Amongst
Europeans, Brussels is best known as the home of the EU,
which, given recent developments, is something of a poisoned
chalice. But in fact, the EU neither dominates nor defines
Brussels, merely forming one layer of a city that has become,
in postwar years at least, a thriving, cosmopolitan metropolis.
It's a vibrant and fascinating place, with architecture
and museums to rank among the best of Europe's capitals,
not to mention a superb restaurant scene and an energetic
nightlife.
Moreover,
most of the key attractions are crowded into a centre that
is small enough to be absorbed over a few days, its boundaries
largely defined by a ring of boulevards known as the "petit
ring".
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Grote Markt/Grand Place
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, and on Sundays it hosts a bird 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
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.
Paleis voor Schone Kunsten/Palais des Beaux-Arts
Built in 1928 by architect Victor Horta, the Palace of Fine
Arts draws all art forms under the same roof: visual arts,
music, theater, literature, ballet and an assortment of
temporary exhibits. The world-famous Henri Le Boeuf Hall
is a concert hall boasting impressive acoustics. The Film
Museum is housed in the basement. There are 15 societies
funded by this museum, including the Europalia society and
the Festival of Flanders. These associations guarantee that
the Palace is filled with continuous programming.
Beenhouwersstraat/Rue des Bouchers
In the shadow of Grand Place, a small passageway gives access
to one of the most pleasant places in the city. On this
narrow, gastronomic street, the restaurant doors are always
open and, at the first sign of sun, tables and chairs line
the alley. On display lie mussels, lobsters and oysters,
all nicely decorated, awaiting hungry tourists. Brussels'
gourmands will tell you that there are five really good
restaurants in this neighbourhood: Taverne du Passage and
Aux Armes de Bruxelles (traditional brasseries), L'Ogenblik
(modern brasserie), Vincent (for meat) and Scheltema (expensive
seafood). Also popular, Chez Leon.
De Marollen/Les Marolles
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 6am!) if you want to pick up the genuine bargains.
Grote Zavel/Place du Grand Sablon
This location is home to many upscale antiques stores, Emporio
Armani, the world-renowned pastry boutique, Wittamer, and
the Post Museum. 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 9am-6pm and on Sunday from 9am-2pm an antique market
is in full swing. Just across the square you'll find Place
du Petit Sablon, a quaint garden filled with statues.
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