Luggage Storage Brussels Central Station

About Brussels Central Station

Back in the early 20th century, Brussels' main train stations were Brussels North and Brussels South. However, the connection between these two important stations was an inadequate single track that couldn't handle the volume of passengers the network received.

The decision to build a direct connection between the two stations required building a new station in the center of the city. The station that would become Brussels Central was designed in 1912, but work was halted by the outbreak of the First World War. The project was resumed, only to be interrupted by the Second World War. As a result, the station was not completed until 1952.

Nowadays, up to 150,000 passengers use the station in a single day. As many as 96 trains per hour pass through the six lines of the station, carrying passengers from all over Belgium and the rest of Europe. Because the station is so central to the heart of the city, it remains popular, with the number of passengers served each year growing steadily. However, that central location makes any expansions to the station difficult, since it would require demolition of many important buildings. As a result, the station can seem very crowded at times.

Things to do near Brussels Central Station

Because it is so close to the heart of the city, Brussels Central Station acts as a gateway to everything the Belgian capital has to offer. As soon as you step out of the station itself, you will find yourself within walking distance of many of Brussel's most iconic locations and attractions. For instance, you could:

• Get some peace and quiet at the Parc de Bruxelles. Laid out in the 18th century, this former royal hunting ground is the largest park in Brussels. The green lawns and shady trees make a perfect place for a relaxing stroll or picnic right in the heart of the city.

• See how the aristocrats live at the Royal Palace of Brussels. Although the royal family no longer live here, it remains their official residence when in the city. Public tours allow visitors to appreciate the royal art collection and the opulence of this royal residence.

• Celebrate Brussels' quirky side at the Mannekin Pis. This statue of a urinating boy has become an icon of the city and is one of its most photographed landmarks. The statue is often dressed up for festivals or to make a political statement, and it makes for a fun place to visit not far from the train station.

• Take in the vibrant atmosphere of Brussels at the Grand Place. Brussels' main public square is surrounded by ancient guildhalls that are now home to a wide variety of bars and restaurants. It's the perfect place to relax with a Belgian beer and watch the world go by.

• Shop like the European elite at the Royal Gallery of St Hubert. Built in 1847, this glass-roofed shopping gallery is one of the oldest in Europe. Home to high fashion boutiques as well as coffee shops and bars, the gallery is a great place to spend some time — and some money.

Transit options at Brussels Central Station

• Brussels central station is well-connected to other rail stations such as Brussels North and Brussels South. As a result, it forms part of an extensive rail network serving cities like Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Frankfurt.

• Brussels Central Station is attached to Gare Centrale Metro station via a pedestrian tunnel. Metro lines 1 and 5 stop at the station, linking it to Brussels' underground network.

• A train service connects Brussels Central Station to Zaventum airport. The journey takes around 20 minutes, and trains run seven days a week.

Luggage storage near Brussels Central Station

As soon as you take a step out of Brussels Central Station, you'll be in the heart of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Chances are, you'll want to start exploring right away. But in this busy location, the last thing you want is to be weighed down with heavy bags.

That's why Bounce offers luggage storage near Brussels Central Station. Drop off any unneeded bags for as long as you like so you can explore the city in comfort.

Activities and attractions near Brussels Central Station

• Royal Museums of Fine Arts: Explore Belgium's contribution to culture at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. This complex of museums celebrates the work of Belgian artists and is divided into several different museums. There is the Old Masters Museum, the Magritte Museum, the Fin-de-Siecle, the Wiertz, and the Meunier. Taken together, these museums allow you to explore the evolution of Belgian art from the 15th century right up to the present day. Note that large bags are not permitted in the museums, so you’ll need to drop them off at a luggage storage near Brussels Central Station before you visit.

• Mini Europe: Visit one of Brussels' quirky attractions at the Mini Europe park. This theme park on the city's outskirts boasts a collection of famous European landmarks scaled down to 1:25 of their actual size. Feel like a giant as you wander past iconic buildings like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Colosseum. It's worth it for the photo opportunities alone.

• Parc du Cinquantenaire: Check out a unique park at the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Famous for its fountain and monumental arch, this park is also home to a military museum and an automobile museum. Plus, you can climb to the top of the arch and enjoy views of the city and beyond. It's not a place to bring heavy bags, so make sure you drop them off at a Brussels luggage storage shop before you visit.