Things to do in Brussels
Lace and paint
Flanders has historically been renowned for its lace-making craft, and the best place to learn about this rich heritage is the Musée du Costume et de la Dentelle. Here you’ll find a range of fascinating exhibitions on the history of textiles in Brussels. The city was also home to the famous Surrealist artist, Rene Magritte, and at the Musée Magritte you’ll have a chance to learn about the man behind some of the 20th century’s most iconic images. For a fuller view of the area’s artistic lineage make your way to the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, which features collections of both ancient and modern art from masters including Brueghel the Elder and Anthony van Dyck.
The Flower Carpet
Every two years, Brussels’ Grand Place is adorned with the spectacular Flower Carpet, a breathtaking display of over 500,000 colourful begonias arranged into intricate patterns. This event, held in August, is a true feast for the eyes and one of the city’s most iconic traditions. If you time your short break in Brussels right, you can witness this vibrant display and experience the beauty of one of Europe’s most stunning squares.
Beer and chocolate
Mixing them may be inadvisable, but beer and chocolate can be found everywhere in Brussels. A short break in Brussels is the perfect opportunity to sample these delights. Beer Mania has a stock of over 400 different beers to choose from, and there are small pubs, cafés and bars dotted throughout the city. As for chocolate, there are shops on nearly every street selling quality Belgian treats, although Leonidas is an especially popular chain with the locals.
