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Brussels, as Belgium's capital city is something of an undiscovered gem as far as holiday and tourist destinations go, and yet it has so much to offer. From its stunning architecture to internationally renowned beers, Brussels really is a fantastic city to visit. The history of Brussels is a very interesting one, with the city being firmly at the heart of Europe for hundreds of years. This history has led to the city developing as a very cosmopolitan centre, which is proud of its position within the heartland of Europe, its people are very outward looking and quite progressive in thought. Part of the fascination of Brussels is that it is bi-lingual in the sense that both French and Dutch are used as languages and indeed most people in Brussels seem multi-lingual.
Its climate is very temperate and although it can be very cold in December, January and February, in summer months the temperature rises to a fairly decent 25 celsius or so on a regular basis. As you may expect from a city which prides itself on being very cosmopolitan and progressive, the public transport system in Brussels is very extensive and extremely reliable. The rail system is also very good, with a very quick and direct connection to the airport. With its two very famous and revered universities, and some others which are less established, Brussels enjoys a very vibrant nightlife, where students, politicians, as well as tourists and city dwellers, come out to play at night. The beer is also excellent and it is well worth sampling various types to find out which you like best. But beware as some can be quite strong. During the day there is also plenty to do, with lots of different buildings to see and a whole host of activities awaiting you. The city is actually created around the magnificent Grand Place, which has a very medieval feel to it with all the windy streets and many cobbled areas. The bars in this area are very hospitable and very much a place where people meet, where deals are done and the business of the day is discussed; they provide a real insight into life in this part of the world. You should also check out the Royal Quarter up in the Upper Town and make sure that you have a look at the Belgian Parliament, as well as the art museums and galleries which abound in this area. Most museums are closed on Mondays, so remember this when planning your trip. Brussels is also fantastic for shopping, with its stores and little boutiques, as well as the markets to be found all over the city. There are some fantastic different little shops as well where individuality is king and you will find some really unique jewellery and gifts. So for a really different destination make sure that you enjoy all that Brussels has to offer and its fascinating blend of cultures, history, languages and some excellent beers, bars and some great food too. Definitely a must see city for everyone!
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