Introduction To Brussels

The capital of Belgium Brussels with it’s 2 million residents and 19 municipalities has for many become the synonym for European Union due to the sheer number of European institutions that have their headquarters in Brussels. But there is much more to Brussels then just European Parliament and European Commission.

Take a stroll on Grand Place, admire the beautiful 300-year old guild buildings while you munch on deliciously tasty waffles you got from a street vendor. On a side note you might want to give cafes and restaurants on Grand Place a miss since they are too pricey or you can splurge once for the views alone. A few minutes away from Grand Place check out Manneken Pis, a statue of little boy that pees, you might even catch him wearing one of his numerous outfits. Visit Atomium (built for Brussels World Fair in 1958 and representing a cell of an iron crystal) it offers beautiful views of Brussels from the top sphere. Or take a walk to the decidedly pretty Place du Grand Sablon, admire the imposing church, pop into chocolatier Wittamer and have a coffee with the locals. And there are the museums – Musées Royaux des Beaux Arts de Belgique with a wonderful collection of Belgian artists and great number of works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Magritte and Van Gogh to name a few. For the hip and trendy there is the Belgian Comic Book Center and for architecture aficionados there is the Horta Museum, located in what used to be Horta’s house and splendid example of Art Nouveau.

When you get peckish a great number of restaurants can be found on Rue des Bouchers-Beenhouwerstraat (just off Grand Place). But you will be haggled in the street by overenthusiastic waiters trying to bring in the punters. They quote you one price outside but when you get in only pricier dishes are available. Do you research beforehand – you simply have to try the local delicacy mussels with a side order of frites (chunky fries). You can find a great number of small shops on the side streets from Grand Place that stock the delicious Belgian chocolate and beer – you can always enjoy those as a midnight snack in your room.

If you are looking for an affordable accommodation in Brussels try one of the hotels listed below.