Short Breaks to Brussels

Why choose Brussels for a Short Break?

Brussels is a stylish and romantic city, often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours. It's name doesn't do it justice or even hint at what a picturesque city awaits the discerning traveller.

Steeped in history with medieval and Art Deco buildings, it has museums, art galleries, tree lined squares and charming shops selling lace and jewellery. A serious amount of designer fashion boutiques, markets, trendy shops and a designer outlet village not far from the city should satisfy even the most demanding shopper. Far less frenetic than its European neighbours, it celebrates art, fashion and eating with a passion. And it is home to the best chocolate in the world.

Most EU workers leave Brussel at the weekend so this is probably the best time to enjoy a local beer in the city's hub, the incredibly ornate main square, Grand Place. The Place du Grand Sablon is the place for antique shops, chocolatiers, lively café's and tres chic restaurants. There's plenty of nightlife here too; and the current cool club is Fuse.

For art lovers, Brussels has over 100 museums including the Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique which are home to paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Gauguin and many more artistes from the Surrealist school.

But despite all the Gothic splendour and culture, Brussel's most famous landmark, the Manneken Pis, a statue of a small boy peeing – yes, you did read that correctly – shows that they don't take themselves too seriously. They even change his costumes at different times of the year when he pees beer instead of water!