Belgium Travel Guide
Brussels
A city of contrast and contradiction. Recent attention has focused on Brussels as centre of the European Union, (EU) a very serious organisation. Yet the cities 'mascot' is a small boy peeing - the Manneken Pis. The classical Guildhalls to be found in the main square speak of a prosperous, solid past whilst the enthusiasm for Comic strips speaks of something else altogether. This is a place with many fine restaurants and yet the culinary delights of which it is most proud are the chocolate (mmm, chocolate) and the beer (mmm, beer) both of which are world class.
Brussels is an understated place, it is historical and modern - it can be sensible it can be nuts. It is a bureaucrat's heaven with a piddling boy as its emblem. One thing is true, Brussels has always been at the heart of Europe and this in itself makes it an interesting place to visit.
Where to Go and What to See
Grand Place
Top of every visitor's list is this splendid city square. It is bounded by the cities fine old Guildhalls, the Hotel de Ville (perversely 'The Town Hall) and its myriad open-air cafes and restaurants. The square reflects the wealth Brussels first found in the 14th Century. The original guildhalls were destroyed in bombardment by the French in 1695 but were soon rebuilt to their current splendour.
Manneken Pis
Or Little Julian as he is affectionately known is a small bronze statue of a boy, defiantly peeing. The statue dates back to the mid 14th Century and on special days he is dressed up in one of nearly 700 costumes.
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinee
The succinctly titled Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art reflects the Belgian love for this particular art form. This place is a must for fans of Herges creation, Tintin. There is much original artwork on show as well as other Tintin memorabilia.
Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts
Two museums for the price of one. Housed in one part is the Musee d'Art Ancien whilst the other part holds the Musee d'Art Moderne. Both constitute Belgium's best collection of the finest works of art. The former is devoted to more traditional art forms and includes work from Breugel and Rubens whilst the latter features work by the famed Belgian Surrealists.
Art Nouveau & Art Deco
The Belgians took these more recent forms of expression to their hearts and both are catered for with their own Museums. Fans of Art Nouveau, apart from the examples that are to be found all across the city, can enjoy it best at the Musee Horta. This museum is situated in two houses that were designed and built by the architect Victor Horta. The best area of the city for Art Nouveau buildings is in the Ixelles and St Gilles districts.
For examples of Art Deco look no further than the Musee David et Alice Van Bureen.
And What Else?
As a 13 year old in the mid 70's the thing that impressed me most about Brussels (even more than Little Julian) was the Atomium. This is a giant model of a molecule that was built as an exhibit for the 1958 World Fair. The journey to the top is by elevator. Once there visitors can go to the restaurant and viewing platform before taking the escalators back down.
Brussels has many Churches and Museums that are worth a look. The museums include the Natural Sciences Museum and the Royal Museum of Military History as well as the Musee Magritte named after one of Brussels famed Surrealist artists René Magritte.
There is Always the Beer and the Chocolate
If you are an avowed non-beer drinker then prepare to be converted. It is not unusual to go to a specialist Beer Café and be presented with a menu containing hundreds of different brews. The choice is massive and there should be something to suit every palate. Think of the fun finding that one, special, beer.
The Belgians are rightly proud of their chocolate. The Pralines (filled chocolates) are amongst the worlds finest. You get what you pay for though and the best quality can be as much as nearly 40 Euro per kilo. In Brussels these premium chocs can be found at the confiseries Galler or Wittamer.
Eating and Sleeping
Partly due to its position and partly due to the mixed nature of its populace and the EU contingent, Brussels has some very fine restaurants and cafes. As one might expect of such a modern city it is possible to find a wide choice regarding accommodation from hostels to International Hotel chains. Again due to the EU faction some hotel prices can be a little high.
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