Brussels a cosmopolitan city more than a 1000 years old is the lively bilingual capital of Belgium, the headquarters of the French and Flemish Communities and the seat of the European Commission and European Parliament. Both French and Flemish are the official languages and all street names and traffic sings are in both languages. From ancient times different cultures have lived here together, after all Belgium is a main crossroad for all of Europe. 

Architectural styles are also as varied and contrasting, ranging from Gothic cathedrals and churches to gracious classical facades as in the Palais des Nations and the Royal Palace as well as to the many art nouveau and art deco houses in the various neighborhoods.

The heart of Brussels is definetely the Grand'Place (Grote Markt), the historic market square with splendid guild houses and impressively Gothic Town Hall. This is without any doubts one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe as well as the place to start getting to know the city. 

Brussels is a city of markets and every neighborhood has its own: one each for birds, flowers, antiques, horses and the famous flea market. You will see vendors bringing fresh produce from nearby fields, you will find cheeses still made in local farms, hams smoked-cured in the Ardennes, flowers, potted plants, chickens, rabbits and fresh caught North Sea fish, shrimp and mussels.