Overview to Brussels: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Brussels Information
- Eating & drinking in Brussels
- Night life in Brussels
- Getting around in Brussels
- Things to do in Brussels
- Where to stay in Brussels
- Brussels street map
Brussels may not be Europe’s biggest city, but it is a fascinatingly varied place. Although it’s one of the oldest cities on the continent, its place at the heart of the European Union (and as the headquarters of NATO) makes it perfectly clear that Brussels has got one foot firmly in the 21st century.
The capital of Belgium, Brussels is not only the seat of European power but also the home of the country's main legislative bodies and Belgian royal family. Situated in the Flemish region of Belgium, the city is bilingual, with all signs and information provided in both French and Flemish.
The Old Town of Brussels is relatively small, allowing visitors to easily walk around it without any trouble. This part of the city is centered on the most famous square in the city, the Grand Place, which is surrounded by opulent and picturesque buildings established by the various guilds of Brussels.
Taking center-stage here, however, must be the superb gothic city hall. Beautifully lit at night, its central spire reaches up into the sky, while far below its main body seems almost too big for the square. Plenty of visitors can usually be seen desperately trying to take a picture that will really do justice to this spectacular building.
Away from the center of Brussels, there’s the EU Quarter, where the European buildings are clustered. Generally quiet on the weekend, this area comes alive when the work of the EU is taking place inside. Although there are few shops to browse here, there are plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants in which to while away a lazy afternoon.
A little further still from the city center is the Heysel region of Brussels. Here, visitors can enjoy the Bruparck amusement park, famous for being the host of the Mini-Europe exhibition. Also nearby is the Atomium, a giant symbol for the city in the shape of a steel atom, each of whose nine spheres is connected by corridors.
Culturally speaking, the city is outstanding. In addition to a rash of museums, the fantastic Musée Royaux des Beaux-arts complex includes the Musée d’Art Ancien and the Musée d’Art Moderne, a couple of temporary exhibitions and an excellent sculpture gallery.
And this sense of variety extends to all aspects of life in the city: whilst architecturally Art Nouveau and Gothic vie for the visitor’s attention, the Flemish and French heritages of Brussels compete and complement each other - linguistically, culturally and gastronomically.
