Travel tips · Brussels · Belgium
Brussels travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Francisco Conde Sánchez, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Brussels is officially bilingual French and Dutch, so street signs and station names appear in both, though French dominates in daily life and English is widely spoken. It is also the seat of the main EU institutions and home to a large international population. Comic strips, Art Nouveau, surrealism and beer culture — recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage — are part of the city's identity.
Key facts
- Language
- French and Dutch
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, though some visitors prefer the taste of bottled…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Greet shop staff with 'Bonjour' or 'Goeiedag' when you walk in; it is expected.
- Don't assume everyone speaks French: in Flanders, Dutch is the language, and English is a polite neutral choice.
- Among friends, Belgians usually greet with a single kiss on the cheek; a handshake is standard with strangers.
- Each beer has its own glass, and staff take this seriously; don't ask to switch it.
- Keep to the right on escalators and let people off trams and metro trains before boarding.
- Book Horta Museum ahead: Visitor numbers are limited; book a timed ticket online, especially at weekends.
- Many Brussels museums offer free entry on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month; check each museum's policy.
Tipping
Service is included in restaurant prices. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated but not expected, and tipping in bars is not customary.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonjour / Goeiedag | Hello (French / Dutch) |
| Merci / Dank u | Thank you (French / Dutch) |
| S'il vous plaît / Alstublieft | Please (French / Dutch) |
| L'addition, s'il vous plaît | The bill, please |
| Santé / Schol | Cheers (French / Dutch) |
What to wear
Casual and practical is fine. Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for cobbles and the hill between the Lower and Upper Towns.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, though some visitors prefer the taste of bottled water.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, museums and stations; EU roaming applies to European SIMs, and eSIMs work well for other visitors.
- Time zone
- Europe/Brussels
Brussels is generally safe for visitors, but pickpocketing is common around Brussels-Midi and Brussels-Nord stations, on Rue Neuve and on busy metro lines. The areas around the big stations can feel uncomfortable late at night, so take a taxi if arriving after dark.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Belgium's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Brussels?
Service is included in restaurant prices. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated but not expected, and tipping in bars is not customary.
+Can you drink the tap water in Brussels?
Tap water is safe to drink, though some visitors prefer the taste of bottled water.
+What plugs are used in Brussels?
Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Brussels?
French and Dutch.