Brussels, the Belgian capital, is often overlooked as a European vacation destination, in favour of more fashionable capitals like Paris or Rome. While we agree that Brussels is mostly distinguished as Europe’s business power-house (both NATO and the EU have their headquarters here), this does not mean one should only visit in order to advance one’s political or diplomatic career. We think it’s about time this destination-discrimination come to a halt! Brussels is a great city to visit and is the ideal destination for those who appreciate outstanding architecture, modern art and scrumptious cuisine. Of course, Brussels is also home to some of the most delicious chocolate in the world. Bet you had forgotten about that! Brussels is also where you can savour the most delicious moules frites in the whole country. Belgium’s national dish is a delectable combination of crispy golden French fries, served alongside a steaming bowl of super-fresh mussels cooked in a delicious broth. Book your next vacation rental in Brussels, and come taste for yourself just how appetizing this European Capital can be. For the best moules frites in town, we suggest you visit one, or all, of our favourite eateries. Chez Léon, 18 Rue des Bouchers Do not let ...

Belgium’s obsession with chocolate is not imaginary; the country produces over 170,000 tonnes of the stuff every year. And although other cities such as Barcelona and Zurich can also lay title to ‘chocolate capital of Europe’, chocolate shops form a strong part of the urban scenery in central Brussels. Here are a few of the best places to get your hit: Godiva, place du Grand Sablón, 47 Godiva is not Belgium’s most famous name is chocolate for nothing, and they can be bought considerably cheaper than at home here in its flagships store. Choose from bon-bons in new season’s flavours such as Spring Raspberry Tart or their classic ganaches and truffles. Godiva’s travel-friendly packaging, using petite boxes and bows, is exquisite. Galler, rue au Beurre, 44 Galler is what the Belgium Royal Family nibble on when overtaken with chocolate craving. Jean Galler’s chocolate tablets, which come in stylish, minimalist packaging, make great gifts. As is the trend in the competitive world of’ haute chocolate’, these are divided into ‘collections’; for something classic, try the ‘Heritage’ flavours with a high cocoa count or cocoa beans from different regions of Africa and the Americas in the ‘Blended Range’. Pierre Marcolini, place du Grand Sablón, 39 Considered to ...

Arguably, Brussels’ most celebrated virtue (besides moules frites, beer and chocolate) is Tintin, the intrepid cartoon character created by the Georges Prosper Remi, better known as Hergé. Whilst Tintin and his dog Snowy’s appeal is universal and enduring (Spielberg is currently making a trilogy of his adventures in 3D), there are plenty of other Belgium cartoonists whose work will be familiar to you; Jijé, Morris (who invented the lovable cowboy Lucky Luke), Frank Pé of Brousaille fame, the smurfs creator Peyo and many more besides have made Belgium synonymous with the ‘clean line’ style of comic strip art. There are many places in the centre of Brussels that pay homage to these early auteurs of animation, from Museums to bookshops to street art. Here are few suggestions:

The Grand Place in Brussels is one of the world’s largest and most spectacular squares and is lined with wonderful period buildings. In 1971, the first Flower Carpet was created within the Grand Place by E. Stautemans, a landscape architect. A graduate of Ghent Horticultural College, Stautemans often experimented with making carpets and rugs out of flowers and he had a particular fondness for begonias. Following years of practice, Stautemans was an expert in the creation of wonderful flower carpets which had sophisticated patterns and amazing floral colours. Size became an issue which is why Stautemans decided to create the most fantastic flower carpet in Brussels, surrounded by much of Brussels’ ancient architecture in Grand Place. Each year, the flower carpet covers over three hundred square metres and involves the use of over eight hundred thousand begonias. Within the carpet design are several fountains that spout water onto the blooms to keep them fresh in the hot August sun for four days. Once the carpet is finished, the result is almost beyond what the eye can take in. The multicoloured flower carpet creates a truly incredible centrepiece in the Grand Place and within the design are often figures recreating scenes from myth and ...