Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and the headquarters of many prestigious European institutions as well as the European Union. You might think that being such an important city would make it a bit stuffy and boring, but the opposite is true. Brussels is a fascinating melting pot of culture with its own unique character. Its historic centre holds many fine museums, beautiful art nouveau buildings, and some of the best chocolate shops in the world. It is a historic heirloom filled with fine food, café culture, and amazing artwork.

If you are setting out to enjoy beautiful Brussels, here are some ideas of what to do:

Visit the Grand Place

This is one of the major public squares in the city, and it is a must-see during your stay in Brussels. It is surrounded by the city town, and many other beautiful buildings dating back 300 years. Each of these elegant buildings features incredibly elaborate engravings and designs. The Grand Place is a thriving central square in the daytime, but at night it becomes even more beautiful with colorful lights illuminating the buildings and live music filling the air. Be sure try the delicious Belgian waffles from the little shops on the northeast quarter of the square.

Check Out the Belgian Comic Strip Center

Brussels is known as the home of the comic strip, and everything you ever wanted to know about comic book art you could find out at this fascinating center. You can even just sit in the basement and read comic books if you want. Fans of Tin Tin, Belgium’s most well known comic strip character, will love all of the information and history that they will find here about the comic and its creator Georges Remi. Be sure to check out the gift shop on the way out to find merchandise featuring your favorite characters.

See the Royal Palace

This enormous building spans the entire length of a road, and is an impressive example of the grandeur of days gone by. The façade was built around 1900, but the garden grounds date back to the Middle Ages. As you stroll through the interior of this beautiful palace, you will be blown away by the luxurious furniture, elaborate details, and wall-to-wall artistic masterpieces. Don’t miss the throne room, which has high vaulted ceilings and amazing crystal chandeliers.

Walk Through Sablon

This is one of the most prestigious and picturesque parts of the city, and it is fun place to explore. There are many beautiful antique shops and cute little mini art galleries to wander into. Also, Sablon is famous for being one of the best places in the city to sample truly luxurious authentic Belgian chocolate from world-renowned chocolatiers such as Peirre Marcolini and Wittamers.

While you are in Brussels, a great place to stay is the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. You will notice its sleek Art Deco design right away, which was created by Brussels architect Michel Jaspers. Inside you will find sophisticated and uniquely designed rooms with all of the modern amenities including high speed wireless internet. Alternatively the Park Inn Midi is located in the heart of the city right by the Gare du Midi train station.

Enjoy exploring the beautiful city of Brussels!