Brussels is a vibrant city which serves
as the capital of Belgium as well as the defacto capital of the European Union.
As the largest urban place in Belgium, it has a variety of cultural, historical
and culinary offerings that make it a popular spot for tourists. Originally
founded as a 10th century fortress town, the city now has a population over one
million, with the larger metropolitan area approaching two million. Visitors to
the city tend to be interested in the architecture, art and gastronomy.
Architecture in Brussels represents a variety of times and styles. From medieval structures on the beautiful Grand Palace to postmodern designs at the various European Union buildings. Prominent attractions from an architectural perspective include the Grand Palace, Laken Castle, the Royal Palace and the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral.
The art scene is bustling in Brussels. With over 80 museums in the city, you could spend your whole time savoring the different types of art. Rene’ Magritte, the famous surrealist painter, studied in Brussels. On a lighter note, the city is also home to many famous comic strips, including Lucky Luke, Tintin and Cubitus.
If you enjoy sampling local cuisine, Brussels is a great place for gastronomic indulgence. Known for its beer, fries, waffles, mussels and chocolate, you could plan a whole trip just exploring the food culture in Brussels. Lambic beer is only brewed in the Brussels area, so stopping at a local brewery is worth a visit. Belgian fries are a fun street-side snack or can be served as a side dish to a meal. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate treat from one of the local chocolatiers.
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