Brussels

Eurostar trains between Ebbsfleet International and Brussels have average journey times of 1 hour, 41 minute; the route passes through Lille. Highspeed rail is popular, because the Belgian domestic rail network is so well-developed that visitors can reach any Belgian city via train. The best time to visit is either early or late summer, so visitors can appreciate the many outdoor dining and sightseeing opportunities.

Brussels is the unofficial capital city of the European Union (EU) and the largest urban area in Belgium. It is made of 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels proper, which is the capital of Belgium, Flanders and the French Community of Belgium. Brussels was originally a 10th-century fortress town. The metropolitan area has a population of over 1.8 million, making it the largest in Belgium. Since the end of the Second World War; it has been an important centre for international politics.

Linguistic tensions between French and Flemish are prominent here, and the language laws of the areas surrounding Brussels are an issue of much controversy in Belgium. Brussels is a famous European tourist attraction made more accessible by the Eurostar from Lille in France, Ashford, Ebbsfleet and St Pancras in London.

The city is too large to see on foot, so day travel cards are available for public transport. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout, and money exchange booths are available for tourists; at the Bureau of Tourism additional information and “beer maps” can be purchased.

The average price of a 25cl measure of beer is around 1€20 towards the outskirts of the city, but this can easily be double in the Grand’ Place and surrounding areas. It is more expensive than many other European cities as the 21st most expensive city, but renowned for its many excellent restaurants and bars. Being a student city, a lot of good nightlife is available- clubs in Brussels tend to open after about 11 and shut about 6am.

Points of interest

	The House of Victor Horta There are many museums and mansions dedicated to Art Nouveau, and the house of Victor Horta (the movement’s most well-known architect) is a key attraction. Another site for enthusiasts is the Horta-designed museum dedicated to comic strips.
	The Atomium Built in 1958 when Brussels hosted the World’s Fair, the Atomium is a cross between sculpture and architecture. It is a sight to see in its own right, but expositions are also available in the various spheres, and the uppermost houses a restaurant, Chez Adrienne. Mini-Europe is located at the foot of the Atomium, showing the sights and attractions of the whole continent- visitors can see detailed models of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Berlin Wall all in the same location, and fireworks displays are in the summer months. Mini-Europe is constantly developing and expanding with new additions regularly being made.
	The Cantillon brewery The family-run historic brewery has been making LAMBIC, GUEUZE, FARO and KRIEK since 1900. Visitors can taste authentic Gueuze-Lambic in the brewery’s great brewing fair, a public brewing session, where the Master Brewer, Van Roy-Cantillon and friends invite the public to watch the traditional production of their goods and the brewers are always willing to take questions on and discuss their trade if visitors wish to know more. Guided tours run every two hours and admission is 6€ per person, with a complimentary drink of choice, coffee and croissants. The Barrel Warehouse is open for functions.
	Le Grand’ Place Many of the city’s nightclubs, restaurants and bars are located around the main square, also known as the Grote Markt in Flemish, which also functions as a market place, with different specialities on alternative days, such as the flower market and the bird market. Light shows run from spring right through to the autumn months where the whole area and its Flemish Renaissance buildings with statues and ornaments are illuminated for 15 minutes twice a night to a classical soundtrack. Every year it hosts folk and cultural events which are streamed live online, and every other year on August 15 the centre square is covered with a flower carpet of begonias.

Attractions

Brussels Main Attractions

Le Grand Place Many of the city?s nightclubs, restaurants and bars are located around the main square, also known as the Grote Markt in Flemish, which also functions as a market place, with different specialities on alternative days, such as the flower market and the bird market. Light shows run from spring right through to the autumn months where the whole area and its Flemish Renaissance buildings with statues and ornaments are illuminated ... 1000 Musical Instruments Museum (Musee des Instruments de Musique) The museum's reputation is mainly built on its extraordinary collections. With a wealth of some 7000 instruments, the MIM is currently an internationally renowned instrumental museum. Once inside, you'll embark on a true tour of the musical world. After your trip past the some 1500 pieces on exhibit, the instruments and their history will no longer hold any secrets: from viole da gamba from the Court of Brussels to the 20th century ther... 1000 Pierre Marcolini A world wide famously known chocolatier in Brussels, Belgium. amazing taste for good chocolate.... 1000 The Atomium Built in 1958 when Brussels hosted the World?s Fair, the Atomium is a cross between sculpture and architecture. It is a sight to see in its own right, but expositions are also available in the various spheres, and the uppermost houses a restaurant, Chez Adrienne. Mini-Europe is located at the foot of the Atomium, showing the sights and attractions of the whole continent- visitors can see detailed models of the Eiffel Tower, B... 1020 The Cantillon Brewery The family-run historic brewery has been making LAMBIC, GUEUZE, FARO and KRIEK since 1900. Visitors can taste authentic Gueuze-Lambic in the breweryâ??s great brewing fair, a public brewing session, where the Master Brewer, Van Roy-Cantillon and friends invite the public to watch the traditional production of their goods and the brewers are always willing to take questions on and discuss their trade if visitors wish to know more.... 1070 The House of Victor Horta There are many museums and mansions dedicated to Art Nouveau, and the house of Victor Horta (the movementâ??s most well-known architect) is a key attraction. Another site for enthusiasts is the Horta-designed museum dedicated to comic strips.... 75001