Brussels

Brussels – the beating heart of Europe

Art Nouveau and Comic Culture
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and the administrative centre of the European Union as well as the NATO. The townscape is characterised by monumental palaces and modern high-rise buildings, boulevards and grand avenues, dreamy art nouveau districts and impressive cathedrals, castles and parks. Artists such as the painter Magritte or the singer Jacques Brel are two famous sons of the city. The murals on house walls of well known comic heroes as well as the metro stations with their colourful wall paintings are an unusual sight. Among the most popular tourist attractions in Brussels are the Grand Place (Market Square) with its united baroque front façade which has been declared a UNESCO world heritage, the gothic Rathhaus (Town Hall) in the old town centre, the St. Michael Cathedral and the Atomium in Laeken, the landmark of the world exposition held in Brussels in 1958. The 60 cm statuette Manneken Pis is also a tourist magnet as well as the Triumphbogen, the art déco Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Stock Exchange, the Kunstberg and of course the modern buildings in the European district Leopold.

French Fries, Waffles, Chocolates and Beer
The culinary offer covers approx. 1,800 restaurants which include high class, gourmet temples boasting Michelin stars as well as cosy bistros and brasseries. Pubs in Belgium are called Cafés, coffee houses are known as Salons de Thé. Apart from the famous Pommes Frites, other specialities include Brussels Waffles, traditional chocolates and fine pralines from renowned manufacturers Neuhaus, Leonidas or Godiva. Last but not least is the high proof Belgium beer with its limitless diversity in style as well as taste. Supermarkets in Brussels could easily be mistaken for delicatessens.

The Luminous City by Night
Once night falls Brussels becomes a city of coloured lights. Countless tourist attractions and houses are illuminated or pictures are projected on the fronts of buildings. Brussels enjoys a very vibrant nightlife. Dancing brings multiple nationalities together, some working for the EU others for the NATO. Since there is no official closing time in Brussels, hotel guests can enjoy a full nightlife experience before returning to one of the magnificent luxury hotels, the grandest being without doubt the Metropole.