Brussels Guide

Make the most of your time in Brussels during OCX. This guide gives a clear overview of how the city works, from transport and logistics to the places worth exploring, with track-relevant stops for the topics OCX covers.

Getting around Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the heart of Europe. Beyond being home to the European Union, it is a vibrant city full of history, art, food and fun.

Population: around 1.2 million

Languages: French and Dutch, with English widely spoken

Currency: the euro

Getting around: easy on foot or by public transport (metro, trams and buses); taxis and ride-sharing are available. From the airport, the city centre is a 20-minute train ride
See the Venue page for travel to the venue.

Explore Brussels by your OCX track

Some of the best stops in Brussels connect directly to the OCX tracks:

  • Tooling track: Living Tomorrow Experience Center. Just outside Brussels in Vilvoorde, a space blending technology, creative coding and new media.

  • AI track: AI Experience Center (VUB). A high-tech test, demonstration and meeting environment where companies, researchers, policymakers and the public can experiment with AI.

  • Automotive track: Autoworld Brussels. In Cinquantenaire Park, a museum of classic cars, prototypes and the evolution of the automobile, perfect if you are passionate about mobility.

  • Compliance track: Parlamentarium. Europe’s largest parliamentary visitor centre, where you can experience European politics. Entrance is free.

  • Research track: Royal Library of Belgium. Explore medieval manuscripts and early books, or enjoy the KBR museum and rooftop views over Mont des Arts.

Where to eat

Belgian specialities to discover

Waffles: try Maison Dandoy, Le Funambule or Aux Gaufres de Bruxelles.

Travel resources

Public transport

The STIB/MIVB runs the city's metro, tram and bus network. Check timetables and routes and buy tickets on their website or app, at stations, or on board (stib-mivb.brussels).

Taxi Service

Several companies serve Brussels, bookable by phone, app or at a taxi rank, including Taxis Bleus (+32 2 268 00 00) and Taxis Verts (+32 2 349 49 49). Uber is also available.

Car Rental

If you prefer to drive, agencies include Sixt and Europcar, with a range of vehicles.

Good to know

  • Emergency number: dial 112 for police, ambulance or fire, free from any phone.
  • Electricity: Belgium uses Type E sockets at 230V. Bring an adapter if your plugs differ.
  • Payments: cards and contactless are widely accepted; carry a little cash for smaller venues.
  • Tipping: service is included, so tipping is not expected. Rounding up for great service is welcome.
  • Time zone: Brussels is on Central European Time (CET/CEST).
  • Weather: OCX takes place in spring, when Brussels is mild but changeable. Pack layers and a light waterproof.

Take the full guide with you

Red Hat is a sponsor of OCX 2026

Red Hat

Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver reliable and high-performing Linux, hybrid cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies. Red Hat helps customers develop cloud-native applications, integrate existing and new IT applications, and automate and manage complex environments.

 A trusted adviser to the Fortune 500, Red Hat provides award-winning support, training, and consulting services that bring the benefits of open innovation to any industry. Red Hat is a connective hub in a global network of enterprises, partners, and communities, helping organizations grow, transform, and prepare for the digital future.

ADEPTIC Reply is an OCX 2026 sponsor

ADEPTIC Reply

At ADEPTIC Reply, part of the Reply Group, we are pioneering innovation in the Cloud‑Edge Continuum and next‑generation robotic and autonomous systems orchestration.
We design and deliver advanced architectures that seamlessly connect cloud intelligence with edge autonomy, enabling high‑performance, resilient, and scalable robotic applications.
From distributed orchestration to real‑time decision making on edge devices, we drive the future of robotics and autonomous mobility with cutting‑edge technology and a vision for the next era of intelligent systems.

Adeptic Reply is actively involved in the EU IPCEI-CIS program, with a strong focus on Cloud computing at the edge for data network services. Through close collaboration with key European partners, the company contributes to build a secure, resilient and sovereign intelligent ecosystem, where AI, Cloud and orchestration converge.

Adeptic Reply strongly believes in the value of open communities as key drivers of innovation through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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