Brussels rewards those who look past the institutions to the city beneath: the Grand-Place, arguably Europe's most beautiful square, glittering with gilded guild houses and a 15th-century town hall; the Magritte Museum, where the Belgian surrealist's dreamscapes fill six floors of a neoclassical palace; and an Art Nouveau heritage that Victor Horta left on nearly every street corner in the Ixelles and Saint-Gilles neighbourhoods. The city's beer culture is unmatched — over 200 Belgian varieties are served in centuries-old cafes — while the chocolate shops along Rue au Beurre rival anything in Switzerland. Stay in the Sablon quarter for the best antique markets and fine dining within easy walking distance.
- Suggested duration: 3–4 days
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to October for mild weather; the Christmas market in December is exceptional.