Beguiling Brussels
Book flights to Brussels for a trip into the surprising. Steeped in history but modern, a political powerhouse, yet wonderfully creative.
Browse Bruegel and Rubens at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts or take a plunge into surrealism at the Magritte Museum. Step back in history with the 15th century Grand Place or Parc du Cinquantenaire.
To get a real taste of Brussels though, you need to wander further into its cobbled streets.
Immerse yourself in the quirky culture of the city’s offbeat bars, comic book murals and independent galleries – each adding unique flavour to your experience.
Grab a cone of mayonnaise-covered fries from a street vendor or a bowl of hearty Flemish stew and visit the impressive headquarters of the European Union.
Book your Brussels flights with Etihad and experience all this eclectic city has to offer.
Reasons to visit Brussels
Incredible culture
Belgium’s capital is bursting with culture, whether museums, architecture or independent galleries are your thing.
The Grand Place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 and consists of 40 intricately designed buildings. You’ll find the city hall in this central square, surrounded by antique and ornate guildhalls.
Mont des Arts – translating into mountain of arts – is a perfectly manicured square that includes world-class museums such as the Magritte Museum. For cutting-edge art, try the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art (MIMA), which features profiles on graffiti and innovative digital art.
Explore the comic walk
Birthplace of Tintin, Belgians are immensely proud of their contribution to the comic book world. In Brussels, you’ll find 49 vibrant murals celebrating this history on buildings around the city. Pick up a map from tourist information to take the comic walk during your trip.
If you’re eager to explore more of Belgium’s colourful heritage, visit the Belgian Comic Strip Center. Housed in a fantastic Art Nouveau building, browse vivid exhibits on the Smurfs, Tintin, Snowy, Captain Haddock and the gang.
Drop by the Hergé Museum to see original Tintin artwork and learn about the fascinating life of his creator.
Weird and wonderful attractions
Quirky attractions can be found across Brussels – including the iconic Manneken Pis. The original version of this unusual statue can be found in the Brussels City Museum, but a replica sits near the Bourse metro station.
For a chance to see all of Europe’s top landmarks in one afternoon, visit Mini Europe – a model park featuring the Eiffel Tower, Houses of Parliament and Berlin Wall.
The Atomium is a huge structure depicting a magnified iron crystal. Originally constructed as part of the 1958 World Expo, it now serves as a museum and unique photo opportunity for visitors.
Flying to Brussels: FAQs
What's the currency in Brussels?
Belgium uses the euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available and most restaurants, shops, attractions and hotels will accept credit card.
How many days do you need in Brussels?
Spend at least four days in Brussels and you’ll have enough time to see all the attractions and visit the various art galleries and museums. Nearby Ghent and Bruges are great options for day trips, so set aside extra time if you want to visit them during your stay.
How do you get from Brussels to Bruges?
If you want to visit Bruges for the day while you’re staying in Brussels, taking the train is the easiest option. Travel from Brussels Midi station to Bruges – the journey takes around an hour. If you’re planning on travelling around Belgium, train passes offer discounts on fares.