Warning - Brussels Midi Station
Jan 2, 09, 1:57 pm
#31
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Actually, thinking of safety, if you follow the signs to the Cybelys lounge you will find yourself in a much quieter part of the station. For some reason, this part is difficult to access from the main part of the station. From the Thalys waiting area, you have to go up to the tracks, then take an elevator down. So few people know about it.
Jan 7, 09, 5:10 am
#33
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To access the Cybelys lounge, you need a Cybelys or Grand Voyageur card. There may be other ways, but I'm not aware of them. But the whole area around the Cybelys lounge is much calmer than the main Thalys area. And it is right next to an elevator that takes you right to the Thalys platform.
Jan 7, 09, 5:44 am
#34
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If it helps, there's a station map here.
I find the area from the 'Galerie du Midi' (there's quite a nice organic café round there that I've used to wait in in the past - certainly seems a lot more pleasant and safe than that awful food court) round towards the Cybelys lounge much calmer.
I find the area from the 'Galerie du Midi' (there's quite a nice organic café round there that I've used to wait in in the past - certainly seems a lot more pleasant and safe than that awful food court) round towards the Cybelys lounge much calmer.
Jan 12, 09, 7:18 am
#36
Join Date: Sep 2005
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And I find the platforms at Central a lot darker and gloomier than at Midi (and I saw a thief stealing a bag on a Brussels-Central platform from an Asian-looking business man while he was waiting for the train). But the area around Brussels-Central is better than around Brussels-South, which in turn is better than around Brussels-North.
Generally, behave sensibly. I wouldn't leave my wallet in a position to be stolen anywhere, and I would always keep my bags in sight. Whether it is in a London station, in Cologne, in Paris, Barcelona or in Brussels.
Apr 13, 09, 10:06 pm
#37
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Just an update. Brussels train station worked out to be just fine like the FTers mentioned here. It was nice to find the Thalys waiting area. Worked out well to just let my family have a seat and wait for the train. My brother and I did walk around. It was a little dark, but the train station seemed kinda normal. Bought some food and a soda. Plenty of folks with laptops out in the food court. The only downer was that there was no post office in the station. Thanks for the maps and information though; it was helpful to know before arriving.
Nov 29, 10, 3:10 am
#38
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Nearly got robbed today at Brussels Midi station
I was nearly robbed today at the Brussels Midi train station. Please be especially vigilant here. The robbers generally work in pairs or groups. They tried to distract me by asking me a question, while the other attempted to disconnect my laptop bag from my roll-aboard. Luckily I caught on to their scheme before I could become a victim. Do not let your guard down in these train stations, do not let strangers approach you to ask questions, and do not spend time in the main area of the train station unless absolutely necessary.
Nov 29, 10, 3:40 pm
#39
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Looks like ignorance, and luck, is bliss. Transited through Midi/Zuid earlier this year (Eurostar=>local train and local train=> Thalys) with no dodgy characters in sight. Maybe I didn't go outside....
Nov 29, 10, 10:56 pm
#40
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If it is luck, then I am the luckiest man alive. I transit/stop at/hang out at Midi dozens of times a year and never have a problem. Like I said above, if you don't appear to be a victim, you won't be a victim.
Nov 30, 10, 4:37 am
#41
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Europe
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I, too, pass through Brussels Midi many times and I must say I find it one of the most unpleasant major stations in Europe. As for not appearing to be a victim - well, the signage is atrocious, especially for the Eurostar entrance. So I do sympathise with those unseasoned travellers who might appear lost or confused and therefore easy prey for the (real or imagined) dodgy characters.
Dec 3, 10, 2:18 pm
#42
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Because they don't realise Midi means South, whereas Nord and Centrale are clear even to people who don't speak any French.
Dec 4, 10, 11:24 pm
#43
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,443
Worse than that, I have encountered English-speaking people who were assuming that Bruxelles-Midi is another name for Bruxelles-Central, presumably under the misapprehension that "midi" is synonymous with "central" (?assuming that "midi" = "middle"?).
Mar 29, 11, 11:41 am
#44
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Brussels,Belgium
Posts: 191
Security situation does not improve at Brussels South (Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid)
Fellow travelers,
Unfortunately I need to report there's still a security issue at Brussels Midi station. Earlier this month I had to chase two guys who had stolen my camera bag at Brussels Midi station. I had already boarded the train when someone distracted me while an other gang member snagged my bag and left the train. Had to leave my luggage on the train to chase the guy to recover my bag.
Be very vigilant at this train station!
Unfortunately I need to report there's still a security issue at Brussels Midi station. Earlier this month I had to chase two guys who had stolen my camera bag at Brussels Midi station. I had already boarded the train when someone distracted me while an other gang member snagged my bag and left the train. Had to leave my luggage on the train to chase the guy to recover my bag.
Be very vigilant at this train station!
Mar 29, 11, 11:45 am
#45
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