ShopTravel
Grand-Place and guild houses in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

Flight + hotel city breaks · Direct flights from Canada

4.6 · 2,100+ Brussels city breaks booked by Canadians

Flight + Hotel · City Breaks

City Break Packages to Brussels

Central aparthotel stays with return flights from Canada

Flying from

No deals from Toronto right now

Try another departure city, or check back soon.

At a glance

Everything you need to know about Brussels

Belgium's capital packs a UNESCO-listed Grand-Place, world-class Art Nouveau, the headquarters of the EU, and more chocolate shops, waffle stands, and beer cafés than you could visit in a week. It is compact and walkable, and the STIB metro, trams, and buses cover the rest — while Brussels-Midi station puts Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp within an hour by train. French and Dutch are both official; English is widely spoken in the centre.

Brussels, BelgiumClimate

Climate

3–23°C · mild, changeable

JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid

Currency

Euro (EUR)

1 CAD ≈ 0.68 EUR · cards accepted everywhere

Languages

French & Dutch

German is the third official language; English widely spoken

When to visit

May–Sep warmest

Mild summers of 20–23°C with long days; December brings the Winter Wonders Christmas market.

Visa for Canadians

Not required

Visa-free short stays in the Schengen Area (up to 90 days). ETIAS travel authorisation is being phased in — check before you fly.

Top Experiences in Brussels

Grand-Place & Manneken Pis
Old town

Grand-Place & Manneken Pis

Stand in the gilded, UNESCO-listed main square ringed by baroque guild houses, then find the cheeky Manneken Pis fountain nearby.

Magritte Museum & Mont des Arts
Art & museums

Magritte Museum & Mont des Arts

Dive into surrealism at the Magritte Museum, then wander the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the terraced Mont des Arts gardens.

Chocolate, Beer & Frites
Eat & drink

Chocolate, Beer & Frites

Taste pralines off the Sablon, sample Trappist and lambic beers in historic cafés, and grab frites with sauce from a local frituur.

Essential info for Canadian travellers

  • Passport: A valid Canadian passport is required. For the Schengen Area it should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure and issued within the last 10 years.

  • Entry & ETIAS: Canadians can visit Belgium visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The ETIAS online travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt travellers — confirm whether it applies to your dates.

  • Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Belgium. Buy comprehensive travel medical insurance before you go.

  • Power & plugs: Belgium uses 230V/50Hz with Type E (round two-pin with earth) sockets. Bring a European adapter; check that dual-voltage devices are 50Hz-safe.

  • Time zone: Brussels runs on Central European Time (CET/CEST) — six hours ahead of Toronto.

Best time to visit Brussels

Apr – JunSpring shoulder

Blossoms, mild days and thinner crowds — great value before summer peaks.

Jul – AugPeak summer

Warmest weather, long evenings and festivals; the biennial flower carpet fills the Grand-Place in August.

Sep – OctAutumn shoulder

Comfortable temperatures, golden parks and easier hotel availability.

DecemberChristmas markets

Winter Wonders lights up the city with stalls, an ice rink and mulled wine — festive but chilly.

Where to stay

Brussels neighbourhoods

Brussels is small enough to walk, so choosing a base is about atmosphere. Here's how the main districts compare.

Grand-Place & Îlot Sacré

City Centre

Most Popular

The historic heart around the UNESCO square, with cobbled lanes, chocolate shops, and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert arcade.

Best for
  • First-timers
  • Sightseeing
  • Couples

Sainte-Catherine

Old fish market

Trendy & Central

A relaxed, foodie quarter around the old docks, known for seafood restaurants, buzzing bars, and a short walk to the Grand-Place.

Best for
  • Foodies
  • Nightlife
  • Walkability

Ixelles & Sablon

Southeast

Upscale & Arty

Art Nouveau townhouses, antique dealers on the Sablon, designer shopping on Avenue Louise, and stylish cafés.

Best for
  • Shopping
  • Design
  • Cafés

European Quarter

Schuman

Modern & Green

The EU institutions district, with big museums, the leafy Parc du Cinquantenaire, and good-value modern hotels.

Best for
  • Museums
  • Business
  • Value

Beyond the city

Day trips & excursions from Brussels

Belgium's best towns sit within an hour of Brussels-Midi by train. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or arranged from your hotel.

Bruges Medieval Old Town
UNESCO World Heritage

Bruges Medieval Old Town

Full day · 9 hrs~100 km northwest · ~1h by train

Explore the canals, belfry, and Markt square of Belgium's best-preserved medieval city on a guided day trip.

Insider tips
  • Climb the Belfry early to beat queues
  • Book train tickets in advance for the best fare
Ghent Canals & Castle
Historic City

Ghent Canals & Castle

Full day · 8 hrs~55 km northwest · ~35 min by train

Wander the graffiti alleys, Gravensteen castle, and waterfront guild houses of this lively student city.

Insider tips
  • See the Van Eyck altarpiece at St Bavo's
  • Great for an evening return — the quays light up
Antwerp Fashion & Diamonds
City & Culture

Antwerp Fashion & Diamonds

Full day · 8 hrs~50 km north · ~45 min by train

Discover Rubens' city — the grand Centraal station, the cathedral, the diamond district, and cutting-edge fashion boutiques.

Insider tips
  • The station itself is worth the trip
  • Visit the MAS museum rooftop for free views
Waterloo Battlefield
History

Waterloo Battlefield

Half day · 5 hrs~20 km south · ~40 min by bus/train

Climb the Lion's Mound and tour the memorial where Napoleon met his final defeat in 1815.

Insider tips
  • The panorama and museum are combined-ticket
  • Wear good shoes for the 226 mound steps
● Limited availability — book now

Your Brussels city break awaits

Flight + hotel packages from Canada, starting at

No booking feesBest price guaranteeCentral aparthotelsCanadian-owned & operated
Talk to a Travel Expert

Good to know

Brussels travel FAQ

Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking

Do Canadians need a visa for Belgium?

No. Canadians can visit Belgium and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The ETIAS online travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors, so check whether it applies to your travel dates.

How long is the flight from Canada to Brussels?

Direct flights from Toronto to Brussels (BRU) take about 7h 15m. From Montreal it's similar, and connecting options run via Amsterdam or Frankfurt.

When is the best time to visit Brussels?

May to September has the warmest, longest days, while December's Winter Wonders Christmas market is magical if you don't mind the cold. Spring and autumn are quieter and better value.

What currency is used in Brussels?

Belgium uses the euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere; keep a little cash for markets and small cafés.

How do I get around Brussels?

The centre is very walkable, and the STIB network of metro, trams, and buses covers the rest. Brussels Airport is about 20 minutes from the centre by train.

What language do they speak in Brussels?

Brussels is officially bilingual in French and Dutch, with German also official nationally. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it's strongly recommended. Canadian provincial health plans don't cover care in Belgium, so buy comprehensive travel medical insurance before you go.

Can I book day trips through ShopTravel?

Yes. You can add excursions like the Bruges old town day trip or Ghent canals tour to your booking at checkout, or arrange them from your hotel.