Brussels: So Much More Than A Bureaucratic Capital
09/18/2007 03:09 a.m.
Brussels has developed an unfortunate reputation as being a very gray city inhabited only by overpaid expense account European Union bureaucrats. Your travel agent can explain to you that this stereotype is a crime, as Brussels is one of northern Europe's most fascinating cities and certainly deserves the attention of any other great European capital.
The Grand-Place at the center of the city is the best place to start your voyage of discovery of a culture that is rich with history, vivacity and timeless architectural marvels. The Maison du Roi, the Hôtel de Ville and the Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles are three of the most distinguished edifices that are located near the heart of this marvelous city.
The impressive Notre-Dame du Sablon Gothic Church is a landmark near to the Place du Grand-Sablon where a visitor can get unbeatable deals on antique collections and many other rarities. Unlike some other cities in Europe, these antiques are certified as genuine, not just imported from China. Other notable sites that merit a thorough viewing include the Place du Trône, Palais Royal, and the renowned Parc de Bruxelles, featuring the Palais des Académies.
Your travel agent can demonstrate that Brussels is a museum wonderland with the The Natural Sciences Museum, the Royal Museums of Art and History and the Belgian Royal Museums of Fine Art being just three of many internationally famous museums that abound in Brussels. Nighttime in Brussels displays just how alive this city really is. There are clubs for guests of varying ages which boast quite a number of renowned DJs.
There are two universal attractions that every visitor to Brussels must experience. One is the amazing Frites which are nothing like the French Fries we have learned to accept on the side of every hamburger ever served. The Frites served by Belgium's over 7,000 stands are light, almost fluffy inside, and served with a staggering number of sauces for dipping. The most popular is fresh mayonnaise (don't knock it until you've tried it), but various stands provide their own secret recipe sauces which include everything from peanut satay sauce with onion to Sambal Oelek hot chili paste, blue cheese, tabasco, honey mustard, and sweet mango chutney!
The other delicacy which every visitor must experience is the beer produced by just six Trappist monasteries in Belgium. This world-famous brew comes in "single", "double", and "triple" (Enkel, Dubbel, Tripel), each step up adding alcohol and remarkably for beer: sweetness. The Tripel is an amazingly rich, flavorful ale of a profound dark blonde color, alcohol content of up to 10%, and so sweet that it will completely change your concept of what beer is!
While the amazing Trappist monk-made beer is reason enough to visit Brussels, this European capital has a whole lot more to offer to the visitor and all you need to do is contact your travel agent. Place Brussels on your itinerary and you will be elated at the variety and charm of this magnificent city.
Tags: european union, trappist beer, frites
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