Brussels – 'Capital of Europe'
As the home of the three main institutions of the European Union – the Commission, Parliament and Council of Ministers – Brussels has become known as the 'Capital of Europe'. Located in the heart of Belgium and within easy reach of Paris, London, Amsterdam and Cologne, this city of just under one million inhabitants is noted for its relaxed atmosphere which encourages a leisurely appreciation of its gourmet restaurants, hundreds of specialty beers and chocolates. It is also home to the richest and most diversified Art Nouveau heritage of any city in Europe with more than 500 spectacular buildings and facades lining the streets and squares of the capital, interspersed with Gothic, Art Deco, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural masterpieces.
Among its many attractions:
Grand' Place – hidden in the heart of the city, this stunning square houses the gothic city hall (Hôtel de Ville) and is lined with old Guild halls, now home to numerous pubs and cafés.
Manneken Pis – a famous symbol of the city, the statue of a little boy is located 3 blocks from the Grand Place on the corner of Rue de l'Etuve and Rue du Chêne. With over 675 costumes to his name, donated from all over the world, he changes outfits every few days.
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles – the museum is dedicated to the history of the city which is explored through tapestries, old maps, architectural relics, paintings, and three dimensional models.
Musée du Costume et de la Dentelle – famous for its beautiful lace and costumes on display.
Galeries St Hubert – a 19th glass-vaulted arcade lined with gourmet chocolate shops, luxury goods, restaurants and bookshops, close to the Grand' Place.
Cathédrale des Sts Michel & Gudule is a beautiful often-overlooked twin-towered Cathedral just north of the Gare Centrale. The Cathedral was built over a 300-year period and consequently boasts a blend of architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance.
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée in the Grand Magasin Waucquez is the Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art, located at Rue des Sables 20 not far from the Grand' Place. The centre plays host to some beautiful, vivid, vibrant comic strip characters including Tintin and Lucky Luke. The building itself is an impressive example of art nouveau and was once a large department store, now called Waucquez Warehouse.
Atomium – this giant representation of an iron crystal molecule was built for the World Fair in 1958 but soon became a symbol of post-war success. Situated in the north-west of the city close to the Heysel sports stadium, it is easily accessible by bus and Metro.
For further information in English about places to visit and things to do in Brussels, please visit:
http://www.bruxelles.irisnet.be/en/tourismeloisirs/tourisme_et_loisirs/
office_du_tourisme.shtml