BRUSSELS

COUNTRY CODE: BE
Currency:
1 Euro = 100 cents

BRUSSELS

Brussels is often said to be a fascinating meeting point
between the last millennium, and modern day Europe. Not
long ago, many locals were sceptical of the foreign diplomats
and politicians arriving en masse. Now they are proud that
their city has become an international celebrity.

THE CITY

According to a legend, Brussels grew up
around a small chapel built by the preacher
Saint Gorik in the 6th-century. Yet 979,
the year its first fortress was built, is
considered the city’s official birth year. It
was later expanded and became a walled
centre of trade. Towards the end of the
12th-century the population reached
30,000 and the city become famous for its
exclusive handicrafts. The surrounding
marshes were drained, and the 17.5 mile
Willebroek Canal was built. Many foreign
rulers have laid claim to the city, including
the house of Habsburg and the Spanish.
The French King Louis XIV destroyed large
parts of the city during an attack in 1695.
After the Napoleonic wars, the demand for
independence rose up throughout Belgium.
In 1831, Leopold I was crowned King and
Brussels was named the country’s capital.
The city is officially French-Dutch bilingual,
embracing both the Flemish and Walloon
history of the city, and is apparent in the
bilingual street signs. After World War II,
Brussels entered the world stage as the
host nation for both the European Union
and NATO’s head quarters. The city is a
fascinating mix of history on one
hand—with its narrow streets and smoky
cafés—and on the other, the modern EU
offices along with the EU’s tens of
thousands of employees.

DO & SEE
Grand Place

Grand Place is an obligatory stop on the
tour of Brussels. 18th-century guild houses
surround this beautiful 13th-century
square. The Maison du Roi, King’s House,
can also be found here. Inside, among
other things, are costumes that have been
donated to the famous Manneken Pis
statue. Art Nouveau is an architectural
style that never goes out of fashion and
many of Brussels’ famous landmarks are
built in the style, including buildings along
rue Paul-Émile Janson and avenue Louise.
Victor Horta is often named as the most
influential Art Nouveau architect, and his
work is celebrated at the Musée Horta.

Muées Royaux des Beaux-Arts
The Royal Art Museums display the rich
Belgian art heritage. Works by Rubens,
Van Dijk and both the Bruegels are on
display, as are exhibits by surrealists like
René Magritte.

Place du Grand Sablon
This is a beautiful square with restaurants,
cafés and shops. The many antique stores
hold a market on weekends. Those looking
for more reasonably priced pieces should
head to nearby Place du Jeu de Balle
Square.

Food

Just like the rest of the city, Brussels’
restaurants reflect the meeting between
the old and traditional, with the new and
international. Rustic eateries serve mussels
alongside trendy cosmopolitan restaurants.
Grand Place with Rue des Bouchers and
Place du Grand Sablon have a large
selection of places to eat.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

When it comes to hot spots in Brussels it
can vary, but Place St-Gery is always a
good nightspot. In Brussels you are never
far away from a good bar.

Public Transport

Brussels’ has a modern and efficient local
transport network that includes the
underground, streetcars, and buses. Single
fares are €1.60 and one day travel cards
can be bought for €4.20. More information
at (only in French and Flemish):

Taxi
Taxis in Brussels are fairly expensive
compared to other European cities. Two of
the largest companies are
Taxi Blue

Airport

Brussels’ main airport is Brussels
International Airport. You can travel by
train from the city to the airport every 15
minutes. Travel time is approximately 20
minutes and cost is € 11. A trip by bus
costs € 3 and departs every 20 minutes.
Taking a taxi to the city centre should not
cost more than € 35. More information is available.


Telephone
Country code: +32
Area code: 02