Business Studies Trip to Brussels

About this trip

Brussels is an ideal location for a school business studies trip due to its status as a major center for European and international business, politics, and economics. As the headquarters of the European Union and home to numerous multinational companies, Brussels offers students a firsthand look at how economic policies, regulations, and international trade agreements are developed and implemented.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Find out more

Travel Day

Day 2 Find out more

Parliamentarium
European Commission Visitors Centre
Experience Europe exhibition

Day 3 Find out more

National Bank of Belgium Museum
PermaFungi
Atomium

Day 4 Find out more

Travel day

Day 5 Find out more

Day 6 Find out more

Day 7 Find out more

Day 8 Find out more

Excursion Ideas

Atomium Find out more

Atomium

Subject Range: Business Studies. Cultural, STEM

What you’ll experience: The iconic symbol of Brussels and Belgium, with its unique architecture, the Atomium is the most popular attraction in the city. Built for the 1958 World Exhibition, the Atomium now houses a permanent exhibition about its history as well as temporary exhibitions focused around sciences, design, and society. The upper sphere offers unique and spectacular views across the city skyline.

Parliamentarium Find out more

Parliamentarium

Subject Range: History, Business Studies, Cultural

What you’ll experience: This is an interactive visitors’ center that offers an engaging look at the workings of the European Parliament and the broader European Union. Through multimedia exhibits, students and visitors can explore the history, role, and functions of the EU, as well as how its decisions impact daily life across member states. The Parliamentarium provides a hands-on experience with features like a 360-degree cinema and interactive maps, making it an informative and accessible way to learn about European politics, democracy, and cooperation in a modern and immersive setting.

European Commission Visitors Centre Find out more

European Commission Visitors Centre

Subject Range: Business Studies

What you’ll experience: The European Commission Visitors Centre offers an educational experience where students and visitors can learn about the European Union’s role in shaping policies and regulations that affect all member states. Through presentations and interactive sessions, visitors gain insight into the Commission’s functions, including how it drafts legislation, manages the EU’s budget, and works on issues like trade, the environment, and digital transformation. The center provides a unique opportunity to understand the inner workings of EU governance and its impact on European and global business, making it an enriching stop for educational trips.

Europe exhibition Find out more

Europe exhibition

Subject Range: Business Studies

What you’ll experience: The Europe Exhibition in Brussels offers an interactive and engaging exploration of the continent’s history, culture, and the development of the European Union. Through multimedia displays, artifacts, and immersive exhibits, visitors can trace the evolution of Europe from its early roots to the modern-day EU, learning about significant historical events, cultural milestones, and political shifts. The exhibition provides valuable insights into Europe’s diversity and unity, making it an ideal educational experience for students interested in understanding the continent’s complex past and its ongoing process of integration and cooperation.

National Bank of Belgium Museum Find out more

National Bank of Belgium Museum

Subject Range: Business Studies

What you’ll experience: The National Bank of Belgium Museum in Brussels offers an insightful journey into the world of finance, economics, and monetary policy. Through interactive exhibits and historical displays, visitors can learn about the role of central banks, the history of money, and the functioning of the Belgian and European financial systems. The museum explains complex economic concepts in an engaging and accessible way, making it an ideal educational stop for students studying business, economics, or finance, as it provides a deeper understanding of the impact of monetary policy on everyday life and the global economy.

Perma Fungi Find out more

Perma Fungi

Subject Range: Cultural, Food Technology, STEM, Business Studies

What you’ll experience: Permafungi is a Brussels-based social purpose cooperative that recycles urban waste – coffee grounds – to grow mushrooms that in turn produce compost and a biodegradable replacement for plastic. Sustainability in action!

Belorta Vegetable and Fruit Auction Find out more

Belorta Vegetable and Fruit Auction

Subject Range: Food Technology, Business Studies

What you’ll experience: BelOrta is the largest cooperative auction in Europe and well worth a visit. It is a hive of activity, handling up to 4,000 tons of vegetables on an auction day. An experienced company guide will outline the history of auctions and BelOrta in particular.

Accommodation Options

Meininger Brussels City Center Find out more

Meininger Brussels City Center

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Our Rating:

Capacity: 727

Location: Central Brussels

What you’ll experience: With convenient public transport links and set beside the canal, this modern hostel/hotel provides excellent group accommodation at a good standard. Rooms: Sleep 2-6 people and are all ensuite. They do feature bunk beds. Facilities: Games zone, terrace, bar, dining room.

Meininger Brussels Gare du Midi Find out more

Meininger Brussels Gare du Midi

Our Rating:

Capacity: 678

Location: Central

What you’ll experience: Located within easy walking distance of the old town and several museums and art galleries, this hostel/hotel is very suited to welcoming groups. Rooms: Sleep 2-6 people and are all ensuite. They do feature bunk beds. Facilities: Dining room, terrace.

Youth Hostel Bruegel Find out more

Youth Hostel Bruegel

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Our Rating:

Capacity: 191

Location: Central

What you’ll experience: Within walking distance of many of Brussel’s main attractions, this hostel offers basic and convenient accommodation for groups. Rooms: Sleep 2-4 people. Some rooms have ensuite facilities. Facilities: Meeting rooms, lounge, terrace.

Accommodation 15 Find out more

Curriculum Links

KS4 (GCSE)
AQA: Business activity, enterprise, marketing, and corporate operations
Edexcel: Business operations, entrepreneurship, and international business
OCR: Business and enterprise / Marketing, management, and global business

KS5 (A-Level)
AQA: Business strategy, international business, enterprise, and corporate governance
Edexcel: Global business, markets, competitiveness, and sustainability
OCR: Global markets, enterprise, innovation, and ethical business practice