European Quarter Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food and drink scene, accommodations, and transportation options in the European Quarter of Brussels, Belgium.


Introduction to European Quarter

Brussels is one of Europe’s most beautiful and diverse cities. It is divided into different areas, each with its own unique atmosphere and characteristics. The European Quarter, located in the center of the city, is the heart of European Union and home to several important institutions such as the European Parliament and European Commission. It also boasts a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, and offers a variety of activities, food and drink scene, accommodations, and transportation options. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to the European Quarter of Brussels.

List of Places to Visit in European Quarter

The following is a list of must-see places in the European Quarter:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • European Parliament Visitors’ Centre
  • Parlamentarium – European Parliament Museum
  • House of European History
  • Museum of Natural Sciences
  • Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium

Natural Attractions of European Quarter: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Leopold Park
  • Cinquantenaire Park
  • Parc du Cinquantenaire – Jubelpark
  • Bois de la Cambre

Hiking/Biking Routes of European Quarter

European Quarter has excellent bike and hike trails for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Laeken Park Trail
  • Sonian Forest Trail
  • Tervuren Park Trail

Best Things to Do in European Quarter: Activities and Tours

  • Cartoon Museum
  • Musical Instruments Museum
  • Beer Tour at Delirium Café
  • Chocolate Tour at Chocolaterie Mary
  • Brussels Walking Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for European Quarter

Day 1: Historical Tour

  • European Parliament Visitors’ Centre
  • Parlamentarium – European Parliament Museum
  • House of European History

Day 2: Cultural Tour

  • Museum of Natural Sciences
  • Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium
  • Cartoon Museum

Day 3: Food and Drink Tour

  • Beer Tour at Delirium Café
  • Chocolate Tour at Chocolaterie Mary
  • Seafood Dinner at Noordzee

Day 4: Park Hopping

  • Leopold Park
  • Cinquantenaire Park
  • Parc du Cinquantenaire – Jubelpark
  • Bois de la Cambre

Day 5: Hiking and Biking

  • Laeken Park Trail
  • Sonian Forest Trail
  • Tervuren Park Trail

Day 6: Historic Buildings

  • Atomium
  • Palace of Justice
  • Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral

Day 7: Final Day

  • Grand Place
  • Brussels Walking Tour
  • Last local dinner

Food and Drink Scene of European Quarter

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, beer, waffles, and fries. European Quarter offers plenty of opportunities to try out these delicacies and more.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mussels and Fries
  • Carbonnade Flamande – Belgian Beef Stew
  • Belgian Waffles
  • Frites – Belgian Fries

Local Beverages

  • Belgian Beer
  • Chocolate-flavored Hot Cocoa
  • Champagne

Where to Stay in European Quarter: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

European Quarter offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are the most readily available options.

  • Sofitel Brussels Le Louise
  • Eurostars Montgomery
  • NH Brussels EU Berlaymont
  • Hôtel le Dixseptième

What to Buy in European Quarter: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, beer, and waffles, but there are plenty of other souvenirs and local products to bring home, such as:

  • Lace
  • Artisanal Soap
  • Speculoos Cookies
  • Tin Tin Comic Books

Local Culture and Customs of European Quarter

Belgium is a country rich in history and culture, and the people of Brussels are proud of their heritage. Here are a few things to keep in mind while in the European Quarter:

  • Respect the country’s language and cultural norms
  • Avoid littering on the streets
  • Be punctual
  • Dress appropriately while visiting religious sites

Best Time to Visit European Quarter

The best time to visit the European Quarter is in the early fall or late spring when crowds are low, and temperatures are mild.

Do’s and Don’ts of European Quarter

Do:

  • Try Belgian chocolate and beer
  • Visit parks in the European Quarter
  • Dress appropriately while visiting churches

Don’t:

  • Litter on the streets
  • Make too much noise late at night
  • Wear inappropriate clothing in religious sites

Safety and Health

Safety in European Quarter

Brussels is a generally safe city, but like any tourist destination, visitors should take precautions to protect their safety. The European Quarter is a heavily guarded area, and visitors should not worry about their security.

Health in European Quarter

Belgium has high-quality health care services, and the European Quarter has excellent hospitals and clinics.

Getting to European Quarter: Transportation Options and Logistics

Brussels is easy to reach from major European cities, with multiple transportation options available, including:

Airports Near European Quarter

  • Brussels Airport
  • Brussels South Charleroi Airport

Bus Stations Near European Quarter

  • Brussels Nord Station
  • Brussels Midi Station

Other Options

  • Train from the Brussels-Central Station
  • Metro Lines - 1 & 5

How to Get Around in European Quarter

European Quarter is best explored on foot. However, visitors can also take advantage of the public transportation system, which provides easy access to all parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from European Quarter: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bruges
  • Ghent
  • Antwerp
  • Amsterdam
  • Paris

Conclusion

The European Quarter is a must-visit destination in Brussels for history, culture, and nature lovers. It is a hub of European Union activity, with excellent museums, scenic parks, and outdoor adventures. The food and drink scene of European Quarter is also worth exploring. With a selection of accommodations, transportation options, and nearby destinations, visiting the European Quarter is a comfortable, safe, and memorable experience.

EU parliament debating chamber EU parliament debating chamber The Aviation Hall of the Belgian Army Museum in the Cinquantenair Park. The Aviation Hall of the Belgian Army Museum in the Cinquantenair Park. An iguanodon skeleton in the Natural Sciences Museum An iguanodon skeleton in the Natural Sciences Museum