Brussels
Not only the capital of Belgium, but being a multi-cultural and multi-lingual
city at the very heart of the European Union, it does indeed, claim, with
some justification to be the ‘Capital of Europe’. This inland
capital city of Belgium, bordered by The Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg
and France, was found to be the ideal home of the European Parliament.
Must see and do:
- The city boasts probably the most beautiful square in Europe, the Grand Place, with its flamboyant gothic style buildings and Town Hall.
- Around the Grand Place are tiny streets lined with restored Renaissance or Belle Époque houses.
- Explore peaceful Sablon for antiques housed in elegant centuries' old buildings.
- The majestic Cathedral overlooks the city with its fine buildings, monuments, beautiful parks and woods.
- Other places of interest include the Fine Arts, Comic Strip, musical instruments and military museums. Referring back to fine arts, the great masterpieces of Rubens and Van Dyke can be found in Brussels together, as can Magritte’s modern surrealism.
- Visit the daily flower market at the Grand Place or the daily flea market in Les Marolles and each Saturday and Sunday morning the weekly antiques market at Place Du Sablon is also popular. Take a stroll along Avenue Louise to find designer wear and jewellery.
- On the outskirts lie the astonishing Atomism and a mini-Europe of famous landmarks. The Royal Palace is an imposing building with a nice view of the city. The Botanical Gardens are also worth a visit, with many plants from all over the world.
The excellent value Brussels City Card offers free public transport and free or reduced entrance to many of the city’s museums, together with discounts for restaurants and sightseeing tours. The card is valid for three days and available for £21 per person.
With a pleasant temperate climate (warm summers and mild winters) and a host of sights and delights to entertain, Brussels offers the visitor a great deal more than just beer and chocolate (although excelling in both). Brussels is not a city for slimmers. Food buffs say its cuisine equals, if not betters, Paris. It boasts over 1800 eating-places from exclusive gourmet restaurants to small bistros serving the delicious local speciality of “Moules-Frites” – mussels and chips.
Rich in history, Brussels is a sophisticated city with a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The secret of Brussels is to go with the flow and allow yourself to become part of its charming everyday life.
