Perhaps best known for bureaucracy, scratch the surface of Brussels and you’ll discover a hip, multicultural city, bursting with ideas. Spreading out from its medieval core and majestic Grand Place, Brussels gradually morphs from Art Nouveau to the sharp facades of modern administration centres.

When to book flights to Brussels

The best time to visit Brussels is generally considered to be between March and May. At this time the weather is usually very pleasant, with warm but mild temperatures. The city is also less crowded during this time of year, so it is easy to see some of the more popular sights, and a wider choice of accommodation will be available.

How to find the best flight deals to Brussels

When searching with Expedia if you can be flexible on dates you can grab some bargain deals. As a major city break destination, flights on Friday evenings can be very busy, but other days of the week less so. Use the ‘Show Flexible Dates’ option to quickly see what’s available.

Main airports in Brussels

Brussels Airport is located around seven and a half miles northeast of the city and deals with more than 24 million passengers each year. The airport can be reached by car via the A201, which connects the airport to the city’s ring road.

The Airport Railway Station is located under the airport building and there are good links to the city and other destinations in Belgium, as well as France, Germany and the UK. New light rail services are also being created to alleviate crowds on existing transport. There’s also a dedicated bike lane to the city.

Which airlines fly to Brussels?

Indirect and direct flights to Brussels are available from a number of different carriers.

These include:

• British Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• BMI
• Ryanair

How to get to and around Brussels

Most of the main sights in Brussels are easy to see on foot. Starting at the city’s medieval centre, the old cobblestone streets link most of the major attractions.

If it’s winter and the streets are a little icy or slushy, jump on board the city’s Metro system, marked with the big blue and white M sign. All announcements are made in English, so you should have no problem getting around.

There are also buses and trams linked to the STIB-MIVB transport system, with day tickets covering all journeys.

With no real hills to speak of, Brussels is also a great city for cycling. The Villo bike sharing network has more than 200 pick-up points throughout the city.

What are the must-sees in Brussels?

Surrounded by the city tower and stunning 300-year-old buildings, the Grand Place is the real star of the city. Some evenings there are music and light shows, using the buildings as a canvas. Try one of the delicious Belgian waffles as you watch. A short walk away, the Manneken Pis is a small statue that sums up the ‘irreverent spirit’ of the city.

For the best view of the city, head to the Parc du Cinquantenaire-Jubelpark and its Arc de Triomphe-Triomfboog to the east of the city. Or, for a more modern experience, the Atomium carries on the futuristic work of the Brussels Expo 58.

During your stay, it’s also well worth popping in to one of the many trendy bars and cafes to sample some of the famed Belgian beers, adding a portion of legendary fries with mayonnaise for good measure.