The Kingdom of Belgium is a small country located in the north-west part of Europe. It is bordered by the North Sea and The Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg in the south-east and France to the west. Brussels is the largest and capital city. Other major cities in Belgium include Ghent, Antwerp, Charleroi, Bruges and Liege. In the south the landscape of Wallonia is influenced by the hills of the Ardennes, along with many castles. In winter the Ardennes area is popular for winter sports and in summer for watersports, hiking and mountain biking. The main rivers are the Schelde and Meuse.

The three official languages are Dutch (Flemish), French and German, although English is widely spoken. Flemish is spoken mostly in Flanders in the north of the country, while French is spoken more in the south and German in areas close to the border with Germany. Currency is the Euro. Belgium was one of the first members of the European Community and Brussels is capital and headquarters of the European Union and NATO. There are three autonomous regions of Belgium: To the north is Flanders where Dutch (Flemish) is spoken, Wallonia to the south, which is French-speaking, and the bi-lingual Brussels region.

Because of its importance in political and world affairs Belgium bustles with business activity and diplomats. Modern high-rise buildings mix with the Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture from its rich history and influences from many different cultures. For such a small country, Belgium has plenty of diversity, from the canals of Bruges to the diamond shops of Antwerp, many museums, galleries, castles. Belgium is especially renowned for its chocolates and beer as well as famous works of art. For more information, visit: www.visitbelgium.com

Manneken Pis

This famous statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain is a perfect representative of the irreverent Belgian humor. The unique Brussels icon has been amusing visitors on the corner of Rue de L’Etuve & Stroofstraat since 1619. Over time it has become a tradition for visiting heads of state to donate miniature versions of their national costume for the little naked boy. The wardrobe of Mannekin Pis can be seen at the Brussels museum and includes over 760 outfits – even an authentic Elvis jumpsuit.

Located in the north-central part of the country, and known as the ‘diamond capital of the world’ and city of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens, the creator of many masterpieces who made Antwerp his home for most of his life. A statue of the painter is located at the Groenplaats and he was buried at a church in Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders and the place to shop for diamonds. Other than the diamond processing industry, Antwerp is famous for its port which provides a significant share of the city’s income. The city has a wonderful stylish personality and it is a fine place to stroll the cobbled streets and explore the squares, museums, monuments, shops, restaurants and cafes.
Enjoy one of the country’s excellent beers at the Grote Markt in the centre of the city and admire the historic guildhouses, Gothic cathedral, and City Hall which dates back to the fifteenth century. Antwerp is a place of tales and legends and seafaring folklore.

History buffs will love Antwerp for its many museums. Many of the works of Rubens and other famous Flemish painters are housed at the Fine Arts Museum. The Museum of Contemporary Art includes more recent works of Belgian art and there are many other. The Martime Museum has many fascinating exhibits and ships on display. Antwerp is very famous for its diamonds and a museum dedicated to the industry is located in the middle of the diamond district. The majority of the world’s trading and cutting of diamonds takes place in the city.

The picturesque medieval city of Bruges (Dutch: Brugges) is located in the Flemish region in the NW of the country. It is laced together with bridges and canals, giving it the nickname ‘Venice of the North.’ The heart of the city is a romantic pedestrianised area, leaving you free to explore the cobbled streets by foot, take a ride in a horse and buggy or explore the canals and admire the architecture by boat as you silently glide beneath the many bridges. Bruges is a city of enchantment, a world that has remained mainly unchanged, where you can peruse the lace shops, enjoy chocolates and while away some time at the cafes and restaurants. The entire historical area of Bruges is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of the popular sights and attractions include The Belfry, the Church of Our Lady which houses a statue in marble of the Madonna by Michelangelo. For art lovers the Groeninge Museum should not be missed as it houses many works by Flemish masters. The Beguinages comprises a complex which house nuns,
(beguines), which is enclosed by a wall but the gardens are open to visitors.

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is an international city and headquarters of the European Union and NATO. The city has dozens of museums and attractions. Due to the multicultural nature of the city you will find just about any type of restaurant and cuisine you desire, as well as a lively nightlife.

The 13th century Grand Palace in the city centre is a popular attraction and the venue for many musical performances and other events. There is plenty to keep shoppers happy with the designer boutiques and excellent shops, as well as plenty of choices for lunch with the many street cafes and bistros. The Palais de Justice is a huge and imposing complex. Overlooking Brussels Park is the Royal Palace which is the official residence of the King of Belgium. The 18th century Royal Greenhouses contain a huge botanical collection. Tours of the European Parliament are available to the public. One of the most famous landmarks is a fountain which is a bronze sculpture of a naked boy urinating known as the Manneken Pis. The city is roughly divided between the upper and lower towns with the upper town being the more modern part, and lower town being the old town with its narrow medieval streets. Don’t miss enjoying some Belgian chocolate, and have a real Belgian beer at the Grote Markt. The Galeries St. Hubert is a spectactular 18th century arcade, with a glass roof, in the centre of the city where you can while away hour shopping and eating.

If you are in Brussels during December don’t miss the Christmas Market in the Grand Place. It is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas mood with its huge tree, decorations, music and lights and you could pick up some unusual stocking stuffer gifts. If your visit is during summer you might stumble across Brussels-on-Sea, where you can get some sand between your toes on the fake beach and enjoy some seaside-type atmosphere in the middle of the city!

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Belgium

Manneken Pis

European Guide

Insurance

Car Rental

Travel Guide

Ski Guide