Brussels’ charm lies in its jovial spirit and understated style, characterised by the contrast of comic strip murals and an Art Nouveau movement adorning a capital city steeped in UNESCO heritage. Belgium is a bilingual country, where the northern Flanders region is Flemish-speaking, and the southern Walloon region is French-speaking. Though Brussels is surrounded by Flemish-speaking territory, the capital remains bilingual.
Since gaining independence in 1830, the city has undergone a huge transformation into a bustling metropolis. At the heart of it lies the historic old town, circled around the famous Grand Place square. Tree-lined boulevards lead to the outer city, perfect for breezing through by bike or exploring by foot.