Brussels, Belgium — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Brussels
Brussels is packed tight with historic buildings, monuments and museums making a nearly impossibly long list of worthwhile attractions. The best way to sightsee in Brussels is to pick several personal niche interests and follow a tourist map accordingly. Comic book fan? - there is a museum for you; chocolate connoisseur (who isn't)? - another for you. In fact, there are nearly 75 great museums in Brussels alternating between explaining Belgium's long history, showcasing its art and architecture, and just plain fun (more often than not, doing all three at once). Of course, several city landmarks cannot be missed, the most important is a visit to Mannekin-Pis, which when read carefully accurately describes the statue of a boy peeing. After that rather weird tradition, visitors are free to roam Brussels' larger highlights mostly walkable from the heart of Brussels, the Grand Place. The ancient Hotel de Ville is Brussels best example of early architecture and is almost as grand a sight as the Royal Palace. Several of the best museums in the world include the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art, both housing Brussels best art treasures. For the rest, much like the Belgians, relax, enjoy and take it all in between pints of the city's best attraction, Belgium beer.
Shopping in Brussels
Shopping in Brussels can almost be termed a sport, as a lot of the wealthy residents spend an awful lot of their time and money competing with each other for the best buys and designer goods. Head down to the Boulevard de Waterloo area Avenue Louise where all the designer shops and boutiques can be found. Here one can expect to see names such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, Chanel and Bvlgari, to name a few. Specialty shops can be found in Rue Haute and Rue Blaes. The Rue Neuve is the main pedestrian shopping street and is coincidentally the longest one in Brussels. Here shoppers can find mostly international chain stores while more original independent stores are located between the Grand Place and the Rue Lemonnier. The Westland Shopping Mall boasts over 140 shops and has all the usual big department stores and trendy stores, great for clothing, jewelry, books and much more. Most shops close at approximately 6pm every day and sales tax is 21 percent, which can be refunded to non-EU citizens by any of the shops affiliated to Global Refund Belgium .Shops that participate will issue a global refund check and this can be stamped at customs and cashed upon leaving the country.
Brussels Nightlife
Like a jazz rhythm that defines so much of the city's music, Brussels' nightlife is impromptu, at times schizophrenic, alternately relaxing and cool or hot and fast. Although there are a host of choices for eclectic nightlife, the city after dark is often outshone by brighter and more vibrant European cities. Most Brussels locals anchor the afternoon to the night with a pint or two of their world famous beer. This is best done in one of the many Old World-style pubs or cafés littered about the city, such as in Place Brouckere. These are more after work meeting places, popular with all ages, than party destinations. A mellow evening can continue with jazz concerts in the many jazz clubs, or with theater and dance shows. An edgier side of Brussels herds late night bar and club goers into eccentric themed venues. Rue du Marché au Charbon is a lively strip of bright bars. Upper-town clubs tend to be more trendy and expensive than lower-town, where a more casual clientèle dances the night away to electronic beats. Renowned DJ's frequent Brussels' clubs and a regular line-up of heavyweight bands play at the city's concert venues.
Attractions for Kids
Brussels is a great city for kids of all ages and nationalities to enjoy. Take the children for a stroll through the street of the city, and don't forget to stop and check out with Mannekin-Pis, which the kids will have a good chuckle at. A highlight for lovers of cartoons is a visit to the Belgian Center of Comic Strip Art, featuring displays of favorites such as Tintin and the Smurfs - a real treat for children. During the summer months, a trip to one of Brussels' water parks is a must, such as Walibi Belgium where dozens of slides and rides can be enjoyed. A trip to Bruparck is not to be forgotten either, where attractions such as the Oceadium water park, Mini Europe and the Atomium can be seen and families are guaranteed a fun-filled day. When the weather is miserable and taking the children outdoors isn't an option, head to one of Brussels' fabulous museums, such as the Brussels Children's Museum for the little ones, or the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium for slightly older children where the dinosaur exhibit is sure to thrill!
