Brussels Essentials

Brussels Essentials

Currency Euro Journey Time 2H via Eurostar Time Zone GMT = +1 hour Language French, Flemish Voltage 230 V (European two-pin plugs) 


Tourist Attractions

Museums and attractions are open daily usually from 10am until 6pm, with a small number closed to the public on Mondays. There are several inclusive tourist passes, which can be used for those looking for history and culture - the Brussels Card, for example, offers free entry into numerous attractions such as the inspiring Museum of Modern Art and includes free local transport.

Opening Hours

Shops in central Brussels are open daily from 10am until 5 or 6pm, with later hours of service in arcades and malls. There are a number of interesting speciality markets, particularly at weekends, that open early at 8am and last until mid afternoon. Most banks open weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm, with a small number operating on Saturdays.

Food & Drink

Tucked in between France and Holland, Belgian cuisine has been influenced by both countries, yet Brussels traditional food is distinctive and unique. Popular main courses include waterzooi – chicken stew in cream, white wine and vegetables and Lapin à la flamande, which is young tender rabbit in prunes and brandy. Appetizers of soups and pates feature heavily on restaurant menus, and utilise a wide range of meats, seafood and vegetables. For dessert lovers, waffles in syrup and chocolate will be hard to resist during a Brussels city break, and visitors should certainly indulge in some French fries and mayonnaise during an afternoon stroll.

Tipping & Etiquette

Most locals rarely give tips in cafes and restaurants in Brussels, as a service charge will already be added to the bill. Of course, if a dining experience deserves an extra gratuity, then it will be much appreciated. In Brussels, it is normal to slightly round up taxi fares to provide a small tip.

French Phrases For Tourists

Hello Bonjour Do you speak English? Parlez vous Anglais? Goodbye Au revoir Excuse me Excusez moi Good Evening Bonsoir How much is it? Ça coûte combien? Yes Oui Where is...? Ou est …? No Non Hotel L'hotel Please S'il vous plait The bill please L’addition s’il vous plait Thank you very much Merci beaucoup Beer Une Biere How are you? Comment allez vous? Coffee Un café

Brussels Useful Numbers


• Calling the UK from Brussels – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire - 112

Disabled Access

Brussels does present some obstacles to the wheelchair-user, with many cobbled and uneven surfaces and the sheer age of some of its most impressive buildings. Most museums, however, have disabled facilities, and offer reduced tariffs and special group tours. There is a wide variety of adapted hotel accommodation in Brussels in every hotel class.

Belgium Embassies


• GB Embassy - Rue d'Arlon 85 Aarlenstraat 1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 287 6211
• Belgian Embassy - 17 Grosvenor Crescent London SW1X 7EE Tel: 020 7470 3700

Weather

Brussels has a temperate northern Europe climate, with comfortable summers and mild winters. The weather can be variable, but escapes the severe conditions experienced elsewhere in the country, and does not generally get in the way of sightseeing. Summers see highs of 23C and 7 hours of sunshine, whilst spring and autumn enjoy temperatures of around 15C, with increased chance for showers. Winters are daily mild, with temperatures rarely falling below zero, and the city receiving around 10 days of snow each year.