Brussels: 5 reasons to visit the heart of Europe

Brussels is one of those cities you get to know gradually, revealing many interesting contrasts as you explore beyond its surface-level identity as the Capital of Europe. While walking around, you will see great historic buildings standing right alongside cheerful, modern murals, and at the same time, you are surrounded by the pleasant smell of chocolate or craft beer from local shops. 

A vacation in Brussels gives you the chance to experience this unique world of culinary attractions, artistic details, and beautiful public squares. 

Reaching the city is also very convenient because of its excellent connections, including two international airports, Zaventem and Charleroi, and a central station served by high-speed trains. 

For anyone interested in a more exclusive and private travel arrangement, tailor-made options for private jet to Brussels are also available, ensuring direct access to the city.

If you are still wondering why you should choose Brussels for your next trip, the following five reasons will explain what makes the city so appealing.

The beauty of the Grand-Place

The center of Brussels offers three different experiences, all located conveniently within a short walk of each other. You can begin at the Grand-Place, which is a large, historic square designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its impressive buildings with gold-detailed facades that look amazing both in daylight and at night.

A few steps away, the atmosphere becomes more vibrant and informal thanks to the famous Manneken-Pis, a small statue of a urinating boy that has become a playful symbol of the city and is frequently dressed in various costumes.

Finally, you can take a walk to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, an elegant 19^thcentury shopping arcade that provides a very different experience as you walk below its glass roof, looking at the windows of famous chocolateries and luxury shops in a traditional setting. 

A treat for the mouth: chocolate, beer, and French fries

Brussels is a paradise for foodies, and its culinary offerings are the only reason you need to visit. Chocolate is the main character of the city, especially pralines, small filled delicacies invented here: if you take a walk through the windows of chocolate shops, from historic to artisanal, you are constantly tempted. 

Alongside chocolate, beer reigns supreme: Belgium boasts one of the richest brewing traditions in the world, and in Brussels you can taste many different varieties. But the real soul of the local cuisine is frites, French fries, served in the typical paper cone and accompanied by many different sauces, which are an essential snack.

Art Nouveau and Magritte

Brussels is more than just its gastronomy, as the city is also a must-see destination for art lovers, especially for two movements that found their highest expression here.

The first one is Art Nouveau, an extremely elegant architectural style inspired by nature, of which Brussels is considered the true cradle. Take a stroll through the neighborhoods of Saint-Gilles and Ixelles, because that is where architect Victor Horta created his masterpieces, transforming ordinary buildings into works of art with their curved lines, wrought iron that looks like plants, and wonderful floral mosaics.

The second one is Surrealism, represented by the genius of Renè Magritte. A visit to his museum lets you dive deep into his most famous works: a journey that plays with your sense of reality and will make you question everything, among skies entering rooms and his iconic men in bowler hats.

The pop and futuristic face of Brussels

Brussels also displays a fun and creative identity, primarily through its status as Capital of European comics where famous characters like Tintin and the Smurfs were created by Belgian artists.

This unique cultural aspect can be explored by following the “Comic Strip Trail”, an itinerary of large, colorful murals on buildings facades that makes walking through the city an interesting discovery.

A different side of the city’s innovative character is represented by the Atomium, a giant reproduction of an iron crystal from the 1958 World’s Fair that symbolizes scientific progress and provides a spectacular panoramic view.

Tips for a perfect vacation

For a perfect vacation, it is useful to know that a walk through the European Quarter offers a clear sense of the city’s international atmosphere as you see the buildings of the European Parliament and Commission. 

To get the most out of your vacation, wear comfortable shoes: the historic center can be easily visited on foot, but to reach attractions such as the Atomium or some Art Nouveau neighborhoods, you can rely on the excellent public transport network. 

The city is officially bilingual and French and Flemish are spoken, but you can easily communicate also in English, which is spoken almost everywhere.

However, the most important tip is to wander around, explore flea markets such as Marolles, relax in the parks and enjoy a quiet coffee while watching life go by. This is how Brussels will reveal its true soul, that of a welcoming city waiting to be discovered.

Image by Walkerssk from Pixabay