Brussels
The Center of Europe
Brussels is the center of Europe both geographically and politically. As the capital of the European Union, it has become a thriving
metropolis despite its surprisingly small size. Blending French and Flemish culture, only about half of its population is actually Belgian,
and when tourists are added into the mix, you have a great cosmopolitan capital.
Being a multicultural city means diverse styles and cuisines, found throughout its narrow streets centered around the Grand Place. That
is one of the world's most beautiful squares, from where you can walk to the city's numerous refined restaurants and boutiques. Then
there are the country's world-class chocolates and beer, both satisfying options for a late-night stop at a café or bar.
 
|
- The grandiose GRAND PLACE.
- The splendid collection of the Fine Arts Museum.
- The striking Atomium.
- The unique collection of the Musical Instruments Museum.
- The fabulous designs inside the Horta Museum.
- The eclectic collection of the David and Alice van Buuren Museum.
- The iconic MANNEKEN PIS.
- The magnificent stained-glass windows of the
ST-MICHEL ET STE-GUDULE CATHEDRAL.
- Shopping down RUE ANTOINE DANSAERT.
- The governmental buildings of the EUROPEAN QUARTER.
Look for the hotel or hostel that best matches your budget, type of trip or personality. Here you can guarantee a room but you do NOT pay anything at the time of booking. Payments are only made at the hotel and there are no booking fees.
Most hotels allow cancellations with no penalty if done up to 24 or 48 hours in advance. You'll see that information at the time of booking and again in the confirmation email.
The classic French cuisine served at the more sophisticated restaurants in Brussels has earned the city a number of Michelin stars and other awards. But the younger chefs are finally experimenting with other flavors, and the more recent, well-designed restaurants are starting to offer more diverse options. They tend to match the high standards set by the others in the past, and are often equally expensive. What that all means is that you'll eat very well and get what you pay for in the Belgian capital: Start your day at a café, try the mussels, and dine fine cuisine.
When shopping in Brussels, the first street to head to is Rue Antoine Dansaert. That's the place for the local designers' avant-garde boutiques
together with the more familiar international labels, while for the flagship shops of the well-known fashions designers (from Armani to Gucci),
head to Waterloo Lann and Avenue Louise. Also pass by the
pedestrian Rue Neuve and the Royal St. Hubert Galleries,
the oldest covered shopping arcade in Europe not far from the Grand Place.
Browse the shops there, and rest at one of the many cafés. Also don't leave town without the "must buy" which is, of course, Belgian chocolate.
|
|
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
