What are the main attractions in Brussels?

Brussels is home to key attractions from various eras, including historic town squares, striking buildings and established neighbourhoods. These include the Grand Place, the architectural heart of the old town; the Atomium, the landmark of the 1958 World’s Fair; and the Manneken Pis, a cultural symbol located near the old town. This is complemented by neighbourhoods such as Les Marolles with the Vossenplein, and the Musée Magritte on the Mont des Arts, which houses the world’s largest collection of works by René Magritte.

How many days should you spend in Brussels?

For a city break in Brussels, two to three days is a realistic timeframe for getting a first impression of the city. The key factor is how many central attractions, such as the Grand Place and the Atomium, as well as various neighbourhoods, you plan to visit. The number of museum visits, for example at the Mont des Arts, also has a significant impact on the time required.

Which is the most beautiful neighbourhood in Brussels?

Ixelles and Saint-Gilles are often regarded as particularly beautiful districts in Brussels, though they differ markedly in character and use. Ixelles is characterised by wider streets, Art Nouveau façades and a mix of residential areas, boutiques and cafés around Avenue Louise. Saint-Gilles feels denser and more urban, with bustling streets, smaller squares and a thriving local restaurant and bar scene. Which neighbourhood is perceived as the ‘most beautiful’ therefore depends largely on whether one prefers a quieter, more elegant setting or a lively, creative district.

What are some hidden gems in Brussels?

Among the lesser-known but distinctive spots in Brussels are various cultural and urban highlights away from the major attractions. These include the Cantillon Brewery, a historic lambic brewery with a museum; the Mont des Arts, a connecting urban space offering panoramic views; and the Vossenplein, with its daily flea market. The Sainte-Catherine district also stands out for its former port infrastructure and regional culinary culture.

Price per Person from

464

CHF

Brussels

Vibrant Capital

The marvellously vibrant Brussels, capital of Europe, beer and chocolates. The home of Art Nouveau, numerous art treasures and monuments. You do need some time to discover all the advantages of this cosmopolitan city. It's definitely worth choosing the Belgian metropolis for your next city break by train and letting yourself drift through the historic streets of the city up to the 102 metre high Atomium during an unforgettable stay.

Book now

Highlights

The sight of Brussels' market square, the Grote Markt/Grand Place, with its monumental town hall and centuries-old guild houses with their golden and decorative sculptures, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and leaves you speechless. You immediately understand why UNESCO recognises this square in its entirety as a World Heritage Site. A few minutes away is the small statue of ‘Maneke Pis’, one of Brussels' most famous ambassadors, who often wears an appropriate costume on special days.
The most famous landmark in Brussels can be reached by underground: the 102 metre high Atomium, a remnant of the 1958 World Exhibition, which houses one of the longest escalators in Europe, various artistic installations and a restaurant with a breathtaking view.
With the headquarters of the European Union, headquarters of NATO and other EU institutions, Brussels is not only the capital of European politics, but also the capital of European life - it is one of the most multicultural metropolises in Europe.
Brussels offers architectural grandeur and, above all, Art Nouveau at its finest, as in Elsene and Sint-Gillis, two of the 19 Brussels municipalities. In addition to the Horta House - Victor Horta was an important co-founder of Art Nouveau - there are numerous other magnificent buildings along an architectural walk.
Located below the colossal Palace of Justice, this is the former oldest working-class neighbourhood in Brussels. Today it is an antiques and flea market district - a dream for anyone who loves to browse endlessly through old shops and vintage boutiques. The centrepiece of the Marollen is the flea market on Vossenplein, which is well worth a visit.
Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also of Lambiek: a complex, sour beer that forms the basis of the Geuze and Kirsch beers that are so typical of Brussels and the surrounding area. The Cantillon family brewery has hardly changed since 1900 and is well worth a visit.
From Zurich, Basel, or Geneva, you can usually reach Brussels by train in about 6 to 7 hours.
Direct connections or a single transfer – often in Cologne – make for a relatively straightforward trip to the heart of Belgium. Rail travel offers a comfortable alternative to flying or driving and gets you to the European capital stress-free. Alternatively, you can plan your journey via Paris and add a stopover in the City of Love.
With the Twiliner night bus, you’ll enjoy a convenient overnight ride from Switzerland to Brussels.

Insider Tips

With the night bus to Brussels

Travel comfortably overnight from Switzerland to Brussels with the innovative Twiliner night bus. Enjoy comfortable sleeping berths with privacy, free Wi-Fi, and practical storage space – for a relaxing journey and a perfect start to your city trip to Brussels.

Discover more

Ascent to the Kunstberg

After arriving by train at Centraal Station, those interested in culture will immediately find the Kunstberg, which is home to a wide variety of impressive museums, starting with the Royal Library of Belgium, with prints by Bruegel, Rubens and Ensor, among others, and the MIM, the Musical Instrument Museum in the striking Art Nouveau building. There is also a popular square here with a magnificent panoramic view of the city. At the top of the Museumplein, the Place Royale, you reach the beating heart of the city's arts, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts Brussels, KMSKB, an impressive complex of themed museums, as well as the Magritte Museum with the world's largest collection of works by the great Belgian surrealist René Magritte.

Brussels quarter: hip and sophisticated

Neighborhoods such as Elsene, Etterbeek, Sint-Gillis and Vorst offer a vibrant lifestyle with numerous hip restaurants with terraces. Here or anywhere else in the city, you can also enjoy a typically Belgian experience: crispy golden fries at one of the so-called ‘frituur’.

The invention of the praline

A short stroll through the city also leads to the grandiose Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert shopping arcade, where the praline was invented in 1912 by Jean Neuhaus, a Swiss pharmacist. His chocolaterie is still run by his descendants and is still located in these galleries, alongside those of glorious colleagues such as Marcolini and Leonidas - a taste explosion is guaranteed here or at many other chocolateries in the city.

Impressions

Frequently asked questions

Brussels is home to key attractions from various eras, including historic town squares, striking buildings and established neighbourhoods. These include the Grand Place, the architectural heart of the old town; the Atomium, the landmark of the 1958 World’s Fair; and the Manneken Pis, a cultural symbol located near the old town. This is complemented by neighbourhoods such as Les Marolles with the Vossenplein, and the Musée Magritte on the Mont des Arts, which houses the world’s largest collection of works by René Magritte.
For a city break in Brussels, two to three days is a realistic timeframe for getting a first impression of the city. The key factor is how many central attractions, such as the Grand Place and the Atomium, as well as various neighbourhoods, you plan to visit. The number of museum visits, for example at the Mont des Arts, also has a significant impact on the time required.
Ixelles and Saint-Gilles are often regarded as particularly beautiful districts in Brussels, though they differ markedly in character and use. Ixelles is characterised by wider streets, Art Nouveau façades and a mix of residential areas, boutiques and cafés around Avenue Louise. Saint-Gilles feels denser and more urban, with bustling streets, smaller squares and a thriving local restaurant and bar scene. Which neighbourhood is perceived as the ‘most beautiful’ therefore depends largely on whether one prefers a quieter, more elegant setting or a lively, creative district.
Among the lesser-known but distinctive spots in Brussels are various cultural and urban highlights away from the major attractions. These include the Cantillon Brewery, a historic lambic brewery with a museum; the Mont des Arts, a connecting urban space offering panoramic views; and the Vossenplein, with its daily flea market. The Sainte-Catherine district also stands out for its former port infrastructure and regional culinary culture.

Travel options

Travel responsibly

We provide low-carbon train-based holidays across Switzerland and Europe

Sustainable transport for your holidays
Climate initiative re:plant cities!
railtour is «Swisstainable»

Flanders surprises visitors with its remarkably compact natural diversity: 67 km of coastline on the North Sea, including the Zwin Nature Park, vast polder landscapes, dunes, heathlands, and extensive forests such as the UNESCO-recognized Zonien Forest. Whether you’re hiking, biking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding—green and blue natural spaces are all within easy reach.