{"id":20715,"date":"2014-07-22T11:44:56","date_gmt":"2014-07-22T10:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thealternativeagency.co.uk\/indigo\/?p=20715"},"modified":"2014-07-22T11:44:56","modified_gmt":"2014-07-22T10:44:56","slug":"brussels-european-mecca-chocolate-art-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/designoholic.uk\/indigo\/brussels-european-mecca-chocolate-art-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Brussels the European Mecca of chocolate, art and design"},"content":{"rendered":"

For those who want to discover Brussels<\/strong><\/a>, they should know that they have many choices: on foot, by bicycle, by car or even by boat. Brussels, the result of a mild blend of 27 different cultures is the most important city at European level, being the Capital of 500 million Europeans.
\nIts diversity makes this place a magnificent place to have fun, relax, study or work. Brussels is home to almost 90 museums, architecture monuments, beautiful parks and fascinating walks, trendy restaurants and bars, fancy chocolate stores and art galleries.
\nBrussels the European Mecca of chocolate, art and design as its visitors nicknamed it, is one of Europe’s must-see destinations.<\/p>\n

Brussels travel is considered cheaper compared to London<\/strong><\/a> and Paris<\/strong><\/a> even if it shows the same touch of charm and elegance. Hotel accommodation includes hostels and apartments for rent, star-rated hotels and of course luxury hotels. You can book online before you arrive at very reasonable prices.<\/p>\n

Once arrived in Brussels it\u2019s very handy to rent a car<\/h2>\n

No matter how you plan to arrive to Brussels, it would be quite easy. Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport both welcome flights from all over the world. High-speed trains are available from London<\/strong><\/a>, Paris<\/strong><\/a> and Amsterdam<\/strong><\/a> and you can even get there by ferry! Once arrived in Brussels it\u2019s very handy to rent a car<\/strong><\/a>, just to make your tours easier and more enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Nobody can visit Brussels<\/strong><\/a> without seeing The Grand Place, surrounded by the city tower and a range of beautiful 300 year old buildings. It will be hard not to notice the delicious smell of the “gaufre de Li\u00e8ge-Luikse waffle” here (Belgian waffle with caramelized sugar)\u2014the best ones are available from the little shops situated all over the Grand Place-Grote Markt. There are many other places to visit nearby like Manneken Pis (the small bronze statue of a child performing one of Nature’s most basic functions, thought to represent the “irreverent spirit” of Brussels) or the Saint-Hubert Galleries (The world’s first shopping mall, opened in 1847, full of boutiques, bookshops, caf\u00e9s, restaurants, a theater and cinema), but hiring a car for the rest would confer you a confortable and complete journey. Choosing what to leave behind can be a very difficult thing so you shouldn\u2019t cut too many sightseeing from your list if you don\u2019t want to regret later.<\/p>\n

For example, you\u2019ll need a car<\/strong><\/a> to go from The Grand Place towards the Laeken district for visiting the magnificent St. Michaels\u2019 cathedral, the Royal Residence, the Chinese Pavillion, the Japanese Tower and the world-famous Atomium. This unavoidable icon of Brussels and Belgium is a unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World Fair in Brussels. Five of the nine spheres are open to the public and the upper sphere offers spectacular views of the city of Brussels and not only. The view reaches till Antwerp when the sky is clear. On the way back to the city center visit the Sablon district with its elegant stores selling beautiful antiques. You can\u2019t miss any of the cosmopolitan quarters of Brussels where various cultures mix in this marvellous blend of nationalities, cultures, arts, music and gastronomy.<\/p>\n

Now that we\u2019re speaking about gastronomy, we do have to bring Chocolate into discussion! The bohemian paved streets highlight the charming chocolate stores, were chocolate candies are being exposed like genuine jewelries in breathtaking showcases. Don\u2019t be surprised when you buy if they\u2019ll be handed to you by their creator wearing elegant white gloves and a mysterious smile that hides the secret recipe of these delicious masterpieces. After you have found out that Brussels denizens worship chocolate, you\u2019ll see also that beer is another Belgian passion which won\u2019t be missing from any restaurant or bar. Just like seafood.<\/p>\n

If you are interested in hiring a car for your trip to Brussels or anywhere in Belgium<\/strong><\/a> and need guidance in terms of vehicles or any other special requirements then our reservation agents will be happy to assist you. Contact us directly by calling +44 (0)113 880 0748<\/strong> or emailing us at sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk<\/strong><\/a> and we will get right back to you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For those who want to discover Brussels, they should know that they have many choices: on foot, by bicycle, by car or even 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