Brussels

If the friendly Ghent is filled with university students all the time, Brussels is the destination of tourists. In fact, it is gaining a reputation as one of Europe's must see destinations. This metropolis is a mosaic of languages, cultures and traditions and of course the home of the European Parliament.

The Grand Place is the central square, which is also the most memorable landmark in Brussels and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the middle of all those guild houses you will see one of Europe's most beautiful medieval squares, which was built in the 13th century. Perhaps that's why you will have the impression that you have gone back in time and arrived right in the middle of the 13th century. It is a wonderful feeling! Every two years in August a huge ``flower carpet`` is set up in the Grand Place, which attracts thousands of visitors. The next ``flower carpet`` will be laid out in August 2014.

Besides the Grand Place this town has many cosmopolitan attractions that can be visited, so many that I dare say that one day is not enough to visit Brussels, you'll need at least one entire week to start to discover it... and you should consider really discovering it for several reasons:

Firstly, it is home to so many museums, you won't know which one to choose to visit. In my opinion the interesting ones are the Museum of Ancient Arts, the Magritte Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments (it has a collection of 7000 instruments of various kinds and origins), the Dinosaur Gallery at the Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and of course the Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art.

Secondly, if you prefer more outdoor activities I would recommend the Place du Grand Sablon or Place du Petit Sablon, two picturesque squares that you will certainly enjoy! And not to forget all those little streets, where you can spend hours and hours just wandering and admiring them. Do not forget to visit Rue de Bouchers, which is considered one of the most sympathetic pedestrian streets of Brussels.

Last, but not least Brussels is the home of the European Parliament. You just cannot leave this country without seeing where all the decisions concerning Europe are made!Less