TRAVEL TIPS
BRUSSELS
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Known for its charm and elegance, Brussels,
and bohemians. The official language is
Belgium’s capital and European Union cultural
French and Dutch and all signs are written in
capital, has a gigantic historical heritage
these two languages.
reflected in its museums and buildings, in great medieval towers and modern buildings.
Its museums show some outstanding works of Renaissance painters, Belgian surrealist artists of
The capital has a population of one million
the twentieth century and some contemporary
inhabitants and is the most visited destination
works of art from a dynamic metropolis.
in Europe. Every year around six million tourists go to Brussels. Located in the center
Winter lasts from November to March and
of the country, the cosmopolitan metropolis is
temperatures below 0 °C with constant snow
the meeting point of businessmen, students
are common. Summer, lasts from May to September. The highest temperature can reach up to 30 ºC, a great opportunity to try some of the 400 types of beer produced in the city. They are the most appreciated in the world. The average annual temperature is around 10 ºC, ranging between 3 °C in January and 18 ºC in July. The rate of annual rainfall is 700 mm and 1000 mm, that is why the city is very damp. Most tourists visit Brussels between May and September when the weather is nicer. From November to March, the city is cold and rainy. Visitors will find an efficient public transportation, however, the best option is always walking, because the main attractions are very close to each other. If you like to learn about the culture, Brussels is the place to be. Take this opportunity to ride a bicycle through the streets of Brussels. Rent a bike and enjoy its medieval atmosphere. The city is for sure a good starting point for an incredible adventure in Europe.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BRUSSELS
TRANSPORT There are several ways to get around Brussels and public transportation such as trains, subways and buses, are a good option. There are three major railway stations: Gare du Midi, Gare Du Nord and Gare Central. They connect Brussels with the rest of Europe and other Belgian cities. The Gare Central, as the name suggests, is just minutes away from downtown, and has lockers in different sizes. The most popular destinations are Amsterdam, which is 3 hours from Brussels, Antwerp (50min), Bruges (1h), Den Haag (2:30), Ghent (30min), Cologne (3h-5h), Liege (1h10), Lille (1h), London (3h), Luxembourg (3h) and Paris (1h20). Eurolines buses also stop near Gare Du Nord and the main destination is London. The subway is a good option for those who need to save time. Because the Museum of Contemporary Art of the city is closed, the artists exhibit their works at stations. An alternative green transport is cycling. The distances are short in Brussels, so many roads have an exclusive track for bicycles. There are many rental options throughout the city. The capital has two international airports:
ATTRACTIONS
Charleroi Airport and Brussels International Airport – Zaventem, the main airport and 16 km away from the city. It is well connected by train,
Brussels offers many attractions to the tourists. The Grand Place is the main tourist attraction
leaving every 15 minutes, and buses leaving
of the city and considered one of the most
every 20 minutes. Charleroi is 50 km, but also
beautiful squares in the world, it is a good
provides transportation for easy access.
place for those who like excitements. From
Maison de Roi, where the Musée de la Ville (City Museum) is, the Maison des Ducs de Brabant and other beautiful buildings. The statue of Manneken Piss, a boy urinating, is another tourist attraction in Brussels, just like the Cathedral of St Michel and St-Gudole, and its Gothic styles. They started to be built in the decade of 1220 and they are about 300 years old. Its sixteenth-century stained glass window represents the Last Judgement. The Parc du Cinquantenaire is beautiful especially in the fall and spring. Opened in 1800, the park is the most pleasant green area of the capital. There are also two interesting museums, the Royal Musée d’Art et d’Histoire and the Musée Royal de l’Armée et Histoire Militaire. If you want to run the circuit of the city’s museums there are many options, after all, Brussels has 75 museums that shows chocolate, beers, going through the comics. Some of them are the Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles, Hotel de Ville, Musee de la Dinastie, Musée de la Brasserie, Musée Royal des Beaux-Arts and Musée d’Art Ancien. Another symbol of the capital is the Atomium, a kind of atomic sphere magnified 165 billion times that you can climb and enjoy a panoramic view. Next to the Atomium is coffee shops and bars with outdoor tables to
Mini-Europe, which brings together about 350
the finest restaurants and chocolate shops, all
miniature landmarks from around the world.
of them are always crowded. If you want to see the city view just go to The buildings of the Grand Place are an
the park of Palais Royal. From there you can
harmonious architectural ensemble, especially
see the Park of Brussels. It is also where
at night with the lights on. Some of the ones
government events are hosted.
that are a highlight is Brussels cityhall, the
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BRUSSELS
Some people say that the best things in
blanket or sleeping bag. Hotels are a little more
Brussels are beer, chocolate and arts. So if you
expensive, but if you share a room with one or
want to be delighted with these three wonders,
two people, prices wil be around € 45.
just go to the Museum of Fine Arts, which gathers a group of pub and chocolate shop
In the summer, stays are more desirable. When
around. There, you’ll still find works by Peter
you book this time through the Information
Paul Rubens, Rene Magritte and Paul Delvaux.
Center, you have the chance to get promotions and a more affordable price.
WHERE TO STAY
DINING OUT
Brussels has an extensive network of hotels, but the cheapest alternative are the hostels.
Brussels also has a rich cuisine with new and
The independents are famous for their festive
hype restaurants of international and local
mood. Usually, breakfast is included and serves
cuisine. It does not matter how much you are
the basic bread and butter and some juice or
willing to spend - a meal can cost from 15 to
milk. Many have billiards and ping-pong table
200 euros – it is impossible to eat badly there.
to entertain the guests. Prices vary between
The city has about 1,500 restaurants and the
€ 13 and € 20, but this price can be increased
top-rated are in the Rue des Bouchers, near
by more than € 3 or € 4 if you do not have a
the Grand Place.
If you visit Brussels, you have to try the
renowned bookstores, as well as restaurants,
traditional mussels, the ribs and the famous
cafes, cinemas and a theater. If you want to
french fries with mayonnaise, served with an
buy lace, one of the most popular products in
excellent beer. For dessert, you can opt for the
Belgium, just go to the streets cross the Grand-
delicious Belgian chocolates and waffles sold
Place. There are several choices of stores
at street stands all over town.
running daily from 10am to 7pm. If you’re looking for modern articles with
SHOPPING
average prices, a good option is to go to the Rue Neuve. There are clothes, shoes, perfumes, makeup and small souvenirs. If you want to buy at lower prices a good option is
For those who are willing to go shopping,
Rue Du Brabant, where you find shopping gifts,
Brussels has many shops and galleries with
clothing and many varieties. For those who are
many souvenirs. The Galeries Royales St-Hubert
willing to spend a little more, go to the Avenue
is one of Europe’s oldest shopping malls.
Louise to find all the major producers from the
Located in metro Gare Centrale, the gallery is
high fashion world.
a great place for shopping, with boutiques and
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BRUSSELS
To take home the finest Belgian chocolates, do not hesitate to go to the Rue Royal and
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
visit the shops of delicacies. If you are not sure about the quality or if the products are fresh be sure to find stores that are official suppliers of the royal court.
STREET MARKETS There are also food and clothing fairs throughout the city. The most famous place is Clemenceau, on the weekends. The MarchĂŠ aux Puces, or the flea market is the place to find the exotic and very creative products at incredible prices. Decorative objects, postcards, clothing and household items are the most
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common. It opens every day in the GrandPlace, from 7am to 2pm. If you like silver, ceramics, paintings, jewelry and other relics, be sure to go to MarchĂŠ des Antiquaires Du Sablon. You will need patience to get good prices, but it is worth checking out the products. The crafts fair is held on Saturdays from 9 am to 6pm and on Sundays from 9 am to 2pm.
CURRENCY As in most other EU countries, the currency used in Brussels is the Euro(EUR). The old currency, the franc Dutch, is no longer in use. Around Grand Place there are many banks and exchange rate does not vary from one place to another. But it is important to pay attention to fees, commissions, they may have a reasonable range.
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