Overview:
Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling
centre for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving
cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a
fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous
museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls
is the compact centre of the old city with the beautiful Grand
Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the
'petit ring' of the city centre, clearly defined from the newer
glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the
key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and
restaurants.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture,
marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend
time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate
and lace. The National Opera House and many other theatres host a
variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture,
and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights.
These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of
the lively bars located near the Grand Place.
Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and
architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a
diner's capital.
Getting Around:The modern and well-organised public transport
system of Brussels consists of the metro, trams and buses. The
network is user-friendly with route diagrams and timetables posted
at most stops, and there are free maps available from the tourist
office. Trams provide an ideal way to get around and are faster
than buses, especially when they travel underground in the city
centre to become the prémétro. Both tram and bus stops are by
request only. There is a separate system of local trains linking
the inner city to the outskirts, although they are of minimal use
to tourists, except for getting to and from the airport. Tickets
are valid for any form of public transport except local trains, and
once validated can be used for multiple transfers within an hour.
Tickets are fairly cheap; strips of five or ten tickets or day
passes are also available. Children below 12 years ride free. Taxis
can be hailed from any of the taxi stands around the city; they are
metered and expensive, and taxes and tips are included in the
price. The city is relatively easy to negotiate by car, though
renting a vehicle is unnecessary. The towns of Bruges and Antwerp
are a short train or car journey from Brussels; they are fairly
compact and once there it is easy to get around on
foot.
Nightlife:Like a jazz rhythm that defines so much of the city's
music, Brussels' nightlife is impromptu, at times schizophrenic,
alternately relaxing and cool or hot and fast. Although there are a
host of choices for eclectic nightlife, the city after dark is
often outshined by brighter more vibrant European cities. Most
Brussels locals anchor the afternoon to the night with a pint or
two of their world famous beer. This is best done in one of the
many old world style pubs or cafés littered about the city such as
in Place Brouckere. These are more after work meeting places,
popular with all ages, than party destinations. A mellow evening
can continue with jazz concerts in the many jazz clubs or with
theatre and dance shows. An edgier side of Brussels herd late night
bar and club goers into eccentric themed venues. Rue du Marché au
Charbon is a lively strip of bright bars. Upper town clubs tend to
be more trendy and expensive than lower town where a more casual
clientèle dance the night away to electronic beats. Renowned DJ's
frequent Brussels' clubs and a regular line-up of heavyweight bands
play at the city's concert venues.
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