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| Grande Place |
While Brussels has become synonymous with the European Union, bureaucracy, diplomacy and politics, it is also a charming, compact European capital.
Gothic and Baroque touches
At first glance, Brussels lives up to its rather grey and staid reputation, with large, characterless official buildings and the uninspiring Rue de Loi. However, the city begins to reveal another face with the verdant Brussels Park. From here, the streets lead to the stunning St Michel cathedral, which boasts some of the finest stained glass in Europe. Heading down the hill towards the famous Grand Place, you pass the Galeries Saint-Hubert, the first shopping centre in northern Europe. The narrow and crowded Heuvel Colline leads to the imposing Grande Place, a massive square lined with 16th and 17th century Gothic and Baroque style buildings.
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| Atomium, a symbol of the city. |
Three things that make Brussels Brussels
But Brussels has a lot more to offer than pretty parks and stunning squares. Indeed, the city is famous for three tasty treats: chocolate, moules frites and beer! Brussels even has a museum dedicated to cocoa and chocolate! The shop windows of internationally renowned chocolatiers such as Neuhaus, Leonidas and Wittamer will tempt even the strongest of wills. True chocolate lovers should visit the city in February when Brussels hosts the Chocolate Passion Festival. To enjoy Brussels' other two specialities, head to one of its many cafes or restaurants, many of which serve delicious moules frites, or mussels and French fries. Moules frites are best accompanied by a glass of ice-cold Belgian beer. However, with over 500 varieties of beer available, you might have some difficulty choosing what to drink!
The heart of Brussels beats in its markets
Brussels has many famous sons, including the musician Jacques Brel. However, its most famous son by far is the Manneken Pis, a small fountain of a little boy peeing. Thought to date from 1388, the exact origins of the fountain are unknown, but there are many legends attached to its history. The best known says that it is the depiction of the son of a count who extinguished the fuse of a bomb by peeing on it. This small statue has over 450 special costumes. During the beer festivals, the Manneken Pis 'pees' beer instead of the usual water: 70 litres an hour!The best way to tour this compact city is on foot. The outdoor markets held on Sundays at the Place Agora and at the Place du Jeu de Balle on Saturdays are worth a trip. To the north of the city, the Atomium, a 102-metre high depiction of a molecule built by architect Andre Waterkeyn in 1958 for the World's Fair, is another Brussels landmark.
So, set aside your preconceptions and enjoy the many faces of Brussels!
Brussels Guide
Climate
Brussels has a marine climate, with cool summers and temperate winters. While the city is a year-round tourist destination, summer is the best time to visit.
Visas
Belgian Embassy Tel: 0312-446 82 47 - 446 82 50 www.diplobel.org Belgian Consulate Tel: 0212-243 33 00
Dialling codes
Belgium: 32 Brussels: 2
How to get there
THY has direct flights to Brussels. THY Tel: 444 08 49.
Where to stay
*****Hotel Amigo: 1- 3 Rue de l'Amigo www.hotelamigo.com, Tel: +32 2 547 4747. Brussels' most prestigious new hotel. The Bistro Le Verlaine serves French and Belgian fare. *****Stanhope Hotel: Rue du Commerce 9, Tel: +32 2 506 9111, www.stanhope.be Located near the European Parliament, Royal Palace and Avenue Louise shopping district. Famous guests include Queen Sirikit of Thailand, the Norwegian royal family, Tony Blair and Paloma Picasso. ****Hotel Silken Berlaymont: Boulevard Charlemagne 11-19, Tel: +32 2 231 0909, www.hoteles-silken.com A modern and elegant hotel in the city centre. Features 20th-century photographic art. *****Royal Windsor Grand Place: Rue Duquesnoy 5, Tel: +32 2 505 5555, royalwindsorbrussels.com An elegant 5-star hotel adjacent to the Grand Place and walking distance to major sights.
Where to eat
Belga Queen: Rue Foffe aux Loups 32, Tel : +32 2 217 2187. This new restaurant serves excellent seafood. Try the lobster consommé. Aux Armes de Bruxelles: Rue des Bouchers 13, Tel : +32 2 511 5598 One of the finest restaurants in Brussels and the best place to enjoy Belgian fare. Try the mussels and carbonade flamande. Comme chez Soi, Place Rouppe 23, Tel : +32 2 512 2921 Some of the best food in Brussels. Enjoy modern French fare. Reservations are recommended. Bistro Du Mail: Rue du Mail 81, Tel: +32 2 539 0697 Brussels' most elegant restaurant. The menu features unusual dishes such as turbot with Italian white truffles and mashed potatoes, and oxtail soup with celery and celeriac. L'idiot Du Village: Rue Notre Seigneur 19, Tel: +32 2 502 5582 Located in a 17th-century building, 'The Village Idiot' is Brussels' most popular restaurant.
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* Spend half a day in the town of Brabant 18 km south of Brussels, where the famous Battle of Waterloo took place. * Car lovers should visit Autoworld, home to some 450 automobiles including vehicles that belonged to former American presidents Kennedy and Roosevelt. * Brussels is a great place to shop for antiques, particularly for Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces. The district known as Sablon is lined with antique shops and shops selling secondhand clothing. Make sure to visit Galeria 92 at 92 Rue Washington, which specialises in Art Deco works. For eclectic furniture and decorative items head to L'Indigo at 160 Rue Blaes. You can find everything from an Art Deco table to a fabulous doorknob. Phillipe Lange at Place de la Justice 2A specialises in secondhand tables of all shapes and sizes, including Art Deco tables. |
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