Brussels Etiquette 2026: What Not to Do: Brussels (2026)

rabeakurth · 2026-09-22T16:01:01+02:00

**👋 Greetings and Politeness** In Brussels, a simple 'Bonjour' or 'Goedendag' upon entering any shop, cafe, or office is expected and considered basic courtesy. When meeting someone for the first time, a firm handshake is standard; among friends, a single cheek kiss (or three, depending on the region) is common. Always say 'please' (s'il vous plaît / alstublieft) and 'thank you' (merci / dank u) to service staff, as ignoring these niceties can be seen as rude. **⛪ Religious Site Etiquette** When visiting churches like the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats. Speak softly, and do not use flash photography during services. If you wish to attend a mass, arrive early and follow the congregation's lead; communion is generally reserved for practicing Catholics. **🍽️ Dining Dos and Don'ts** In restaurants, keep your hands above the table, not on your lap, and never begin eating until everyone is served. Tipping is not obligatory, but leaving small change or rounding up the bill is appreciated; a 5-10% tip is generous. The host typically pays, but splitting the bill (faire l'addition) is common among friends; just clarify beforehand to avoid awkwardness. **👔 Dress Code Norms** Brussels is fairly casual, but for fine dining or business meetings, smart attire is expected: no flip-flops or athletic wear. For a night at the opera or a Michelin-starred restaurant like Comme Chez Soi, men should wear a jacket, and women a dress or elegant separates. When in doubt, err on the side of slightly overdressed rather than underdressed. **🤫 Public Behavior and Volume** Keep your voice down on public transport, especially on the metro and trams, where loud conversations draw annoyed glances. In museums like the Magritte Museum, silence is golden; even whispers can carry. Avoid playing music or taking calls on speakerphone in public spaces, as this is considered very rude. **📸 Photography Rules** Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets like the Grand Place or Marolles. Many museums prohibit flash and tripods; check signs at the entrance. In churches, refrain from photography during services, and never use selfie sticks in crowded areas. **🚶 Queueing and Personal Space** Queueing is taken seriously in Brussels: always join the back of the line at bakeries, bus stops, and ticket counters. Cutting in line will earn you sharp looks and possibly a reprimand. On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left, and give people their personal space. **💶 Tipping and Payments** Service charges are included in Belgian bills by law, so tipping is optional. However, leaving a euro or two per person for good service is a nice gesture. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is common; for hotel housekeeping, 1-2 euros per day is appreciated.

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