Holiday lettings in Brussels

Brussels’ historic centre is divided into nine ‘quarters’ that all have their own character and personality. Les Marolles is known as a part of the city inhabited by ‘real’ Brusseleirs and is home to many quaint antique shops and atmospheric cafes. A flea market takes place every morning on the ‘Place du jeu de balle’. Staying in central Brussels will give you a real taste of life in the city - there are many streets surrounding the Grand Palace and the Gare Centrale. Another popular quarter is Mont des Arts, situated between the Brussels Park, the Royal Palace and Royal Square. A number of museums are located here including the Musical Instruments Museum and the Royal Museum of the Fine Arts. Some of Brussels’ best examples of Art Nouveau architecture can be found in the Saint-Gilles neighbourhood, an area home to many artists and bohemians.

The UNESCO Listed Grand Place in the city centre is one of the prettiest squares in Europe. The walk down Mont des Arts into the city is often a highlight of a visit. Mont des Arts is home to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, the Magritte Museum and the Museum of Musical Instruments. The latter is housed in Old England, a splendid Art Nouveau building. Belgium publishes more comic strip books than any other country in the world including Japan. Big fans of the genre should include the Comic Strip Museum in their itinerary. Everyone can view the comic strip murals painted on the gable ends of buildings throughout the city. The Atomium is a representation of an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Built as a temporary exhibit for Expo 58, it was retained to become a symbol of the city. A visit includes the history of the crystal and the possibility to dine or take in the views from the top sphere.

No trip to Brussels would be complete without trying the omnipresent moules et frites (mussels and french fries). Also make sure to try stoemp (pureed potatoes and vegetables usually served with sausages) and chicon gratin (chicory wrapped in bacon and cooked in cheese). Belgian Waffles are big sellers on cold days when their sweet smell attracts customers before the outlet has even come into view. Belgian chocolate is world renowned after pralines were introduced here by John Neuhaus in 1912. The big chocolate houses are Neuhaus, Godiva, Guylain and Leonidas. In a country with over 800 different beers and in a town with multiple peeing statues, it will not surprise anyone to learn that Brussels has plenty of characteristic bars. It is recommended that you start at Delirium which has a place in the Guinness Book of Records for offering over two thousand varieties! “Beer tourists” are a common visitor to Brussels, and for good reason.

MOBIB / STIB is the operator of the Metro, trams and buses. One journey (Jump) costs €2 for travel of up to a one hour duration using any combination of Metro, trams or buses. Ten jumps on one cardboard ticket can be bought for €13.50. Two people can travel on one ticket if the card is validated (composted) twice in quick succession. Keep your eyes peeled when travelling by Metro as stations showcase the work of Belgian artists. You'll find Brussels well connected and your holiday accommodation will be within walking distance of local public transport. For a scenic tour of Brussels using public transport, take the 94 tram which travels right across Brussels from Stade to the Tram Museum. Brussels like most major European cities operates a bike share scheme. Villo! bike stations can be found all over the city and there are many stations where short term subscriptions can be purchased by credit card.