Travel to Belgium

If you are thinking to go for holidays but you have know idea where to go for your holiday in Europe. Let me help you to find the holiday destination for you. Last month I went Brussels for holidays with my family and it was unforgettable tour for me. Let me explain you something about Brussels.

Introduction

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and of Brussels Capital Region. It is entirely surronded by Dutch-speaking Flanders and its constituent Flemish Brabant province. As headquarters of many European institutions, Brussels might also be considered something of a capital for the European Union.As Brussels became the capital city of a new country in the 19th century, the old town was destroyed to make way for brand new ministries, palaces, schools, army barracks and office blocks all built between 1880 and 1980.

Brussels has a poor reputation for its weather. Compared to other western European cities like London and Paris

Get in by Plane

Brussels' main airport is Brussels International Airport - previously known as Zaventem . Several major carriers operate out of the airport, including the local Brussels Airlines, which flies to many destinations worldwide.

Brussels revamped its metro at the start of April 2009 to boast six lines, and at the same time rescheduled several tram and bus routes. Most are run by STIB-MIVB of the Brussels region except for some regional buses, which are run by De lijn of the Flemish region and Le Tec of the Walloon region.

Sightseeing

There are lots of things to see in brussels but most important places i am describing you:

Grand Place-Grote Markt, Surrounded by the city tower and a range of beautiful 300 year old buildings. In the evening, surrounded by bright lumination, it is simply ravishing. Some evenings a music and light show is provided with the buildings serving as a canvas. Have a "gaufre de Liège-Luikse wafel" here—the best ones are available from the little shops off the northeast corner of the Grand Place-Grote Markt.

Manneken Pis, Just a short walk from the Grand Place-Grote Markt is the Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue thought to represent the "irreverent spirit" of Brussels. This statue of a child performing one of Nature's most basic functions is believed to have been inspired by a child who, while in a tree, found a special way to drive away invading troops.

Statue of Europe, Also referred to as Unity in Peace, this sculpture symbolises peace through European integration, while at the same time aiming to demonstrate the motto of the European Union (EU), United in Diversity.

Things to do

Brussels has a fair number of cinemas, if limited compared to most European capitals. French films are subtitled in Dutch, and vice versa, all other films are shown in the original version subtitled in French and Dutch.

Brussels has a good selection of year round events, many suitable for English speaking visitors. The following sites are are useful to check out whats on.

1. Classic Concerts [46] a site selling classical tickets, but has an excellent rundown of all the upcoming classical concerts.
2. Wallonie Tourism [47] is brought to you by the French Speaking Tourist board.
3. Ancienne Belgique [48] for popular concerts, where the stadium bands stop in.
4. Brussels Events Listings [49] is a roundup of events for an English speaking audience, this is good for some of the the smaller and Expat focused venues.

There are lots of things to do in Brussels which I can't explain in a single article. I will be coming soon to share lots of  adventure things in my next article.

Even though Belgium is smaller than many other countries you can visit, it is filled with activities, restaurants, and much more. Getting from place to another is easy for travelers in Belgium because the towns are close together. There are trains and buses that will take you where you want to go. Whether it is Antwerp to see one of the largest collections of diamonds, or to Ghent to visit botanical gardens and visit castles. Brussels, the capital of Belgium is another fascinating city you should visit when you are traveling.

Many people visit Belgium for the food as much as for the countries two diverse cultures. In Belgium, people either speak Dutch or French depending on which part of Belgium you want to visit. Food and drink come in all forms. If you enjoy tasting home brewed beer, then Belgium is a great place to start. There are many breweries and pubs that you can visit during your stay. Chocolate is also a tourist attraction for many people. There are also many restaurants, cafés, and small inns where you will find fresh seafood, potato dishes, and much more.

Some of the more popular tourist attractions include: The Atomium, which is a life size model of an atom. Featured in the 1958 Science Expo, you can walk around inside the atom. It contains restaurants and beautiful views of Brussels. Another attraction is the The Grand Place, which is a town square that is home to markets, people, and history. The Manneken Pis, which is a famous statue of a small boy peeing is another attraction that people enjoy seeing.

These attractions are very easy to get to and are open during the day and in the evening. You should make a list of attractions that you want to see before taking your trip. You will be able to modify the list later if you need to.

Belgium also has a lot of interesting architecture dating back to the Middle Ages. You will be able to visit castles, small villages and towns that have a lot of history. Visit popular town centers, halls, and museums that pay homage to artists and other creative people. Belgium is home to many who have contributed to art, music, and literature.

While in Belgium, you will be able to take day trips to London and other cities. Staying in Belgium is less expensive than staying in other cities, so you will be saving money while being able to see more of Europe. People who visit Belgium are not looking for thrills, they are looking to relax and enjoy the people they meet in small towns along the way. If you want to go on vacation to relax in a slow paced atmosphere, then a trip to Belgium is one vacation you should look into.

Brussels is one European capital that's easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe. The whole little country of Belgium is easy to miss, but it's one that you really shouldn't. It has lots to offer. This grand old city is not only the capital of Belgium, it's the Capital of the European Union. Something you'll have to get used to in all of Belgium, is that there are two languages... everywhere. Dutch and French, so you'll often see signs in both languages. It's Brussels in English... "Brussel" in Dutch and "Bruxelles" in French. You'll get along fine in either language or English. Our friends in Belgium slip from one language to another with ease that puts us to shame.

Right in the center of the city is where you want to be. "La Grand Place" or "Grote Markt" is the main square right in the heart of the old town. This huge cobble stone square is surrounded by the city tower and 300 year old buildings... most of which were guild halls. There are really only a few old streets left around the square, but they're fun to wander. Shop for chocolates. Have Belgian Waffles with caramelized sugar on the square. (Luikse wafel or gaufre de Liege). Definitely have a beer. The Belgians are known for their beers... there are over a hundred breweries in this little country producing hundreds of different brands and many types of beer!

When you stop to eat, you'll have to have mussels (moules). You can have French fries (fritjes or frites) with them, or have fritjes as a snack. If you want to eat those fries as the Belgians do, have them with mayonnaise. The first time we visited friends in Belgium, they made it a point to serve us Brussels sprouts... but you don't have to eat those if you don't want to! If you order any of these as a snack, you can take them and sit on steps or benches around the square just as the locals do. Just a short walk from the Grand Place-Grote Markt is the Manneken Pis. EVERYONE wants to see this fountain with its funny little statue. And it is little.... smaller that you think it will be... especially since it's reputation precedes it all over the world. You know what we're talking about... the funny bronze statue of a little boy... well, Manneken Pis says it all doesn't it? Maybe he had one too many beers?

There is a museum full of little outfits that have been created for the little boy... if you're lucky (or unlucky depending on your viewpoint), you might even see him dressed in one, but they are usually kept in the museum. Signs will direct you to the corner where he stands. For a little culture, visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts off one end of the main square. There are two museums linked together here, the Ancient Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. If you like early Flemish masters, the Ancient Art Museum is for you. You probably don't need to spend more than two or three days in Brussels to see it well before you move on to other areas of Belgium or Europe, but really, it's a great city that you shouldn't miss.