Brussels

The city may not appeal to the imagination as much as, say, Paris or London, but that's unfair. Brussels has lots more to offer than you think. Culture, countless terraces, the most beautiful shops and, of course, friendly Brusselites.

Apart from this, the European Commission and the numerous other European institutions based in the city mean that Europeans all feel a just a tad possessive. Yet Brussels is also a city filled with beautiful buildings and wonderful squares like the Grote Markt, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

You'll certainly get your fill of culture in this city, with its numerous beautiful and unique museums and buildings. Brussels is increasingly becoming an international city for creative people. And we mustn't forget the comic strip, many of whose greatest creators, like Herge (Tintin) and van der Steen (Suske & Wiske), were born in here.

As you would expect in the capital of a country where the pint is highly revered, there are lots of bars and cafes. In Brussels the good life translates into countless restaurants and friendly, intimate bars. When you're in Brussels you'll be struck by just how many possibilities a relatively small area can offer!

Although Brussels is officially bilingual, the majority of people speak French. You'll still hear and see plenty of Dutch though, because all street signs are written in both languages, and lots of advertisements also appear in Dutch and French.

Don't forget to enjoy all the delicacies that this city offers when you're here... pralines, fries and a warm waffle! A final tip, buy at least two boxes of pralines - one for here and one for home - so you can prolong your enjoyment of this great city. A trip to Brussels, so close by, yet so different!