Brussels Travel Forum

Hi

I was thinking of going to Brussels on the train from Paris but after reading all the posts on here about how unsafe it is I am a bit worried. I am on crutches and will there will be me and my mother. I wont have any luggage just my handbag and passport. I am also worried about if someone tries to pickpocket me I may get knocked over. I am being silly or should I reconsider this. Is 9pm too late to get the train back to Paris?

If I go do you think doing a hop on off bus tour will be better for me as its a bit easier for a disabled person or is it a waste of money. I am hoping to see the christmas markets.

I would really appreciate any help

Thanks

Jess

I'm not sure where you read about unsafety. Brussels is not more unsafe than anywhere else. The same could happen in Paris or any place really.
Just set aside your worries.

The return trip Brussels-Paris takes less than 1.5 hrs with Thalys train, so that shouldn't be too late.
However you do need to make advance reservations for the train (Thalys).

Never heard about Brussels being especaily unsafe!!

I was wandering alone most of the city and my only concern was to find something to do after seeing the obvious "must sees", it's a rather dull city, but I would never say it's "unsafe"

Common sense as in any city. That's all.

To be honest I have never heard of Brussels as an unsafe place to go. I wouldn't worry too much.

1) If you are not worried about the Gare du Nord in Paris you have no reason whatsoever to worry about the Gare du Midi in Brussels (which is the area people usually worry about). If you are worried, your Thalys ticket should be to "Brussels zone" and this means it covers you to any Brussels station, without your needing to buy another ticket. So when you arrive at Gare du Midi (Thalys terminates there), look for the next train to the airport, Antwerp, Amsterdam or any other destination North of Brussels (airport trains leave roughly every 20 minutes) and catch that train to the next railway station, which is Gare centrale. This way, you will minimise your stay at Gare du Midi. Of course you could also take the underground tram from Midi to Bourse but will have to buy a ticket (currently €1.50: €4 for a one-day card) on the metro level and trams might be a bit awkward with crutches; if metro is easier you can take that also although it would be a bit of a long way around - take direction Simonis, get off at Arts-Loi, and change to direction Erasme/Roi Baudouin to either Gare centrale for the GP or Ste. Catherine for the Winter Market.
2) Is 9 p.m. too late for what? If you mean would it be any more or less dangerous than taking one at 7 p.m., I don't see the difference. The journey takes 1h22 minutes so all depends on what time you want to arrive back in Paris.
3) If you want to use the HoHo buses, these start at Gare centrale and they probably would be convenient in your situation for seeing a number of sites all over Brussels (Cinquantenaire archway, EU buildings, Royal Palace, the Atomium) even if you don't want to get off to visit any of the museums etc. However, they do not go into the Grand' Place, which you will have to visit on foot (it is 5 minutes downhill from the Gare centrale) and neither are they a good choice if you want to visit the Winter (not Christmas - do not expect "Christmassy") Market. You will find part of the market around the Bourse (stock exchange) near the Grand' Place, or you could get the metro from Gare centrale 2 stops (direction Erasme/Roi Baudouin) to Ste. Catherine and come out right by the open-air ice rink.

Thank you for all your replies. I think I just freaked when i read the warnings people had posted on the Brussels page. Feeling alot better about going now. Thank you again

If you read the "warnings and dangers" tips about most places you'll be scared to death! These may be very useful, but be realistic: most people don't have any bad experience when traveling, so they don't write a "dangers' tip". Bad things may happen everywhere, and most (if not all) touristy destinations and big cities have their fair share of pickpockets, you only need to be prudent, never overworried (that may make things worse, as more relaxed and confident you look, you look less as an easy target).

I was in brussels on Sept for 2 weeks. My hubby was assigned there to attend courses. In the day time when he was on course, i explore the city alone. I think Brussels is not unsafe, but bear in mind that you dont go to places that is quiet as i saw some teenagers in the streets likes to gather around and some looks like they are finding trouble.
I enjoyed the days i was tere, i took tram go anywhere i like, visit musuems and some local shops..just explore around or simple just sit at the park do people watching, relax,, Brussels is a nice place :)

For train, they really leavs on the dot. no matter it is ICE train or Tylas. We actually missed the Tylas train when we were in Paris so have to spend some$$ to buy a trip back to Brussels :(

You can view my Brussels photos under my travel page :) If time allow, you can go to Brugge for 1 day, it is a nice place too!

It can be instructive to look at the tips other VT members have given about dangers for your own hometown or other place you know well. You might be surprised, and it should help to put into perspective what people say about other places.
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Australia_and_Oceania/Australia/State_of_Western_Australia/Perth-1871231/Warnings_or_Dangers-Perth-MISC-R-1.html
I hope you weren't/won't be disappointed in the "Christmas" market, I did catch the sound and light show in the Grand' Place this year (every hour on the hour from 17:30) which may make up for it!

Brussels is not a dangerous place as long as u don't go to certain neighborhoods. Normally, u won't have any problems, especially if u r with people with u.
I have taken the train at nite in Brussels at times and I've never had a problem.
Though be cautious that an incident can happen anywhere so be on the lookout.

If u have any more ?, feel free to contact me,

Gautier