Orientation

While Brussels technically includes 19 communes, or suburbs, most sights, hotels, and restaurants are clustered in the center. Locals simply call this the centre, but the tours here distinguish a Lower Town and Upper Town. The Lower Town is physically lower, including the area around the Grand'Place and the Bourse. A steep slope leads to the Upper Town, around rue de la Régence, place Royale, and the Sablon squares. If you're arriving at Gare Centrale, a new underground passageway links the lower concourse level directly with the Marché aux Herbes in the Lower Town, close to the Grand'Place.

Detailed maps of the Brussels public transportation network are available in most metro stations and at the Tourist Information Brussels in the Grand'Place. Get a map free with a Brussels Card (also available at the tourist office), which allows you free public transport and free admission at more than 30 museums, plus other discounts. Cards cost €24, €34, and €40 for one, two, and three days respectively. Before deciding on a card, know that most museums are closed Mondays.