"Brussels" a Brussels Travel Page by Willettsworld

Brussels is both the capital of Belgium and the centre of government for the European Union. It lies at the centre of a country which is normally associated as being boring but it's far from being that. Brussels is the most visited place in Belgium with some six million visitors a year who take in it's architecture, history, museums, cuisine and culture.

The city centre is divided into two main areas - the Lower Town where, historically, workers and immigrants lived which is where you'll find the Grand Place - Brussels' most famous area which is home to the town hall and 17th century merchant houses and the Upper Town which was once the traditional home of the aristocracy which is where you'll find the Royal Palace and cathedral.

Brussels contains a wealth a historical architecture from grand medieval towers to the glittering post-modern structures of European institutions. With a few examples of medieval Brabant Gothic still on show, the capital of the E.U. has the best Flemish Renaissance architecture in the world in the Baroque splendour of the Grand Place, as well as elegant Neo-Classical churches and buildings such as the Bourse (the Stock Exchange). The quantity and quality of Art Nouveau buildings in the city are abundant. Some 2,000 houses and other buildings were built in the style which was led by Brussels architect Victor Horta and the Antwerp-born interior designer Henry van de Velde following it's introduction in England.

Walk down any street in the city centre and you'll find a chocolate shop selling Belgian chocolates which are the finest in the world. They are bought by both tourists and locals alike and some of them provide free tasting samples. The Belgians love beer so there's plenty of bars around and also many varied restaurants such as local cuisine, Thai, Indian, Italian etc to Greek kebad shops (I saw loads whilst walking around!). One of my favourite snacks whilst walking around were the waffles which are completly different to any I've eaten elsewhere. They're made from sweet batter which is more like a solid batter bread type dough than liquid batter I've seen in the US and taste great.

I spent 3 days in Brussels over a bank holiday weekend in which I spent 2 days in Brussels itself and 1 day in Antwerp. Brussels is very easy to get to with very good road, rail and air links to other European cities. I came from London on the Eurostar which only took 2.5hrs and so recommend coming here to anyone who wants to do the same.