How to Find Hotels in Brussels, Belgium

Everything you expect in a European city can be found in Brussels: historic architecture, varied museums, cosmopolitan shops and rich cuisine. As a gateway to Belgium, Brussels is the perfect place to stay while exploring the entire region.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Get to Know Brussels

1. See not only the capital of Belgium, but also the capital of Europe. Just northeast of downtown Brussels, in the Rond-Point Robert Schuman area, the deep blue flags with gold stars can be seen, marking the offices of the European Union Commission.
2. Venture out of the city center into one of the 19 communes, or districts, that make up Brussels.
3. Visit in May and September when the weather is at its best, but expect accommodations to be scarce. The winter can be beautiful and far less crowded, but pack for freezing temperatures.

Find Transportation Around Brussels

4. Fly into Brussels International Airport at Zaventem, which is 9 miles from downtown.
5. Ride the Metro almost anywhere you want to go in Brussels. Fares are about $2 one way.
6. Look for cabs marked with the official Brussels taxi sign.

Choose a Hotel

7. To book accommodations, contact Brussels Tourist and Convention Bureau at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
8. Consider finding accommodations near Rue Antoine Dansaert and enjoy close proximity to plentiful shopping. Besides the many great fashion boutiques, there is a craft fair each Sunday.
9. Stay in a youth hostel. There are five in Brussels, with three of them in the center of the city.
10. Rent a room from a local. There is a large network of bed and breakfasts located throughout the city.
11. Leave the downtown area. The charm of a unique hotel is often worth the extra travel time to popular tourist attractions. Jette is particularly family-friendly.

Explore Brussels

12. Dance the night away. Brussels has a large club scene that attracts some of Europe's top DJs. Smaller clubs and bars also offer nightly parties.
13. Witness the fate of the city on Meyboom. If the Brotherhood of Saint-Laurent's Companions doesn't plant a tree by August 9 at 5 p.m., it is said that a curse will hang over the city.
14. Try one of the many Belgian beers with some frites, or thin fries, for a great snack. Brussels is known for its cherry, raspberry and peach beers.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick up some Euros at one of the conveniently located banks or from an ATM.
• Buy a Brussels Card, which offers free use of public transportation along with admission into 25 museums and discounts at many shops.
• Hotels in Brussels offer discounted weekend and summer rates.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Reserve accommodations in advance during the packed summer months.