Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the country’s largest metropolitan area, with about 1.25 million people in the Brussels-Capital Region. Its roots go back to a medieval settlement on the Senne, and it grew into an important trading and political centre before becoming the capital of Belgium in 1830. Today Brussels is best known as the seat of major European Union institutions, but it also has a strong historic core built around the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, one of Europe’s most ornate market squares. Key sights include the Town Hall, the Royal Galleries, Manneken Pis, the Atomium, the Royal Palace, the Magritte Museum and the Art Nouveau houses linked to Victor Horta. The city has a busy café, beer, food and live-music culture, with nightlife spread between the centre, Saint-Géry, Ixelles and Saint-Gilles. Getting in and around is straightforward via Brussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport, major rail stations such as Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid, and the city’s metro, tram and bus network.

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