French is the main language in officially bilingual (French-Dutch) Brussels, and as such the correct language to use there. It is, however, entirely surrounded by Dutch-speaking areas, so if visiting the outer suburbs (such as Zaventem and Vilvoorde) you should use English there.

In 2026, while Brussels is officially a bilingual city (French and Dutch), French is the dominant language used in daily life, with over 80% of the population using it as their primary tongue. You do not strictly "need" to speak French to visit, as English is widely spoken in tourist areas, international businesses, and by the younger generation. However, knowing basic French phrases is highly beneficial for navigating local administration, hospitals, and smaller shops where English might be less common. Dutch is technically the other official language, but it is much less frequently used in the city center compared to the surrounding Flanders region. For a tourist, a polite "Bonjour" or "Merci" goes a long way, but you can comfortably survive a 2026 trip using only English. If you plan to move there long-term for work or residency, learning French becomes almost essential for social integration and handling official paperwork, as the city's "lingua franca" remains firmly Francophone.