SHOPS
A European and international city, you can find almost everything in
Brussels.
A few commercial centers still exist downtown, but most of the big malls
are around the city.
The commercial areas are:
* Rue Neuve (shopping gallery, FNAC,...)
* Centre Monnaie
* Around the Stock Exchange
* Rue du Midi (stamps, philately)
* Galerie Bortier (book shops)
* Le Sablon (antique shops)
* Avenue Louise (high standard shop)
* Porte de Namur - porte Louise (the Champs-Elysées in Brussels!)
* Dansaertstreet (Fashion Designers)
The shopping areas in Brussels have their website: http://www.quartierscommercants.be.
MUSEUMS & SITES
Brussels has got numerous museums and sites to visit (like the famous
Atomium, built in 1958 for the Universal Exhibition).
And, among other attractions:
- Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée (CBBD)
Rue des Sables 20
1000 Bruxelles
0032 2 219 19 80
Closed on monday
http://www.cbbd.be
A paradise of the Ninth Art, Belgium inevitably had to build a temple
to the comic strip. It is located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building
designed in the early 20th century by the great architect Victor Horta.
This is a place that really deserves a visit, as much for its content
and its fascinating exhibitions as to marvel at this edifice. The ground
floor honors both the architect and his time, the late 19th-early 20th
century, which also coincides with the very first efforts at comic strip
drawing. Over 4,000m2 of exhibition space provide a comprehensive view
of the history of comics, from their origins to the present day. Different
areas follow each other, taking visitors from one discovery to the next.
Temporary exhibitions devoted to a particular artist, trend, topic or
one of the many comics heroes can be found on the first floor, attracting
comic aficionados from around the world to enjoy the excellence of the
displays.
- Grand'Place of Brussels
Considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, the
Grand Place is the heart of Brussels, where many historic buildings
dating back from the 13th to 16th century are located.
- Manneken Pis
Corner of rue du Chène and rue de l'Etuve
Landmark of Brussels, although not very interesting nor existing , this
little statue of a boy peeing is a must-see for anyone visiting Brussels.
- Atomium
bd du Centenaire
1020 Brussels
Tel: 0032 2 475 47 76
Inaugurated on the occasion of the 1958 International Exhibition, the
Atomium is built on the model of a metal crystalline molecule enlarged
165 billion times. The most spectacular views of Brussels and Brabant
from the uppermost ball.
- Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique
Rue de la Régence 3 ou Place royale 1-2
1000 Brussels
0032 2 508 32 11
www.fine-arts-museum.be
This museum showcases Belgium's leading collections of classical and modern
art. Both sections are very extensive, so you'll need an entire day here
if you want to do them justice.
BRUSSELS OF THE BEATEN TRACK
- Flea
market
place du jeu de balle
1000 Brussels
Discover the most authentic neighborhood of Brussels. Every morning,
on the "Place du jeu de balle", a flea market takes place.
When you've found that vintage lamp or mirror, reward yourself with
a simple breakfast from one of the popular cafes around the Place.
- Try the finest chocolates in the world at Wittamer or Marcolini
Place du Sablon
1000 Bruxelles
Fine Belgian Chocolate boutiques where you will be able to taste the
best Belgian chocolates.
- Try the best biscuits at Dandoy's
Rue au Beurre 31
1000 Bruxelles
Dandoy is the place for sweet-toothed fans of old-fashioned
cookies-'n-cakes and other treats. Try the traditional Belgian house
specialties: spicy speculoos cookies (made with brown sugar, cinnamon,
ginger, and almonds, and baked in wooden molds), and pain à la
grecque (thin, spicy caramelized, sugary flaky pastries).
- Gallery Agora
Just behind the 'Grand place' a corridor with all kinds of leather jackets
and a lot of cheap clothes.
- Sint Hubert Gallery
This Gallery dates from 1845. The small turn in the middle was a clever
invention to make it look bigger than it actually is. This is a fancy
shopping area, try the coffee at the Mokafé (2€).
- Cathédrale des Sts Michel & Gudule
This splendid twin-towered cathedral at Parvis Sainte Gudule is named
after Brussels' male and female patron saints. It is situated on the
hillside to the north of Gare Centrale.
For more info check the website : http://www.brusselsinternational.be
