of the largest, most impressive, most popular, and most beautiful of all the markets scattered throughout Brussels.

How far is Brussels Christmas Market from train station?

The Brussels Christmas market, Winter Wonders, is located in the city centre. The nearest train station is Brussels-Central, only a 10-minute walk from the market. Eurocity Direct and Eurostar arrive at Brussels-Midi (South).

Which Christmas market is better, Brussels or Bruges?

Neither Brussels nor Bruges Christmas market is definitively "better" as they offer different experiences: Brussels' "Winter Wonders" is larger and flashier with a big wheel and fairground rides, ideal for a big city festive spectacle, while Bruges' "Winter Glow" is more intimate, fairytale-like, and cozy, set amidst canals with a light trail and artisanal focus, perfect for a charming, slower-paced visit. Brussels offers scale and variety; Bruges offers atmosphere and picturesque charm.
 

CHRISTMAS IN BRUSSELS GUIDE (Winter Wonders Guide, Christmas markets & Illuminations)

Are there two airports in Brussels?

Brussels has two international airports servicing premium and budget airlines alike.

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

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).

Where to avoid staying in Brussels?

Avoid certain areas at night.

Avoid Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Schaerbeek, Anderlecht, Marollen, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, and Anneessens at night.

Where to stay in Brussels to walk everywhere?

The beauty of Brussels is its small scale and how well-connected it truly is. Therefore, you can easily choose between Historical Center, Fontainas, Saint Gery or Saint Catherine if you want to go sightseeing. These neighborhoods are all within walking distance from the Grand Place.

Is Brussels Christmas Market worth it?

While the markets are worth a visit if you happen to be in town, they're not something I'd recommend travelling from another city to see or planning a trip around. Winter Wonders / Plaisirs D'Hiver was the primary reason for my visit to Belgium and it did not disappoint!

Where is the most Christmassy place in Belgium?

Bruges Christmas Market

The UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Bruges has intimate cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque bustling squares. Add to this an abundance of twinkling lights and impressive Christmas decorations and you've got one magical city.

Do you need cash for Brussels Christmas Market?

“Do the market stalls take card or do you need to take cash?” Hello, Some of the stalls take cards. I would bring cash as some of the of the stalls do not take cards.

Is 3 days in Brussels too much?

Three days in Brussels is a good amount of time to see the main sights, enjoy the food (chocolate, beer, waffles, frites), explore key areas like the Grand Place and Art Nouveau districts, and even fit in a popular day trip to nearby cities like Bruges or Ghent, making it generally not too much time, but perfect for a thorough, relaxed visit or a busy mix of city exploration and day trips. 

How cold is Brussels at Christmas?

What's the temperature like in Brussels during December? The temperature reaches around 6℃ during the daytime in December, falling away to 3℃ at night. The UV index will be low at this time of year, so not something to worry about.

Is it worth to go inside Atomium Brussels?

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.
 

Where to stay in Brussels for the first time?

Central Quarter/Grand-Place (red on the map above)

It's the most touristy part of the city but Brussels isn't all that touristy, so it's not overwhelming. It has lots of hotels, good restaurants, and is very close to the Central Station. If you're in town for just a day or two, it's the most convenient place to stay.

Are there no go zones in Brussels?

All is not lost

Despite rising gang violence, Brussels does not have “no-go zones”. Some areas have even seen a reduction in overall crime, thanks to the efforts of local authorities.

Is it okay to speak English in Belgium?

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. 

What is the thin cap rule in Belgium?

Thin capitalisation

• all loans, whereby the beneficial owner is not subject to income taxes, or, with regard to the interest income, is subject to a tax regime that is substantially more advantageous than the Belgian tax regime, and.
• all intra-group loans.

How much cash can I bring to Belgium?

Cash. You may move freely within the EU with a sum of money below € 10,000.

Do you give way to the right in Belgium?

In Belgium, all drivers must give priority to any vehicles joining a road from the right, even if they have stopped at a junction or are allowing pedestrians to cross.

How much is a taxi from Brussels Airport to city Centre?

Taxi. A taxi from Brussels Airport to the city centre is around € 70 ( US$ 81.47).

Is there a shuttle from Charleroi Airport to Brussels?

The company Flibco has a shuttle bus service that connects Charleroi Airport and Brussels, leaving the airport every 30 minutes. The journey takes one hour and the bus stops at Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels-South railway station, in rue de France). A one-way journey will cost € 17 ( US$ 19.80).