Brussels Hotels

The layout Brussels puts the old and new in separate sections, but easily explored through leisurely strolls. Old cobblestone medieval streets lead to Baroque and neo-gothic buildings in Lower Town. While more urbane sights such as the grand Parliament headquarters, high-profile museums, shopping malls and modern boulevards can be seen in the Upper Town.

Amid the genteel facade, expect to see the whimsical side of Brussels, taking a hint from its unofficial mascot, Mannekin-Pis. This bronzed statue of a nude boy taking a leak in the middle of the fountain delights all tourists and locals making it the most popular Belgian boy in the whole wide world. It's just one of the many highlights of Brussels center that never fails to impress!

Attractions

Brussels boasts outstanding highlights in art and architecture found within an interesting layout. The city is divided between Lower Town which is full of narrow cobblestone streets and the more modern Upper Town.

The heart of the city is Grand Place, undeniably one of Europe's scenic town squares with its elaborate guildhouses seen side by side small cafes and restaurants. It's also a popular spot for seasonal markets and important festivals held in the city every year. The Town Hall and Maison Du Roi are also part of the Grand Place. If you take a walk through rue de l'Etuve, you can see the much-loved mischievous statue of Mannekin-Pis which gets dressed up for special occasions from time to time. In one of the smaller streets further south, the Belgian Centre for Comic-Strip Art promises to be a fun part of your sightseeing especially if you're a fan of the genre.

Upper Town is marked by more elegant attractions, at the center of which is the Royal Palace flanked by resplendent Parc du Bruxelles and the Parliament building. Museums here loom large with their collections on offer. The Fine Arts Museum presents art separated between two sections housing the extensive showcase of ancient and modern works. For a musical treat, the Art Nouveau-style Musee des Instruments de Musique does not miss a beat having the biggest collection of musical instruments in the world. Other landmarks in Upper Town include Palais des Beaux-Arts and Cathedrale de Saints Michel et Gudule.

A ring road that hugs Lower and Upper Towns attracts attention as well due to the little charming precincts within. St. Gilles is home to the Horta Museum which pays homage to the pioneering artist who started the Belgian Art Nouveau style. More similar architectural highlights are in Ixelles which is known for its swanky boutiques and stately boulevards. A great stop for children is the nearby Bruparck, a sprawling amusement park combining the Atomium, Mini Europe, Oceade water park and a huge cineplex.

Events

At the beginning of the year, Brussels holds the Antiques Fair bringing all the best the whole country has to offer. Those who yearn to find priceless collectibles to add to their collections will not be disappointed at the diverse range of wares from paintings to books, from ceramics to furnitures.

In March, one of Europe's major happenings in classical music, Flanders Festival, begins all through October. And if you think Brussels is all about refinement, wait until you see the Fantastic Film Festival, also in the same month, which shows the city's fondness for horror flicks! As Spring time continues to see the city in bloom, we can also see art flourish during this season with Arts Festival, having a variety of art exhibits up for everyone's enjoyment. Then for theatre, dance and other media, the Festival of the Arts is a chance to witness some of the best ground-breaking contemporary art out of Belgium.

More musical treats continue to flood Brussels with Fete de la Musique in June bringing a wide assortment of performances in all genres to popular venues such as Grand Place. The same spot also becomes more bustling during the colourful Ommegang pageant in July, a “walk about” with hundreds of participants dressed in traditional folk costumes paying homage to the Belgian heritage. Also in the height of summer, the city converts Bassin Beco in Port Bruxelles district into Brusells Beach, encouraging sunworshippers to have fun under the sun with leisure and sports activities.

Fancy tasting local beers in one go? Be sure to make it to the city in September when Brussels Beer Weekend is held with hundreds of beer tents to provide different varieties made by over 30 local breweries. Lastly, Brussels celebrates yuletide cheer during the month-long Christmas Markets featuring traditional wares, handicrafts, and Belgian chocolate treats, of course.

Climate

• Winter (January to March) -1 to 9°C; mild, rainy with snowfall on occasion

• Spring (April to June) 4-19°C; temperate and pleasant

• Summer (July to September) 12-22°C; hot and sunny

• Fall (October to December) 1-14°C; cool with frequent rain