Aangezien het gastheer is van eerste Europese Unie organisaties, instituties alsook het hoofdkwartier van NATO, zou men denken dat het grootste stedelijk centrum in België een spil is voor politici, dilpomaten en regeringsvertegenwoordigers van over de hele wereld. Maar voor je een voortijdige mening vormt over deze bruisende culturele , moet je meer weten over de beroemde Belgische chocolade, wafels en bier, de mooie, aparte parken, straten, pleinen en toeristische bezienswaardigheden. Ook beweert België de ware grondlegger te zijn van 's werelds meest favoriete fast food: de "french fries". Brussel vertegenwoordigt het samensmelten van de Franse als de Vlaamse culturen en levenswijzen, wat resulteert in een rijk palet van zowel eten als kunst en zo de stad een algemene cosmopolitische sfeer geeft. Het aantal musea hier zou elke toerist naar adem doen snakken, en het nachtleven gaat door tot de vroege uurtjes. Als een spiegel van vooruitgang van het middeleeuwse Europa tot de post-moderne invloeden in het alledaagse leven, is de Brusselse architectuur ook getuige van de rijke, oude wereldcharme die handig samenvloeit met de moderne, gehaaste stad van vandaag. Van de verschillende oriëntatiepunten, zijn enkele van de meest vermeldenswaardige het Grote Paleis, St.-Michiels en Goedele kathedraal, het Jubelpark Park, de Brusselse Beurs, en het koninklijk paleis.
The Villers Abbey was founded in the 12th Century for the Cistercian Order and although the abbey is now in ruins you can still discover how the monks lived by going on a walk or tour through the ruins. After you have explored Villers Abbey make sure you visit the gardens. The grounds are based upon how gardens were normally set up for a abbey in the Middle Ages where it was used for medical herbs as well as to create a tranquil space. Take a scenic stroll around the well-designed Square Garden then cross the trellised walkway to the more natural Wild Garden. The Villers Abbey also hosts events, such as plays, exhibitions, and concerts.
Straddling the outskirts of Halle, Hallerbos is an enchanting forest. Dense with oaks, maples and beeches, the forest is also called Blue Forest due to a magnificent natural phenomenon that takes place each spring. Every year between mid-April and end of May, the forest floor becomes carpeted with blossoming hyacinths and bluebells. Picture golden sunlight filtering through the tall Sequoia trees, glistening on the soft bed of green grass, which is interspersed with thousands of bluebells. Many tourists flock the forest every year to witness this stunning visual. Whether you choose to ride a bicycle or take a leisurely stroll, the charming trails here will leave you asking for more.
Dating back to the late 12th Century, the Écaussinnes-Lalaing Castle of Belgium is a well preserved historical and architectural monument. It is family owned even today but is open to visitors who can view its in-house museum, bedroom, armory, jail, kitchen and bedroom still furnished with original medieval furniture. Open from April to October for individuals and families, the castle invites groups to visit its premises in the off-season by appointments only.
Located on the same address of the famous fictional boy hero Tintin, the Musée Hergé in Wallonia is a highly popular tourist attraction. Built at a cost of 15 million euros and housed in a modern architectural masterpiece, the museum details the life and works of Georges Remi (Hergé) and showcases the different themes and places of his famous franchise in nine different exhibitions rooms. Visitor favorites include Professor Calculus's very own laboratory, temporary exhibitions with themes on each book and a mini cinema with documentaries on the author and clips of the Tintin animated series. A must visit if you are a fan of the books.
Memorable evenings with superb sound systems in an intimate hall close to the performers is what audiences experience in Zik-Zak. Listeners can feel the passion vibes of the performing artists, which creates a unique ambiance at this venue where renowned musicians and budding talent are equally welcome.