Senior travel: Brussels
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 53 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Manneken PisStep-free: yes · about 15 minStreet-level corner; crowded viewing spot rather than a physical obstacle.
- Galeries Royales Saint-HubertStep-free: yes · about 30 minSmooth stone floor under a glass roof; the flattest stretch in the old centre.
- Grand-PlaceStep-free: yes · about 40 minFlat but cobbled — small wheels and thin heels struggle on the stones.
- Cinquantenaire Park and archStep-free: yes · about 60 minWide, flat paved paths throughout the park; museum accessibility varies by building.
- Royal Museums of Fine ArtsStep-free: yes · about 120 minLifts serve all floors of the main building; ask at the desk for the current accessible route between wings.
- Notre-Dame du SablonStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 30 minA few steps at the main entrance; the square outside is flat.
- Horta MuseumStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 75 minThe narrow original staircase is central to the house and is not step-free; call ahead if this is a concern.
Getting around in Brussels
The old centre is cobbled and has kerbs at almost every crossing; step-free access is better in the newer parts of the metro and in the larger museums than on the historic streets themselves.
- Cobbles:
- Most of the Grand-Place, the Sablon and the streets around Manneken Pis are cobbled; a stroller or a case with small wheels struggles.
- Metro and premetro:
- Newer stations have lifts; older central stations vary — check the STIB accessibility map for your route.
- Trams and buses:
- Newer low-floor trams and buses are step-free at most stops; older stock still has steps.
- Museums:
- The Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Cinquantenaire museums have lifts; the Horta Museum's original staircase is narrow, with limited step-free access.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in malls, larger museums and stations; rarer in small cafés.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Belgium guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Weather:
- Damp and changeable rather than extreme; a waterproof layer matters more than sun protection most of the year.
- Water:
- Tap water is safe to drink citywide.
- Walking:
- Cobbles and a lot of walking add up; comfortable shoes matter more here than in a flatter city.
- Pharmacies:
- Green cross sign; a duty rota covers nights and Sundays.
- Travel insurance:
- EU citizens can use a European Health Insurance Card for state healthcare; everyone else should carry travel insurance with medical cover.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.