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

Mannekin-Pis

Address: Brussels

Hôtel de Ville

Address: Ilôt Sacré Brussels

Admission: Guided tour: EUR3 (adults), EUR2.50 (seniors and students), EUR1.50 (children)

Galeries Royales Saint Hubert

Address: Rue des Bouchers Brussels

Telephone: (02) 512 2116

Palais Royal

Address: Brussels

Admission: July to September

Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Address: Rue de la Régence 3 Brussels

Admission: EUR13 for both museums Open daily, from 10am to 5pm

Telephone: (0)2 508 3211

The Atomium

Address: Boulevard du Centenaire Brussels

Admission: EUR11 (adults), EUR8 (children). Other concessions are available Open daily, from 10am to 6pm

Telephone: (0)2 475 4777

Belgian Centre of Comic Strip Art

Address: Rue des Sables 20 Brussels

Admission: EUR8 (adults), EUR6 (children). Other concessions are available. Open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday

Telephone: (0)2 219 1980

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

Address: 13 Grand Place Brussels

Admission: EUR5.50 (adults), EUR3 (children). Other concessions are available Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4.30pm

Telephone: (0)2 514 20 48

Royal Museum of Central Africa

Address: Leuvensesteenweg 1302 Brussels

Admission: EUR4 (adults), EUR1.50 (youths). Other concessions are available Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm

Telephone: (0)2 769 5211

Brussels Children's Museum

Address: Rue du Bourgmestre, 15 Brussels

Admission: EUR7.50 per person Open daily to school children by appointment. Open to public on weekdays, from 2.30pm to 5pm. Closed 24 and 31 December and weekends in July. Annual closure from 1 August to 12 September.

Telephone: 02 640 0107

Bruparck

Address: Eeuwfeestlaan 20Bd du Centenaire Brussels

Telephone: 02 474 8383

Mini Europe

Address: Bruparck, Eeuwfeestlaan 20Bd du Centenaire Brussels

Admission: EUR13.40 (adults); EUR10 (children) 19 March to 30 June: open from 9.30am to 6pm; 1 July to 31 August: open from 9.30am to 8pm; September: open from 9.30am to 6pm; 1 October to 8 January: open from 10am to 6pm

Telephone: 02 478 05 50

Walibi Belgium

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

Admission: EUR30 (adults); EUR24 (children) May: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm; June and July: open daily from 10am to 6pm; August: 10am to 8pm; September and October: on Sunday from 10am to 6pm

Telephone: 010 42 1500

Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium

Address: Rue Vautier 29 Brussels

Admission: EUR7 (adults); EUR4.50 (children). Free admission on first Wednesday of each month, from 1 pm Open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. During schools holidays, the museum keeps weekend hours

Telephone: 02 627 42 27

Europalia Festival

Where: Various around Brussels,Brussels

When: 4 October 2011 to 15 January 2012

Brussels Flower Show

Where: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg,Brussels

When: 8 April to 8 May 2011

ArtBrussels

Where: Brussels Expo,Brussels

When: 28 April to 1 May 2011

Brussels Flower Carpet

Where: Grand Place,Brussels

When: August 2012 TBA

Brussels Beach

Where: Bassin Béco, Port de Bruxelles,Brussels

When: 2 July to 22 August 2011

Belgian F1 Grand Prix

Where: Spa-Francorchamps,Brussels

When: 26 - 28 August 2011

Bonsoir Clara

Address: 22 Rue Antoine Dansaert Brussels

Food Type: International

La Maison du Cygne

Address: 2 Rue Charles Buls Brussels

Food Type: Local

Les Trois Couleurs

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

Food Type: French

Aux Armes De Bruxelles

Address: 13 Rue des Bouchers Brussels

Food Type: Local

Comme Chez Soi

Address: 23 Place Rouppe Brussels

Food Type: French

La Truffe Noire

Address: 12 Boulevard de la Cambre Brussels

Food Type: French

La Quincaillerie

Address: 45 Rue du Page Brussels

Food Type: Gastropubs

Les Brassins

Address: 36 Rue Keyenveld Brussels

Food Type: Local

Chez Leon

Address: 18 Rue des Bouchers Brussels

Food Type: Local

La Porteuse d'Eau

Address: Brussels

Food Type: Local