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The largest metropolitan area in Belgium is also the country’s capital and the home of the European Union. This is Brussels, a majestic city with over 1000 years of colorful and glorious history starting from being a 10th century fortress to what is now the seat of international politics. Brussels is composed of 19 municipalities and is host to a number of EU organizations as well as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). With a population of over 1.85 million, the bilingual capital of Brussels-Capital Region is one of the three federal regions of Belgium, along with Wallonia and the Flemish Region. French and Dutch are the official languages of Brussels, although because it is literally a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnic groups, different languages are also spoken and written.
Exploring Brussels is getting to know its rich history and culture evident in the impressive architecture of the buildings and structures as well as the lifestyle of the people inhabiting the area. Best place to start is right in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Place with its magnificent guildhalls and the city’s town hall. Nearby you can also find one of Brussels’ popular landmarks, the Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a boy urinating in a fountain. Another must-see attraction is the Atomium, a steel monument composed of nine spheres resembling the shape of a cell of an iron crystal. Visitors can actually walk inside the spheres right to the top where a panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed. There are also a number of museums such as the Royal Museum of Fine Art, the Comic Museum, the Natural Sciences Museum of Belgium, the Autoworld Museum and the Musical Instruments Museum to name a few. Shopaholics should stop by the Galeries Saint Hubert-Sint Hubertusgalerijen, the world’s first shopping mall, or comb through the many open markets for fine Belgian food such as waffles and chocolates. Not to be missed is the annual Christmas market in Grand Place where the place is transformed into a Christmas wonderland and all the stalls sell a variety of items and food.
