Belgium: Brussels
Areas in the city:
In a nutshell...
Known as the capital of comic strips, Brussels is also unique for its mix of modern buildings and Art Nouveau style homes.
An animated and festive city, it is not rare to witness a fanfare or a parade in the Grand Place nor is it uncommon to see the Mannekenpis being adomed in a new costume; Brussels is a city for walking.
The city is spread out, with 19 districts depicting many different faces of the capital. Ixelles is famous for its nightlife, where Saint-Gilles, particularly the Maison Horta, is popular with those who are interested in Art Nouveau.
Truly European in character, Brussels offers all the Belgian specialities, from beer to waffles, but Italian and French dishes are also popular. This is a city where everyone can find something of interest.
Brussels : Walks
Shopping in Brussels
Shopping in Brussels means leaving downtown for awhile and discovering a more charming and residential side of the city. Not far from typically touristy locations, Ixelles is a place to stroll through art deco and art nouveau inspired buildings while popping into shops of Belgian and international renown.
Go back to Brugmann Place and take the rue du Balli, pass by the Trinity Church where many fashionable boutiques can be found and then venture down avenue Louis Lepoutre which leads you to an open air space. In this neighborhood, shopping can even be done an a Sunday (rare in European cities) allowing for a "Brunch and Boutiques" outing. Graphie Sud, Scènes de ménages, Faisons un rêve, les Précieuses are the names of just some of the boutiques in the area.
From GARE DU MIDI to PLACE BRUGMANN
Take tram 90 until Albert stop.
From PLACE BRUGMANN to ZAO
Follow rue Merjay for 500 meters, continue straight into the rue du Tabellion, take the rue Balli.
