Brussels

Brussels, the unofficial capital of Europe, is a bilingual beauty which has a lot more to offer than just its infamous EU bureaucracy. The city's magnificent architecture is a mix between the Gothic, Neoclassical, Jugend and modern styles. The mediaeval Grand-Place (Grote Markt) in the heart of the city is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

Brussels' other attractions include the lively cafes, trendy spots for an evening out and local delicacies such as mussels and Belgian fries, the gaufre waffles and chocolate confectionary. Have a taste of the famous Belgian beer at the unique bars or brewery museums of, for example, St Gilles (Sint-Gillis) and Ixelles (Elsene). For the culture aficionados, places to visit include the Royal Museum of Art and the Atomium, built for the Brussels World Fair. On a bright day, you can see all the way to Antwerp from the top of the building, built to look like an atom.