Brussels is often dubbed the 'Capital of Europe' which makes it sound modern, a little intimidating and perhaps even a touch soul-less. But Brussels is in fact an intimate, human and convivial. Everything you could want to do and see is within walking distance and while the city keeps in touch with its medieval roots it does so in its own distinct and friendly way. The home of Victor Horta, inventor of Art Nouveau architecture, Breughel, Jacques Brel and of course Hergé, the creator of TinTin. In Brussels you can expect to find numerous treasures in the form of stunning art collections, amazing restaurants, unique Belgium beers and master chocolatiers. But with so much on offer, where do you start?
Belgium's season and weather is much like our own in the UK with warm but pleasant summers, upbeat springs, golden autumns and crisp winters. In December the Christmas fair dispels the winter darkness so if you choose to visit later in the year it's a magical time to experience Brussels. It rains frequently in all season and in winter the winds off the North Sea and the Baltic can cause the city to be very chilly, so make sure to keep that in mind when packing your suitcase.
Flights to Brussels are offered by a number of airlines, with easyJet always offering great value for money, and Belgium's main international airport is at Zaventem just nine miles east of the city. From there you can easy, and cheaply, travel by train into the city centre or bus. If you would rather not fly then there is of course always the option of hopping on the Eurostar and arriving in Brussels at the Gare du Midi, also called Brussel-Zuidi and then travelling onwards to all areas of the city.
Travelling around Brussels in easy, with pretty much everything within walking distance, but you can also use the excellent public transport system of interconnected metro, tram and bus networks. If you want a little more freedom, or fancy seeing more of Belgium, then you can always hire a car.
Once you're in Brussels you are spoilt for choice as to how you spend your time. The best places to visit would be the Grand Place, a masterpiece of theatrical architecture and the jewel in the city's crown and the Musée Royaux de Beaux Arts which showcases stunning Belgian art throughout the ages. Then if you fancy something indulgent stop by Pierre Marcolini's and try his amazing, pralines with melt-in-your-mouth ganaches made from exotic teas, as well as his other delicious Belgium chocolate creations. If you're still feeling peckish then enjoy a spot of brunch at Am Sweet, a gorgeous cafe on a village-like street and designed to resemble a Parisian apartment, you can also try even more delicious sweets and chocolates. You can also enjoy some wonderful sights for free, such as the gorgeous Galeries Royales St Hubert, Europe's first covered shopping galary which houses a collection of 54 upmarket stores or visit Le Botanique and wander through what was once the city's botanical gardens and is now a cultural centre housed in neoclassical glass and wrought iron, with traditional, manicured gardens. Of course it wouldn't be a visit to Brussels without visiting the Musée Hergé where you can see works that we all know but also pieces that have been sitting in studios and bank vaults for years, as well as much more that is sure to excite any TinTin fan.
Brussels is quickly becoming a trendy spot for weekend getaways and holidays, and the city has much more to offer than just beer and chocolate, although they are delicious and well worth trying while in the city. Officially nicknames 'the European Village' with almost 90 museums, beautiful parks, amazing restaurants and bars, Brussels has so much to offer that you'll want to keep coming back for more, just make sure to pack a folding umbrella and a comfy pair of shoes!
