Regarded as the capital
of the European Union,
acting as the political
capital of the NATO,
Brussels, the capital
city of Belgium fits
perfectly the archetypal definition of a melting pot,
maintaining though its
own unique character.
In Brussels, one can
find everything from
lavishly ornate
buildings on the Grand
Place, trendy bars and
avenues, until the
physically imposing
Stock Exchange, said to
be the best starting
point for exploring the
city. When Brussels
became the capital city
of the new country
Belgium in the 19th
century, the old town
was destroyed in order
to make way for brand
new ministries, palaces,
schools, army barracks
and office blocks.
Thanks to this, only a
very small part of the
historical center of
Brussels was preserved,
which is highly
disappointing for
tourist, due to this the
city is not the number one
tourist attraction of Belgium.
This Brussels travel
guide continues below...
Keep in mind that
Brussels is a bilingual
city, with both French
and Dutch as official
languages, so all
streets have two names,
if you are lost though,
feel free to ask around
in English as the
majority speaks the
language fluently. The
climate is rather
temperate, with cold
winter and cool summers,
with the highest
temperatures around
July, for the rest of
the year the weather can
be pleasant, but also
rainy, cloudy and humid!
When visiting Brussels,
remember, Visa Cards are
accepted virtually
nowhere, not even by
ATM/Cash machines! Also
keep in mind that shops
tend to open around
10am, and that here you
can find the world’s
first shopping mall,
Galleries Saint Hubert-Sint
Hubertus galerijen,
opened in 1847, a light
and airy triple-gallery
enclosing boutiques,
bookshops, cafés,
restaurants, a theater,
and cinema. A must to
try out are the
delicious Belgian
chocolates and in
Brussels one can find
some of the best
chocolate shops
fulfilling all tastes!
