Travel to Belgium

Belgium has a rich history from its humble beginning to a prosperous nation in the heart of Europe. Belgium is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other major international organizations, including NATO. Belgium has a population of about 10 million. Belgium is home to two main linguistic groups, the Flemish and the French-speakers, mostly Walloons, plus a small group of German-speakers.

Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch speaking region of Flanders in the north, with 59% of the population, and the French speaking southern region of Wallonia, inhabited by 31%. The Brussels Region, officially bilingual, is a mostly French speaking enclave within the Flemish Region and has 10% of the population. A small German speaking Community exists in eastern Wallonia. Belgium's linguistic diversity and related political and cultural conflicts are reflected in the political history and a complex system of government.

The name 'Belgium' is derived from Gallia Belgica, a Roman province in the northernmost part of Gaul that was inhabited by the Belgae, a mix of Celtic and Germanic peoples. Historically, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were known as the Low Countries, which used to cover a somewhat larger area than the current Benelux group of states. From the end of the Middle Ages until the 17th century, it was a prosperous center of commerce and culture. From the 16th century until the Belgian revolution in 1830, many battles between European powers were fought in the area of Belgium, causing it to be dubbed the battleground of Europe. Upon its independence, Belgium eagerly participated in the Industrial Revolution and, at the end of the nineteenth century, possessed several colonies in Africa. The second half of the 20th century was marked by the rise of communal conflicts between the Flemishand the Francophones ffueledby cultural differences on the one hand and an economic evolution of Flanders and Wallonia on the other hand. These still active conflicts have caused far-reaching reforms of the formerly unitary Belgian state into a federal state.

The 1830 Belgian Revolution led to the establishment of an independent, Catholic and neutral Belgium under a provisional government and a national congress. Since the installation of Leopold I as king in 1831, Belgium has been a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Although the franchise was initially restricted, universal suffrage for men was introduced in 1893 and for women in 1949. The main political parties of the 19th century were the Catholic Party and the Liberal Party, with the Belgian Labour Party emerging towards the end of the century. French was originally the single official language adopted by the nobility and the bourgeoisie. It progressively lost its overall importance as Dutch became recognized as well. This recognition became official in 1898 and in 1967 a Dutch version of the Constitution was legally accepted.

After World War II, Belgium joined NATO as a founding member and formed the Benelux group of nations with the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Belgium became one of the six founding members of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 and of the European Atomic Energy Community and European Economic Community, established in 1957. The latter is now the European Union, for which Belgium hosts major administrations and institutions, including the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the extraordinary and committee sessions of the European Parliament.

Belgium is a fantastic country to visit and see the immense culture displayed in the wonderful cities and towns. Ask anyone who has been to Belgium and you will find that they love this little country with a big history.

With bordering countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg, it's not surprising that Belgium is a country with a rich and inspiring history as well as being a melting pot of languages, traditions and culture. Belgium is perhaps best know for three iconic things – cuisine, Nato and fine art. These attractions make Belgium an interesting place to visit at any time of year with something for all the family to enjoy.

Foodies the world over hold Belgium in his regard. Home to many a Michelin Star restaurants, Belgium is also the birthplace of french fries, the waffle and, of course, has strong links with chocolate. Zeebrugge – one of the countries Gothic cities – even boasts a chocolate museum where visitors can try their hand at making some of regions famous pralines and truffles.

Regarded for its cuisine, Belgium also plays an important role in the political, financial and economic well-being of Europe and the wider world with the European Union and NATO both based in Brussels. An early participant in Europe's industrial revolution means Belgium has a strong business basis and also plays host to financial giants such as Fortis insurance amongst others.

If chocolate or politics isn't your thing, Belgium also boasts the lure of fine art for those with a creative eye or a penchant for galleries and museums. The Flemish Renaissance and Baroque painting means Belgium is not only a milestone in the evolution of modern painting but also home to some wonderful works by painters such as Hans Eworth and Bernard van Orley. Take a wander around Belgium's many cities and you may also be interested by the flourishes of Art Nouveau with Belgian architects instigators of the movement.

Are you a fan of cuisine, culture, art or politics? Belgium offers these interests every day of the year so don't think twice and book your trip today!

Brussels, Belgium is a city shouldering many responsibilities. It is the capital of Belgium, the capital of Flanders, the capital of the French Community of Belgium. It is also the location of many of the European Union's institutions and is, therefore, considered the capital of the European Union. And, if that weren't enough, it's also the political seat of NATO. Although its responsibilities give it an air of importance, Brussels is not to be overlooked as one of the premier vacation cities in Europe.

The city's name is derived from an old Dutch word, broucsella, which means "marsh home" or "home consisting of one room, in the marsh." Along with its rather quaint name, Brussels has an equally charming body of local traditions. One such tradition is the House of Toone, a theater of marionette puppets. It was originally in the Marolles area. However, it presently holds shows that introduce visitors to the local languages and customs in a 1696 estaminet just steps away from the Grand Place.

Another popular tradition in Brussels is the Ommegang, which means "walking around." The tradition began in the 14th century as a religious processional. It occurs each July and is in memory of Charles V's Joyous Entry into Brussels in 1549. The parade is very colorful, including floats, giant puppets, and groups dressed in medieval costumes. Still another interesting custom is the Meyboom or "tree of May" celebration. As part of this ancient festivity, a young beech tree is paraded through the city and planted amongst joyful music and giant puppets.

Brussels also has many cultural attractions and landmarks, such as Grand Place, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the Royal Palace of Belgium. Belgium is also the birthplace of many comic characters, like the Smurfs, Largo Winch, Tintin, and Lucky Luke, so there are many murals and frescos throughout the city honoring these characters. Indeed, the comic spirit of the inhabitants of Brussels is evident in its most famous statue. A quirky little bronze statue called Manneken Pis or Jeanneke Pis. It depicts a little boy urinating into the basin of a fountain.

Visitors to Brussels, Belgium will find a variety of accommodations suited to meet the needs of virtually any tourist. These accommodations include both hotels and holiday apartments.

Examples of hotels in Brussels are:

Alma Grand Palace Hotel: This beautiful hotel is located in the historic center of Brussels very close to the Grand Place and Manneken Pis. Rooms are elegantly decorated and business facilities are available. Tourists may communicate with staff members for tips on traveling and sights within Brussels. Hotel services and amenities include air conditioning with individual controls, satellite television, wireless Internet access in all rooms, facilities for disabled people, and a 24-hour front desk.

Bedford Hotel: This lovely hotel combines the traditional with the modern for a comfortable stay. It's situated within walking distance of major tourist attractions, like the Grand Place, Royal Palace, and Manneken Pis. Guests can also walk to many museums and shops. Hotel services and amenities include a restaurant, bar, central heating, business center, and 24-hour front desk.

Brussels Hotel: This modern hotel is located on Avenue Louise near the business center of Brussels, the parliament, and the European Commission headquarters. It contains 69 rooms all equipped with an array of conveniences, such as a mini-bar, satellite television, and modem. There are also 16 suites, each with its own kitchenette. Chaochow Palace: Just 15 minutes from the airport, this hotel is conveniently located whether you're in Brussels on business or vacation. Hotel services and amenities include room service during certain hours, air conditioning, a bar, multi-lingual staff, 24-hour front desk, and a breakfast buffet.

Examples of holiday apartments in Brussels are:

La Tete dans les Nuages: This gorgeous apartment is decorated in a modern style using the basic colors black, red, and white. It's a very unique, yet beautiful, apartment with inner walls made from modular blocks on wheels to keep everything you need for living inside the walls and off the floors, freeing up lots of space for relaxing. The location of the apartment is in the center of Brussels in the European quarter near many restaurants and shops. Sleeps five and includes a balcony, air conditioning, and Internet access.

Cloeps: These two apartments are located on a picturesque 17th century farm 25 km from Brussels. They're a wonderful place to stay if you enjoy the country and would like easy access to the city. Though they're on a historic farm, the apartments have all the modern conveniences needed for a lengthy holiday stay. Apartments sleep four in two bedrooms and include a barbecue and access to lovely gardens.

Schildknaap: This is a stylish, renovated apartment located in the historic center of Brussels. A two-minute walk will get you to the Grand Palace, shopping areas, the cinema, and the supermarket. It's also close to a bus stop and the metro for convenient travel to other parts of the city. This cozy one-bedroom apartment sleeps two and includes a balcony, Internet access, and DVD player. With its quirky but quaint traditions and attractions, Brussels is an excellent place to vacation. You'll find everything from historic landmarks to colorful events. The vacation accommodations of Brussels are equally varied so that visitors have a choice of hotels or holiday apartments suited to their individual styles.