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 Though it has become the seat of many European institutions such as the EU Parliament and the European Commission, and of large international organisations such as NATO, the Belgian capital still conserves its provincial air, with its old working-class districts and rich, varied cultural life.
A good starting point for a tour of Brussels is the impressive Grand Place, nerve centre of the lower city and the capital, flanked by monumental historic buildings in various styles – Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance – including traditional guildhouses sporting such evocative names as The Fox, The She-Wolf, The Stock Exchange and The Horn, as well as the Town Hall.
Continuing our walk, we come to the famous Manneken Pis, the famous statue of the boy urinating, which dates back to 1691. Nearby, in legendary Rue des Bouchers, we can take a break at one of the many pavement cafés, or visit the Saint Hubert Gallery, the largest covered shopping street in Europe, opened in 1846. Another must-see is the immense Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula, a Gothic monument with twin towers, famed particularly for its stained-glass windows.
A stone’s throw from Brussels Cathedral stand the national Parliament and the superb Palace Royal, a building completed in 1865 and which possesses many splendid salons.
Other important sights here include: the Mont des Arts, where we find the Library and the Royal Palace; the Museums of Fine Art and Ancient Art, with works by Flemish painters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck; and the Museum of Modern Art (works by Delvaux, Magritte, etc.).
This walking tour can well end outside the Palace of Justice (the largest civil building in Europe in its day).
Turning our attention now to the upper city, we find Sablon, a charming and picturesque quarter known for its markets and antique shops, its chocolate shops and its narrow streets. Another option is to visit such interesting and attracting neighbourhoods as Ixelles and Saint Gillis, where we can admire many buildings in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, movements which had great artistic impact here.
A tour of the Belgian capital is not complete without a visit to the unusual Atomium, an emblematic structure formed by 9 giant atoms, 102 metres high and weighing 2,400 tonnes, built on the occasion of the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. Visitors will also be charmed by a pleasant walk through some of the lovely parks and woods that surround the city.
Brussels is also an excellent base from which to visit Flanders and even the rest of Europe, as the Belgian capital is well-communicated with all the major capitals, including London, Paris and Amsterdam, as well as other Flemish cities, all at an average distance of just 50 kilometres. |
The Eurostars Montgomery has 63 spacious rooms furnished with all the modern facilities to be expected of a true five-star establishment. The refined decoration, personalised in each room, is in three thematic styles: Asian, Romantic and Marine.
Large desk with fax, data port, Wi-Fi Internet connection, safe and DVD player. 24-hour room service. 
Large desk with fax, data port, Wi-Fi Internet connection, safe and DVD player. 24-hour room service. 
