Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, bordered by Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France. This multilingual, multicultural city has been referred to as the Capital of Europe. With a title like that, it seems strange that so few people have actually taken the time to explore it. Although Brussels has celebrated more than 175 years of statehood, this incredible city has been going strong since the Middle Ages. The city has lived under the rule of many leaders including the Romans, Spanish, Austrian, French, Dutch and German. Aspects of each are still evident in Brussels’ modern cultures and traditions. In Brussels, the languages are just as diverse as the former rulers. Officially though, the city is bilingual with French and Flemish or Dutch being the dominant languages. English is becoming more widely spoken although you will find very little tourism-related information or signs translated to English. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you don’t understand as locals are very willing to assist you if they can.

The city has been split into fifteen communes or boroughs, each one unique. The most visited communes include Bruxelles/Brussel which encompasses many of the city’s most beautiful attraction. Ixelles-Elsene is the place to be seen and to spend the big bucks. Marolles/Marollen is best known for its daily flea market. Saint-Gilles is the most multicultural neighbourhood with flourishing French, Portuguese, Spanish and Polish communities. Molenbeek is one commune you should stay away from. It is not welcoming to outsiders and can even be dangerous. Even the locals stay away.

There is so much to do and wonderful sights to see in the city of Brussels especially if you like museums. Brussels has more than 90 museums, both big and small covering everything from beer to art. If you are planning on taking in some of the sights it is worth purchasing a Brussels Card which provides free access to many museums and complimentary public transportation for 24 to 72 hours. It also provides card holders with discounts to selected stores, restaurants, bars and tours. As for museums you will definitely want to check out the Horta Museum, the Natural Sciences Museum of Belgium, the Musees Royaux des Beaux Arts-Koninklijke Musea voor Schone Kunsten, the Musee Belvue and Belgian Comic Strip Centre. If you want to take in some of Brussels’ more famous landmarks you won’t want to miss the Grand Place (or Grote Markt) which is surrounded by exquisite 300-year-old buildings, home to a summertime light and sound show as well as a number of festivals, restaurants and more. Everyone who visits Brussels has to visit the comical and intriguing Mannekin-Pis – the 17th century bronze statue of a young boy peeing . The city also enjoys the luxury of dressing him in costumes of all kinds. Like we said before, the city is a little quirky.

After all your activity you are going to be hungry and Brussels is full of great food and places to eat. Belgium is most famous for its mussels (moules), fries (frites), chocolate and of course Belgian waffles (gauffre). Some of Brussels lesser known delicious meals include anguilles au vert (river eels in green sauce), turbot waterzooi (turbot fish in cream and egg sauce) and stoemp (mashed vegetables and potatoes). The chocolate here is to die for and the best place for chocaholics to visit is the Place du Grand Sablon-Grote Zavel where you will find the three best chocolate shops in the world; Wittamer, Pierre Marcolini and Neuhaus, each with their own specialty. The best waffle place in the city is also located there. Whatever finally compels you to visit Brussels, once you have been you will find many reasons to return. Brussels climate is characterized by mild winters and warm summers. The average high temperature during the summer season is a balmy 27˚C while the winter season enjoys a comfortable high of around 7˚C. Snow is possible during the winter but not a regular occurrence. Rain however can be expected any time of year so be sure to bring your umbrella.