Brussels holidays

With façades straight out of the late 1800s, cobbled streets and ornate palaces, the Brussels cityscape looks like something you might find printed on an expensive box of (Belgium) chocolates. However, behind the guild-houses and vintage flea-markets, you’ll find a city that is as quirky and contemporary as it is beautiful. Brussels has a bubbling arts’ scene, which gives rise to an astonishing amount of festivals and celebrations. For those who prefer to relax, sit back, and take in the scenery, the café culture is alive and kicking, with plenty of places to simply watch the world go by. The parks are spacious and well maintained, making Brussels feel more like a collection of small towns rather than a modern metropolis.

• The Grand Place is a must-see for anyone taking holiday packages to Brussels. Living up to its name, it’s lined with elaborate guild-houses, the town hall, and the opulent King’s House, which houses the Museum of Brussels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Palace is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular squares in Europe.
• If you have any locomotive fans in your group, a visit to Train World ought to be on your list of things to do. See more than 20 trains, ranging from some of the earliest ever made, to futuristic-looking trains from the 21st Century.
• Comic strips are an integral part of the Belgian culture, and you’ll find national and international comics at the Comic Strip Centre. There are publications in almost every language and an astonishing range of genres and styles.
• Brussels is practically bursting with museums, but the Bozar Museum is one not to miss. Housing an extensive collection of fine arts, the museum also acts as host to a diverse range of exhibitions, musical concerts and film shows.