Travel to Belgium

We enter into a small chocolate shop in one of the lanes by the Grand Place in Brussels (Bruxelles). Though no attendant is seen from outside, a wind chime attached to the door signals that somebody is in; the shopkeeper appears to our service. We are enamored by this European style of greeting. We are in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium in Europe that is also famous for its vibrant shopping markets, besides being the capital city of the European Union.

Brussels abounds in shopping spots. According to the ministry of Economy and Employment of the Brussels, the city's compact geography and a lot of shopping areas, each with specific characteristic, make it easy for tourists to get around in. So, one can easily reach most of the shopping areas in no time from the hotel of stay. We explore three major streets on a walking round trip in Brussels.

To begin with shopping expedition in Brussels, start on with Rue Neuve, the actual pedestrian shopping street and in fact, the longest one in Brussels, in the middle of the town. With no vehicles allowed in the street, it offers a carefree space to the walkers and one can enjoy shopping calmly here. The street is packed with clothing chains, fashion stores, perfumes, gifts, music and more such stores. At the north end of Rue Neuve, there's a mall too. City 2, the only shopping mall in the center of town, has over 100 stores, plus cafes and restaurants.

Following the shops all the way down Rue Neuve Street takes you to the Stock Exchange building on your right, and you know you have reached the surroundings of Rue Dansaert where the Romans founded Brussels in the 10th century. However, unlike its history, the area has all contemporary shops. The place is rather trendy with Belgium designers' boutiques, clothing and accessories stores and more.

From Rue Dansaert it's worth walking a few meters away on your left to reach the Grand Place (Grote Markt), the central square of the city which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has tourists thronging it the most. The place is a symbol of European history but not everyone knows that it's also a wonderful shopping destination for the real Belgian souvenirs. The narrow streets around the Grand Place is full of small shops where you can get everything that's Belgian – from  Belgian tapestries, Belgian laces, Belgian beers, Belgian chocolates and pralines to souvenirs of Manneken Pis, beer mugs and even comic strips of Tintin. In fact, Belgian tapestry shops are in abundance at this place. You can get full range of home linen made of these tapestries. Even tapestry paintings and wall hangings make for a worth buy. And when you get tired, munch on some seafood dishes or burgers at the street side restaurants that look very inviting. Also, it is in one of these streets where Manneken Pis, the famed bronze statue of a urinating boy, lies.

What's more? The Grand Place doesn't let you stop. The Royal Galleries just off the Grand Place is not to be missed. It's a passageway donned in form of an enclosed portico with very high ceilings. Walking on the cobbled pavements of these galleries with shops, cafes and terraced restaurants on either side, imparts an old world charm. The area is also suitable for spending evening with a lot of local feel and variety of choices for having food. Most of the shops at the Grand Place are open until 9 PM.

Be it for the traditional Belgian tapestries, Belgian laces, Belgian beers, souvenirs or the trendy clothes, Brussels' street shopping is an out-and-out experience.  And if you thought you have missed out on anything while in Brussels, treat yourself with Belgian waffles along with some hot chocolate sauce.

Brussels is Belgium's capital. It is also a city where plenty of European institutions are headquartered and is considered by some to be the de facto capital for the European Union.  Brussels also has the largest urban area in Belgium, and is the seat of Belgium's French Community as well as its Flemish Community. Brussels has historically been known as a Dutch-speaking community, however, the number of French speaking inhabitants has increased dramatically during the course of the 19th-20th centuries and both languages now have official status.

If you plan to go to Brussels, here are some of the recommended sites:

The Grand Place- the Grand Place, or the Grote Markt is Brussel's central square, surrounded by the city's Town Hall and the Breadhouse. The Grand Place is Brussel's most important tourist destination and its most memorable landmark which measures 223 by 360 feet and is listed under UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King of Belgians located in front of Brussels Park. Although it is the official palace, it is not used as a royal residence since the king and his family resides in the Royal Castle of Laeken. The Palace, or "Palais Royal", allows visitors for a limited time in summer.

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is one of Belgium's most famous museums. The museum is located in the downtown area of Coudenberg and is comprised of four museums connected with the Royal Museum.  The two of them—The Museum of Ancient Art, and the Museum of Modern Art—are in the main building, while the other two, which are located a few kilometers from the city center, are dedicated to specific Belgian artists and are much smaller. The Royal Museum features over 20,000 drawings, sculptures, and paintings dating from the early 15th century to the present.

Finding Hotels in Brussels that are affordable isn't easy. But enjoying Brussels need not be hard on the pocket if you can find Cheap Brussels Hotels. At otel.com, you can browse an extensive listing of Brussels Cheap Hotels and Cheap Hotels In Brussels Belgium that fit any budget. With deals on over 100 Cheap Hotels In Brussels, you're sure to find the Cheap Hotels Brussels that matches your exact needs.  Simply log on to the website and choose the Cheap Accommodation Brussels that's perfect for you.

Brussels is always in the world news as one of the most important base for international politics in the European Union. It is basically a collective city as many institutions and organizations all have headquarters in this place. This inland capital city is by The Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, because of this it claims the name 'Capital of Europe'.

Brussels-Capital Region, Brussels Region or simply Brussels, is the European Union's de facto capital city. It is Belgium's largest capital that comprise of 19 municipalities including the French Community of Belgium, Flanders and the capital of Belgium - City of Brussels Proper. From a tenth century fortress town it has grown into a metropolis with over a million inhabitants. Its metropolitan area alone has an estimated population of more than 1.8 million. It is for this reason that Brussels became Belgium's largest town.

Narrow streets open suddenly into the breathtaking Grand-Place, with its ornate guild houses, architectures of Brussels is worth seeing, hotels are stylish too. Here are a few recommended Luxury Hotels in Brussels:

Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo Brussels is one of the stylish and traditional hotels and is without doubt one of the best hotels in the city which is highly recommended. The Hotel Amigo has received the award of "3rd best hotel in Europe" by Travel + Leisure "World's Best Awards 2008" CG 03/09. It is a traditional hotel but very well visually decorated with flowers, canopies, together with helpful and courteous doormen. This hotel is perfectly located within a few minutes walking distance of the Grand Place, making itself the most central hotel in Europe!

Residence Grand Place Brussels - Again with a traditional exterior look and its central location, Residence Grand Place is within easy reach of most attractions and businesses in Brussels. Each guest room is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, bath robes, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, laundry service/dry cleaning, business centre.

B&B Max 69 Brussels is around a white marble courtyard and garden with a pond. The unique design or marble pillars are so impressive. The European Commission is an 8-minute walk away. All floors decorated with modern art and design. In such a modern hotel, free coffee and Wi-Fi are a must. To enjoy a city night life, B&B Max is an 8-minute walk away from the Diamant metro station and close to city centre.

Marriott Hotel Brussels, which is a 5 star hotel is in almost every charming place in the world. The Marriott Hotel Brussels are close to many Brussels attractions. Amenities include bar, restaurant, gym and business center. Needless to say, the rooms at the Marriott Hotel Brussels include air conditioning, work desk, high-speed Internet access, telephone with voicemail, satellite television, a minibar, irons, bath robes, hair dryers and more. Like everywhere else, Marriott is always convenient to public transportation.

At Best Western Premier Sodehotel La Woluwe, guests here will find themselves within walking distance of the Hof Ter Musschen, a renovated 18th century Belgian farmhouse and Public transportations such as Grand Place and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Similar to the Marriott, it offers climate controls, desks, wireless Internet access, mini-bars, pay movies, and satellite television. The Best Western Premier Sodehotel La Woluwe Brussels is in the business district, and very close to city centre.

Bruges is one of those great little cities that tourists love. It seems to have been frozen in time... and in fact it was. Back about five or six hundred years ago, it was a busy river port town, then the harbor silted up and traders moved on. This little walled city didn't change for centuries, and that's why it's thriving today... because it is so well preserved.

Tourists do crowd this medieval city of gothic design, but somehow you don't mind. We've never felt there was anything wrong with calling yourself a tourist and going to the most popular destinations... everyone wants to see them for a good reason. Brugge is in the Flanders part of Belgium. Did I confuse you with that spelling change? Just so you know what you're looking for... remember that French/Flemish language sharing arrangement in Belgium.... It's Bruges in French as well as English, and it's Brugge in Flemish (or Dutch).

This historic center of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The current city boundaries still coincide exactly with those of the medieval city center. Structures and squares and canals are preserved. Head first for the Market Square. This is the heart of town and you can get your bearings from here. The city center is closed to cars, so if you drive in, find a parking lot on the periphery. It's an easy city to explore on foot. As an alternative, since this is a tourist town, you'll find horse-drawn carriages to take you around the cobblestone streets.

You can always find the Market Square because it is crowned by the Belfry tower. This Bell tower has been here for seven hundred years. If you're lucky, you might catch a carillon concert... The carillonist plays a manual keyboard to ring the 47 bells. Cruise the picturesque canals, and you'll discover hidden gardens and quaint bridges. This romantic city looks even more romantic from a boat on the canals. There are museums where you can see early Flemish paintings... you may find they were painted right in this city. Visit the churches, tour the 14th century City Hall.

If you are a chocoholic, you'll love Bruges. There are 49 chocolate boutiques according to the official Brugge website... AND a chocolate museum! You'll be tempted by stores all over town. They are so serious about their chocolate that some of the family run chocolate makers shut down if the weather gets too hot... don't want to ruin the chocolate!

Bruges' crocheted lace was famous in the 16th century, and you can still see ladies making it. Shops are full of lace edged hankies, lace collars, lace mats... anything lace you can imagine. There is always time for a Belgian beer... take a brewery tour in and sample a beer at the end for a small fee. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, and it's given in three languages. So when you're in Belgium, find this little town that time forgot, but tourists have found. Even though you won't feel like you discovered it for yourself, the Old World charm in Bruges will win your heart.