Brussels Booking Hotel e Touristic Information

Brussels – The modern Belgian city of the European Union, the floral carpet and beers

Brussels is a region of Belgium. The area consists of 19 municipalities with more than one million inhabitants.
The region is currently the capital of the European Union (EU). It is now regarded as the largest city in Belgium.

The history of the name of the city
Brussels began first with the St. Gaugericus chapel. It later evolved into a hamlet. Brussels was then officially established in 979 AD. It was an important trade route in 1000 AD. And then it grew into a commercial center.
The first and second walls of Brussels was built in the 13th century. The city became the capital of the Low Countries. The Netherlands are now known as Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
The city experienced its darkest history in 1695. French troops attacked the city with artillery. 4000 houses were destroyed. The Market Square also suffered under the onslaught. The city was able to recover when Leopold I came to power. Ice Coring Leopold was the king of Belgium. .
The city eventually became independent. Many changes have taken place in the city. The city walls were destroyed. Much of the buildings are rebuilt happy. Urban renewal characterized the 19th century. Then city underwent modernization in the 20th century.
Brussels was then what it is after “Brus Eliza Salvation.” Brussels has experienced positive economic growth. The city now has a balance between its past and its current changes.

Tourist spots
Brussels has much to offer as the capital of Belgium. There are found monuments, squares, and various attractions in the city. Some of them are:

The Grote Paleis
This place is also known as the Grand Place. It is currently the central square of Brussels.
You may get the chance to see the flower carpet there. It is placed there every two years since 1971.

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
The cathedral is usually called “Sint-Goedele” because of its long name.
The Roman Catholic Church was first completed in the 15th century. It was later renovated with a Gothic style.
Currently, the church is used for various important occasions in Brussels. Royal marriages and state funerals are usually held here. You can also visit for the Sunday concerts held here in the south tower.

Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is currently located in Brussels Park. It is one of the symbols of the system of government of Belgium.
You will see a long square with a park in front it. You will also instantly recognize it with the Belgian flag on top it.

Parc du Cinquantenaire
It also called the Park of the 50th Anniversary or the Jubilee Park. The most important landmark in the park is the U-shaped arcade.
The triumphal arch makes up the center of the arcade. The north side is the military museum. Here you will find militaria such as uniforms, vehicles and weapons. You will find on the south side the art and history museums. You can find European and non-European decorative arts here.

Atomium
This monument was created in 1958. It has then become one of the main tourist attractions in Brussels for over 50 years now.
The monument was made with the design of an iron crystal. It currently stands 102 meters or 335 feet tall. Renovations on the monument were made until 2006. These renovations included a dormitory, exhibition, and a restaurant.
These are just some of the main tourist spots in Brussels. You can find more around the city.
Brussels also offers more aside from tourist spots. They also have popular local treats such as:

Gaufres (Brussels waffles)
Gaufres or waffles are local delicacies in Brussels and Europe. Gaufres de Liege is one example.
Belgian waffles have a unique taste. It is made with yeasted batter. A lot of butter then fills it. Pearl sugar (large sugar crystals) finally coats the surface to give it a caramel look.
You may find vendors in the city with gaufres. So search around. Buy one. Take a taste of this special treat.

Mussels (moules frites)
Mussels are another treat in Brussels. You will find them at restaurants throughout the city. The mussels are served with fries, mayonnaise, and even beer.
Try these seafood treat in the city. Visit a restaurant. Have tons of mussels to enjoy.

Belgian beer
Try the fine beers in Brussels. Their beers come in various styles.
The Lambic beer is brewed only in Belgium. Kriek or Cherry beer is another Belgian beer.
So take a sip of their fine beers. Take part in their annual beer festival.

Accommodation
Take a rest after your trip. Enjoy the luxury accommodations in the city. You will find hotels, bed and breakfast, and apartment accommodations in Brussels too! These hotels offer you comfort and great value. Accommodations in the city include single, double, twin, and triple rooms.
Accommodations can be found in the city or suburbs. Pick a hotel near the Grand Place. Enjoy a five star hotel near the European Institutions. Stay near the St. Michael Cathedral. So search early. Make reservations before your trip. Choose a hotel that suits your needs.

Transportation & Security
You can travel through the city in various ways. There is public or private transportation.
Buses, trams, the Brussels Metro, and railway stations are available for public transport. Buses serve the 19 municipalities in the city. Tram trails run 133 km across the city. The Brussels Metro has 4 lines throughout the area. 29 railway stations are open in Brussels.
You can also travel privately by bicycle, car or taxi. Grab a bike at Villo! (The public bicycle rental programme in Brussels). You can also travel by car in the highways or local streets.

Trivia
Did you know a million begonias make up the flower carpet in the Grand Place?
Different coloured begonias make up the 77 meters long pattern. The carpet is 24 meters wide.
Did you know that Brussels belongs to a country with two languages?
Most people in the region speak French. Other people speak only Dutch. Some use the two languages. The rest of the people use other languages.
Brussels is more than the capital of Belgium. It offers a lot more. So enjoy their beers. Eat waffles. Enter the Atomium. Watch the flower carpet. Take a tour of this famous capital city of Belgium.