Brussels Belgium
Brussels sits at the heart of Europe both geographically and politically, hosting the EU institutions, NATO headquarters, and dozens of international research bodies that give the city a deeply international character. The historic center is anchored by the Grand Place, one of the finest market squares in Europe, ringed by gilded guild halls and a constant flow of visitors. A few kilometres south, the Ixelles and Saint-Gilles districts have a younger, more bohemian feel, with Art Nouveau townhouses designed by Victor Horta lining the streets alongside independent restaurants and Michelin-starred tables. Belgian cuisine is taken seriously here - mussels, frites, and an astonishing variety of craft beers are the staples, and the city punches well above its weight for fine dining. The Atomium and the Musee Magritte draw visitors but the city rewards slower exploration, particularly the Sablon antiques quarter and the covered Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Conference attendees staying near the city center can reach the university and conference venues by tram in under 20 minutes.
Grand Place (UNESCO World Heritage), Atomium and Mini-Europe, Musee Magritte and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Art Nouveau walking tour (Horta Museum, Hotel Tassel), Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Sablon antiques and chocolate shops, Belgian beer tasting at Delirium Cafe (over 2,000 beers on the menu), Manneken Pis and surroundings, Place Flagey and the Ixelles ponds, day trips to Bruges (1 hour by train) or Ghent (30 minutes).
Brussels Airport (BRU) is 12km northeast of the city center, connected by the Airport City Express train (20 minutes to Brussels-Central, trains every 15 minutes). Brussels-South Charleroi Airport (CRL) serves budget carriers and is 60km south, with Flibco bus service to Brussels-Midi taking around 50 minutes.
Brussels has a metro, tram, and bus network operated by STIB/MIVB. Trams are the most useful for reaching Ixelles and the university quarter from the city center. A 24-hour or 48-hour pass is the most economical option for conference attendees. The city is compact enough that many central locations are walkable from the Grand Place. Taxis and rideshares are available but not necessary for most conference travel.
April through June offers mild temperatures, longer days, and the full bloom of the Cinquantenaire park. September and October are also pleasant and less crowded than summer. July brings the Belgian National Day festivities (July 21) and outdoor film screenings. Winter is gray but the Christmas market around the Grand Place (late November through January) is one of the best in Europe.
Map
1 upcoming conference in Brussels
Our picks in Brussels
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Hotel Amigo
Rue de l'Amigo 1-3, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Rocco Forte five-star steps from the Grand Place, combining Belgian heritage with contemporary design and a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant - the top...
Ibis Brussels Centre Sainte-Catherine
Rue Joseph Plateau 2, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Budget-friendly Ibis near the Sainte-Catherine fish market and canal district, with clean straightforward rooms at the lowest price point among central Brussels...
Made in Louise
Rue Veydt 40, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium
Stylish boutique hotel in a converted townhouse in Ixelles, about 1.8km from VUB and embedded in the neighbourhood’s cafe and restaurant scene...
Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
Rue Auguste Orts 3-7, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Full-service Marriott in the heart of Brussels, two minutes from the Grand Place with large well-equipped rooms and a business center -...
NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon
Rue Bodenbroeck 2-4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Well-appointed NH Collection hotel in the Sablon antiques quarter, with comfortable rooms and easy access to the city’s best chocolate shops and...
Sofitel Brussels Le Louise
Avenue de la Toison d'Or 40, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium
Luxury Sofitel in the Ixelles district 1.5km from VUB and close to the Avenue Louise shopping strip, with a full spa, indoor...
Community Notes