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Discover what makes Brussels uniqueOne thing pops up to mind: this city is entirely laid back. Germanic and Latin worlds have been meeting and merging here for so long, people are too busy enjoying life to keep a chip on their shoulder. Not much superficial glamour going on, thanks to a vibrant cultural life at ease in an ambiance of charming disorder, solid traditions mixed with a devil may care attitude, and a way of life properly lubricated by multiple variations of a divine beverage honoured like no other. Going out & relaxingThis section is properly situated at the very core of the guide. Starting with bars and cafés, it hosts just about every human activity worth a dime when visiting Brussels. We kept an open mind unrolling our list: discotheques, museums, gay, shows and movies, walks, spas, sports, press, cultural events, what to do with kids. Hotels & LodgingBrussels is blessed with a large variety of hotels, no small thanks to the presence of major international institutions, like the European Commission and NATO. Just about every need and budget are matched, from the historical center to the fashionable Louise quarter. Furnished apartments are plentiful around the city, and we didn't forget the well managed Youth Hostels welcoming an important part of Brussels' visitors. It's worth noticing that more and more B & Bs are filling a much sought after market niche. RestaurantsWe have tried our best to present a balanced selection of time honoured landmarks as well as interesting eateries more inclined to modern trends. Quality and value were considered prime criteria. Belgium is close enough to France that you might not discern glaring differences in most menus. Brussels brasserie cuisine is keen on offering typical local dishes where beer is largely used. Of course, we have included popular ethnic restaurants. Light or hurried appetites should find their fill in the "Light fare" section. We apologize if any recommended business has moved or no longer exists at the time of publication. ShoppingHere again, we raked wide and large, what with material human needs going counter any notion of control. The list of grocery stores welcomes those dedicated to better than average quality food items, including organic and vegetarian outfits. More and more of us, finally aware of the fact that life is too short, pay attention to what enters our body, and, as importantly, keep informed about the impact of our shopping habits. The same responsible attitude can carry to all shopping needs addressed here: beer & wines, chocolate, teas & coffees, baked items, gifts, flowers, home furnishings. For the sake of convenience, we've included catering businesses, beauty & hair salons, fashions, music and open air markets. A fair trade subsection was also added. Usefull infoHere the guide user should find all relevant entities pertinent to administrative requirements, moving needs, etc… Waterloo & surroundingsWith a good 20 % of its population made up of English speakers, we couldn't leave out this community, thriving a mere 20 km away from Brussels. This quaint little town offers an undeniable quality of life, in part thanks to the fields and charming villages around it. Of course, we had to give "la part belle" to the earth shaking events that put it on the map for good back in 1815. Waterloo is also a pleasant destination for Brussels residents, and it's easily accessible.
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