Bruxelle, Royal City

The Belgian capital, Brussels, is at the heart of Europe: it seems that in some ways resembles a provincial lovely hosts major European institution! In terms of heritage, Brussels does not impress beyond the Grand Place and the area of the Pentagon, but the capital more passion for culture, museums, and a beautiful hand Belgian originality ...





The different areas of Brussels offer a multitude of museums, monuments and squares. A visit to Brussels usually begins with the Grand Place, Grote Markt, which gathered some of the finest buildings in Brussels. In the evening, with light installations, it offers a spectacle quite lovely.

A few minutes walk from the Grote Markt, one can discover the famous Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a little boy about to urinate, a symbol of irreverent spirit of the Belgians.

Nearby you will find the main museums in the Belgian capital; the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, which include a large set of museums, including among others the Royal Museums of Art and History and Museums of the Far East, the Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art, The Museum of Instruments Music (MIM), the Magritte Museum.

Outside the center, the most popular attraction is of course the famous Atomium, (metro line 6 direction Roi Baudouin, stop-Heysel Heysel). Iconic remnant of the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium hosts within its areas of scientific exhibitions.

Between visits, it is important to sit down a moment to enjoy the many Belgian beers, taste a local specialty amazing name, unhurried: Brussels residents, themselves, still know how to take time!



Tour route to Brussels

Starting with the discovery of Brussels, you will discover a cosmopolitan city with many faces. The town consists of a large historic district: the Pentagon, while it is surrounded by several outlying districts, some of which are worth seeing.

At the heart of the Pentagon, featuring the Grand-Place: admire the Town Hall, the beautiful mansions Flemish and steps, go see the Manneken Pis. Around the Grand Place, you can wander in the Royal Gallery St. Hubert, Brussels Stock Exchange, the Royal Theatre de la Monnaie, the Saints Michael and Gudula Cathedral ...

Then go to the Royal Borough through the Monts des Arts where you will not fail to visit the museums of Ancient Art, Modern Art, musical instruments, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Museum of Cinema .. .. Then discover the Royal Palace, the Royal Palace, residence of the King of the Belgians, the largest park in Brussels ...



To the south, continue to the Sablon district where you can visit the places of the Grand Sablon and Petit Sablon, Notre Dame du Sablon, the Palais d'Egmont and the park, and the impressive Palace of Justice .

Then, linger in the popular Marolles where you will discover the Notre-Dame de la Chapelle, the Saints John and Stephen Minimes church, church Brigittines Towers Villers and Anneessens . The weekend, do not forget to come to the flea market that are at the heart of the Place du Jeu de Balle.

You can also take your time walking in the European district, to visit the European institutions, the city park and the park Cinquentennaire, the European Parliament, the Berlaymont, not to mention the famous Chapel of the Resurrection.

In the west of the Pentagon, stroll in the neighborhood of the docks around the square and the church of St. Catherine. Meet at the Center Belgian comic strip adjacent to the Place des Martyrs and the place Brouckère.

Outside the Pentagon, discover the wonders of Art Nouveau in Ixelles on Avenue Louise and around the Bois de la Cambre. Do not miss the home and studio of Victor Horta, Hotel Tassel, Hotel Van Eetvelde ... The popular neighborhood of Schaerbeek, which lies north of the Pentagon is also worth visiting, as is the house Autrique which is full of surprises.



Belgian specialties and restaurants Brussels

Most visitors flock to experience the four major specialties, that is to say, mussels, fries, waffles and chocolate. Many places in Brussels priviligiez initially Belgian specialties restaurant for that matter. The streets around the Grand Place are home to restaurants, but in the corner gard to tourist traps. Please note also, the prices of food in the capital are on average quite high!

- Where to eat the best fries in Brussels? Reviews are divided on the issue, some claim that the best fries in Brussels are served at Fritkot near the Barrière de Saint-Gilles, while others defend the Maison Antoine, Place Jourdanplein.



Belgium has one of the greatest traditions in the world of beer. Brussels is the ideal place to experience the incredible variety of Belgian beers. Typical beers of Brussels are Gueuze and Kriek. Do not miss for your interest in the local specialty 'half and half', a mixture of white wine and champagne.

Here are some places where you can test these beverages:


  • Brasserie de l'Union, 55 Parvis de Saint-Gilles 
  • Woodcock, Rue de Taborastraat 
  • Sudden Death, rue Montagne aux Herbes Vegetables 
  • Delirium Café, deadlock-Fidelity Getrouwheidsgang 


What part out in Brussels?

Like any self-respecting capital, Brussels is famous for its nightlife. Notice to night owls: you will not be disappointed! Brussels is in fact known to travel sometimes romantic, vibrant, party girl and cultural. So everyone will find the ambiance that suits his needs.

Meet at the center of Brussels and you'll reach the bars, pubs and nightclubs the trendiest. Go specifically towards the stock market, this is where the cream nightclubs Brussels. Hip-Hop, Rock, Latin, salsa, techno, Samba everyone will find the atmosphere it needs. The gay community also find happiness in Brussels, the city is home to many nightclubs Gay Friendly: The Box Club (7, rue de Riches Claires), the Demence (Fuse Street Blaesstraat 208) Naughty Party and many others.

For those who like to go out but not necessarily to party until dawn, Brussels also has a lively cultural life (theater, concerts, shows ...), the capital saw throughout the year at the rate of its events.

On the music scene, rock in particular is experiencing a boom especially in Belgium. Some places are symbolic and the majority of concerts that are given are provided by talented artists. Of almost mythical places like Bota, the Beurschouwburg, Halles de Schaerbeek or the Ancienne Belgique and "AB" represent youth Brussels unavoidable places.

While you are rather culture ballad, party or all at once, during your stay in Brussels you will be served.

practical info

Go to Brussels Thalys

To get to Brussels from Paris, the fastest rest to take the Thalys. If you have more time but less money, you turn on the part of many carpools and bus connections (Eurolines iDBUS ...).

Where to stay in Brussels?

Let it be said in Brussels as in many other cities, over a hotel is centrally located, the greater the chances of paying expensive! And Brussels, practical hotel high prices in general. Hostels and small budget hotels are more eccentric, so it's best to get away from the city center if you want to save money during the stay.

Various districts of Brussels offer moods and varied accommodation options:

- The center of the Grand Place (historical center) at Place Rogier, to the central station includes many places: hotels usually offer high prices and upscale establishments, as well as short range of guest houses or B & Bs.

- In the European area, modern hotels, which are primarily intended for business customers can be found. The area is relatively eccentric. However, it should be noted that during the weekend its institutions have much less success then it is sometimes possible to find an interesting promotion on a hotel room.

- The area around the Gare de Bruxelles Midi are a few addresses charmless a situation, however, convenient for those traveling by train. It is located fifteen minutes walk from the historic center of Brussels.

- Along the chic Avenue Louise in Ixelles district, or near Saint-Gilles, you can enjoy a lively and friendly environment, away from the center of course; but regular movement of public transport, bus or tram, compensates the distance without problem.

Key Events in Brussels

In March, runs the Book Fair, the festival of clowns, the festival of contemporary music, and the jazz festival.

In April, the royal greenhouses are open to the public. This is also the month of the Spring Festival Baroque in the Sablon in Brussels. On this occasion the Royal Conservatory musicians take to the streets of the Sablon to give some baroque music concerts outdoors.

In July and August, held the Ommegang, a traditional festival dating back to the fifteenth century.

In September unfolds Heritage Day.

Finally, from December to January, enjoy the Christmas market and ice rink.

Know before you go to Brussels

If you go to Brussels and you plan to visit many museums, then you should consider buying the Brussels Card is a great way to discover the city attractions while saving money. Over a period of twenty-four, "the Pass" costs 20 euros and seventy-two hours is equivalent to 40 euros, which includes public transportation (subway, train, bus), and the entry of 30 museums and discounts at restaurants, bars and cafes in the city.

Unlike the rest of Belgium, French is the dominant language in Brussels, the Flemish being spoken by 20% of the population. Most people speak French in everyday life.

Regarding the weather, the weather in Brussels is usually wet with rain, it rains more than in London or Paris. It can get very cold in winter, even though the temperature rarely drops below freezing, while summer is mild with a small average of twenty degrees.

2 commentaires:

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  2. Hey, I completely agree with your opinion. Brussels is a beautiful place to explore. I visited Brussels a month ago and it was a memorable trip. Visa process was irritating but thank you Belgium visa team as you guys helped me at last moment to book my visa appointment on time.

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