The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is the seat of the European Community, the site of NATO headquarters, and the multilingual meeting point of two distinct cultures, the Dutch Flemings and the French Walloons. So, in terms of world politics and economics, it is a safe bet to say that Brussels is a primary city!
Reaching Brussels is quite easy if you’re in London, Paris or Amsterdam (just to name a few). Eurostar and Thalys services provide high-speed travel to Brussels with numerous connections daily. Traveling to Brussels from London, Paris or Amsterdam allows you to depart the city center and arrive right in the heart of Brussels.
You might expect Brussels to be busy and congested, but the opposite is true. Despite its international stature, Brussels retains an Old World ambiance that inspires a relaxed appreciation of its charms.
You’ll find much to see and do in Brussels, including museum hopping and carefree shopping! The city is known for its museums – there are over seventy! Shopping opportunities abound, as well, and you’ll have no trouble locating anything you might want-including those world-famous Belgian chocolates!
Brussels is also the place for foodies. Whether you want to sample the country’s traditional dishes or taste-tempting entrées from around the world, you can take your pick of over 3,000 restaurants – you’d need at least eight years to enjoy them all!
Brussels’ attractions are delightfully diverse. Take in the Bruegel and Rubens masterpieces at the Museum of Ancient Art, or ponder the Magrittes, Dalis, and other works at the underground Museum of Modern Art.
Venture into the futuristic landmark Atomium. Chat at a mock Venetian café at Mini-Europe. Meet Napoleon’s Waterloo at the notorious battlefield a few miles south of the city.
Brussels nightlife holds promise, too. There are bars, pubs, and clubs in every part of town. What else would you expect from a country that enjoys over 400 brands of beer?! Even the region’s Trappist monks brew some popular, truly delicious ales. Grab a mug and a heaping plate of moules (mussels), like the Bruxellois do!
Brussels is very upscale-prices rival those of New York and London-but savvy shoppers can always find great value. When dining, for example, try the prix fixe menus. Or go ahead and splurge-it isn’t often you’re able to enjoy cuisine of this caliber.
Visitors can also revel in Brussels’ lively arts such as first-rate opera, ballet, symphony, and theater performances.
Brussels enjoys a strong economy and great quality of life. When you walk the cobblestone streets past its tidy shops and cozy pubs, you’ll sense its special elegance.
Start 2010 off in Brussels, at the heart of the city, in the Grand-Place. This is the city’s magnificent medieval square. Then set off in any direction – you’ll find delights everywhere you go!
For those who are interested in, or collectors of cars, motorcycles, SUVs and scooters, Brussels will be the host city to the European Motor Show. From January 14th, 2010 to the 24th, you can experience the Auto Moto Salon (formally known as the European Motor Show). The show will be held at the Brussels Expo, it will focus its attention on light commercial vehicles, but will also feature numerous automotive debuts, scooter and motorcycle displays and even a 4×4 track for visitors to test the new crop of SUVs! If you’d like more information on this motor show, click here.
Visit the Beglium Tourist Office for more information on what to see and do while traveling in Belgium.
Tags: amsterdam, Atomium, Belgium, Brussels, European Motor Show, eurostar, foodies, london, Mini Europe, museums, opera, paris, Thalys, theater
