The diverse cultures and history of Brussels
Brussels is a city with a personality problem. This is a city that is half French, half Flemish; part history, part modernity; sometimes utterly boring, sometimes completely bizarre. This is a city of contradiction, disparity, and unique charm with much to discover. Truly, Brussels is a mystery and great rewards are in store for the savvy traveller brave enough to unlock it.
As one of Europe’s artistic centres, Brussels is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Art Nouveau architecture and surrealist inspiration anywhere. Many of the iconic images of surrealist art were created in Jette, the suburb just north of the city limits.
The atmosphere is laid-back casual, and locals love to waste hours enjoying the fantastic cuisine, chocolate, and cafe culture. Join them as you unwind after flights to Brussels touch down. You can explore historic architecture, spend your inheritance in the designer shops along posh Ave Louise, or try exotic food like deep fried caterpillars in Matonge, the city’s funky African neighbourhood.
The quality of life in Brussels is second to none. It seems like everything here is just right. There’s fantastic shopping, brilliant restaurants, divine chocolate shops, and a vibrant club scene. There’s a new life and renewed energy flowing through the city these days, thanks to Brussels’ honour as 2000’s Cultural Capital of Europe. To mark the occasion, the city worked hard to dust off its stodgy image and polish away the historic buildings and crumbling streets. The spirit of the city is all vim and vigour, burgeoned by a rekindled interest among foreign tourists and the enthusiastic rejuvenation of the city’s own residents.
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