Destination guide

Brussels

Brussels, with the EU within its walls, is Europe’s political center, but that is not the only reason for its resurgence onto the world map. Visitors are starting to notice things about this capital that sets it apart from others – little clues of eccentricity and individuality show that it is not just a city of bureaucrats, beer and Tintin. First of all there is its rich history. The streets themselves are lined with every style from gothic and baroque to surprising additions of art nouveau and art deco, two styles that Brussels pioneered. Surrealism also made a debut in Brussels when two of its residents, René Magritte and Paul Delvaux, initiated this bizarre movement. Secondly there is the cuisine. Although its name has been given to a sprout, Brussels is in fact fast becoming another capital; that of gastronomy.   A gourmet revival has recently been cleaning up traditional Belgium recipes, revamping street cafés and bringing multiple awards and accolades to restaurants. Lastly, there is Belgium itself, a country of astonishing variety flexed between Flemish and French. Its wealthy past has given rise to multiple cities all within close proximity – Bruges, Antwerp and Gent are all easily assessable from the capital, as are the canals of the Low Countries and the Ardennes. However you prioritize your itinerary we have selected the very best to help you pick and choose your way through Europe’s capital.