Brussels, capital of Belgium and seat to the European Parliament is the heart of Europe both physically and politically. With an incredible 60 million people living within 300 km from the city, a few days in Brussels is an enticing prospect as there so many things to do in Brussels. Attracted by world-famous destinations such …
Rail travel is often associated with the hateful commuter necessity that we experience daily or the iconic luxury experiences that we only read about; but is there anything in between? Those were my thoughts as I boarded the Eurostar for a nine day trip that would weave me across Benelux – Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg …
Belgium is home to eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but if you take into consideration all individual sites, there are no less than 60. That can be explained as follows: Two of Belgium’s official UNESCO World Heritage Sites are actually made up of several separate sites—there are 17 Flemish béguinages, which are regarded as just one world heritage site, …
France has wine shows. Germany has its Oktoberfest. Belgium has beer festivals. Mention that you’ve frequented Belgian beer fests to a fellow enthusiast and you may get some envy or respect–for good reason. These events typically appeal to the aficionado rather than the casual beer drinker. Every year, thousands of Belgian and foreign beer hounds …
Belgium is one of the smaller countries in continental Europe and the “middle child” of three countries comprising “Benelux” (the others being the Netherlands and Luxembourg). It is an often-overlooked country but many consider it a European gem. Its capital, Brussels, is nicknamed the capital of Europe as it is home to the European Union …
One Day in Brussels The “wow” factor is high as you walk through the narrow uneven cobblestone alleys to suddenly emerge on the large square at the Grand Place. It’s the number one sight in Brussels, and one of the finest medieval squares in Europe. The tall Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque facades of the elaborately …
Europe has many elaborately crafted medieval town squares, but none is as ornate or theatrical as the Grand Place in Brussels. The stunning 17th century neo-classical Flemish façades of the superbly restored guild houses on this cobblestone square tell about its days of glory when Brussels was one of Europe’s main centers of industry. After …
There is an inherent irony today when we talk about Belgian beer. For most people, the term “Belgian beer” connotes monks brewing strong ales with difficult names and an alcohol content that can knock you off your bar stool if you are not prepared. Think of Chimay, Leffe or even Hoegaarden — the latter making …
Farmers and Antique Markets in Brussels My first experience with the markets in Brussels was on a drizzly Saturday, as many of them tend to be, at the Clemenceau market. A friend and I stepped out of the metro station and into a gauntlet of women who would flash iPhones to anyone who looked like …
Brussels is a lovely city and great jumping off point to visit towns throughout Belgium as well as nearby international destinations like Paris and Amsterdam. Consider staying in Brussels and using the city as your hub while you take day trips to nearby locations. The city can be explored in one day or many. …