This is also the season of classic Brussels events, notably the Ommegang pageant (July) and the “Carpet of Flowers” or, in alternate years, “Flowertime” (August) in the Grand Place. Be warned, however: it rains frequently in all seasons – pack an umbrella, whatever the forecast.
Know before you go . . .
Essential Information
British Embassy: The Embassy is currently closed to visitors due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Belgium. If you’re a UK national in Belgium in urgent need of consular help, please do not turn up at the Embassy at first instance, instead call: +32 2 287 62 11.
Emergency services: Dial 112
Brussels Tourist Office: 00 32 2 513 89 40; visit.brussels; counters at Grand Place (at the front of the Hôtel de Ville, daily, 9am-6pm) and 2 Rue Royale (Place Royale), Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-6pm
The basics
Currency: Euro
Languages: French and Dutch are the two main native languages of Brussels (all street signs and most notices are written in both); English is widely spoken, especially among people engaged in the tourist industry
Telephone code: dial 00 32 for Belgium, then 2 for Brussels, when telephoning from the UK
Time difference: + 1 hour
Travel times: Flights to Brussels from the UK take about one hour; the Eurostar train from London to Brussels takes two hours
