BRUSSELS TRAVEL BOOKS

 As a cumbersome compromise, the city is Belgium’s only officially bilingual region and by law all road signs, street names and virtually all published information must be in both languages, even though French-speakers make up nearly eighty percent of Brussels’ population. As if this was not complex enough, since the 1960s the city has become much more ethnically diverse, with communities of immigrants from North Africa, Turkey, the Mediterranean and Belgium’s former colonies as well as European administrators, diplomats and business people, now comprising a quarter of the population.Each of these communities leads a very separate, distinct existence and this is reflected in the number and variety of affordable ethnic restaurants. But, even without these, Brussels would still be a wonderful place to eat: its gastronomic reputation rivals that of Paris and London, and though restaurants are rarely inexpensive, there is great-value food to be had in many of the bars. The bars themselves can be sumptuous, basic, traditional or very fashionable – and one of the city’s real pleasures. Another pleasure is shopping: Belgian chocolates and lace are de rigueur, but it’s also hard to resist the charms of the city’s designer clothes shops and antique markets, not to mention the numerous specialist shops devoted to anything and everything from comic books to costume jewellery.

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Brussels Video Guide

Grote Markt Video Guide

Grote Markt
This has been called the most splendid market square in Europe. Its esplanade is completely enclosed by tall, gabled, Flemish Renaissance buildings dripping with ornamentation and statues. It is alive with daily commerce and a colorful flower market. Impressive as it is by day, it is even more beautiful at night in the golden glow of floodlights. During spring and summer evenings there is a light show that shouldn’t be missed.

Museum voor Moderne Kunst Video Guide

Museum voor Moderne Kunst
Located on Place Royale, with no less than eight floors underground, this Museum of Modern Art was constructed around a light shaft that allows daylight to filter down. As part of the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts , it houses a selection of works by Belgian modernists such as Marcel Broodthaers, Rik Wouters and 28 pieces by Rene Magritte. It also includes foreign artists such as Andy Warhol and Marc Chagall. There is a gift shop and cafeteria.

Marolles Video Guide

Marolles (Les)
This is a traditional working-class neighborhood, dominated by the gargantuan Palais de Justice (constructed in 1866-1883 and until recently the largest building in the world). The Marolles now offers a wide selection of dining establishments and antiques shops. Classy restaurants line up next to smoky bars. The neighborhood is famous for its daily flea market on Place du Jeu-de-Balle, the central square; but arrive early (before 6a!) if you want to pick up the genuine bargains.

Mini-Europe Video Guide

Mini-Europe
Visit all of Europe’s highlights in miniature form. No need for the Chunnel: Big Ben is really just a few paces from the Eiffel Tower. Added to the fun is the fact that you don’t just admire Mini Europe’s sights, you can also participate. Want to erupt Vesuvius? Just press the button. Want to tear the Berlin Wall down once again? Go ahead. The miniature trees and plants in the park make everything appear realistic in scale. On weekends during the high season you can also visit at night and watch the musical firework display. Fun for young and old. Check website or call for admission details.

Atomium Video Guide

Atomium
This unique structure is located near famous places of interest such as Brupark , Oceade, Mini-Europe and Brussels’ Exhibition Park. Engineer Andre Waterkeyn designed this wonderful building for the 1958 World Exhibition. It is a crystal molecule of iron atom that has been magnified billions of times. Nine massive irons spheres (representing the nine Belgian provinces) are held together by iron corridors. The construction is 102m high and weighs no less than 2,400 tons. You can take a lift, once the fastest in the world, to the top for a view of the city. There’s also an exhibition of the Atomium in comics from 1958 to the present, and a film on the building’s construction.

Scientastic Museum Video Guide

Scientastic Museum
This unusual museum is only a two minute walk from the Grand-Place. Using light, sound, smell and touch, Scientastic takes visitors on a journey of discovery. You will find 80 exciting and interactive hands-on creations. These unique exhibits are based on the themes of entertaining physics, illusions, and the five senses. The kinds of exhibits you will encounter, include: fly at the mirror like a bird; sit down like a fakir; have your picture taken in an impossible “Esher type” box to amaze your friends. Scientastic lets you explore dozens of optical illusions, proving that seeing is believing!

Place du Grand Sablon Video Guide

Place du Grand Sablon
This location is home to many upscale antiques stores, Emporio Armani, the world-renowned pastry boutique, Wittamer, and much more. The square is distinguished by a statue of Minerva, given to the city as a gift in 1751. Here also find Our Lady Church and the Sablon Church. On Saturday from 9a-6p and on Sunday from 9a-2p an antique market is in full swing. Just across the square you’ll find Place du Petit Sablon, a quaint garden filled with statues.