Brussels at a glance

SIGHTSEEING, BRUSSELS Updated : Mar 20, 2015, 10.24 AM IST

Photo by:  Luke Ma, Creative Commons Attribution Licence

The capital of Belgium, Brussels is a multi-cultural city divided into 19 districts, and these are among its most notable neighbourhoods. The historical centre is the heart of the city, encircled by a series of boulevards called the Petite Ceinture and enclosing most hotels and restaurants and major tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, St Michael’s Cathedral, Hotel de Ville and the Bourse. Head to Marolles for its antique-filled shops, vibrant flea markets and cute cafes, or explore the architect Victor Horta’s pioneering buildings in the Art Nouveau neighbourhood Saint-Gilles. Take a stroll in the upscale neighbourhood of Place Burgmann and discover its art nouveau and art deco architecture, cosy cafes and designer boutiques. Situated east of the historical centre, Sablon is full of antique shops, historic buildings, beautiful gardens, chocolatiers and pastry shops.
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Landmark

SIGHTSEEING, BRUSSELS

Saint-Gilles

Although Saint-Gilles is where famous Art Nouveau master Victor Horta lived - his home has been preserved as a museum - the neighbourhood is off the tourist track, so those-in-the-know can explore in peace. Perhaps the c...more

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Leisure

SIGHTSEEING, BRUSSELS

Sablon

Antiques dealers and art galleries cluster in the narrow streets fanning out from the Place du Grand Sablon, in the heart of the Sablon district. The square is surrounded by quaint historic buildings, some dating back to...more

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Landmark

SIGHTSEEING, BRUSSELS

Place Brugmann

Located in the Southern corner of Ixelles, well-to-do Place Brugmann and its surrounding streets are a great place to come for cosy cafes and small, high-end boutiques. The area's also worth a look for its architecture a...more

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Landmark

SIGHTSEEING, BRUSSELS

Marolles

Despite the city's recent modernisation as the seat of the EU, 'Old Brussels' still exists and Marolles is one of the best places to see it. A former working-class district, the 'echte Brusseleirs', as real locals are kn...more

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Landmark

SIGHTSEEING, BRUSSELS

Ixelles

Multi-cultural, young and vibrant, Ixelles boasts some of the best and most characterful restaurants and bars in the city. Throw in colourful markets, historic squares, wonderful art nouveau and art deco architecture and...more

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Landmark

SIGHTSEEING, BRUSSELS

Historic centre

Once ringed by 16th century defensive walls, the city centre is now defined by the 'Petite Ceinture', a set of avenues and boulevards that form a pentagonal loop around it. Within the encasing roads, a warren of largely ...more

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