BrusselsHome of the
European Union,
Brussels has become a bustling center for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact center of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city center, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed,
together with the best bars and restaurants.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the
Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theaters host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.
Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among
Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.
Getting Around: The modern and well-organized public transport system of Brussels consists of the metro, trams and buses. The network is user-friendly with route diagrams and timetables posted at most stops, and there are free maps available from the tourist office. Trams provide an ideal way to get around and are faster than buses, especially when they travel underground in the city center to become the prémétro. Both tram and bus stops are by request only. There is a separate system of local trains linking the inner city to the outskirts, although they are of minimal use to tourists, except for getting to and from the airport. Tickets are valid for any form of public transport except local trains, and once validated can be used for multiple transfers within an hour. Tickets are fairly cheap; strips of five or ten tickets or day passes are also available. Children below 12 years ride free. Taxis can be hailed from any of the taxi stands around the city; they are metered and expensive, and taxes and tips are included in the price. The city is relatively easy to negotiate by car, though renting a vehicle is unnecessary. The towns of Bruges and
Antwerp are a short train or car journey from Brussels; they are fairly compact and once there it is easy to get around on foot.
Climate: Brussels has a maritime temperate climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The city has a high average annual rainfall, and visitors can expect a downpour any time of year. Temperatures range from highs of around 80°F (27°C) in summer to 45°F (7°C) during the middle of winter. Snow is possible, but not frequent, in winter.
AntwerpAntwerp has shrugged off its reputation as a purely industrial port city and is now known for its energetic nightlife with an active cultural scene. It has a dense concentration of things to see. Among the beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture are many churches, museums and galleries. The work of the local sculptor,
Peter Paul Reubens, surfaces all over the city, most notably at the
Royal Museum of Fine Arts. At the center of the city is the Grote Markt with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. There are countless shopping opportunities and trendy bars and nightclubs around the city for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.
BrugesBruges has the distinction of being Europe's best-preserved medieval city and
Belgium's most popular tourist destination, a veritable 13th-century 'open air museum'. It is a small town with lots of character and charm, with cobbled streets and a maze of waterways inviting exploration by foot, horse-drawn carriage or canal boat. For a spectacular view over the red tiled roofs the more energetic can climb the 366 stairs of the central bell tower (belfort). The winding streets are lined with gorgeous buildings and churches and among them are a collection of museums housing some of the country's finest art, notably the Stadhuis and the
Groeninge Museum. A must-see for visitors to Europe, the entire historic center has been recognized as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bruges is also known also as the '
Venice of the North' and as such attracts many romantics to its intimate streets and canals; the graceful ambience of its ancient buildings provides the perfect backdrop for a special weekend away.
GhentGhent is an old medieval city that has long been overshadowed by Bruges, but holds many attractions for the visitor and has the advantage of having far fewer tourists. It was once the heart of the cloth trade and the largest medieval city in Europe after Paris. Today the old center has many historic buildings including St Bavo's Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts, a turreted castle with a moat, a bell tower for great views, the Town Hall and the 15th-century Cloth Hall.
