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One of the most beautiful capitals in the European Union
Officially bilingual (Flemish and French), Brussels is a city that offers undeniable historical and cultural riches. Visitors who take the time to explore it will be amply rewarded, for this city is filled with pleasant surprises.
Attractions
The Brussels park stretches between the Palais de la Nation and the Palais Royal. Residence of Prince Philippe, heir to the throne, the Palais Royal is where official receptions are held for dignitaries.
Place Royale is surrounded by beautiful classical-style buildings. On this site, Belgium's Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts house both the Musée d'Art Ancien and the Musée d'Art Moderne.
Built in 1956-1958, the Mont des Arts is located on the raised section between Place Royale and Place de l'Albertine. A group of buildings occupying an entire block, it comprises the Palais des Congrès and the Bibliothèque Royale Albert I, the Albertine, which includes more than three million volumes.
The symbol of Brussels, the famous Grand-Place features exceptional Gothic structures. Dating back to the 15th century, the town hall has several sumptuous rooms and a facade that is decorated with some of the most stunning works of Gothic flamboyance.
A statuette measuring a little less than 60 cm (24 in), the very famous Manneken-Pis is another great symbol of the city. Also known as "Petit Julien," he has been relieving himself at the corner of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne since 1619.
Heading up Rue Neuve, the most commercial pedestrian street in the city, you will reach Place des Martyrs. From there, narrow Rue du Persil and Rue des Marais will lead you to the Musée de la Bande Dessinée (a museum dedicated to comic strips), at 20 Rue des Sables. Open since 1989, this establishment honours the greatest comic artists of the world, many of whom are from Belgium.
Southeast of Brussels is the beautiful Forest of Soignes, a 4,300-ha (10,625-acre) public natural site. It constitutes the last remains of the vast forest that lay to the west of the Ardennes. The Groenendaal hamlet, with its 14th-century Augustine monastery, occupies a valley nestled in the heart of the forest.
Going Out
Since the 13th century, the Grand-Place has been the commercial heart of the lower city, as you will notice when you read the street names: Rue Chair-et-Pain (Meat and Bread Street), Rue du Poivre (Pepper Street), Rue des Harengs (Herring Street), Rue des Bouchers (Butchers Street), Rue au Beurre (Butter Street), etc. From Rue des Bouchers, a pedestrian street filled with restaurants aimed at tourists, the Scuddeveld cul-de-sac leads to the Théâtre de Toone, the last puppet theatre in Brussels.
North of the Grand-Place stands the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, which welcomes the biggest names in lyrical arts and ballet. In 1830, a riot ensued following the premiere of the opera La Muette de Portici, which retells the story of Naples's uprising against the Spanish in 1674.
Where on earth
Brussels is located approximately 300 km (186 mi) northwest of Paris. Capital of Belgium, it is practically in the heart of the country and its population mainly speaks French. It is also home to NATO Headquarters. In Dutch, Brussels is pronounced Brussel.
