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Travel Destination Guide - Brussels
Brussels (Belgium) 
Brussels Information
Slideshow of Photos
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Belgium's capital is in fact an astonishingly cosmopolitan city, and it offers the visitor some of Europe's finest Flemish Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture, some good shops and museums and a selection of restaurants which even the most demanding Parisian might envy.
Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling centre for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout the city.
Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact centre of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city centre, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets, as this is where the key sights are to be found, along with the best bars and restaurants.
Central Brussels is divided into two main areas, the Lower and Upper Towns. The Lower Town comprises the medieval city centre, built around the imposing Grand Place, a former market square. The area is easy to get around on foot, its cobbled streets leading to popular quarters such as Ilôt Sacré, Ste Catherine, St Géry and Marolles.
The Upper Town, to the southeast, has a vastly different atmosphere. The traditional base of Brussels' French-speaking elite, it's home to wide boulevards, major museums, chic shopping areas around Sablon and Ave Louise, and monumental buildings including the Belgian parliament.
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Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace.
The National Opera House and many other theatres host a variety of events and concerts for those interested in a bit of high culture, while the many restaurants offer gastronomic delights, which can be followed by a drink or two in one of the lively bars near the Grand Place.
Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.
While there are certainly areas and buildings which could do with an injection of character and personality, you only have to peep into the quirky Cartoon Museum, rummage around the markets of the Sablon, or saunter through the Parc du Cinquantenaire to see that Brussels is well worth a visit.
Brussels is known as the 'world's headquarters' and is home to the European Union and NATO. Just as important, it is the meeting point between Flemish Flanders and French Wallonia and is the only officially bilingual city in Belgium.
The country's colonial past is represented by a significant Congolese population as well as North African and Middle Eastern communities.
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Population: 10.364.400
Languages: Dutch (Flemish) 60%, French 40%, German less than
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Belgium - Brussels
Country Dialling Code: +32
Voltage: 230V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
 
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Nestled between France, Germany and Holland/Netherlands, Belgium is one of the smallest countries on the continent. But its size is no hindrance to its variety. From the wilds of the Ardennes to the mediaeval splendours of Bruges, from the high-octane nightlife of Antwerp to the restaurants of Brussels, there is something for everyone to savour.
It may be little, but it is lovely, and it is sad indeed that Belgium is often overlooked when travellers plan a tour of Europe. Tucked between the desirable and obvious destinations of London, Paris and Amsterdam, Belgium is usually used merely as a stepping stone for crossing the English Channel, or, at most, a quick stop-over for a looksee in the capital, Brussels.
Beyond that city with its historic Gothic buildings and tall European Union office blocks is a treasure-trove of undiscovered lazy seaside towns, and inland the wooded gorges of the splendid Ardennes, sprinkled with medieval castles and steeped in folklore. The medieval city of Bruges has character and charm galore with a rich architectural heritage, graceful canals and waterways and cobbled streets, and is a favourite with visitors. Belgium is a country that has inspired artists and writers with its Gothic cathedrals, town halls, gabled guildhouses and rich museums.
After a busy day exploring it all, spend an evening experiencing Belgium's fantastic cuisine and sampling some of the country's 300-odd brews of beer. Belgians have a reputation for being extremely hospitable; welcoming travellers, no doubt because the country's location has ensured it has always been an international crossroads for commerce and culture. Despite this Belgium and its distinct regions of Flemish Flanders (north) and French Wallonia (south) has proudly preserved its traditions and identity. |
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Local Area Weather
Brussels, BELGIUM |
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