Brussels

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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.

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.

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Royal Palace.
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Royal Palace.

Lonely Planet photographer
  • Jonathan Smith
  • Lonely Planet photographer
  • Stall at the Place du Grand Sablon antiques market.
  • Triumphal Arch at Parc du Cinquantenaire in the EU Quarter.
  • Lunchtime on the Grand Place.
  • Window shopping in Galeries St Hubert.
  • Traders at the Place du Jeu-de-Balle flea market.
  • Cityscape sculpture on av Toison d'Or.
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