TEAR OUT GUIDE
Historic yet hip, bureaucratic yet bizarre, self-conident yet unshowy, the Belgian capital is multicultural to its roots. From majestic architecture to the inest beer and chocolate known to mankind, there’s plenty to ill a weekend.
Every day is market day at Place du Jeu-de-Balle
PHOTOGRAPH: CHRISTIAN MUELLER/SHUTTERSTOCK. WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM HELENA SMITH
GRAND PLACE
One of the world’s most unforgettable urban ensembles, this enclosed cobblestone square is only revealed as you enter on foot from one of six narrow side alleys: Rue des Harengs is the best irst approach. The focal point is the spired 15th-century city hall, but each of the antique guildhalls has a charm of its own. Most are unashamed exhibitionists, with ine Baroque gables and elaborate guild symbols.
MUSÉE ART & HISTOIRE
artandhistory.museum
This astonishingly rich collection ranges from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi and Meso-American masks to icons and wooden bicycles. Attractive spaces include medieval stone carvings around a Neo-Gothic cloister and soaring Corinthian columns that bring atmosphere to an AD 420 mosaic from Roman Syria.
Part of the Parc du Cinquantenaire’s museum cluster
GROOVY BRUSSELS