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Brussels Travel Resources

Brussels Travel Resources

Brussels Brussels Capital, Belgium Travel Guide

Essential Apps

Navigation & Transport

  • STIB/MIVB official app:

    Public transport routes, real-time information.

  • Google Maps/Citymapper:

    Navigation for walking, cycling, public transport.

  • Uber/Bolt:

    Ride-sharing apps available for convenient transport.

  • Google Translate/DeepL:

    Useful translation apps for overcoming language barriers.

  • NordVPN:

    Secure your internet connection while traveling. Get NordVPN

Planning & Information

  • HappyCow:

    Valuable resource for finding vegetarian and vegan dining.

  • Brussels Card app:

    Information on participating attractions and discounts.

  • Booking.com/Airbnb:

    Accommodation booking platforms for diverse options.

  • FlightAware/FlightStats:

    Real-time flight tracking for arrival and departure.

  • Weather Apps:

    AccuWeather or Dark Sky for local forecasts.

Useful Websites

Official Tourism

Visit.Brussels is the official tourism website for comprehensive information.

Public Transport

STIB/MIVB for Brussels, SNCB/NMBS for national Belgian rail.

Airport Information

Official websites for Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport.

Social Media and Podcasts

Social Media to Follow

  • Follow @visitbrussels for inspiration and updates
  • Local news and culture outlets for city happenings
  • Event listings and festival updates
  • Discover local knowledge and hidden gems

Podcasts and Digital Content

  • Search for "Brussels podcasts" for personal stories
  • "Belgium travel podcasts" from experts and locals
  • Discover the historical background and cultural details
  • Photography tips and scenic spot inspiration

Print Resources for Your Brussels Trip

Guidebooks

  • Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg
  • Rick Steves' Belgium & Netherlands
  • Michelin Green Guide Belgium
  • City Maps from tourist offices

Books About the Destination

  • "The Story of Brussels" by André de Vries
  • Books on Belgian art or comic strips
  • Works by Georges Simenon or Amélie Nothomb
  • Publications on Belgium's renowned beer culture

Local Publications

  • The Bulletin: English-language expat magazine
  • Free city guides at tourist points
  • Current event listings and local news
  • Cultural insights and practical advice

Emergency & Medical Information

Essential Contacts & Procedures

Emergency Numbers

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 (EU wide)
  • Police (non-emergency): 101
  • Local Embassy/Consulate contacts
  • Bank/Credit card emergency numbers

Hospital Locations

  • Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc
  • Erasme Hospital (Hôpital Erasme)
  • CHU Saint-Pierre
  • UZ Brussel

Lost Document Procedures

  • Report loss/theft to local police immediately
  • Contact your embassy for emergency travel documents
  • Cancel credit cards with your bank
  • Keep copies of documents separately

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Films set in Brussels or Belgium for atmosphere
  • Documentaries on Belgian history, art, or cuisine
  • Explore works by Belgian directors

Music and Art

  • Listen to Belgian artists like Stromae or Jacques Brel
  • Explore works by René Magritte or James Ensor
  • Appreciate the Flemish Primitives' artistic legacy

Language Learning Resources

Online Communities and Forums

  • Engage with TripAdvisor forums for advice
  • Reddit communities (r/brussels, r/belgium) for locals
  • Travel blogs for personal advice and suggestions

Language Apps

  • Use Duolingo for basic Speaking french or Dutch phrases
  • Babbel for structured language learning lessons
  • Practice pronunciation to impress locals

Online Communities and Forums

Traveler Forums

  1. Engage with online communities
  2. TripAdvisor forums for specific questions
  3. Reddit communities (r/brussels, r/belgium)
  4. Connect with other travelers
  5. Find recommendations from locals

Language Practice

  1. Use language learning apps
  2. Duolingo for basic phrases
  3. Babbel for comprehensive lessons
  4. Learn a few Speaking french or Dutch words
  5. Improve interactions with locals

Further Digital Content

Films & Documentaries

Watch films set in Brussels to get a feel for the atmosphere and culture.

Local Music & Art

Listen to Belgian music artists or explore works by local painters.

Travel Blogs

Read blogs for personal advice, recommendations, and itinerary ideas.

Travel Insurance Is Advised

It protects against medical crises, trip disruptions, and lost luggage. Consider World Nomads for comprehensive coverage.

Local Insights for Brussels

Solo Traveler Advice

Safety

  • General safety:

    Brussels is safe for solo travelers. Practice common sense.

  • At night:

    Exercise caution, especially in less familiar areas.

  • Situational awareness:

    Be aware of your surroundings, like in any big city.

Social Opportunities

  • Hostels:

    Stay in hostels with social common areas to meet people.

  • Walking tours:

    Join guided walking tours to connect with other travelers.

  • Lively bars:

    Frequent lively bars or structured bar crawls for socializing.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Parks

Brussels has many parks for children to play and relax in.

Kid-Friendly Museums

Autoworld, Train World, and Choco-Story offer engaging experiences.

Popular Attractions

Mini-Europe and the Atomium are popular with children.

Managing Group Logistics

Reservations

  • Book accommodations well in advance for groups
  • Reserve popular restaurants to ensure seating
  • Consider group tickets or passes for public transport
  • Book group tours to secure availability

Communication

  • Communicate meeting points and timings clearly
  • Share itineraries and daily plans with the group
  • Use a messaging app for real-time updates
  • Establish clear fallback meeting locations

Accessibility Considerations

General Information

  • Refer to Section 11.4 for general ease of access info
  • Research stroller-friendly routes for families
  • Locate accessible restrooms in advance
  • Contact attractions directly to confirm accessibility

Specific Needs

  • Information for hearing-impaired visitors
  • Resources for visually impaired travelers
  • Support services for various individual needs
  • Always verify current conditions before travel

Consider a Stroller for Families

For families with young children, a lightweight stroller can greatly enhance comfort for little ones on walking tours. Brands like Eagle Creek offer practical travel gear.