Often, we cover smaller or less well-known cities in this magazine. We like to show readers what a country has to offer beyond its capital and major cities, highlighting the progress these lesser-known places are making towards sustainability.

Brussels, then, may feel an unusual choice. Beyond its status as the Belgian capital, it's famous the world over as the administrative centre of the European Union.

However, this fame may detract from what the city has to offer visitors; you don't have to be a major EU institution to find your place here! Brussels is an accessible city with great sustainability credentials. Behind the busy city bustle, you'll find delicious cuisine, interesting history, and pockets of old-world charm. If you want to organise a business event here, then you can add state-of-the-art facilities to the city's attributes too—and its position as the EU 'capital' becomes a distinct bonus.

Getting Around in the City

Once you've arrived, it's easy to travel around the city sustainably too. There's a comprehensive public transport system of tram, bus and metro routes run by STIB/MIVB, including tram routes that extend to outlying municipalities. A new metro line, Line 3, is planned, which will run for 10.3 km north to south.

The trams and metro trains use 100% green electricity, and the metro trains recover much of their expended electricity via braking. STIB/MIVB has nearly 40 electric buses in its fleet, including 25 electric articulated buses that recharge overnight at the depot and enroute, and 402 hybrid buses. All newly buses purchased buses are now electric or hybrid.

If you want to venture further afield, train services are managed by SNCB/NMBS, and there are buses to Flanders destinations (run by De Lijn) and neighbouring Wallonia (run by TEC).

The Brussels Card, available in 24, 48 or 72-hour durations, provides free access to 49 museums, discounts at attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars, discounted guided tours, and a free app, information guide, city map and museum map. It also has an add-on option that provides unlimited access to public transport, including Hop-on Hop-off Tootbuses, the Noctis (night) buses, and airport shuttle buses.

Cruising through the city's iconic avenues or winding down its historic alleyways, the silent hum of electric vehicles adds a futuristic touch to the Brussels experience. Several rental services offer a range of EV options, from sleek models for solo voyagers to roomy variants fit for family outings. Companies such as GreenMobility, UFODrive, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, and Green Motion are just a few on the ever-growing list. Convenient charging stations are sprinkled across key locations, ensuring that travellers can juice up their rides while soaking in the city's essence.

Brussels is a dense, highly populous city, meaning that distances are short, but pavements and streets can be busy—a problem the city is trying to tackle. Walking was at the heart of the urban project in the Regional Sustainable Development Plan (2018) and the Good Move regional mobility plan (2020-2030).

The Good Move plan envisions Brussels as a '15-minute city', where everyone has services and shops close to home. Ongoing actions include developing a coherent network of pedestrian routes and creating quieter neighbourhoods with less through-traffic, where public spaces are prioritised. Safer pedestrian crossings, traffic speed reduction methods and wider pedestrian walkways are also targets. A maintenance and redevelopment schedule for the city's pavements had been launched to bring them all up to a universal standard of safety and accessibility.

Brussels Mobility also launched a 2021 campaign to promote walking: Les Pieds/Je voeten. It 'marketed' feet as free, locally produced, 100% natural, available 24 hours a day—and capable of being recharged everywhere, with an expenditure of 67 kcal/km! Currently, 37% of all trips within Brussels are made on foot. The Good Move plan aims for trips by foot and bicycle to exceed 50% of all city trips by 2030.

Accessibility for those with Disabilities

Brussels is striving to be accessible for those with disabilities. All STIB buses have a low floor, as do many of their trams—all newer trams being introduced have a lower floor and automatic access ramps. Around a hundred Brussels taxis have facilities to carry wheelchairs and drivers trained to assist, and STIB/MIVB's Taxibus service is available to help people with reduced mobility who can't reach their destination via public transport. Alternatively, Vanelo offers a range of adapted electric bicycles, trikes and rickshaws.

All metro stations have Braille maps, stud-marked paths and platform safety limit lines. 53 of the 60 metro and 'pre-metro' stations are equipped with guides, signage suitable for visually impaired people, and ramps or lifts, with more improvements to come. As for surface rail, SNCB/NMBS is trying hard to improve but admits it's still a work in progress. It does have specially trained staff and mobile teams to provide assistance. The SNCB/NMBS app lets you log multiple advance requests for help and has a handy route planner. Navigating Brussels, inclusivity takes the front seat, making the city a beacon for accessible travel.

Explore Eco-Friendly, Authentic Brussels

To experience this city at its genuine and sustainable best:

Look Out for Labels

There are several labels used in Brussels to denote quality, safety and sustainability. We'll look at food labels later, but for attractions, accommodation and venues, seek out:

The visit.brussels Health Safety Label, awarded to providers in the tourism and MICE sectors who adhere to specific health and safety requirements.

The Green Key, an international eco-label widely used in Brussels within the tourism and MICE sectors. Label holders follow strict excellence criteria in environmental management, waste management, water, energy, green open spaces, food, environmental education, and mobility.

The Access-i label marks organisations that provide information on the accessibility of their buildings, goods, services, or events. Accessibility is assessed in seven categories, each corresponding to a special need and represented as a symbol in a box (e.g., a wheelchair symbol to denote accessibility for wheelchair users). The box colour corresponds to the accessibility level. Green denotes autonomous accessibility; orange, accessibility with the need for occasional help; and white denotes that an information sheet is available to let users assess if they will be able to access the service or building.

Brussels’ Bike Friendly label, given to accommodation providers that offer services and facilities for cyclists.

The Hoxton

Another newly opened hotel, the 198-room Hoxton hotel seamlessly combines a luxurious experience with a dedication to sustainable practices. Set within the former European headquarters of IBM, its interiors exude vintage charm merged with modern touches, along with a Peruvian-inspired restaurant and a Mexican-inspired rooftop bar with views over Brussels. More than just a place to rest, The Hoxton is also a hub for gatherings and collaborations, offering diverse event spaces tailored for meetings, workshops, and social events. For travellers and businesses alike seeking both comfort and a sustainable ethos, The Hoxton delivers on all fronts, guaranteeing that every guest's stay is in harmony with sustainable values.

For luxury and historic grandeur: Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel Brussels

An architecturally-stunning, historic, five-star hotel southeast of the city centre, with Green Key certification and the visit.brussels Health Safety Label. It offers 267 rooms, a wellness and spa centre, and five restaurants and bars—including one with a Michelin Star. It also has numerous event spaces, from small meeting rooms for 8 people to three ballrooms that can be combined to host 600.

Find Support and State-of-the-Art Facilities for Your Sustainable Event

The city's European Quarter houses numerous institutions. They include the Council of the EU, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Commission, and of course, the European Parliament. This has helped to make the city a place of connection and cultural diversity, with a skilled, multilingual workforce, innovative businesses, and more international associations than any other city. It also has dynamic ICT and life-science sectors—and, of course, an exceptionally accessible location.

As for its sustainability, that extends to its business facilities too. The team at visit.brussels can help you make your meeting as ethically and environmentally friendly as possible, and there's a wide range of eco-friendly event venues, whether you're planning a small meeting or an international convention. All you need to ask yourself is: What kind of venue are you looking for?

A Historic Venue?

EDIFICIO - Bibliothèque Solvay: This grand building, with its stunning Reading Room, has event spaces suitable for seated meetings for 20-40 people and cocktail receptions for between 30 and 250.

The Chalet Robinson: A unique chalet-style venue in an equally unique location, on an island in the Bois de la Cambre. Surrounded by water and woodland, it has five event spaces, with banqueting space for 40 to 320 people and reception space for up to 400.

A Contemporary Venue?

Sparks: In addition to its impressive green credentials, the venue boasts 2,500 m2 of flexible space, allowing tailored setups. It can host up to 250 guests across its 14 versatile and contemporary meeting rooms. Its central location, just a stone's throw from major transportation hubs, makes it easily accessible, reducing the need for long commutes.

A Repurposed Heritage Venue?

Tour and Taxis: This Green-Key certified complex of renovated buildings, in a pedestrianised zone in the canal district, offers 25 adjacent event spaces for 2 to 15,000 people. Some are in grand, beautiful old buildings, while others are in industrial buildings with smart, contemporary interiors. The Sheds, Maison de la Poste and Gare Maritime are all Access-I labelled, with Gare Maritime impressively assessed as green or orange across all categories.

A Quirky Venue?

Nemo33: This aquatic centre is home to one of the deepest diving pools in the world, and also boasts state-of-the-art event facilities. It has event spaces from 40 m2 to 400 m2, accommodating large events for up to 1,200 people.

Visit the Redeveloped Canal District

One of Brussels' sustainable successes that's well worth experiencing for yourself is its redeveloped canal area, which deserves an article all of its own. Unused industrial buildings and warehouses have been repurposed, and the area now has a hip, arty vibe and a sustainable focus. It brims with exhibitions, amazing street art, galleries, art studios, and eateries, most of whom focus on sustainability and local ingredients.

Belmundo goes one step further. Occupying an old malt house, its interior was entirely constructed from recycled pallets, and it sells furniture made from recycled pallets too. The restaurant is part of Groot Eiland vzw, a social economy organisation. It employs people struggling to find permanent work, giving them language lessons and valuable work experience. Meals are prepared from local produce, organic vegetables from the restaurant's own garden, or unsold produce from the morning market and supermarket.

The jewel in the crown here is Tour and Taxis. Its former freight station, Gare Maritime, now generates its own energy from geothermal and solar sources. Inside, you will find stunning internal wooden architecture, rows of trees and a large food court. There are also stylish event spaces and exhibitions.

Another Tour and Taxis resident is Permafungi. This social cooperative collects waste coffee grounds by bicycle and uses them to grow oyster mushrooms, produce fertiliser, and create myco-material, a biodegradable alternative to plastic.

The BEL is one of Europe's largest passive buildings and one of its most sustainable event destinations. With its cutting-edge eco-friendly design and 700 m² of photovoltaic panels supplying nearly 88,000 kWh of electricity, the venue embodies the green ethos of the city. Covering a generous expanse of 16,700 m² of floor space, it boasts a variety of spaces, including a 415-seat auditorium, exhibition areas, and breakout rooms. Additionally, the panoramic terrace offers breathtaking views of Brussels. Guided by an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, BEL integrates sustainable practices in every event, from energy conservation to waste management.

Other highlights in the district include the interactive BELEXPO environment museum with its large park, and the Access-I-labelled BE-HERE sustainable village. Inside this 'village-in-a-building, you will find eco-friendly stores, a brasserie, a micro-brewery, a bicycle repair shop and even yoga sessions!

Horta House and Villa Empain

Horta House was built between 1898 and 1901 by architect Victor Horta, a prolific pioneer of the Art Nouveau style. Villa Empain is a vast Art Deco mansion built in the 1930s. Both stand as exquisite testaments to Brussels' rich architectural tapestry, drawing art and history aficionados alike.

The Atomium

Built to celebrate scientific discovery for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium is a striking building consisting of nine 'ball-like' spaces that represent iron atoms. Go inside to visit the exhibitions and enjoy great views from the top.

Explore Beautiful Green Spaces Around Brussels

Brussels may have a large population and busy streets, particularly in the city centre, but it still boasts 8,000 hectares of green space—albeit mainly on its outskirts.

Josaphat Park

Located in Schaerbeek, this park offers ponds, floral borders, sculptures, and health trails, making it a must-visit for those seeking a slice of nature in the heart of the capital. Josaphat Park also boasts playgrounds and mini-golf, ensuring fun-filled experiences for visitors of all ages. This haven of greenery symbolises the city's commitment to preserving nature amidst

its architectural splendour.

The Logis and Floréal Garden City

Brussels' garden cities were districts developed in the 1920s to be green, comfortable, convenient areas for less privileged workers. This garden city in the south of Brussels, with its uniform cottages, is the best known. Listed as a protected monument, its numerous blossoming trees and shrubs are a wonderful sight in spring. The Logis and Floréal Garden City are more than just architectural gems; they echo a bygone era's ambition for communal living. A visit here is like stepping into a living postcard of Brussels' rich urban history.

Cinquantenaire

Dotted with fountains and statues, this park was commissioned in 1880 by King Leopold II to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Belgian independence. It's home to the Triumphal Arch, the  Art & History Museum, the War Heritage Institute (which provides access to the terraces atop the Triumphal Arch), and Autoworld (offering the capacity to host dinners for up to 1,000 seated guests).

Try Traditional Foods and Enjoy Eco-Friendly Eateries

Belgium is probably most famous for its chocolate, closely followed by its waffles and beer. There are plenty of places for you to discover the reason for this fame! But why not go more local and try some Brussels specialities? They include 'pains à la grecque' (a sweet cinnamon flat-bread), 'caricoles' ('escargots'—snails cooked in a spicy soup), 'anguilles au vert' (eel in green herb sauce), 'tartines de plattekeis' (a white cheese) and shrimp croquettes. As to where to try these delicacies, a good start is to look for the Brusselicious Label. It's awarded to eateries, from restaurants to food trucks, offering delicious local dishes and a warm welcome.

For a sustainable shopping spree, head to:

Machao in Marolles for home décor made from refurbished, re-used furniture and textiles.

Valérie Berckmans in the city centre for fashion. Locally-produced from fair trade, organic or alternative raw materials (end-of-line fabrics, upcycled vintage pieces), her clothes are produced to a sustainable, zero-waste standard.

Orybany for zero waste, eco-responsible or upcycled fashion and accessories. The store also runs a wide range of workshops, mainly on crafts and cosmetic making.

MakeSenz in Ixelles for sustainable, organic cosmetics.

Supergreenme for sustainable fashion and toiletries for all the family, fabrics, and household products.

Don't forget markets. Brussels' biggest flea market, held on Sunday mornings at the Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles, is the ideal place to find second-hand bargains. In the afternoon, head to the MicroMarché at Quai à la Houille to browse the wares of local artists and craftspeople.

Belgian Beer World

This much-anticipated "temple of beer," opens on the 9th September at the Brussels Stock Exchange. This 12,000 m2 immersive experience dives into the rich history and art of brewing, offering multi-sensory workshops. The adventure concludes with a rooftop bar, providing panoramic views from a 350 m2 terrace.