Leisure

Dining

Hot, salty chips served with a bowlful of garlicky moules (mussels) are a Brussels specialty. Try them and other Belgian fare at the atmospheric Restaurant Vincent, where beautiful tiles decorate the walls. Authentic seafood restaurants line the Quai aux Briques near Place Sainte-Catherine.

Michelin stars shine throughout the city. If you're out to impress, make a reservation at Comme Chez Soi. For international cuisine, head to Rue des Bouchers or Petite Rue des Bouchers. The chic area around Grand Sablon square is also popular with affluent diners. Lola brasserie is a pleasant choice for a business lunch or casual dinner.

Shopping

Rue Neuve, home to many boutiques and department stores, is a popular shopping area. The upscale Galeries Royales St-Hubert, which opened in 1847, is one of Europe's oldest malls. The Italian neo-Renaissance style arcade houses chic boutiques and cafes. Designer boutiques line Avenue Louise. If you're after an old-fashioned bargain, visit Grand Sablon's weekend antiques market.

Don't leave Brussels without some top-quality chocolate. Chocolatier Mary, Wittamer and Neuhaus are amongst the best places to buy handmade treats. Brussels is also famous for lace. Pick up a pretty piece from Maison Antoine, Victor Hugo's former home.

Things to do

Number one on your list should be seeing the Gothic Grand Place, one of Europe's most elegant squares. Within it stands the asymmetrical medieval Town Hall. Nearby is the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, where you can learn the history of Belgium's favorite export and watch it being made.

Art Nouveau fans love the Horta Museum, at architect Victor Horta's onetime home, and the Musical Instruments Museum. The 335-foot-high (102-meter) Atomium hosts exhibitions by day and illuminates the city's sky by night.