|
Home / Recreation and Leisure / Travel / Destinations
Brussels, Belgium: Charming Traditions Make a Great Place to Visit
By:Gaizka Pujana
Brussels, Belgium is a city shouldering many responsibilities. It is the capital of Belgium, the capital of Flanders, the capital of the French Community of Belgium. It is also the location of many of the European Union's institutions and is, therefore, considered the capital of the European Union. And, if that weren't enough, it's also the political seat of NATO. Although its responsibilities give it an air of importance, Brussels is not to be overlooked as one of the premier vacation cities in Europe.
The city's name is derived from an old Dutch word, broucsella, which means "marsh home" or "home consisting of one room, in the marsh." Along with its rather quaint name, Brussels has an equally charming body of local traditions.
One such tradition is the House of Toone, a theater of marionette puppets. It was originally in the Marolles area. However, it presently holds shows that introduce visitors to the local languages and customs in a 1696 estaminet just steps away from the Grand Place.
Another popular tradition in Brussels is the Ommegang, which means "walking around." The tradition began in the 14th century as a religious processional. It occurs each July and is in memory of Charles V's Joyous Entry into Brussels in 1549. The parade is very colorful, including floats, giant puppets, and groups dressed in medieval costumes.
Still another interesting custom is the Meyboom or "tree of May" celebration. As part of this ancient festivity, a young beech tree is paraded through the city and planted amongst joyful music and giant puppets.
Brussels also has many cultural attractions and landmarks, such as Grand Place, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the Royal Palace of Belgium. Belgium is also the birthplace of many comic characters, like the Smurfs, Largo Winch, Tintin, and Lucky Luke, so there are many murals and frescos throughout the city honoring these characters.
Indeed, the comic spirit of the inhabitants of Brussels is evident in its most famous statue. A quirky little bronze statue called Manneken Pis or Jeanneke Pis. It depicts a little boy urinating into the basin of a fountain.
Visitors to Brussels, Belgium will find a variety of accommodations suited to meet the needs of virtually any tourist. These accommodations include both hotels and holiday apartments.
Examples of hotels in Brussels are:
Alma Grand Palace Hotel: This beautiful hotel is located in the historic center of Brussels very close to the Grand Place and Manneken Pis. Rooms are elegantly decorated and business facilities are available. Tourists may communicate with staff members for tips on traveling and sights within Brussels. Hotel services and amenities include air conditioning with individual controls, satellite television, wireless Internet access in all rooms, facilities for disabled people, and a 24-hour front desk.
Bedford Hotel: This lovely hotel combines the traditional with the modern for a comfortable stay. It's situated within walking distance of major tourist attractions, like the Grand Place, Royal Palace, and Manneken Pis. Guests can also walk to many museums and shops. Hotel services and amenities include a restaurant, bar, central heating, business center, and 24-hour front desk.
Brussels Hotel: This modern hotel is located on Avenue Louise near the business center of Brussels, the parliament, and the European Commission headquarters. It contains 69 rooms all equipped with an array of conveniences, such as a mini-bar, satellite television, and modem. There are also 16 suites, each with its own kitchenette.
Chaochow Palace: Just 15 minutes from the airport, this hotel is conveniently located whether you're in Brussels on business or vacation. Hotel services and amenities include room service during certain hours, air conditioning, a bar, multi-lingual staff, 24-hour front desk, and a breakfast buffet.
Examples of holiday apartments in Brussels are:
La Tete dans les Nuages: This gorgeous apartment is decorated in a modern style using the basic colors black, red, and white. It's a very unique, yet beautiful, apartment with inner walls made from modular blocks on wheels to keep everything you need for living inside the walls and off the floors, freeing up lots of space for relaxing. The location of the apartment is in the center of Brussels in the European quarter near many restaurants and shops. Sleeps five and includes a balcony, air conditioning, and Internet access.
Cloeps: These two apartments are located on a picturesque 17th century farm 25 km from Brussels. They're a wonderful place to stay if you enjoy the country and would like easy access to the city. Though they're on a historic farm, the apartments have all the modern conveniences needed for a lengthy holiday stay. Apartments sleep four in two bedrooms and include a barbecue and access to lovely gardens.
Schildknaap: This is a stylish, renovated apartment located in the historic center of Brussels. A two-minute walk will get you to the Grand Palace, shopping areas, the cinema, and the supermarket. It's also close to a bus stop and the metro for convenient travel to other parts of the city. This cozy one-bedroom apartment sleeps two and includes a balcony, Internet access, and DVD player.
With its quirky but quaint traditions and attractions, Brussels is an excellent place to vacation. You'll find everything from historic landmarks to colorful events. The vacation accommodations of Brussels are equally varied so that visitors have a choice of hotels or holiday apartments suited to their individual styles.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: Accommodation, Brussels, Hotels
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company
specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Seville and Barcelona through its
web pages apartments costa del sol
apartments Seville
holiday apartments Barcelona
|
|
| Top Destinations Articles |
- 1). Living In Siberia – Lenin's Revenge By : Nomad Rick
In 1999, I moved to Chita, a city in Siberia, Russia to teach for a year. After seven days of planes, trains and, well, more trains, I was ready to experience Chita in all its glory.
Day 1 – Lenin’s Revenge
Riding on a train for three plus days does weird things to your equilibrium. You tend to develop a natural compensation for the swaying. Unfortunately, your body doesn’t just snap back when you finally get on solid ground.
|
- 2). Staying in Barcelona for Extended Periods By : Nomad Rick
If you have every visited Barcelona, you know it is a place best experienced over a few months instead of a few days. Fortunately, the people of Barcelona know it as well.
Staying in Barcelona for Extended Periods
Like a fine wine, drinking in Barcelona shouldn’t be rushed. Visit the city for two or three days and you will get only a small, rushed taste of the flavor of Barcelona.
|
- 3). Discover The Aquarium Of The Pacific In Long Beach California By : David G. Hallstrom, Sr.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located near the waterfront in The Pike at Rainbow Harbor in the city of Long Beach, California. It is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Its nearly 1,000 species fill 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits and take visitors on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean's three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific.
|
- 4). Christmas in Cusco, Peru By : Charlotte De Patre
The celebration of Christmas in Cusco begins with the dressing-up of the city with coloured lights and garlands. These can be seen everywhere, from the balconies of the Monumental mountain to the streets around the main square, and donate the city with a warm festive ambiance.
On December 24th, hundreds of artisans coming from Cusco and the surrounding towns lay their blankets on the sidewalks -a custom in traditional Andean fairs- and sell carved Nativity handicrafts.
|
- 5). Towns of south eastern Spain By : Robert Palmer
Almunecar
Almunecar is known as the capital of the Costa Tropical and forms part of the province of Granada. The Costa Tropical is a less well known part of the coastline and is found between the Costa del Sol on the west and the Costa de Almeria to the east.
There are some beautiful beaches along the coastline and a good selection of hotels, villas and apartments.
|
- 6). Exceptional Vaction in St.Maarten By : SXM Specialist
I just came back from a vacation in St. Maarten, the Caribbean and stayed in one of finest luxury vacation villas. It was located in the hills, with mid sized mountains and spectacular ocean views. Spacious, sunny terrace and shady veranda, which make outdoor living the most relaxing I have ever experienced yet. I had a view that will take your breath away, whether its the turquoise blue sea, a panoramic view from a hillside, or the twinkling lights at night.
|
- 7). Your Travel Destination Shall Be Cebu, Philippines By : Kim Hald
That may be a presumptuous statement to make but after reading this article thoroughly, there’s a good chance that you’d agree to make that statement as well.
But first, let’s get down to the basics.
Cebu, as mentioned, is in the Philippines. Now, when you mention the Philippines, it’s either Manila or Boracay -- those are the first places to come to your mind.
|
- 8). European Cities - Top Five To Visit By : David Sharpe
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city of France. A stylish, sophisticated and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe as well as some of Europe's best shops and restaurants. Located on the River Seine in the country's north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture, with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs.
|
- 9). Siberia, Russia, Part 9 – Chita By : Nomad Rick
After deciding to move to Siberia for a year to teach at the Chita State Technical University, I embarked on a travel odyssey unlike any other. In this entry, we pick up the last stage of the seven-day trip to get there.
Siberia As Seen From A Train
In preparing for my trip, I had actually done some preparation. As a common man, I know most of you female readers will find this hard to believe, but I swear it was so.
|
- 10). Visit The Sand And Surf Of Watergate Bay By : Steven Cronin
The coastal road from Newquay snaked its way eastwards atop the high, craggy cliffs sculpted by the relentless Atlantic Ocean. Suddenly the road dipped and wound steeply towards sea level. Cars were parked everywhere; almost all had surfboards strapped to their roofs. This was Watergate Bay.
I turned into a car park and waited at the entrance. Just to my right a small, open camper van laid dormant.
|
| New Destinations Articles |
- 1). Visit One Of The Smaller Orlando Attractions By : Howard Farmer
When most people think of Orlando, they think of Disney World. There is a good reason for this: Walt Disney started it all with the Magic Kingdom. With four theme parks, Disney is still the biggest draw, but there are many other Orlando attractions for your family to enjoy. Consider spending some of your trip enjoying the smaller attractions.
|
- 2). An African Safari Nightmare? By : Dean Caporella
An African safari can be one of the most rewarding holidays you can have; wild animals, jungle, sweeping plains and just plain old adventure. But if you are not properly prepared then it could become your worst nightmare.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 6). Discover Amelia Island On A Florida Vacation By : Owen Walcher
Amelia is a small island of about 18.2 square miles and has three distinct sections. First is the north end which is called Fernandina Beach. Then you have the middle section which is called Amelia Island and then the third section which is mostly Amelia Island Plantation.
|
- 7). Choices in Orlando Nightlife By : Howard Farmer
Orlando is known for large theme parks, such as Disney World and Universal Studios. However, there are a lot of options for enjoying Orlando nightlife as well. Some are located on the grounds of the various parks and resorts, while others are located within the city.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
