Central Brussels is divided into two main areas, each of which has its own chapter in the guide. Historically the poorer area where workers and immigrants lived, the Lower Town contains the exceptional 17th-century hear of the city, the Grand Place, as well as the cosmopolitan Place de Brouckère, and the historic workers’ district, th Marolles. The Upper Town, traditional home of the aristocracy, is an elegant area which encircles the city’s green oasis, the Parc de Bruxelles. Running up through the area is Rue Royale, which ends in the 18th-century Place Royale, home to the city’s finest art museums. Although its public transport system is clean, modern and efficient, Brussels is a city best explored on foot. Most of the key attractions for first-time visitors which travel by rented car in Brussels are within a short walk of the Grand Place, and the Art Nouveau architecture in Ixelles and Saint-Gilles is also best enjoyed on a leisurely stroll.

Rent a Car in Brussels versus local transport

For those anxious to see the main sights in limited time, the tram and metro network covers most of the city at speed, while buses are useful for reaching more out-of-the-way areas. Although expensive, taxis are recommended for late-night journeys. Cycling can be hazardous for the inexperienced therefore we do recommend car hire. The authority governing Brussels’ public transport is the bilingual STIB/MIVB, which runs buses, trams and metro services in the capital. Tickets are valid on all three services, which run between 5:30am and 12:30am on week- days with shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays. A single ticket, which allows the passenger an unlimited number of changes within one hour (excluding the Nato- Brussels Airport line 12), costs €1.50. You can also buy a ten- ticket card at €10 or a one- day pass costing €3.80. The five-ticket card, for €6.50, is not competitively priced but it can be convenient for avoiding repeated queues. With all this in mind a rental car can save some money in Brussels and get you here cheaper from Charleroi.

Dual transport in Belgium

There are also combined “STIB/MIVB + Taxi” tickets, a single ticket that offers a reduction on taxi rides. Single tickets can be bought on buses and trams, and should be stamped in the orange machines next to the exits; you must restamp your ticket if the journey involves a change. On the metro, tickets must be bought and stamped before you reach the platform. Metro ticket offices and most private newsagents sell 10-ticket cards and one-day passes. Brussels’ taxis are among Europe’s more expensive, but most journeys are short and cabs are the city’s only 24- hour transport service. Service is generally efficient, with most drivers speaking at least a little English, although some people may be surprised at many drivers’ lack of familiarity with sections of the city. All taxis have a rooftop sign which is illuminated when the vehicle is vacant. Most cars are either black or white, with Mercedes the make of choice for most companies, same as for fleet management. It is advisable to find a taxi rank or order a cab by phone, although occasionally drivers will stop if hailed on the street. Passengers ride in the back seat, with the fare meter on the dashboard or just behind the gear-stick. Fares should be posted inside the vehicle. Tips are included in the price, but an extra tip is usually expected. To make a complaint, write to the CCN-Service Regional des Taxis et Limousines, Rue du Progrès 80, 1035 Brussels. Give the taxi’s registration number, its make and colour when making the complaint