|
Search
this site
View
map of Belgium
View
map of Europe
 
Building
Covered with Ivy, Brugge, Belgium
Buy
at AllPosters.com
|
 |
Holidays
In Brussels - How To Get There & Navigate The Public Transport System
Of Europe's Capital City
Brussels:
Chocolate Capital of the World by Paul McIndoe
Featured
Brussels Hotels
Self-catering
accommodation in Brussels and surrounds
As the de facto capital of
Europe, home to both the EU and the NATO headquarters, it's fair to say
that Brussels plays a vital part in European society and global politics,
and if you were asked to name something that makes Brussels famous then
its role as the capital of European politics is bound to spring to mind.
Then again, you may decide
to answer more 'diplomatically', and name the other thing that Brussels
is world famous for: chocolate!
Grand
Place, Brussels, Belgium Photographic Print
Buy
at AllPosters.com
The image of the chocolate-obsessed
Belgian also springs quickly to mind when thinking of Brussels - and with
over 2,000 chocolate shops and factories around the country (many in Brussels
itself), it is perhaps a stereotype that the Belgians would not only accept,
but be very proud of too!
And yet, there is something
rather strange about this relationship between Belgium - a European country
- and chocolate, a sweet treat made from the plant of the cocoa tree; a
plant native to South America. So where does this connection come from?
The story goes that the cook
of 16th century French Duke Plesslis-Praslin one day accidentally spilled
burned sugar over almonds, a mixture that the Duke found delicious, and
later gave his name to the praline! The accidental discovery of this sweet,
nutty paste and the way it complimented chocolate, led the Belgians to
develop and perfect this delicious sweet.
| This is a story that is
kept very much alive in Brussels today, and is a heritage that they are
only too happy to share with a chocolate-loving world. Shops in Brussels
include the world-famous Lady Godiva chocolate facility, which bears the
Royal stamp of approval, and La Fonderie, which offers tours for chocoholics.
There is also the Chocolate Museum, which tells the history of Belgian
chocolate; offers chocolate making lessons and perhaps more importantly,
offers some delicious samples!
Brussels is also home to
a wealth of cultural attractions, like the Lower Town, home to the Grand
Place, which boasts gorgeous 17th century baroque guildhalls and is today
used for huge open-air concerts, and the St. Michel cathedral - the construction
of which took over three centuries! The architectural styles of this fabulous
building shift from Romanesque to Renaissance before your very eyes!
And if you find yourself
needing some sustenance that isn't chocolate, or you need a place to lie
down and rest your legs (and stomach!), there are also a vast range of
restaurants and hotels in Brussels to suit your financial taste. |
Grand
Place, Brussels (Bruxelles), Belgium
Buy
at AllPosters.com
|
So if you're a chocoholic
in search of the finest sweets in the world, and wouldn't mind getting
a taste of European culture on the side, why not treat yourself to Brussels?
top
/ Brussels Featured Hotels
Self-catering
accommodation in Brussels and surrounds
About the Author -
Paul McIndoe is an online, freelance
writer from Scotland. When not writing, he enjoys playing golf and
is a keen gardener.
|
FEATURED
HOTELS IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
|
|
Search
for hotels in Brussels
 |
Astrid
Centre Hotel Brussels
The Astrid Center Brussels
is a first-class hotel located five kilometers from the Zaventem Airport
and only 400 meters of the Grand Place. This hotel boasts an excellent
location in the center of this enchanting city. The famous Grand Place,
with its beautiful architecture, exciting sightseeing places and pedestrian
shopping streets, is situated with a comfortable walking distance away. |
 |
Bedford
Hotel and Congress Centre Brussels
Located in the heart of
Brussels, between the famous "Grand’Place" and Eurostar / Thalys terminal,
the Bedford Brussels includes 2.660m2 meeting area. For any kind
of venue, the Bedford perfectly combines the flexibility and the traditions
of a privately owned hotel with the experience and the efficiency of a
professional staff. The Bedford houses 326 bedrooms including standard,
business, executive rooms and apartments. |
 |
Thon
Hotel Bristol Stephanie Brussels
The Hotel Bristol Stephanie
offers travellers a supreme location right on the Avenue Louise in the
heart of Brussels' most fashionable shopping and business district. The
staff at this excellent 5 star hotel will endeavour to ensure that your
stay is as comfortable and memorable as possible. Should you require any
tourism advice just find a staff member who will be happy to help.
Whether you are travelling to Brussels on business or leisure you are sure
to find the hospitality and facilities at the Bristol Stephanie of the
highest calibre. |
 |
Citadines
Apart'hotel Brussels Sainte-Catherine Brussels
The Citadines Brussels Ste-Catherine,
complete with indoor garden and fountain, is situated in the heart of the
city and only a stone's throw from Brussels' famous Grand-Place, a showcase
of Flemish baroque architecture. It is also close to the city's flower
market. This bustling European metropolis is a focal point for art
and culture – it is home to Musée Brueghel and the Musée
d'Art Ancien et d'Art Moderne (Museum of Ancient and Modern Art).
Absolute musts: the 80 museums about art, industry, science, history...
and the the "Comic's tour". |
 |
Citadines
Apart'hotel Brussels Toison d'Or Brussels
Citadines Brussels Toison
d'or is located near the Jardin d'Egmont and the Avenue Louise which is
lined with world-class shops. You will love Brussels for its numerous museums
(Brueghel Museum as well as the Ancient and Modern Art, just to name 2)
and its splendid architecture. This native land of Tintin also boasts of
a wide range of gastronomic delights. Absolute musts: the Musée
de la Bande Dessinée (Comic Museum); the Art Nouveau tour at Ixelles. |
 |
Comfort
Hotel Art Siru Brussels
The Comfort Art Hotel Siru
is a unique, first-class hotel located near Brussels longest pedestrian
shopping street. This hotel itself is a beautiful art-deco building with
101 unique pieces of art. The interior includes the work of 130 Belgium
artists. As a result, no two guestrooms are alike. The Comfort Art
Hotel Siru is only two minutes walk from the NORTH TRAIN STATION, ten minutes
from the Grand'Place and a twenty-minute cab ride from the Airport. |
 |
Floris
Louise Brussels
Hotel Floris Louise is located
in the heart of the intriguing city of Brussels close to the exclusive
shopping area 'Avenue Louise' and just a short distance from many of the
major tourist monuments and business districts. Guests will enjoy
excellent accommodation in Hotel Floris Louise. Each of the rooms in this
charming hotel has been designed with your every comfort in mind.
Hotel Floris Louise offers a range of hotel services ensuring a pleasant
and trouble free staying in this quaint hotel. |
 |
Hotel
Chambord Brussels
Hotel Chambord Brussels
ideally situated in the most luxurious district of Brussels. This Art Deco
Hotel, which was refurbished in 1995, has 70 comfortable rooms, all with
the modern facilities demanded by modern business people. A personalized
welcome, warm atmosphere and lobby bar make this hotel the place to stay
of choice offering an unbeatable combination of quality and price in the
city center. The guest rooms are charming with spacious dimensions.
Try the Piano Bar and don't miss the nearby shopping.A personalised welcome,
warm athmosphere and lobby bar make this hotel the place of stay of choice
offering an unbeatable combination of quality and price in the city centre. |
 |
Hotel
Plaza Brussels
Hotel Le Plaza Brussels
is located in the heart of Brussels, which was built in 1930 following
the plans of the Georges V Hotel - Paris. The hotel was completely renovated
in 1996 with particular care for tradition. Touches of the past remain
in intricate moldings, and graceful arches. Today, its 193 freshly refurbished
rooms with bright Louis XVI, combined with the latest technological amenities. |
 |
Le
Meridien Bruxelles
A curving structure with
a palatial façade, Le Meridien Brussels is a tribute to Belgium’s
rich and gloried history. This capital city’s Grand-Place, the central
square of the city, is only a short walk from the hotel, a square that’s
flanked by the gothic-era Hotel de Ville, the city’s town hall. The
hotel’s 224 elegant guest rooms and suites offer a place of luxurious sanctuary
and unmatched comfort. Easily accessible from the International Airport
and the TGV/Eurostar terminal, Le Méridien Brussels stands opposite
the Palais des Congres and the Central Station. |
 |
Louise
Hotel Brussels
Louise Hotel is set in the
middle of a 19th century neighborhood, in the centre of Brussels, near
the well-known Avenue Louise and Avenue de la Toison d'Or. The 49
guest rooms at Louise Hotel features amazing and spacious bathrooms (hair
dryers and courtesy bath amenities), as well as LCD flat screen TVs, direct
dial telephone lines and free wireless Internet connection. The breakfast
buffet, served from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m., is the perfect way to start the
day. A Grab & Run Breakfast is also available on request and
includes delicious takeaway espresso and home-made croissant. |
 |
Thon
Hotel Brussels City Centre
Thon Hotel Brussels City
Centre is a new hotel and located in the center of Brussels, the hotel
ideally situated for business and tourist travelers. The hotel is within
walking distance from "Grand Place" and opposite the main shopping area.
It is a modern hotel with warm Norwegian style decoration. There is easy
access by road and rail and only 20 minutes by taxi from the airport. The
hotel has new & warm Norwegian style property offering a variety of
choice, high quality and top comfort. Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre
is located in the city center. It is next to the new business district
and the Belgian government area. |
 |
Van
Belle Hotel Brussels
The hotel is situated just
sixteen hundred metres from Brussels' Grand Place, and a courtesy shuttle
is available to take you there during evening hours. Please Phone the hotel
upon arrival at the Midi Station for free transportation to the hotel.
Hotel van Belle offers a number of restaurants and conference rooms, as
well as a spacious ground floor lounge, invitingly decorated, where you
can relax- or perhaps you would prefer one of the comfortable seats at
our bar. The modern, fully-featured rooms all have en-suite bathroom, automatic
wake-up alarm, cable TV, hairdryer, personal safe, and telephone. |
 |
Warwick
Barsey Hotel Brussels
The Warwick Barsey Hotel
is ideally located on the prestigious Avenue Louise, in Brussels' fashionable
shopping area, and in close proximity to the Bois de la Cambre and the
Place du Châtelain, the 'Soho of Brussels'. The Warwick Barsey Hotel
is only five kilometres from the Midi train station (Thalys and Eurostar)
and just a 20-minute journey from Brussels Airport, Zaventem. Luxurious
and cosy, Warwick Barsey Hotel has been decorated entirely by the famous
French designer Jacques Garcia. The restaurant at Warwick Barsey Hotel
serves the finest cuisine, mixing invention with tradition. |
Search
for more hotels in Brussels
Top
|
