Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling centre for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact centre of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city centre, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and restaurants.

Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theatres host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.

Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.

Grand Place (Central Square)

Address: Brussels

The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and has been since the Middle Ages. One of Europe's more beautiful squares, it lies in the centre of a confusion of small cobbled streets, and is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses, various Neo-Gothic buildings and museums. It is, however, the town hall, a magnificent Gothic building that dominates the square. Markets, flower stalls and various events are held here and this is the place to get to grips with the essence of Brussels, perhaps over a local delicacy at a pavement café.

Mannekin-Pis

Address: Brussels

The distinctive statue has been described as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels and tourists throng the streets in search of the tiny urinating urchin. The bronze Mannekin is thought to represent the 'irreverent spirit' of Brussels, but there are numerous tales about its beginnings. Started by Louis XV of France many years ago, it has been the custom of foreign countries, companies, visiting dignitaries or charities to donate an outfit to the Mannekis-Pis and the little boy is usually decked out in the latest costume; previous costumes are displayed in the City of Brussels Museum.

Hôtel de Ville

Address: Ilôt Sacré Brussels

Admission: Adults 3EUR, children 2EUR

Brussels' city hall is rated as the most splendid civic building in Europe. The foundations were laid in 1402 and it survived the mercifully inaccurate bombing during World War 2 when most of the other buildings on the Grand Place were destroyed. The façade is embellished with gargoyles and images of nobility while the intricate 100 metre-high tower is resolved by a fine statue of St Michel, patron saint of Brussels. Tours are available - well worth it to see the fine tapestries and miscellaneous works of art inside.

Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

Address: Rue des Bouchers Brussels

Telephone: (02) 512 2116

Mall lovers everywhere should make a pilgrimage to the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, the very first shopping arcade in Europe. Opened in 1847, the arcade became a draw card for the cream of 19th century society and today continues to inspire shoppers and browsers alike. The building itself is an architectural marvel: arcaded shop fronts across two floors are separated by pilasters, conceived in a Cinquecento style. The roof above is made of arched glass panes connected by a delicate cast-iron framework - very photogenic! In between the various shops you'll find cafes, restaurants, a theatre and even a cinema.

Palais Royal

Address: Brussels

Admission: July to September

Belgium's magnificent Royal Palace was built in the 19th century as the official residence of the Belgian Royal family although today is used for official functions and other ceremonial purposes. The palace is positioned in front of Brussels Park, itself well worth exploring, and directly opposite the modern Parliament building as if symbolically representing the country's system of government, a constitutional monarchy. Tours are only possible in summer and commence after the National Holiday on 21 July. Inside are a multitude of historical artefacts and some impressive contemporary art, commissioned by the queen in 2002.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Address: Rue de la Régence 3 Brussels

Admission: 10h00 to 17h00

Telephone: (0)2 508 3211

An unmissable attraction for art lovers: the twin Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art are Brussels' premier art museums. They feature art from the 15th to 18th centuries (ancient) and 19th century to the present day (modern). The larger of the two is the Museum of Ancient Art, opened in 1887, featuring the best collection of Flemish art in the world; highlights include works by van Dyck and over 20 paintings by Rubens. The Museum of Modern Art was opened in 1984 and includes fine examples from Belgium's best artists over the past century, plus modern legends such as Francis Bacon.

The Atomium

Address: Boulevard du Centenaire Brussels

Admission: Adults EUR9, children over 6 years EUR2 Daily 9am to 8pm (April to August); 10am to 6pm (September to March)

Telephone: (0)2 475 4777

Forget the Mannekin Pis - this is the structure that best symbolises Brussels and certainly the one locals are more proud of. Built for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium takes its shape and proportions from the internal lattice of an iron atom. There are nine spheres linked by escalators and each contains exhibition rooms hosting a rapidly changing series of exhibitions. There is a great view from the deck of the uppermost sphere.

Belgian Centre of Comic Strip Art

Address: Rue des Sables 20 Brussels

Admission: Adults EUR7.50, children EUR3 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday

Telephone: (0)2 219 1980

Belgium's love of wacky humour and comic book art come together in this wonderful museum housed in a fabulous Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. You'll see plenty of its most famous subject, Hergé's Tintin, as well as the Smurfs and art from over 670 cartoonists. This is a temple to cartooning, now considered an art form worthy of serious consideration, and so the museum aims to trace the history and development of the discipline rather than to entertain.

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

Address: 13 Grand Place Brussels

Admission: Adults EUR5.50, children under 12 free

Telephone: (0)2 514 20 48

The Chocolate Museum is a fitting tribute to both the history of the cocoa bean and the Belgian's famed love of chocolate. The first chocolatier in the city appeared in the 1600s and today Belgians eat an average of 9kg a year! Visit on Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 3pm and you'll to see the master chocolatier at work and get to taste his handiwork.

Royal Museum of Central Africa

Address: Leuvensesteenweg 1302 Brussels

Admission: Adults EUR4, children under 12 free Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday to Sunday 10am to 6pm

Telephone: (0)2 769 5211

Under the direction of King Leopold, the Belgian Congo returned fantastic riches to Belgium in the 19th century, yet the people of that colony paid a terrible price. This museum was founded to explore the relationship between European colonial powers and the people they subjugated. Recent exhibits have broadened the museum's focus to include environmental issues and ethnography in Africa, Asia and South America. The museum is situated on beautiful grounds in the Flemish commune of Tervuren, just outside of Brussels.

Brussels Children's Museum

Address: Rue du Bourgmestre, 15 Brussels

Admission: EUR6.85 per person Open daily to school children by appointment. Open to public on Wednesdays 2.30 – 5pm. Closed 24 and 31 December and weekends in July. Annual closure from 1 August to 12 September.

Telephone: 02 640 0107

With interactive and educational exhibits, the Brussels Children's Museum is a wonderful place to take the kids to enjoy learning and playing. From learning about colours, careers, the body and even watching shows on themed exhibits, children will be entertained from start to finish.

Bruparck

Address: Eeuwfeestlaan 20Bd du Centenaire Brussels

Telephone: 02 474 8383

This village was originally created for the 1958 World Exhibition and houses some of Brussels' most popular tourist attractions. The Oceadium water park, Mini Europe, a Kineopolis cinema and the world-renowned Atomium are all located here, making this a great day out for the whole family with plenty of eateries to stop and grab some refreshments and a bit of fuel for the next attraction.

Mini Europe

Address: Bruparck, Eeuwfeestlaan 20Bd du Centenaire Brussels

Admission: EUR12.50 (adults); EUR9.70 (children) Open from 21 March to 30 June from 9.30am – 6pm; 1 July – 31 August from 9.30am – 8pm; September from 9.30am – 6pm; 1 October to 3 January from 10am – 6pm

Telephone: 02 478 05 50

Located next to another one Brussels' most popular tourist attractions, the Atomium, Mini Europe contains miniatures of all of Europe's favourite attractions at a scale of 1:25. Approximately 350 attractions can be seen from around 80 cities. Mini Europe is one of Brussels' leading attractions, bringing in over 300,000 visitors annually.

Walibi Belgium

Address: rue J. Dechamps 9, Boulevard de l'Europe Brussels

Admission: EUR29 (adults); EUR24 (children) May: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-6pm; June and July: open daily from 10am-6pm; August: 10am-8pm; September and October on Sunday from 10am-6pm

Telephone: 010 42 1500

With dozens of exciting and thrilling rides, children will be simply captivated at Walibi Belgium Amusement Park. With terrifying roller coasters and children's favourite cartoon characters such as Tweetie Pie and Bugs Bunny, your children will love you for taking them here.

Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium

Address: Vautierstraat 29 Brussels

Admission: EUR7 (adults); EUR4.50 (children). Free admission first Wednesday of each month from 1 pm Open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 – 5pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm. Closed Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, 25 December

Telephone: 02 627 42 27

Featuring fascinating displays and exhibitions, kids will enjoy a trip to the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium, and in particular the dinosaur section, the largest of its kind in Europe. Other points of interest for younger visitors are the PaleoLab where fossils and replicas of mammoths are on display, as well as the Evolution and Animal Kingdom sections.

Europalia Festival

Where: Various around Brussels,Brussels

When: October 2009 to February 2010

The first Europalia (from the Roman 'Opalia', meaning 'rich harvest') was conceived in Brussels in 1969, and the festival has been held every two years ever since to showcase the visual and performing arts of different designated guest countries each year. Numerous exhibits, concerts, film screenings and other events are held in and around Brussels between October and early February of the following year. The latest country to be featured was Europe, and in 2009/2010 it will be China. Contact the Europalia International Foundation at info@europalia.be for more information.

Brussels Flower Show

Where: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg,Brussels

When: October 2010, TBA

The magnificent and unique Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Brussels suburb of Koekelberg is the venue for the city's annual flower show. Each year in October the grounds of this massive Art Deco edifice are transformed into an Eden, spread with flowers, water features and plants arranged by nearly 100 florists. Visitors can delight in the flower show in addition to marvelling at the Basilica itself, the largest neo-Gothic church in the world, its interior decorated in 1930s style. A climb to the dome is rewarded with a beautiful panorama across the city and surrounds. For more information contact the Basilica on +32 (0)2 425 8822.

ArtBrussels

Where: Brussels Expo,Brussels

When: 23 - 26 April 2010

Tens of thousands of art experts and art lovers from all over the world eagerly await ArtBrussels, Belgium's premier art festival, renowned for its high standard. The Belgian Association of Contemporary Art Galleries instituted ArtBrussels in 1968 and today the work on view, selected by an international committee, represents more than 150 international galleries.

Brussels Flower Carpet

Where: Grand Place,Brussels

When: 13 - 15 August 2010

For a few days every two years, the beautiful Grand Place in the centre of Brussels is transformed into a gigantic carpet of fresh begonias, intricately worked into a themed pattern. In 2006 the tapestry was inspired by the Middle Ages, with the flowers arranged on rotating platforms to form a giant kaleidoscope of 'rose windows'. Past designs have included scenes from Belgium folklore and mythology, the Brussels Coat of Arms, and Turkish rugs. Work begins a year in advance with scale models and detailed plans, and the multi-coloured end result is well worth it. The multi-coloured carpet can best be viewed from the balcony of the City Hall. Contact the Brussels Tourist Information on +32 (0)2 513 8940 for more information.

Brussels Beach

Where: Bassin Béco, Port de Bruxelles,Brussels

When: July to August 2010 TBA

Not just a beach, but a real seaside resort in the heart of Brussels on the edge of the canal, Brussels Beach, or Bruxelles Les Bains, offers half a mile (1km) of fine sand, coconut palms and waterfalls, and plenty of sport, relaxation and cultural activities. Sports like beach volleyball, pétanque and ultimate frisbee are available, or for the less actively inclined a Thai pagoda houses several professional masseurs for complete relaxation. Two stages provide entertainment in the form of live music, DJs and shows, and food stalls and beach bars afford the chance to savour flavours from around the world. Children are well catered for with activities and entertainment that includes sandcastles, clowns and water games.

Belgian F1 Grand Prix

Where: Spa-Francorchamps,Brussels

When: 30 August 2009

The Spa-Francorchamps track often makes for one of the most exciting races of the season as it has a reputation for rain on race-day. The track is two hours away from Brussels.

Bonsoir Clara

Address: 22 Rue Antoine Dansaert Brussels

Food Type: International

Located in the fashion district of Brussels, this trendy restaurant offers diners a selection of both traditional and international cuisine. The menu features a variety of Belgian, Italian and Asian dishes including cold pea soup, fish lasagne, roast lamb and cod carpaccio. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and for dinner on weekends. Reservations recommended.

La Maison du Cygne

Address: 2 Rue Charles Buls Brussels

Food Type: Local

Once frequented by the likes of Karl Marx and the Belgian Socialist Party, this 17th century house now offers diners a traditional ambience, enhanced by richly coloured décor and polished walnut walls. The menu features mainly Belgian and French cuisine including lobster salad with apples and a curry sauce, beef fillet with a three pepper sauce, and lemon-scented codfish. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and for dinner on Saturday. Reservations recommended.

Les Trois Couleurs

Address: 453 Avenue de Tervuren, Woluwé-Saint-Pierre Brussels

Food Type: French

Dining at Les Trois Couleurs is gorgeous throughout the year - in winter guests can enjoy the spacious, neat dining room and in summer the terrace garden is perfect. This elegant and romantic restaurant's menu offers French cuisine such as a prawn and caviare salad, or poached brill. Open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. Reservations essential.

Aux Armes De Bruxelles

Address: 13 Rue des Bouchers Brussels

Food Type: Local

Founded in 1921, this is a true Brussels legend that serves the freshest of mussels and finest of French fries. Approach the moules et frite Bruxelles-style by eating the first mussel with your fingers and then use the shell to eat the rest. The entire menu is excellent, especially the beef stewed in beer and the delicious waterzooï. The front room's vintage Art Nouveau interior is delightful. Open for lunch and dinner daily, reservations recommended.

Comme Chez Soi

Address: 23 Place Rouppe Brussels

Food Type: French

This gourmet pilgrimage site never fails to impress, with exceptional quality, refined flavours and an ambient Art Nouveau design. The restaurant boasts both a warmly welcoming atmosphere and truly memorable dishes, such as red mullet fillet with karides or beef fillet with black truffles. For dessert, try the chocolate cake with almonds and hazelnuts. Advanced booking is essential. Closed on Sunday and Monday, and on Wednesday for lunch.

La Truffe Noire

Address: 12 Boulevard de la Cambre Brussels

Food Type: French

For those with a passion for truffles, pay a visit to this shrine created by Italian chef Luigi Ciciriello. It is a friendly establishment renowned for serving superb truffle-focused dishes in its warm and relaxed environment. Don't miss the carpaccio truffles with olive oil and parmesan for starters and the roast duck with Canary Island bananas for mains. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, only open Monday and Sunday for reservations of 30 or more guests.

La Quincaillerie

Address: 45 Rue du Page Brussels

Food Type: Gastropubs

Housed in a former hardware store, La Quincaillerie has all the raw materials for a fabulous dining experience. The staff are friendly if slightly frenetic; the interior's Horta-inspired industrial qualities are striking; and the food is quite simply fantastic, especially the impeccably fresh seafood. Open for dinner all week, and lunch Monday to Friday. Bookings essential well in advance.

Les Brassins

Address: 36 Rue Keyenveld Brussels

Food Type: Local

Belgian brasseries are scattered throughout Brussels so it's hard to tell which are truly outstanding and worth seeking out - we've heard consistently good reports about this local secret, tucked away at the end of a back street in Ixelles. Enjoy tasting some of the 50 local brews while tucking into hearty dishes like rabbit cooked in cherry beer, or the meatloaf with mustard sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

Chez Leon

Address: 18 Rue des Bouchers Brussels

Food Type: Local

Don't be put off by the picture menu and touristy look, this is the real deal! For celebrated mussel dishes, as well as local fare such as rabbit stewed in kriek (cherry) beer or stoemp (bubble and squeak), the original Chez Leon (near the Grand Place - watch out for imitations!) is the perfect place to dine. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.