Waffles, sublime chocolates and a glass of lambic beer, these are some of the things that Brussels is made of. The city is home to graceful architecture and a querkiness that is compelling. This is after all the home of Tin Tin!

But despite its sweet tooth and legendary love of french fries and mayonnaise and other frivolities, Brussels is the city of Eurocrats, sumptuous, historic and openly luxurious. The city is not just capital of Belgium, but of Flanders and indeed of Europe and where the European Parliament operates. It s easy to soak up the political atmosphere.

Nevertheless, Brussels is an ancient city too and it has retained its medieval qualities within its 14th century city walls (Petit Ring). The compact city centre comprises a maze of narrow streets (where the world-famous Manneken Pis statue can be found) with the Grand Place as its focul point. Within that is variety of somtimes truly beautiful Art Nouveau, Baroque, Neoclassical and Gothic architecture.

Culturally, Brussels has over 100 museums and galleries, an interesting array of shopping options and lots of opportunities for fine dining. Don't miss the pedestrianised cobbled street of Rue aux Boucheres for its back to back restaurants.

Whether it is shopping, culture or cafe culture you opt for, don't come back without trying a waffel or a glass of Kriek (Belgium's most famous beer).

Essential Experiences:

Eat: Waffles
Drink: Beer like Faro or Greuze
Watch: Grand Place/Grote Market
Shop: On A. Dansaert street or St-Hubert GAllery
Listen: To a concert at Ancienne Belgique
Surprise: The former Place of Brussels

Brussels Tourist Office:

City Hall
Grote Markt
1000 Brussels
Tel: 00 32 (0) 2 513 89 40

Useful Websites:

www.brusselsinternational.be
www.visitflanders.com

Also see :

Guide to Brussels

Brussels Top Ten

Belgium Tourist Office

Bruges - A Belgian Gem

21 September 2009