Grand Place (Central Square),Brussels
The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and has been since the Middle Ages. One of Europe's more beautiful squares, it lies in the centre of a confusion of small cobbled streets, and is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses, various Neo-Gothic buildings and museums. It is, however, the town hall, a magnificent Gothic building that dominates the square. Markets, flower stalls and various events are held here and this is the place to get to grips with the essence of Brussels, perhaps over a local delicacy at a pavement café.

Mannekin-Pis,Brussels
The distinctive statue has been described as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels and tourists throng the streets in search of the tiny urinating urchin. The bronze Mannekin is thought to represent the 'irreverent spirit' of Brussels, but there are numerous tales about its beginnings. Started by Louis XV of France many years ago, it has been the custom of foreign countries, companies, visiting dignitaries or charities to donate an outfit to the Mannekis-Pis and the little boy is usually decked out in the latest costume; previous costumes are displayed in the City of Brussels Museum.

Hôtel de Ville,Brussels
Brussels' city hall is rated as the most splendid civic building in Europe. The foundations were laid in 1402 and it survived the mercifully inaccurate bombing during World War 2 when most of the other buildings on the Grand Place were destroyed. The façade is embellished with gargoyles and images of nobility while the intricate 100 metre-high tower is resolved by a fine statue of St Michel, patron saint of Brussels. Tours are available - well worth it to see the fine tapestries and miscellaneous works of art inside.

Admission:
Adults 3EUR, children 2EUR

Galeries Royales Saint Hubert,Brussels
Mall lovers everywhere should make a pilgrimage to the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, the very first shopping arcade in Europe. Opened in 1847, the arcade became a draw card for the cream of 19th century society and today continues to inspire shoppers and browsers alike. The building itself is an architectural marvel: arcaded shop fronts across two floors are separated by pilasters, conceived in a Cinquecento style. The roof above is made of arched glass panes connected by a delicate cast-iron framework - very photogenic! In between the various shops you'll find cafes, restaurants, a theatre and even a cinema.

Palais Royal,Brussels
Belgium's magnificent Royal Palace was built in the 19th century as the official residence of the Belgian Royal family although today is used for official functions and other ceremonial purposes. The palace is positioned in front of Brussels Park, itself well worth exploring, and directly opposite the modern Parliament building as if symbolically representing the country's system of government, a constitutional monarchy. Tours are only possible in summer and commence after the National Holiday on 21 July. Inside are a multitude of historical artefacts and some impressive contemporary art, commissioned by the queen in 2002.

Opening time:
July to September

Royal Museums of Fine Arts,Brussels
An unmissable attraction for art lovers: the twin Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art are Brussels' premier art museums. They feature art from the 15th to 18th centuries (ancient) and 19th century to the present day (modern). The larger of the two is the Museum of Ancient Art, opened in 1887, featuring the best collection of Flemish art in the world; highlights include works by van Dyck and over 20 paintings by Rubens. The Museum of Modern Art was opened in 1984 and includes fine examples from Belgium's best artists over the past century, plus modern legends such as Francis Bacon.

Opening time:
10h00 to 17h00

The Atomium,Brussels
Forget the Mannekin Pis - this is the structure that best symbolises Brussels and certainly the one locals are more proud of. Built for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium takes its shape and proportions from the internal lattice of an iron atom. There are nine spheres linked by escalators and each contains exhibition rooms hosting a rapidly changing series of exhibitions. There is a great view from the deck of the uppermost sphere.

Admission:
Adults EUR9, children EUR6

Opening time:
Daily 9am to 8pm (April to August); 10am to 6pm (September to March)

Belgian Centre of Comic Strip Art,Brussels
Belgium's love of wacky humour and comic book art come together in this wonderful museum housed in a fabulous Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. You'll see plenty of its most famous subject, Hergé's Tintin, as well as the Smurfs and art from over 670 cartoonists. This is a temple to cartooning, now considered an art form worthy of serious consideration, and so the museum aims to trace the history and development of the discipline rather than to entertain.

Admission:
Adults EUR6.20, children EUR2.50

Opening time:
10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate,Brussels
The Chocolate Museum is a fitting tribute to both the history of the cocoa bean and the Belgian's famed love of chocolate. The first chocolatier in the city appeared in the 1600s and today Belgians eat an average of 9kg a year! Visit on Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 3pm and you'll to see the master chocolatier at work and get to taste his handiwork.

Admission:
Adults EUR5; ages 65+, students, groups (of 15+) EUR4; children under 12 free

Royal Museum of Central Africa,Brussels
Under the direction of King Leopold, the Belgian Congo returned fantastic riches to Belgium in the 19th century, yet the people of that colony paid a terrible price. This museum was founded to explore the relationship between European colonial powers and the people they subjugated. Recent exhibits have broadened the museum's focus to include environmental issues and ethnography in Africa, Asia and South America. The museum is situated on beautiful grounds in the Flemish commune of Tervuren, just outside of Brussels.

Admission:
Adults EUR4, children EUR1.50

Opening time:
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday to Sunday 10am to 6pm

Europalia Festival,Brussels
The first Europalia (from the Roman 'Opalia', meaning 'rich harvest') was conceived in Brussels in 1969, and the festival has been held every two years ever since to showcase the visual and performing arts of different designated guest countries each year. Numerous exhibits, concerts, film screenings and other events are held in and around Brussels between October and early February of the following year. The latest country to be featured was Europe, and in 2009/2010 it will be China. Contact the Europalia International Foundation at info@europalia.be for more information.

Date: October 2009 to February 2010
Venue: Various around Brussels

Brussels Flower Show,Brussels
The magnificent and unique Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Brussels suburb of Koekelberg is the venue for the city's annual flower show. Each year in October the grounds of this massive Art Deco edifice are transformed into an Eden, spread with flowers, water features and plants arranged by nearly 100 florists. Visitors can delight in the flower show in addition to marvelling at the Basilica itself, the largest neo-Gothic church in the world, its interior decorated in 1930s style. A climb to the dome is rewarded with a beautiful panorama across the city and surrounds. For more information contact the Basilica on +32 (0)2 425 8822.

Date: October 2009, TBA
Venue: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg
Time: 10am to 6pm, (Sat 8pm to 10pm)

Art Brussels,Brussels
Tens of thousands of art experts and art lovers from all over the world eagerly await ArtBrussels, Belgium's premier art festival, renowned for its high standard. The Belgian Association of Contemporary Art Galleries instituted ArtBrussels in 1968 and today the work on view, selected by an international committee, represents more than 150 international galleries.

Date: 24-27 April 2009
Venue: Brussels Expo
Time: 11am to 7pm (until 10pm on Monday)

Brussels Flower Carpet,Brussels
For a few days every two years, the beautiful Grand Place in the centre of Brussels is transformed into a gigantic carpet of fresh begonias, intricately worked into a themed pattern. In 2006 the tapestry was inspired by the Middle Ages, with the flowers arranged on rotating platforms to form a giant kaleidoscope of 'rose windows'. Past designs have included scenes from Belgium folklore and mythology, the Brussels Coat of Arms, and Turkish rugs. Work begins a year in advance with scale models and detailed plans, and the multi-coloured end result is well worth it. The multi-coloured carpet can best be viewed from the balcony of the City Hall. Contact the Brussels Tourist Information on +32 (0)2 513 8940 for more information.

Date: August 2009 TBC
Venue: Grand Place
Time: 9am to 11pm

Brussels Beach,Brussels
Not just a beach, but a real seaside resort in the heart of Brussels on the edge of the canal, Brussels Beach, or Bruxelles Les Bains, offers half a mile (1km) of fine sand, coconut palms and waterfalls, and plenty of sport, relaxation and cultural activities. Sports like beach volleyball, pétanque and ultimate frisbee are available, or for the less actively inclined a Thai pagoda houses several professional masseurs for complete relaxation. Two stages provide entertainment in the form of live music, DJs and shows, and food stalls and beach bars afford the chance to savour flavours from around the world. Children are well catered for with activities and entertainment that includes sandcastles, clowns and water games.

Date: August 2009 TBC
Venue: Bassin Béco, Port de Bruxelles
Time: 11am to 10pm (except Mondays)

Belgian F1 Grand Prix,Brussels
The Spa-Francorchamps track often makes for one of the most exciting races of the season as it has a reputation for rain on race-day. The track is two hours away from Brussels.

Date: 30 August 2009
Venue: Spa-Francorchamps

Aux Armes De Bruxelles,Brussels
Founded in 1921, this is a true Brussels legend that serves the freshest of mussels and finest of French fries to locals and visitors alike. You are advised to approach your moules et frite Bruxelles style by eating the first mussel with your fingers and then using the shell as an implement to eat the rest. The entire menu is excellent, especially the beef stewed in beer and the delicious waterzooï. Prices are reasonable and quality unwavering. Their website has further details on the restaurant's history including excerpts from its guestbook. Don't miss the front room's vintage Art Nouveau interior.

Location: 13 rue des Bouchers

Comme Chez Soi,Brussels
Belgium's most famous restaurant satisfies even the most demanding palate. With three Michelin stars and a global reputation, this gourmet pilgrimage site never fails to deliver with exceptional quality and refined flavours. Chef Pierre Wynants works with his son-in-law Lionel Rigolet to create both a warmly welcoming atmosphere and truly memorable dishes such as chicken with turmeric and apple chutney, and apricot soufflé with crunchy pistachios and red fruits. Advanced booking is essential - preferably months ahead. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Location: 23 Place Rouppe

La Truffe Noire,Brussels
If you have a passion for truffles, pay a visit to this shrine created by Italian chef Luigi Ciciriello. Despite its Michelin star status, this is a friendly establishment renowned for serving superb truffle-focused dishes in its warm and relaxed environment. Don't miss the carpaccio truffles with olive oil and parmesan for starters and the fresh tagliatelle with lobster and truffles for mains.

Location: Boulevard de la Cambre 12

La Quincaillerie,Brussels
Housed in a former hardware store, the La Quincaillerie has all the raw materials for a fabulous dining experience. The staff are friendly if slightly frenetic; the interior's Horta-inspired industrial qualities are striking; and the food is quite simply fantastic, especially the impeccably fresh seafood. It opens until very late so stay on after your meal for a party if you're in the mood. Book well in advance.

Location: Rue du Page 45

Le Grain de Sel,Brussels
Delicious food doesn't always need to be expensive as Grégory Yarm's down-to-earth family-run restaurant proves. They are famous for home-spun delights such as tomato with goat's cheese and pigeon with lentils - the menu however changes regularly and is normally limited to three or four choices per course. During summer book a table in the charming courtyard when it is resplendent with roses. Closed Saturday lunchtime, and all day Sunday and Monday. Book in advance.

Location: Chaussée de Vleurgat 9

Les Brassins,Brussels
Belgian brasseries are scattered throughout Brussels so it's hard to tell which are truly outstanding and worth seeking out. We've heard consistently good reports about this local secret tucked away at the end of a back street in Ixelles. Enjoy tasting some of the 50 local brews while tucking into hearty dishes like carbonnades flamandes (beef stew cooked with beer) and stoemp (puréed potatoes and vegetables with meat or sausage, and a mustard sauce).

Location: 36 rue Keyenveld

Chez Leon,Brussels
Don't be put off by the picture menu and touristy look - this is the real deal. For flawless mussels at great prices and super fast service, the original Chez Leon near the Grand Place (watch out for imitations!) is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings.

Location: 18 rue des Bouchers