OVERVIEW
Brussels, the economic capital of Belgium and a prominent financial center in Western Europe, holds the status of an Alpha global city. It serves as a national and international hub for rail, road, and air traffic, making it a significant transportation hub. Alongside Belgium, Brussels is often regarded as the geographical, economic, and cultural crossroads of Europe. The Brussels Metro stands as the sole rapid transit system in Belgium, while its airport and railway stations are the largest and busiest in the country.
While historically Dutch-speaking, Brussels experienced a language shift to French during the late 19th century. Presently, the Brussels-Capital Region is officially bilingual in French and Dutch, although French dominates as the majority language and lingua franca, with over 90% of the population proficient in it. Moreover, Brussels is increasingly becoming a multilingual city, with English being spoken as a second language by nearly a third of the population, and many migrants and expatriates conversing in various other languages.
Brussels is renowned for its culinary delights, including local specialties like waffles, chocolate, French fries, and a wide array of beers. The city is also famous for its historical and architectural landmarks, with some of them being recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Notable attractions include the historic Grand-Place/Grote Markt, Manneken Pis, the Atomium, and cultural institutions like La Monnaie/De Munt and the Museums of Art and History. Additionally, Brussels holds a prestigious status as the capital of the comic strip due to its rich tradition in Belgian comics.
Cheap Hotels in Brussels, Belgium