Brussels Regional Overview

Capital of the 27 member states of the European Union, home of the European Parliament, federal capital of Belgium, capital of the Flemish Region and the French Community of Belgium, seat of the NATO ( what is it ? ) headquarters and over 1,200 international organizations, Brussels has a reputation of a certain bureaucratic austerity combined with a politicolinguistics totally incomprehensible for normal minded people. And yet...

Here is a city whose linguistic "problems" which delight foreign Medias are totally absent from the lives of 1.5 million people living in Brussels. 

Here is a city of multilingual citizens who will reply to you in either French, the language spoken by the majority of inhabitants, Dutch or English and often in Spanish or German. 

The welcome given by the people of Brussels is famous.

Here is a city, which since the 17th century has been successively dominated by France, Spain, Austria, again France and the Netherlands. A mixture of culture and customs that have left many traces, engulfing the 175 nationalities that inhabit this cosmopolitan city (one in four inhabitants is of foreign origin).

Therefore, when you will be In Brussels, you will feel at home while being elsewhere!

The capital of Europe is a city of contrasts, with a history that is reflected in its architecture and its ‘trendy’ neighborhoods connected to the clock of globalization. Its business center is a small Manhattan but Brussels is called the ‘Green City’. Due to the huge Forêt de Soignes which are still over 4,300 hectares and makes the city and with his many marvellous parks and gardens, Brussels is one of the most wooded capitals in Europe.

Contemplate the wonderful Grand Place, walk on foot or go by bicycle through the streets that have retained their old character, admire the many houses which are architectural marvels of the renowned Art Nouveau, stroll into the many city parks, discover the masterpieces of Flemish painting and the world famous Belgian reporter.

Try to understand the true meaning of Surrealism of Magritte by visiting his museum, relax on a terrace of the Place du Grand Sablon and enjoy (with moderation) a traditional abbey beer in a 18th century café.

Delight in the specialties of the French-Belgian or exotic cuisine with a choice of restaurants and, finally, enjoy a well-deserved rest in one of its hotels. 

A city open to others, Brussels, in the heart of Europe, is linked by train to Paris in 1 hour 20 minutes, to in 2 hours 5 minutes and to in 3 hours 40 minutes. 

Being housed at a far better rate in one the many hotels, bed and breakfast, appart-hotel of hostels of Brussels, you can make a one day round trip in all these cities. 

Brussels has much more to offer than you think.

It's now up to you to discover it.

© pictures: Olivier van de Kerckhove
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