Get to know amazing Brussels and everything it has to offer.
Choosing the right destination is not easy but we’ve got your back.
Everything you need to know about Brussels before planning your event.
We know that finding the perfect location for your event is going to be VERY time-consuming. For this reason, we’ve made a list of the best features of Brussels to speed up your decision making process…
Brussels, capital city of Belgium:
You might already know that Brussels is rich in history, architecture, gastronomy, and culture. It is also the political capital of Europe.
Brussels is the largest and most densely populated city in Belgium. Home to the Royal Palace of Brussels which was once the residence of the Belgian Royal Monarchy, but is now used for official and state functions. Its central and strategic location has made it suitable for the NATO headquarters and it also serves a vast number of local and international organisations. Brussels is also strategic to the European Parliament, hosting most of the annual parliamentary committee meetings.
Logistics:
Easy to get around:
There are multiple ways to get to know the capital as it is a compact city.
The first thing to bear in mind is that the whole city is a low-emission zone, there are multiple ways to get to know the capital as it is a compact city and most personal vehicles (considered highly polluting) are not allowed. However, you can always use public transport or a taxi.
The second thing to consider is that as a low-emission city there are also greener options for you to choose from:
Scooters: There is a great number of self-service e-scooters around the area. You will definitely find one anywhere and it is quite easy to use for smaller journeys.
Bicycles: A good option to tour on your own or with others / in a group is to go by bike. The cycling experience allows you to schedule guided tours or even request personalised tours. It's a different and eco-friendly way to see Brussels' heritage treasures.
Sustainable Brussels - perfect for environmentally / sustainability themed events:
The city is well known for its multiple sustainable approaches throughout the years. The government and its residents have been working together to take measures towards this important matter. For this, the capital is currently one of the top ten cities turning green the fastest.
There are a great number of green activities that you can do while visiting the city, from slow food restaurants and local zero-waste markets to second-hand outlets and informative recreational activities.
Ecotour: Take an inspiring walking tour and get to know the initiatives making the city greener, cleaner and of course, more sustainable.
Games: Participate in one of the climate negotiation games and get to know firsthand how actual NGOs and policymakers work. Experience being part of one of the many international organisations, creating sustainable policies and international climate summits.
Main activities and attractions:
Palais de Justice:
The Justice Palace (Palais de Justice) in Brussels is the largest court in the world at 26,000 square metres. It is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the whole of Europe and since it’s origins in 1883 is still the most important court building in Belgium.
Royal Palace of Brussels
Located on the south side of the Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels Park), the Royal Palace of Brussels is the headquarters of the Belgian constitutional monarchy, even though the Royal family no longer live there. Palais Royal de Bruxelles is open to the public normally from the 21 July (the national bank holiday) until the beginning of September.
The emblematic Atomium:
A place that can't be missed, the Atomium. Since its creation in 1985, this nine-sphered crystal monument is considered a national icon and represents an elementary iron magnified 165 billion times. The original purpose was to be part of the World Fair and then eventually taken a part after the event. However, it was later rebuilt and it is now one of the main attractions visited in the city.
Tip: For a breathtaking experience, we highly recommend you to visit the museum at night when the Atomium is lit up with 2970 LED bulbs.
Dinosaurs in Brussels:
Brussels is home to one of the few existing dinosaur museums and is in fact the largest hall in the world. The Museum of Natural Sciences was founded in 1846 and displays 30 Iguanodons, discovered in a coal mine in Belgium as well as rare fossils of feathered dinosaurs. Discover and interact with the activities the museum has to offer, get to know all about dinosaurs and their fossilisation process.
Learn about the history of those who were here before us. Isn't that amazing?
Food! Beer, waffles, chocolate, fries… and sprouts?
👉 800 brands of beer in the city, you won’t need to go far.
👉 Waffles. Hot, light and crispy with every conceivable sweet filling, but arguably best with just a dusting of powdered sugar. Known for their distinctive flavour due to the brioche dough. Can be found all over Brussels.
👉 Chocolate tours, chocolate making, chocolate shops. Brussels IS chocolate! Godiva has its origins in Brussels. Well worth a visit.
👉 French Fries were created in Brussels (Ironic? Why not Belgian Fries we may ponder). There’s even a French Fries museum! There are 138 restaurants per square mile and we reckon they nearly all sell fries.
👉 Sprouts. Yes, Brussel Sprouts were broadly grown here in the 16th century and have been dividing families ever since!
The largest agricultural, forestry and agri-food fair in Europe (Foire de Libramont) is held in Brussels in July.
Shopping
From Avenue Louise and Boulevard de Waterloo (think 5th Avenue / Knightsbridge) to the many antique and flea markets, covered galleries and small independent shopping districts, Brussels won’t disappoint. Broadly speaking, Brussels is felt to be less expensive than many of it’s international counterparts.
Exhibitions and Conference scene
There are over 400 trade shows a year in Brussels with excellent facilities from small quirky venues to huge international conference centres. Tell us your numbers and style of event and we will pull together your perfect shortlist for free. Get in touch.
Tram Experience:
Imagine if it was possible to tour around the city and enjoy the best local dishes, all aboard a tram.
Experience this unique concept and see the best Brussels has to offer while having a marvellous gourmet meal or even a glass of wine. Each menu is season based and distinctive, every plate comes with a personal touch from each chef aboard. Get to know the capital's best monuments with a 5-course meal and all from the best chefs in the area.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fact #1: World’s largest chocolate selling point
Are you a chocolate fan?
Brussels International Airport is known for being the world's largest chocolate selling point, selling over 800 tonnes annually. The production of chocolate is one of their long-time specialties producing different flavours, sizes, and even colours. It is a highly significant part of the nation's economy and culture which makes it a worldwide recognised symbol.
Even though a great amount of their production is meant to be exported, each local consumes approximately 8 kilos of chocolate annually. Some might call it the best chocolate in the world and with good reason.
Fact #2: Capital of Europe
Have you ever heard anyone referring to Brussels as the capital city of Europe?
The reason behind this is the decision of member states in the European institutions to name it the de facto capital of Europe. This was due to the halfway location between Germany and France which later helped with European integration after the two world wars. Brussels became an important centre for international politics and it is now a place of residence for international organisations, politicians, and diplomats.
Fact #3 House of comic books
Did you know that the city is also known as the capital of comic books? If you are a fan of traditional comic strips or "the ninth art" as the locals would say, then Brussels is the place for you.
Comics are not only considered entertaining, but they are also part of the overall culture as you can find them in the streets or even districts around the city. There is a wide range of comic book themed activities to explore, museums, events, bookstores, and even escape rooms.
These pretty much sums up some of the city’s main features but if you want to know more, you already know where to find us.