Introducing Brussels
If ever a city could claim split personality, it’s Brussels. French versus Flemish, historic versus hip, bizarre versus boring. Full of contrasts, contradictions and intrigue, this is a multicultural equation that goes much deeper than just red tape and Eurocrats. An historic heirloom is closer to the mark. And in an age where so much is already discovered, Belgium’s capital seduces as one of Western Europe’s unknowns.
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Brussels is a city of fine food, café culture, Art Nouveau architecture and the surreal. Pull up a chair and join laissez-faire locals who value the city’s casual atmosphere. Watch money go down on swish Ave Louise or buy dried caterpillars just blocks away in Matonge, the capital’s African quarter. Some of the world’s most enduring images of surrealist art were created in the nondescript northern suburb of Jette. And the architecture ranges from monumental edifices such as the Grand Place to organic Art Nouveau façades and the EU’s real-life Gotham City.
Constant among all this is the quality of everyday life – the shopping’s great, the restaurants fab, the chocolate shops sublime and the pub scene extraordinary. For a long time Brussels didn’t go out of its way to impress, but its stint as Cultural Capital of Europe in 2000 saw the city dusted and polished in a flurry that brought renewed life to historic buildings and decaying streets. A new spirit, just short of cockiness, emerged, flaming outside interest and inner-city regeneration. Nearly a decade on, Brussels is looking better than ever.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Visit some of Brussels' oldest cafes on a beer tasting tour
- Follow the trail of Brussels' top chocolate shops
- See the highlights of Belgium on a day trip from Brussels
Last updated: Jan 22, 2013
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Brussels
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Our Top Picks For Brussels
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1 Kick Back
The Grand Place on a summer’s evening
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2 Jewel in the Crown
The capital’s Art Nouveau gems
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3 Art History
Old masters and surrealists at the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts
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4 Popping Beers
Strange brews at the Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze
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5 Bizarre Booty
Koninklijk Museum voor Midden-Afrika