See what the experts are saying about Leuven. Get expert advice on how to get there, what to see and more.
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Introduction
Brussels is a unique city composed of 19 districts and divided by two languages. Its hub is the Grote Markt/Grand Place, which can be reached by tram or bus. This city square was once the focal point of Brussels's food markets. The surroundin... Continue reading »
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History
The name Brussels is derived from the word Bruocsella meaning "of the marsh", because Brussels was originally surrounded by an extensive marshland. According to tradition, Brussels began as a Gallo-Roman settlement in the 7th century C.E. It... Continue reading »
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Where to stay
Accommodation choices in Brussels are of a very high standard and tend to be pricey. There are a number of places where you can find a good value, but take into account the fact that lodgings in Brussels tends to cater to the upper echelons.... Continue reading »
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Eat drink
Brussels is renowned for its chic restaurants such as Loui and its cozy little cafés in which you can enjoy anything from a simple snack to a three course dinner. With so many places to eat, you might ask yourself where to begin a "culinary t... Continue reading »
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Entertainment
There's plenty to do in Brussels to keep visitors occupied. From museums and galleries to shopping in one of its many squares, the possibilities are endless. Museums and Galleries The Royal Museums of Art and History is the finest muse... Continue reading »
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Tours
Tour One: Grand Place to the Grand Sablon A walk in the center of Brussels should start from Grote Markt/Grand Place, or the main market square. If you want to get there by tube there are two stations close by. By De Beurs/La Bourse, whic... Continue reading »
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Getting there
Getting There By Air Brussels International Airport (+32 2 753 7753 / http://www.brusselsairport.be) is situated 8 miles east of the city. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and a stunning array of art displays spread through... Continue reading »
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Fun facts
Brussels Country: Belgium Brussels By The Numbers: Population: 140,000 (city); 2,090,000 (metropolitan area) Year founded: 979 C.E. Average January temp: 37.5 degrees F/ 3 degrees C Average July temp: 63.5 degrees F/ 18 degrees C Ann... Continue reading »
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Introduction
Visitor Information The city tourist office is Brussels International Tourism, Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), Grand-Place, 1000 Bruxelles (tel. 02/513-89-40; fax 02/513-83-20; www.brusselsinternational.be; Métro: Gare Centrale). It has availa... Continue reading »
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Best dining bets
Comme Chez Soi (Brussels; tel. 02/512-29-21): If Michelin were to introduce a four-star category, Comme Chez Soi would undoubtedly be one of the first to collect the extra star. The irony about this culinary holy-of-holies is its name: "Just... Continue reading »
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Best hotel bets
Métropole (Brussels; tel. 02/217-23-00): This century-old hotel in the heart of Brussels maintains the Belle Epoque splendor of its first days and combines it with modern furnishings and service. Its L'Alban Chambon restaurant is one of Bruss... Continue reading »
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The best buys
Lace: There are two kinds of Belgian lace: exquisite handmade pieces and machine-made stuff. Machine-made lace is not necessarily bad -- indeed some of it is very good -- but this is the form used to mass produce pieces of indifferent quality... Continue reading »
