Brussels

Eurostar trains between Ebbsfleet International and Brussels have average journey times of 1 hour, 41 minute; the route passes through Lille. Highspeed rail is popular, because the Belgian domestic rail network is so well-developed that visitors can reach any Belgian city via train. The best time to visit is either early or late summer, so visitors can appreciate the many outdoor dining and sightseeing opportunities.

Brussels is the unofficial capital city of the European Union (EU) and the largest urban area in Belgium. It is made of 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels proper, which is the capital of Belgium, Flanders and the French Community of Belgium. Brussels was originally a 10th-century fortress town. The metropolitan area has a population of over 1.8 million, making it the largest in Belgium. Since the end of the Second World War; it has been an important centre for international politics.

Linguistic tensions between French and Flemish are prominent here, and the language laws of the areas surrounding Brussels are an issue of much controversy in Belgium. Brussels is a famous European tourist attraction made more accessible by the Eurostar from Lille in France, Ashford, Ebbsfleet and St Pancras in London.

The city is too large to see on foot, so day travel cards are available for public transport. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout, and money exchange booths are available for tourists; at the Bureau of Tourism additional information and “beer maps” can be purchased.

The average price of a 25cl measure of beer is around 1€20 towards the outskirts of the city, but this can easily be double in the Grand’ Place and surrounding areas. It is more expensive than many other European cities as the 21st most expensive city, but renowned for its many excellent restaurants and bars. Being a student city, a lot of good nightlife is available- clubs in Brussels tend to open after about 11 and shut about 6am.

Points of interest

	The House of Victor Horta There are many museums and mansions dedicated to Art Nouveau, and the house of Victor Horta (the movement’s most well-known architect) is a key attraction. Another site for enthusiasts is the Horta-designed museum dedicated to comic strips.
	The Atomium Built in 1958 when Brussels hosted the World’s Fair, the Atomium is a cross between sculpture and architecture. It is a sight to see in its own right, but expositions are also available in the various spheres, and the uppermost houses a restaurant, Chez Adrienne. Mini-Europe is located at the foot of the Atomium, showing the sights and attractions of the whole continent- visitors can see detailed models of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Berlin Wall all in the same location, and fireworks displays are in the summer months. Mini-Europe is constantly developing and expanding with new additions regularly being made.
	The Cantillon brewery The family-run historic brewery has been making LAMBIC, GUEUZE, FARO and KRIEK since 1900. Visitors can taste authentic Gueuze-Lambic in the brewery’s great brewing fair, a public brewing session, where the Master Brewer, Van Roy-Cantillon and friends invite the public to watch the traditional production of their goods and the brewers are always willing to take questions on and discuss their trade if visitors wish to know more. Guided tours run every two hours and admission is 6€ per person, with a complimentary drink of choice, coffee and croissants. The Barrel Warehouse is open for functions.
	Le Grand’ Place Many of the city’s nightclubs, restaurants and bars are located around the main square, also known as the Grote Markt in Flemish, which also functions as a market place, with different specialities on alternative days, such as the flower market and the bird market. Light shows run from spring right through to the autumn months where the whole area and its Flemish Renaissance buildings with statues and ornaments are illuminated for 15 minutes twice a night to a classical soundtrack. Every year it hosts folk and cultural events which are streamed live online, and every other year on August 15 the centre square is covered with a flower carpet of begonias.

Attractions

Paris Main Attractions

Châteaux de Malmaison Also known as 'the Palace of Malmaison'. Built in the 18th century, it has been owned by wealthy families; the name derives from Norman times.... Paris, France Musée de la Musique Situated within Cité de la Musique, in the heart of the Parc de la Villette. With 1,000 instruments and art objects with rare pieces such as the tortoise guitar, an octobass and a crystal flute, also instruments dating back to the 17th century.... Paris, France Musée du Louvre Commonly known as just ?The Louvre?, it is the most visited and one of the oldest, largest, and most famous art galleries and museums in the world. It was originally a royal fortress.... Paris, France Musée Galliera Also known as the Paris Fashion Museum, with over three centuries of fashion, and an extensive collection of 90,000 pieces.... Paris, France Notre Dame Cathedral Near the River Seine, the famous cathedral is from the Gothic period.... Paris, France Sainte-Chapelle A place of religious symbolism built in the second half of the 13th century by Louis IX.... Paris, France The Arc de Triomphe The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands 50 metres in height. It is a tourist attraction and is one of the most famous monumnets in Paris.... Paris, France The Chateau de Versailles The stables at Chateau de Versailles Grande Écurie du Château de Versailles. Jules Hardouin-Mansart (Superintendent of royal works) originally designed the two twin buildings to accomodate the King's 600 horses. The building?s construction began in 1679 and was completed in 1683.... Paris, France The Eiffel Tower See over 40 miles across Paris. The Eiffel Tower, known as the symbol of Paris- a tower built of iron on the Champ de Mars, inaugurated on 31 March 1889 and it was built by Gustave Eiffel. It attracted around 2 million visitors the first year and almost 6 million annually today. It is 986 feet tall and has 704 steps to the second level, where a lift takes visitors to the top and with a view of over 42 miles of the city.... Paris, France The Grande Arche de la Fraternite A monument in the business district of La Defense to the west of Paris.... Paris, France 1 2 Next