Brussel Belgium - Travel Information | Attractions | Dining | Events

The origin of the settlement that was to become Brussels lies in Saint Gaugericus' construction of a chapel on an island in the river Senne around 580.The official founding of Brussels is usually situated around 979, because Duke Charles transferred the relics of Saint Gudula from Moorsel to the Saint Gaugericus chapel in Brussels, located on what would be called Saint Gaugericus Island. Because of its location on the shores the Senne on an important trade route between Bruges , Ghent , and Cologne, Brussels grew quite quickly; it became a commercial centre that rapidly extended towards the upper town (St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral, Coudenberg, Zavel area), where there was a smaller risk of floods. As it grew to a population of around 30,000 people the surrounding marshes were made allow for further expansion.

After the construction of the first walls of Brussels in the early 13th century, Brussels grew significantly. In order to let the city expand, a second set of walls was created between 1356 and 1383. Today, traces of it can still be seen. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the administrativecentre of the European Union. Brussels has been given its character by the coexistenceof French and Flemish culture, and it is nowadays home to nationalities around the world, adding a cosmopolitan flavourto its atmosphere. The Sablon is another part of the city renowned for its delicious fare. t boasts many antique shops as well as its numerous cafe's, wine bars and ch ic restaurants .A stone's throw from the Grand Place (Market Place) is the very popular Ilot Sacré, an area packed with restaurants serving Belgian and international cuisine.

• Horta Museum - History

  25 Rue Americaine Sint Gillis, BRU 1060 Belgium Art nouveau was practically born in Brussels. Victor Horta (1861-1947) considered Brussels' master of the art, designed this house and lived in it until 1919. And It was restored in 1991 and is now a museum.Horta is known for Victor Horta design of buildings using industrial materials such as metal and iron, manipulated to look organic and natural.The Musee Horta in Brussels is the home that art nouveau architect Victor Horta designed and built to live in. He created this new style which he created was later,was named, "Art Nouveau." The house it delightful to experience with its many curves of wrought iron, wood, and mosaics.

• Museum voor Moderne Kunst (Museum of Modern Art) - Art
  1-2 Place Royale Brussel, BRU 1000 Belgium,Located on Place Royale, with no less than eight floors underground, this Museum of Modern Art was constructed around a light shaft that allows daylight to filter down. As part of the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts , it houses a selection of works by Belgian modernists such as Marcel Broodthaers, Rik Wouters and Rene Magritte. It also includes foreign artists such as Andy Warhol and Marc Chagall. There is a gift shop and cafeteria.!And many, many others, especially painters of the famous art tradition.you should absolutely visit it!
• Marolles (Les) - History

  Regence en Avenue Louise Brussel, BRU 1000 Belgium This is a traditional working-class neighborhood dominated by the gargantuan Palais de Justice (constructed in 1866-1883 and until recently the largest building in the world). The Marolles now offers a wide selection of dining establishments and antiques shops. Classy restaurants line up next to bars. The neighborhood is famous for its daily market on the central square; but arrive early (before 6am!) if you want to pick up the genuine bargains If you want to see Brussels as lovely , you love antiques, old houses, small streets and want to take pictures... just take a trip down to Les Marolles ...don't forget !" Atomium Science "Atomium Square Brussel, BRU 1020 Belgium,This unique structure is located near famous places of interest such as Brupark , Oceade, Mini-Europe and Brussels' Exhibition Park. Engineer Andre Waterkeyn designed this wonderful building for the 1958 World Exhibition. It is a crystal molecule of iron atom that has been magnified billions of times. Nine massive irons spheres (representing the nine Belgian provinces) are held together by iron corridors. The construction is 102m high and weighs no less than 2,400 tons.You can take a lift, once the fastest in the world, to the top for a view of the city.

• Mini-Europe City - Model

  1 Avenue du Football Brussel, BRU 1020 Belgium,Visit all of Europe's highlights in miniature form. Big Ben is really just a few paces from the Eiffel Tower. Added to the fun is the fact that you don't just admire Mini Europe's sights, you can also participate. Want to tearthe Berlin Wall down once again? Go ahead!.The miniature trees and plants in the park make everything appear realistic in scaleOn weekends during the high season you can also visit at night and watch the musical firework display. Fun for young and old. La Grand-Place Antique "Brussels, BRU Belgium,La Grand-Place in Brussels is a remarkably homogeneous body of public and private buildings, dating mainly from the late 17th century. The architecture provides a vivid illustration of the level of social and cultural life of the period in this important political and commercial centre. The Grand-Place is a must-see in Belgium. It is truly stunning It's so amazing that americans offered to buy it and then remove(!) it and take it to U.S but the Belges refused to accept this offer.extraordinary.

• Kindermuseum / Musee des Enfants Kids - Museum

  15 Rue du Bourgmestre Brussel, BRU 1050 Belgium,This wonderful museum is for children aged 4 to 12 and is a must for every parent. The museum's exhibits help them discover their feelings, talents and senses Professional performers welcome and guide you through the discovery rooms. These tours span two hours and can be enjoyed by both young and old. They are organized around themes from daily life; these change every three years.

• Scientastic Museum - Science

  72-73 Boulevard Anspach Brussel, BRU 1040 Belgium,This unusual museum is only a two minute walk from the Grand-Place.Using light, sound, smell and touch, Scientastic takes visitors on a journey of discovery.You will find 80 exciting and interactive hands-on creations. These unique exhibits are based on the themes of entertaining physics, illusions, and the five senses. The kinds of exhibits you will encounter, include: fly at the mirror like a bird; sit down like a fakir; have your picture taken in an impossible "Esher type" box to amaze your friends. Scientastic lets you explore dozens of optical illusions, proving that seeing is believing!

• Grote Markt / Grand Place - Market

  Grote Markt Brussel, VBR 1000 Belgium,This has been called the most splendidmarket square in Europe. Flemish Renaissance buildings drippingwith ornamentation and statues. It is alive with daily commerce and a colorful flower market. Impressive as it is by day, it is even more beautiful at night in the golden glow of floodlights. During spring and summer evenings there is a light show that shouldn't be missed.

• Place du Grand Sablon - Tradition

  Grote Zavel Brussel, BRU 1000 Belgium,This is where you can find most Chocolatiers together in one place. Wittamer (famous for pink chocolate filled with raspberry), Pierre Marcolini as the Chocolate Designer. Just 5 minutes to walk towards Grand Place,The Petite Sablon (Kleine Zavel) is one of the most interesting little squares. Each sculpture is of an old profession, each carved pillar, and each section of iron fence is unigue! On the other side of the Sablon church (beautiful rose windows) is the Grand Sablon.A great place to eat breakfast and watch the wealthy.

• Festivals: Fête de la Musique - June 21,

  June 21, free concerts will ignite Brussels communes. Until now 19 edition of Fête de la musique in Wallonia and Brussels (the two regions arrange it together). In Brussels,spotted not less than 25 concerts during those three days. There would be jazz, rock, African and Latino American vibes music.Classical music lovers will rather attend MIM (Museum of Music Instruments) concerts.

• Festivals: Fete de l'iris- Irisfeest - May 8

  Every year, Brussels region, like other Belgian regions, has its celebration day. it is on May 8. Iris flower (blue flag- yellow flower) is Brussels symbol.19 representative sites in Brussels were accessable, such as:a recycling center, Brussels port and its locks, firemen station, a district, Fineวิarts museum. And on top of that, Circusshow at Jubilee park).

• Festivals: Brussels Pink Parade - May 22

  Fully regret to have skipped it when you could attend the parade. As many cities in Europe, Brussels has its G + L Pride, the Belgian Lesbian and Gay Pride parade.For many years, you haven't been able to attend it because you were busy studying ,so this year you should attend. Normally, the parade starts at Sainte-Catherine area (Fish market) and runs through the big avenues of the city.

• Festivals: Lights at the 'grote markt' - During December

  Years and years You will see this christmas period thing grown in Brussels. Brussels has got' the most beautiful square in the world.that title become to beat if you had seen the 'grand place'during December. It is just fabulous.Last years they still had the more controversial in fiberglass that lighted up , this year the lights and the sounds were so fabulous even the biggest despicable critic had shut up.You could even control some of the lights yourself from a big turning podium... And turning christmas-trees... What else would man want!

• Festivals: Events almost every week - During Summer

  Don't be suprised if you come at the Grand Place and there is something happening there, in the mornings you mostly have the flower market and the painter who has his location, but sometimes the whole market is locked off for an event.Here it was kind of competition with little balls you had to throw and then hit with a stick and try to manage to get them on a certain spot, a distance away.In Flemish it is called Kaatsbal.thought it was fun how all the red chairs were put around the playing field,This is events week of Brussel they are so "inviting" us!

• Festivals: Zinneke Parade - May 8

  May 8 is the usual day for Zinneke parade, that takes place each two years in Brussels (pair years). Zinneke parade is a procession of creative people, playing music, dancing, acting, theater plays, singing on the streets of Brussels... all made-up, "disguised". It was fun assisting it,for May 8 being the anniversary date of Belgium Liberation and, "Zinneke means in Brussels dialect the little Senne, the river that contours Brussels to avoid floods, Zinneke also means the champion of the race of the impure.The Brussels Zinneke is someone with mixed origins, flamish, walloon, italian, spanish, arab, english, german etc.

• Festivals: Christmass scenery at the Grand Place - December

  Every year, when Christmas is coming near, the market square will be the location for a huge Christmas scenery with real life sized statues, There are the kitschy stuffs that people like, it flashes them back to childhood, to innocence, to simplicity

• Festivals: Fantasy Thriller ,science-fiction films - March

  It has become quit a big event , this alternativefilm-festival with a lot of side activities.You are not a patient person if it comes to watching movies,many of Fantasy,Thriller,Science fiction films and A lot of artist have used all their creativity to make it.

• Comme Chez Soi - Belgiun Food

  23 Place Rouppe Brussels, BRU 1000 Belgium,Comme Chez Soi has earned three Michelin stars and is one of the most renowned restaurants in the city. The art nouveau-style setting has an intimate dining room, a distinctive menu and a wine list to satisfy any gourmet. Dining in the kitchen usually requires an advance reservation of two to three months for a Friday or Saturday night. Watching the 36-person restaurant staff at work is like watching a well-orchestrated ballet The menu comes is set courses.The experience was truly wonderful and we will return someday for another outstanding dining experience.

• Au Stekerlapatte - International

  Priestersstraat 4 Rue des Prêtres Brussels, BRU 1000 BelgiumOpen Hours 7p-1a Tu-Sa. Au Stekerlapatte is popular thanks to its young client, unpretentious cuisine and reasonable prices. more Amazing is all has to say!!! Very nice inside. Recommended for all especially the newly married. That is where the husband and wife go on their honey moon. Absoulutly amazing.This could have been the best place you will have ever eating at it is delicious!! You will be treated with great service everyting was cooked to perfection and your overall time here are great! It might be a little crowded but the food is just excellent

• La Truffe Noire - Italian Food

  The dinner was wonderful, everything perfect, the food combined with a perfect wine, the wonderful atmosphere. one of the best restaurants in Brussels, has maintained its highly covetedMichelin star for several years. The delightful interior is rivaled only by the cuisine itself. Our Chef preferswhite Italian truffles. During the season (October-January) the choice of truffle dishes is unlimited.

• Amadeus - Belgian and French Food

  Veydtstraat 13 Rue Veydt Brussels 1060 Belgium. This is a romantic hide away in a former sculptor's studio. Located at the back of a small cobbled garden square, overgrown with ivy,this dark yet very cosy and original dining place is waiting to be discovered. The high walls are painted black, the candlelight tables are wooden and the many statues from old churches and chapels scattered around the restaurant give this place a unique atmosphere. The food is Belgian and French and on Sundays you can enjoy a glorious self-service,buffet.

• Kasbah (La) - Moroccan Food

  20 Rue Dansaert Brussels, BRU 1000 Belgium,Open HoursNoon-3p, 6p-11p M-F, 6p-11p Sa, 10a-3p SuIf you love cosily then you must try this Moroccan restaurant located in one of Brussels' most fashionable neighbourhoods. The ambience is lively, the decor inviting and the ,Once you step foot into Kasbash you are taken away to a whole different world from Brussels. The lighting is mainly by candles and lanterns of all different shapes and sizes. The staff and seating is welcoming and encourages close contact and open interaction. The food is wonderful... A roasted whole waiting serves you.

• Les Larmes du Tigre - Thai Food

  De Wynantsstraat 21 Rue de Wynants Brussels 1050 Belgium Open Hours Midday-2.30pm & 7pm-10.30pm Mon-Thu; midday-2.30pm & 7pm- 11pm Fri & Sat.The Tears of the Tiger, a beautiful name for this beautiful Thai restaurant. The interior is classy with gorgeousThai antiques and the food is really great, the atmosphere intimateand cosy. On really sunny days you can eat in the garden. This is not the cheapest restaurant in town, but in this setting you wouldn't mind any price.

• Au Vieux Saint-Martin - Belgiun Food

  Grote Zavel 38 Place du Grand Sablon Brussels, BRU 1000 Belgium , Open Hours 10a-midnight M-Su For a few years now, this has been the hang-out of the local beau monde (beautiful people). In this exquisite, where the decor shows very distinct accents from the seventies, Belgian culinary specialities are prepared according to the true rules of the art. And while you're enjoying the wonderful dishes, you can also enjoy the great modern art on the walls. The food can always be counted on to be delicious.

• De Ultieme Hallucinatie - French Food

  The interior of this magnificent restaurant is stunning, featuring wooden benches supplied from an antique tram. It is an excellent choice for a quiet meal. The kitchen serves up modern French cuisine at reasonable prices. Try the delicious endive salad with smoked salmon. The restaurant's name refers to one of the rather unusual habits of Victor Horta, the great art nouveau architect. Wonderful place to have a drink or a small meal in a very special atmosphere. About 15 walking minutes from the center, nearest subway station: Staff is multi lingual (French, German, English and Flemish) and friendly. Don't forget to visit the beautiful brasserie.

• La Quincaillerie - International

  45 Rue du Page Brussels, BRU 1050 BelgiumOpen Hours Lunch: Noon-2:30p M-F, Dinner: 7p-midnight M-Su Once an ironmonger's shop and now a trendy restaurant, this charming place is visited regularly by famous people from all over Europe including Helmut Kohl, Gerard Depardieu.it has been a big pleasure for us to have diner in food is excellent and service adequate!