Home to the European Commission, European Parliament, and EU Council buildings.

About European Quarter (EU Institutions)

The European Quarter (Quartier Européen) is where the continent\'s collective governance happens, a district of glass-and-steel institutional buildings concentrated around the Schuman roundabout and Rue de la Loi. The European Commission headquarters in the Berlaymont building, the distinctive egg-shaped European Council (Justus Lipsius/Europa buildings), and the European Parliament\'s hemicycle are here, along with hundreds of lobbying firms, think tanks, and NGOs.

The Parlamentarium (European Parliament Visitors\' Centre) offers free, immersive exhibitions about EU democracy in 24 languages — one of Brussels\' most informative and underrated attractions. The House of European History in Parc Léopold traces the continent\'s history from ancient times through integration. Both are free.

The area around Place du Luxembourg (\'Place Lux\') is the social hub of the EU bubble, with bars and restaurants that fill with staffers and lobbyists after work, particularly on Thursdays (the \'EU social night\'). Parc du Cinquantenaire (Jubilee Park), with its monumental triumphal arch and museums (Autoworld, Royal Museum of the Armed Forces, Art & History Museum), provides a green escape from the institutional atmosphere. The Matonge neighborhood nearby offers excellent Congolese-African dining.

Nearby Landmarks

European Parliament Parlamentarium Parc du Cinquantenaire Matonge Place Lux

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €40-50
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost €25-40
Time 20-30 minutes

Arrivals level

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the SNCB train from the airport. Some trains stop at Bruxelles-Schuman or Bruxelles-Luxembourg, both in the European Quarter. Check the timetable for direct options.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €40-50 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare €25-40 20-30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, a taxi from the airport to the European Quarter costs EUR 35-45. Uber operates. The European Quarter itself is quiet at night (it's primarily an office district), though Place du Luxembourg bars stay open late on weekdays. Hotels in the area (Thon Hotel EU, Stanhope) cater to the business traveler schedule. Brussels-Luxembourg station is served by trains until about midnight.

Luggage Tips

Trains from the airport to Brussels-Schuman or Brussels-Luxembourg have luggage space. Both stations have elevators. The European Quarter is spread out — if attending meetings at different institutions, you may want to taxi between buildings. Hotels in the area have standard car access and luggage handling.

Accessibility

EU institutions are modern and fully wheelchair accessible (the Parlamentarium, House of European History, and all Commission/Parliament buildings have full access). Brussels-Schuman metro station has elevators. Parc du Cinquantenaire has accessible paths. The broader European Quarter has wide sidewalks and modern infrastructure suited to wheelchair users.