Brussels: Historic and Hip, Bureaucratic and Bizarre

Brussels: Historic and Hip, Bureaucratic and Bizarre, Brussels, Belgium

As Lonely Planet puts it: “Brussels is historic yet hip, bureaucratic yet bizarre, self-confident yet unshowy, and multicultural to its roots.”

Many visitors to Belgium limit their time to Brussels, which is where they almost all arrive. The city is a hub of transportation in Western Europe, with flights to all over the world and high-speed train connections to Amsterdam, Paris, London and beyond. It’s extremely easy to get to Brussels, so there really is no reason not to stop and pay a visit. Additionally, virtually every city in Belgium can be reached by public transportation from Brussels as well—fascinating old cities such as Antwerp, Bruges, Leuven and Ghent are no more than about an hour away.

Brussels may have a reputation of being a rather boring, bureaucratic capital city—it is, after all, the headquarters of NATO, the European Union and many other European institutions—it also has some fantastic attractions, world-class museums and unique architecture.

Located pretty much on the border between efficient Germanic northern Europe and laidback Romance southern Europe, Belgium’s largest city features a great mix of cultures. Add to that an undeniable African influence in certain areas, which dates from the days of the Belgian Congo, and you have a lively and charming city. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
How it works: The full article is featured in the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download the app to your mobile device to read the article offline and create a self-guided walking tour to visit the sights featured in this article. The app's navigation functions guide you from one sight to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Sights Featured in This Article

Guide Name: Brussels: Historic and Hip, Bureaucratic and Bizarre
Guide Location: Belgium » Brussels
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (B))
Author: Bram Reusen
Read it on Author's Website: http://www.travel-experience-live.com/main-attractions-in-brussels-belgium/
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Grand-Place
  • Town Hall
  • St. Hubert Galleries
  • Royal Museums of Fine Arts
  • Manneken Pis
  • Atomium
  • Belgian Comic Strip Center
  • Rue des Bouchers
  • Chez Leon
  • Aux Armes des Brussels
  • Royal Palace
  • Cathedral of St. Michel and Gudule

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


What to Buy in Brussels: 14 Ideas for Travelers

What to Buy in Brussels: 14 Ideas for Travelers

It's no secret that Brussels is not all about JCVD muscles and EU headquarters. Small country as such, Belgium abounds in signature items, such as beer, chocolates and... the peeing boy. All of these have made prime Belgian souvenirs for years. Now you can explore the Brussels gift scene in...
Belgian Beer Tour of Brussels

Belgian Beer Tour of Brussels

Belgium is world-renowned for its beers and Brussels is the best city to sample the huge variety of flavors. We'll show you the best places to buy them and to drink them. We'll even show you a family brewery where the liquid gold is produced right in front of your eyes! This tour is meant...