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Travel tips for Brussels
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Travel tips for Brussels
Transport in the city
The best way to get around in the city is by metro, tram and city bus. Car parking spaces are hard to find and parking is not free. Most shopping centres have their own car parks (parking fees also apply). Taxis are fairly expensive and may refuse to give rides over short distances. The Metro and trams, on the other hand, stop frequently. Cards can be purchased at all stations. The Brussels Card (see earlier in this guide) gives free transport by tram, metro and MIVB busses (city busses).
Tourist trips in Brussels
With Visit Brussels Line you can hop on and off at 13 stops in the city. On route you can listen to tourist information in 8 languages. Naturally, you are free to ride the entire route in one go (1 hour 30 mins). Every day from April to October, except Sundays in the other months. Always start at 10.00 at Central Station. Please note: the service ends at 15.00 from November to March, and 17.00 in the summer months. Tickets can be purchased on the bus. More info: http://www.brussels-city-tours.com/
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Eating and drinking
You can find the best French cuisine in Brussels, or at any rate that is what renowned French critics say. We must however draw your attention to the fact that excellent French cuisine is not cheap. The best street for restaurants is Beenhouwersstraat, near Market Square: very commercial, not very personal and expensive for what you get. No doubt you will find eating establishments, during your discovery of the city, which are much better and much less expensive.
Brussels also has major international cuisines. Most of the Eastern restaurants are to be found between Market Square and Kateline Church. In restaurants, bars and eating establishments with waiter service it is customary to give a small tip. The same applies for taxi drivers.
Points to note
> The alcohol percentage limit is 0.5 for drivers
> Speed limit in built up area 50 km/h, outside built up area 90 km/h, motorway 120 km/h
> In Brussels you can get by in French and usually English too. Although the capital is supposed to be bilingual many residents and shopkeepers do not understand Dutch. Official notices are all bilingual (French – Dutch).
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Picture: © iStockphoto.com/Franky De Meyer
Text: GVDV/RD - © AT-Europe bvba
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