City Breaks to Brussels
Brussels isn’t simply a destination you visit, it’s one you absorb through its architecture, culture, and food. With beautifully decorated squares, world-famous chocolate shops, and richly historic neighbourhoods, the Belgian capital offers a perfect balance of sophistication and charm.
Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Please note
More than 9 of you travelling?
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Special assistance required
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Across the city, you’ll discover an inspiring mix of museums, open-air markets, cosy cafés, grand monuments, and creative districts. A blend of culture, adventure, and leisure defines the Brussels experience, turning every visit into a collection of lasting memories.
With its walkable centre and atmospheric neighbourhoods, Brussels caters to every travel style. A stroll through main squares, art-filled districts, and café terraces showcases a city defined by cultural richness and everyday comfort.
Best things to do on a City Break to Brussels
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Grand Place: Brussels’ central square and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, known for its exquisite aesthetic wealth. You don’t want to miss visiting it at night, when it’s illuminated for some artistic photos.
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Atomium: Originally built for the 1958 World Fair, this iconic structure has quickly become one of Brussels’ top tourist attractions. Its nine balls represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It features an exhibition space, a museum, and a panoramic viewing station located at the top ball.
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Mont des Arts: A magnificent cultural complex with historic museums such as the KBR Museum, BELvue Museum, and the Museum of Musical Instruments. It also features stunning gardens with benches, fountains, and a skatepark for a relaxing weekend away in Brussels.
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Royal Palace: An elegant symbol of Belgium’s monarchy, where the King carries out his administrative duties and welcomes representatives of political institutions and foreign guests. Due to major renovation works, the palace is currently closed and is expected to reopen to the public in 2026.
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Comic Strip Route: A not-to-be-missed sightseeing spot for art aficionados. It includes over 80 outstanding murals showcasing some of the most beloved comic characters such as The Smurfs, Lucy Luke, Tintin, and more.
Brussels’ cultural scene extends well beyond its landmarks, offering rewarding experiences for travellers who enjoy museums, gastronomy, and local traditions, making the city a strong choice for an enriching mini break to Brussels.
Our recommended stops include:
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Magritte Museum – Showcasing the works of Belgium’s iconic surrealist, René Magritte.
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Royal Museums of Fine Arts – Home to renowned collections spanning classical and modern art.
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Comic Art Museum – Celebrating Belgium’s comic heritage in an elegant Art Nouveau setting.
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Choco-Story Brussels – Exploring the history of Belgian chocolate, with tastings included.
Belgian Beer Tour – Guided tastings highlighting Belgium’s rich brewing traditions.
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One-day stay: Focus on the historic heart of the city, exploring Grand Place, nearby museums, and traditional cafés, with time for a chocolate tasting or beer experience in the evening.
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Two-day stay: Combine the city centre with areas such as Sablon or Ixelles, adding museum visits, local markets, and a guided beer tour to your itinerary.
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Three-day stay: Enjoy a deeper exploration of Brussels, including Mont des Arts, the Atomium, and lesser-known neighbourhoods, alongside dedicated time for food, culture, and shopping, ideal for longer trips to Brussels.
Brussels is ideally suited for short visits, with compact neighbourhoods and excellent transport links making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace, whether planning extended holidays or shorter mini breaks in Brussels.
Beyond the famous landmarks are countless intimate discoveries. From tiny bistros tucked between residential buildings to terrace cafés overlooking gardens, the best hidden gems when you are on a mini break in Brussels often lie off the main tourist routes.
Some offer panoramic city views, while others sit inside historic buildings or down atmospheric side streets.
Why not visit:
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Café Belga – Lively Ixelles café ideal for watching the world go by
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Molfar – International dining with a twist on the classic beloved dishes
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Place du Jeu de Balle Market – A flea market with antiques and vintage treasures
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Saint-Géry District – Trendy area with bars and small restaurants
Travelling with P&O Ferries adds flexibility so you can plan freely, bring what you need, and explore Brussels and nearby Belgian towns such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. Our comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip to Belgium with ease and confidence.
Planning a mini break to Brussels becomes effortless when you travel with P&O Ferries. With the flexibility to bring your own car and no luggage restrictions, you can enjoy a relaxed journey across the channel. Once you arrive, it’s just a short drive from the ferry port to Brussels, offering a smooth transition from travel to adventure without the hassle of airports.
P&O Ferries operates convenient routes from the UK, including ferries to Belgium or ferries to France, followed by a simple drive to Brussels, making it easy to start your Belgian getaway. Once in Brussels, you can explore the city’s famous chocolate shops, charming bakeries, craft beer bars, and scenic parks. Plus, Brussels serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby Belgian towns and northern France. There are simply endless possibilities for things to do in Belgium.
Your Frequently Asked Questions
The best things to do during a Brussels city break include visiting the Grand Place, the Atomium, the Mont des Arts, exploring chocolate shops, visiting museums, and browsing local markets. The city seamlessly blends culture, food, and architecture.
Choosing P&O Ferries will allow you to travel comfortably, avoid airport queues, bring unlimited luggage, and explore Brussels and Belgium with your own car.
Yes, you can travel to Brussels with your car on P&O Ferries. Simply drive onto the ferry and continue from France into Belgium, giving you complete flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas.
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