Imagine you planned a trip to Belgium, took a flight, landed at the international airport, and as the doors of the airport opened to greet you, the sweet smell of chocolates filled the air. Everywhere you look, bright displays of pralines, truffles, and delicious chocolate-covered treats catch your eye. For a moment you may get lost in the world of chocolates and forget that you’re at the airport, not in a chocolate store. Yes, there is an International Airport in Brussels, a city in Belgium that is the world’s largest chocolate-selling point. That’s not only a surprise, the city is full of rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture, making it a wonderful place to explore!
In this article, you will learn about the rich and fascinating history of the city, some of its interesting facts, and a brief guide on how to explore it.
Where is Brussels Located?
The city is located in the central part of Belgium. It is the capital of Belgium and the European Union. The city is about 111 kilometers (69 miles) southeast of Antwerp and around 300 kilometers (186 miles) northwest of Paris, France.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The city has a mild climate with cool summers and cold winters. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy lovely flowers and fun local events throughout the city.
| Climate | Description |
| Winter (December to February) | Winters are cold, with temperatures usually between 0°C and 6°C (32°F to 43°F). Snow can happen, but it’s not very common. |
| Spring (March to May) | Spring brings mild weather, with temperatures from 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F). Flowers start to bloom, and the city becomes lively. |
| Summer (June to August) | Summers are cool and pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It’s a great time to explore, though occasional rain can occur. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Autumn sees temperatures from 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F). The weather can be unpredictable, and rain becomes more common. |
Key Events You Should Never Miss
Brussels is a city full of lively culture and exciting events all year round. From beautiful flower displays to fun music festivals and Beer Weekend, there are many important events that highlight the city’s rich history. Here are some must-see events you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city.
| Events | Description |
| Flower Carpet (August) | It is a unique experience you can get if you’re visiting the city in August. Every two years the Grand Place is covered with beautiful carpet that gives a stunning view. |
| Brussels Jazz Weekend (May) | If you’re planning to visit in the month of may and a music lover, you shouldn’t miss this event. On this day the streets are filled with jazz performances from local and international artists. |
| Fête de la Musique (June) | Again this is a music festival celebrated on the longest day of the year. There are many free concerts in the city performed by talented musicians. |
| Comic Strip Festival (September) | The city is famous for its comic culture, and this festival is celebrated with exhibitions, singings, and events featuring famous comic artists talents. |
| Brussels Beer Weekend (September) | This event is popular for beer lovers, with tasting of local beers and a chance to learn about the famous beer culture in the city. |
Rich and Fascinating History
Brussels has a long and interesting history that goes back over a thousand years. It started as a small fishing village along the Senne River around the 10th century and grew quickly because of its good location on important trade routes. By the 13th century, it became a busy trade center, attracting many merchants and craftsmen.
In the 15th century, the city became the capital of the Duchy of Brabant, which made it even more important. Later, in the 16th century, it came under Spanish rule, which brought different cultures and conflicts during the Eighty Years’ War. In the 18th century, it was controlled by France, changing how the city was run.
A major change happened in 1830 when the city became the capital of independent Belgium, starting a new time of growth. The city is known for its beautiful buildings, like the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its lively culture that reflects its rich and diverse history.
Foods You Must Try in Brussels
The city is famous for its delicious food, offering a variety of tasty dishes that show off its culture and history. From sweet waffles and chocolates to hearty stews and crispy fries, there’s something for everyone. Here are some must-try foods when you visit the city.
- Belgian Waffles: It is a famous treat loved for its light and fluffy texture. The major ingredients used in it are flour, eggs, sugar, milk, and baking powder.
- Fries (Frites): It is a type of snack or side dish often enjoyed with ketchup or mayonnaise. Major ingredients used to make it are fresh potatoes, some spices and oil.
- Chocolate: The city is famous for high quality chocolate made by skilled chocolatiers. The key ingredients used to make it are cocoa beans, sugar and milk. To give these chocolates additional tastes, nuts or creams are used.
- Speculoos: It is a spiced cooky loved for crunchy texture and warm flavors that are often enjoyed with coffee. Key ingredients used to prepare it are flour, sugar, butter and spices like cinnamon and ginger.
- Belgian Beer: Belgium is famous for offering a wide variety of beers available in different flavors. The common ingredients used to prepare this are water, barley, hops, and yeast.
5 Interesting Facts About Brussels You Didn’t Know
Despite its small size and less-than-perfect reputation, the city has a rich mix of cultures and a lot to explore. Here are some fun facts about it that will make you want to visit!
- The Atomium is a unique and futuristic building in the city, shaped like a giant atom. It was built for the 1958 World’s Fair.
- The city hosts numerous festivals, including the Flower Carpet, Jazz Weekend, and Beer Weekend, making it a lively and fun city year-round.
- In the city, people commonly speak French and Dutch, but English is also widely understood.
- The city is often called the “Capital of Europe” because it hosts the European Union’s headquarters and many international organizations.
- This small statue of a boy peeing is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It has many outfits and is dressed up for special occasions.
Conclusion
Brussels is a city full of rich history, culture, and delicious food, making it a great place to visit. From its famous chocolates and exciting festivals to beautiful buildings and fun events, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re walking through the Grand Place or tasting a waffle, the city offers an unforgettable experience.
