Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a cosmopolitan town with its root in medieval culture and its head in the 21st century. Home to NATO headquarters, the European Economic Union and numerous other international organizations, the city has a multi-cultural flair. Brussels is best known for its medieval town square, its beer and chocolate and its hand-made lace.
Begin at the Grand' Place. Start your walking tour of Brussels at the ornate town square, the Grand' Place. Built in the early 15th century, the buildings along the square include the Town Hall, the former Guild Buildings and the City Museum of Brussels. Today, the square is lined with outdoor cafes, a souvenir store and food vendors.
Smile at the Manneken Pis Statue. The most popular statue in Brussels is the Manneken Pis, located just off of the Grand' Place. This realistic, bronze statue depicts a small boy relieving himself into the basin of the fountain.
Explore the Beaux Arts Museum. Just a block from the southern edge of the Grand' Place sits Brussels Fine Arts Museum, actually four museums in one. Highlights of the vast collection include Jacques-Louis David's painting, "Death of Marat," a large number of paintings by Flemish masters and the museum's collection of paintings by Rubens.
Visit the Royal Palace. From the museum, walk a few blocks to the Belgium's Royal Palace, the official palace of the King of the Belgians. Today, the 19th century palace houses the King's offices, but not his residence. When not being used for state occasions, the palace welcomes visitors to tour the ornate rooms, the stables and the grounds.
